March 31, 2003
Vol. 10 Issue 9
Adobe PDF Version
EDITORIAL
Proverbs 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
We enjoyed a blessed Minister’s Meeting this month in Lancaster, Ohio. The absence of contention was especially refreshing. In one man’s opinion (mine) it was a wonderful meeting. See complete report below. 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.
MINISTER’S MEETING REPORT
36 Ministers & Spouses attended the 16th annual Minister’s Meeting for Church of God Ministers held March 5 –7 in Lancaster, Ohio.
The meeting began with a round of introductions followed by worship service. Bro. Stanley Rexroth preached “We Be Brethren – Abraham & Lot)” from Genesis 13:1-13. He reminded us that even though Lot made some bad decisions, Abraham continued to treat him as a brother, prayed for him, risked his own life for him and entreated God for him. He asked: what can I do to help my brother? What am I doing to avoid strife with my brethren? & What am I doing to rescue my brother when he is in trouble?
Thursday morning Bro. Rube Gayheart preached on “Unity In The Early Morning Church” from John 17:11, 21-23. He reminded us that unity was to be manifested to convince the world that God had sent Jesus Christ. It is impossible for a fragmented church and a divided Christianity to portray to a confused, lost world a proper picture of Christ as the head of one body, the Church.
Then Bro. Henry Marquiss III preached on “The Gray Areas” from Romans 14. He told us that Romans 14 address gray area, gives us guidelines for our attitude and behavior toward others who disagree with us on gray areas and the principles to use in determining our behavior with respect to gray areas. We are to accept him whose faith is weak without passing judgment on disputable matters. He reviewed 11 principles for deciding our behavior with respect to a gray area.
We broke into small groups in the afternoon to discuss “Practical Moves to Unity”. The groups then reported to the general session their outlines.
Group #1: 1. Common focus. 2. Interaction with other Christians, a. Unity prayer, b. Distribution of Christian Literature, c. Be a good listener, d. Open minded patience, e. Spirit of reconciliation.
Group #2: 1. Support other congregations special services: a. Takes effort, b. Takes pastor support, c. Encourages all of us, d. Takes a change of priority, e. Come with a heart to support. 2. Practical steps to increase fellowship: a. pray for one another, b. Hospitality, c. Mission trips, d. travel together to meetings. 3. Increase your vision of the people of God: a. Reach out beyond your own comfort zone, b. When you open up (1) increases your knowledge (2) helps you grow (3) learn more about God (He is a God of diversity), c. Sit with someone different at dinner at camp meeting/ Minister’s Meeting, d. Show yourself friendly, e. We are in it together. 4. Hindrances to unity: a. Fear, b. Too Busy, c. Lack of concern, d. Not possible in some. 5. Where have you come from and where are you going?
Group #3: Respect others point of view (eat no meat in their presence), With some it is not possible, Unity is not without limits (those causing contention, strife), Unity is a two way street, Words to help bring about unity: Love, Tolerance, Compromise, Patience, Don’t pigeonhole others.
Group #4: 1. Continue to keep in contact through: a. Speaking when seeing them in public, b. Calls, c. Letters, d. Emails, e. Attending meetings, revivals or camp meetings. 2. Identify those who have been wounded by the church & reach out to them to bring them back to Christ and His family. 3. Find those who believe that there are “gray areas” and pursue fellowship with them. 4. Pastor need to preach principles and lead the churches into unity.
Group #5: 1. People born of the spirit are one. 2. We need to reach beyond our name. 3. Truly “Reach our hand in fellowship to every blood washed one”. 4. Linking with other Christians to bring the lost to Christ. 5. Attend Christian events outside our comfort zone. 6. Link with others at our job, vacation, etc. 7. Be willing to overlook “gray areas”, don’t force convictions on others. 8. Be less judgmental. 9. Seek God’s will. 10. Be willing to embrace other styles of worship.
Group #6: 1. Establish & maintain contact. 2. Understanding God’s intent for unity, Jesus prayed that they might be one, One in purpose – intent. 3. Dwelling on the positive, not be critical & judgmental, consider mote in brother’s eye, Humility of spirit. 4. Need to be teachable, no surgery that can insert a new thought in a closed mind. 5. A house divided against itself cannot stand, A united church for a divided world.
