Vol. 12 Issue 6
EDITORIAL
Acts 18:3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
We have a saying. “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day; teach him to fish and he will eat for life”. With this in mind I have requested that the Pastors in Nigeria evaluate their skills, abilities & situations and develop plans to become self-supporting. Several of them have sent me “Small Business Plans” they believe will work in their communities. Plans include: Kerosene Sales & Storage, Bible Christian Bookstore, Poultry Farm, Soft Drink Sales, Palm Oil Plantation, Computer Business Center, Palm Oil Distributor, Palm Oil Processing & Casava Mill, Piggery Farm and Christian School.
Please pray about funding one of these projects and helping the pastor to be successful in it. Startup cost estimates range from $1,650 to over $5,000. Contact me to be matched up with the project of your choice. 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. Box418
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 Cyriacus Nwachukwu: Attendance = 64 to 72. One soul saved. Our normal activities were carried out, our house caring continues, marriage ceremony of Bro. Ronald went well, praise God. We thank you brethren who fund it. We are working to make sure that the work of God is not left behind. Our four days praying and fasting have been fixed, since there is no camp meeting for this year. Secondly, our thanksgiving service comes on 12th December.
Umuahia, Pastor Christian Ogbuka: Attendance = 48 to 91. Glory be to God for his goodness towards his people this month. We had lots of God’s blessings from all things that pertain to our life. We had three days fasting and prayer. It was really a right mood for revival, for many souls got revived from the teaching on various subjects like “Questions and answers regarding our eternal home”. The questions are whether there are eternal existence, which the scriptures gave us the answers, a part of that subject also came up on the Sunday school, questions were asked and answers given from scriptures like Rom. 8:18, etc. In this fasting and prayer, there were healings. People’s minds of understanding were enlightened with the truth. On the 21st, we had a child presentation of the newborn baby boy of my assistant pastor Joshua Uduh. There were so many guests.
October report: Attendance: 74-77; 5 souls saved. EVANGELICAL ACTIVITIES: Includes one-week prayer, Evangelism, Tarry night, Fasting and Prayer and Bible class. NOTE: Pastor Udobong could not submit this report last month because he had to go out and before he could come back, the reports have been submitted and he forgot to submit even though he sent through email but it couldn’t come through.
Calabar 1, Pastor Johnnie Austin: Attendance = 67 to 74. 4 Souls saved. During the month, we conducted normal house-to-house visitation and encourage members and non-members, the need to come to Christ. Our Wednesday and Friday Bible class and Testimony thanks giving Services were also held. Tarry night was held on Friday, 26th, people gave their lives to Jesus. APPEAL: We are still appealing for Evangelical Public Address Systems for enhancement of the work of God.
Calabar 2, Pastor Bassey Ekpe: Attendance = 45 to 69. 2 souls saved. There was always weekly Evangelism on the church; where by every members of the church went out for house-to-house evangelism. This was as a result of two souls who gave their lives to Christ. And now the churches here in Calabar were busy on the visit of the great Evangelist, Reinhard Bonnke coming the second time into Calabar. We had our normal weekly activities, Bible Class teaching, midweek service. And the monthly Tarry night come up on the 26th.. This church still need a help by chairs, table and lamp to use during NEPA black out. May I also remind this ministry about the Project Fund for Calabar and Individual Project. Souls are perishing and Christ