Thursday evening Bro. Marquiss preached on “Blessed are the Peacemakers” from Matt 5:9. He reminded us that Jesus came to bring peace, Peace takes work, Peace results from spiritual maturity, Non-Essential differences, Look to Christ for peace, Remember we need each other and Thank you for being a peacemaker.
Friday morning Bro. Gayheart preached on “Unity in The Middle Ages” from 2 Thes 2:1-5 & 1 Tim 4:1-5. He reminded us that the early morning church strayed from the truth of God’s Word to the point that it was scarcely recognizable as the Church that Jesus had build on the Day of Pentecost. He listed some of the false doctrines that had become incorporated into the church and how the church formed hostile denominations and vehemently opposed one another.
Then Bro. Marquiss preached on “Extending Grace” from Psalm 133:1. He said: to have harmony with God one must receive grace from God and to have harmony with God’s people requires extending grace. Some hindrances to extending grace are Spirit of preeminence, Spirit of control and Spirit of compromise. Some enhancements are clothe yourself with humility (can’t have unity without it), Maintain a servant’s heart, Love as brothers, Season your words with grace and overlook some things.
In the afternoon Bro. Gayheart preached on “Unity Today” from Eph 4:1-6 & 11-13. He reminded us that there was a period of time in the early 1900’s that The Church of God was the fastest growing church in the United States, But the saints began to bicker and disagree among themselves and division reared its ugly head. He reviewed some of the issues that divided God’s people. Unity is possible in the church of God today and there are some things that we can do to bring it about.
Friday evening, Bro. Harold Kelly preached on “Forgiveness” from Matt 6:14-15. He reminded us that the greatest thing in all the world is to be forgiven our sins. God’s forgiveness in personal. Forgiveness is a foundation principle of Christian living. Forgiveness toward everyone is a command not a suggestion.
Tapes of messages may be ordered from: Pastor Robert Rauch, 3795 B. I. S. Road, Lancaster, OH 43130, Phone: 740-654-3979, Email: rauch@juno.com; Tapes are $2.00 each donation.
Evaluations: 100% liked the Booklet, the agenda, the fellowship, the topic and the meals provided. 95% liked the small groups. 100% agreed to have next year’s meeting at Robinwood Church of God, Hagerstown, Maryland.
Topic or theme for future meetings were ranked in the following order: How to personally evangelize and still pastor, Disciplining new converts, Discipleship, Promoting mentorship, Spiritual growth, Christian education, Supremacy of Christ, Ordaining of ministers and End times revelation. Others added were: Effective Church growth (Evangelism & Discipleship training), Church growth ministry – what works and Respite/how not to burn out.
The single most important aspect of this time I would mention to encourage others to attend in the future: The study, Lessons, Practical moves toward unity by listening to others point of view, Fellowship & meeting new brothers & sisters, Spiritual enrichment and experiencing God’s presence in a special way, you need the spiritual uplift from other ministers; knowing others are praying for you, the unity of this group was so good and the preaching.
Pastors: If you would like to host the meeting at your church in the future, please let the committee know to place your congregation on the list.
The committee elected for next year is: Chair: Donald & Denise Curtis, Advisor: Stanley & Martha Rexroth, Vice Chair: Robert & Sue Rauch and New member: Tom Hannold.
NIGERIA
REPORTS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY:
Abam/Abala, Pastor Christian Ogbuka: Attendance 60 – 65, the month was good, souls enjoyed our services though it was a month of deep starting farm season. All the villagers’ eyes were on the farm. We thank God for a newborn baby girl to one of our couples this month. Another to be presented to the Lord on March 9. Thank God for the delegates who has just come and gone, we sincerely appreciate them, their generosity, their free spirit of extending their right hand of fellowship to us all. We pleads more for the support to see that our church building and Pastor’s parsonage projects be completed. The delegates are now witnesses and can tell more on the pressing need to have that project done. We pray God for long life and supply.
Umuahia, Pastor Cyriacus Nwachukwu: Attendance 79 to 101; souls won = 1 Our activities continues: open air preaching, house caring or house fellowship including Special day of evangelism termed “Catch them alive for Christ”. Happily, we are able to complete the vows, which we promise to Abam/Abala building project, Praise God! Still grateful my Lord. We also appreciate the efforts of World Missionary Fellowship to see that we get a land. Long life WMF, Long life “Church of God, Amen.
Editor’s Note: We still need $2,300.00 to purchase the land for Umuahia pray that this will be supplied soon.
Umuoba Isiala Ngwa, Pastor Ronald Iheanacho: Attendance = 9 to13; I thank God for Umuoba, the members are turning up positively and we have planned for a city crusade coming up soon, in addition an indoor revival is coming up this April ending, we are still praying for WMF America.
Ikot Edibon, Pastor Okon Jim Ibok: Attendance 11 – 20; 1 soul saved; We conducted 3 days revival from 20 – 22, fasting and prayer was held one day; we conduct house-to-house evangelism and young people’s meeting was held on the 26th.
Ikot Inyang Eti, Pastor Udobong Okon Essien: Attendance 62 – 63, 1 soul saved, Activities included 5 days revival and house-to-house evangelism on every Wednesday. Pray to us, may God bless you.
Ehere, Aba, Pastor James Igbokwe: Attendance 20 – 21, Too many people are born into the church daily through much effort. I give thanks to Jesus Christ who through WMF supported the plan of God in life. At last men are trooping into the church, our prayers is that they may remain and serve God. Weekly Wednesday prayer is progressing and Tuesday Bible study.
Calabar, Pastor Bassey Ekpe: Attendance 39 – 51, 2 souls saved, We conducted house-to-house evangelism and had three days fasting and prayer so as to awaken members on their spiritual well being. May I still remind you of the project assistance to Calabar after that of Umuahia? Praise the Lord, I Pastor Bassey Ekpe have allocated a new site for the second congregation in Calabar situated between fuller street and Inyang Street in Calabar South. We shall need money to furnish the new location as this will enable us start off worship immediately. This jointly prepared by both Pastor Johnnie and Pastor Ekpe.
Eket Urban, Pastor E. David: Attendance 17 – 19, Evangelical activities were house-to-house preaching.
REVIVAL REPORT CHURCH OF GOD UNIVERSAL
March 19, 2003
Prior to the start of the revival, three days of fasting and prayer was observed. Theme, "Let the wicked forsake his way" Isaiah 55:7A
Brother, Effiton A. Ebong from Ikot Esia and Brother Essien E. Essien from Ikot Abiyak all of Oku Iboku were invited as quest speakers who arrived the venue by 4.30 pm on Tuesday 18th February, 2003.
Tuesday 18th February, 7:00 pm: The host pastor Bro, Okon E. Asukwo opened the revival with prayer. Bro, Effiton A. Ebong was the evening Evangelist he used Hebrews 12:1 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witness, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us". To the true children of God the requirement is to live a sin free life so that others may learn from us and follow Christ. Wednesday 19, 4.00 AM: The two Evangelists went out for open air preaching using mega - phones, Bro, Essien E. Essien was the preacher. He preached at three different junctions in the area and invited people to the revival. 10.00 A.M The Two Evangelist went on house-to-house preaching. Bro, Effiong Tom Nyong and Bro accompanied them. Effiong Inyang Asukwo, Their preaching touched the Hearts of people and in one of the compounds that they preached three women promised to surrender their lives for Christ and they attended evening service with us and their children. The Evangelist were on fasting throughout the day.
7:00 PM: Bro Effiton spoke using the text drawn from Romans 2:7 "To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immorality, eternal life ". He pointed out that without sinless life no body can inherit eternal life.
Thursday 20th February 5. 00 A.M Bro Essien E. Essien spoke using text from Proverbs 14:34 "Righteouness exalteth a nation but sin is a reproach to any people". The church of God is the physical kingdom or Nation of God here on earth. It is Righteousness that makes the church to be God's Nation and it can only be exalted through righteousness. Sin is a reproach to an Israel of God. 10.00 A.M House-to-House preaching. The Evangelists preached in Ikot Inyang Esuk, Nna Enin and Ikot Otoinye Village. They visited backsliders and also prayed for the church deacon that was sick. We thank The Lord, for the deacon was healed and one Bro. Benjamin who backslided was restored. 7.00 P.M - Bro Effiton A. Effiton spoke using Matthew 22:14 "For many are called but few are chosen". Only those that forsake their sin and wicked ways would be chosen by Christ. Christians should not be contented to being mere members of the church of God for without true repentance they would not be chosen by our Saviour. Friday 21 February, 2003 Fasting was observed. 7.00 A.M Bro. Essien E. Essien spoke using a text from 1st John 1:6 "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth" There is no need for anyone to deceive himself and claim sonship of God before men while he is living in darkness of sin. It is through repentance and righteousness that we have fellowship with God the father, the son and the Holy spirit.
10:00 A.M - House to House Preaching. The two Evangelist left for house-to-house and preached to people and many of the people preached to attended the evening service. The house to house was closed by 6.00 P.M, At 7.00 P.M The Angelic Voice Choir led by Bro Debible Asibong Okon arrived. The choir is made up of 26 members. The house was filled with the spirit of God as the choir inspired the church with spirit filled songs. The host choir from Ikot Inynag Esuk led by Bro. Ndorenyin Okon Asukwo the choir was made up of 9 members. God moved in them as Saturday 10.A.M:- Open air preaching by Bro. Uwem O. Udo from Ube Okobo and Bro. Essien E. Essien, The preacher moved with brethren and preached at 5 junctions. Many people heard and came in the evening and attended the evening service.
7.00 P.M Bro, Effiton A. Ebong text was taken from Heb. 4:10 "For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works as God did from his". Who ever is born of God has ceased from sinful works./ Whoever still continue with sinful works has not yet entered into God's rest. One person came out during altar call and surrendered his life for Christ.
Sunday 9.00 A.M Sunday school by Bro. Uwem O. Udoh Text 11 Timothy 2: 15 "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth". 10.30 A.M: Sermon by the Host Pastor Okon E. Asukwo Text 2Corinthian 4:1- 11 The pastor stressed that we should renounce the hidden things of dishonesty. We should not work in craftiness or with a deceitful mind. We should glorify God in what we do all the days of our life. For the treasure of God is hidden in our Earthen vessels. We are solely responsible to carry the word of God to others in the world. Therefore we should live Christ-like life to portray the true image of Christ wherever we are.
On the whole, 22 persons fully surrendered their lives to Christ and the Revival ended after the morning divine service. Glory be to God for His saving Power.
HOST PASTOR REMARK I take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to God, by saying may His holy name be glorified in Jesus!
I also thank all brethren (local and oversea), who make this revival a success and especially our Bishop A. Okon for his spiritual advice in Jesus name - Amen.
I was glad of the coming of Bro. Marquiss and Bro Cash for that which was lacking in my part they supplied. I pray God to let that brotherly love continue. Heb.13:1. Remain Blessed. Amen. O. E. Asukwo (For the Church) Pastor Efiong E. Asukwo - Church of God (Uni) Nung Ette. As a result of the regular prayer and fasting fellowship meetings in the month of February six souls were won unto the Lord; Please help to pray for their stedfastness in the faith. Pastor Efiong Edet Asukwo - Chruch of God (Uni) Nung Ette
We propose to conduct religious classes for children on "obedience"; Date 13-3-2003 And for women on the "The Holy women" Date :14-3-2003 for men on the "The Need to search the scriptures" Date 15-3-2003. Public Revival at the neighboring village of Ikot Ambon on "And what does the Lord require of you" Date 20-23 March 2003.
The large scale Revival will need about seventy thousand Naira (aprox. $700.00) to meet its running cost. God will bless you for seeing us through with your prayers and financial assistance.
INDIA
February 12, 2003
Honorable Father & Mother Wood,
Precious and loving greetings to you in the wonderful name of Jesus our good shepherd.
Thank you very much dear Father for your kind letter and encouraged words. We are going forward in construction work. Next week we will cover the roof. All the saints in all our seven congregations are supporting me to lead them. I also serve them with my humble heart. Only two persons stand against me. By the grace of God through your earnest prayers we overcome all the evil temptations.
The Lord protected us and all our saints from the dangers. After we overcome temptations the congregations were encouraged very much and there is a great revival. For this first of all we are praising God, at the same time we are thankful to you for your encouraged email. Little Jennings sending you loving kisses and wishes.
My father, Bro. John and Mother are doing well. We are sending our hearty thanks to you dear father and especially to my sweet mother Gail Wood. Jonse sending hearty thanks to you father and mother. We are praying for pastor Edward N. Beck and all the saints of the Community Church of God. We are thankful to them. Please give my thanks to Bro. Joel D. Nobel.
March 6, 2003
Honorable Father & Mother Wood,
Precious greetings to you in the glorious name of Jesus. Thank you for your email about your kind consideration to transfer the account. We thank God for the fruitful blessings He showered on our March 2nd worship meeting which ended with many blessings and victories. Eight sisters & one brother took baptism. My father, John, led the baptism and I assisted.
We are planning to conduct sisters fellowship camp meetings in March, We request you please pray. Hearty thanks for the gift received from WMF- USA. Once again thank you and may God bless each dear one who prays and support our labors in India. We are thankful to Pastor & saints of Community Church of God.
Thotapally church building construction is at final stage, we are covering the roof with special cement sheets soon I will send the pictures please. Every day & time we are praying and offered special prayers and praises for your good health for all your charity.
March 18, 2003
To Honorable Father & Mother Wood,
Greetings of Shalom in the name of prince of peace Jesus. I sent a baptisms report and photos of K M Nagar, I hope you might have received them. Again the Lord blessed us with some more new souls; they gave witness by baptism from the village of D V Palem. We praise for His wonders work of saving souls. It is good results of all your prayers and supporting help in winning souls as we prayed to God for new souls He answered. Seven people were baptized; Pastor P. Joseph and myself gave baptisms and all our assistant pastors participated. This is only aim and goal.
We praise God for all His benefits through you for that we are thanking you, we are praying for your ministry and for your good health. Very soon I will give you the good report of construction of Church building at Thotapally. It will take minimum 20 days for water curing after cement plastering, the curing work is going on.
Dear father, I am requesting you about the wall signs, if you allow me I would like to write your precious name on the church wall. Please accept my humble request.
Your Servant,
Bro. Bobby K. Emmanuel
YOUTH CORNER
No report this month!
Bro. Brian Bridges
123 Lambert Dr.
Manassas Park VA 20111-1829
E-Mail Badleg@juno.com
Phone: 703-368-0805
PRAYER REQUEST
Pastor Wiley Cash and the Shelby County Church of God, Memphis, Tennessee is in much need of prayer. Their building program is well under way.
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
REVIVAL REPORT
The Church of God of Cumberland Valley, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania enjoyed revival services March 16 – 19 with Evangelist Timothy Bash. His theme was “Miracles of Jesus”
Sunday morning‘s message was taken from John 2:1-12 “Water Into Wine”. He reminded us that miracles are beyond human ability accomplished by divine power. We need to be accessible to Jesus. Through His power He turns bad into good.
Sunday evening’s message was from John 9 “Jesus Heals the Blind”. Jesus passed by one day and the man that was born blind received his sight. Jesus is passing by today and will give sight to all that have been blinded by sin.
Monday’s message was from Matt 14, Mark 6 & John 6 “Walking on The Water”. Certainly we will have dark times in our lives. God sees us when we go through the storms of life. When you focus on the storm, you forget the miracle.
Tuesday’s message was from Luke 17 & 5 “Leprosy is An Example of Sin”. Like leprosy sin will take complete control of you and you can’t break its’ hold. But Jesus came to set you free.
Wednesday’s message was from John 11 “Divine Love”. Divine love does not always shield us from suffering and death. God loves you. He came to awaken you. You will experience discouragement.
Maintained by: Brian S. Rexroth, Sr.
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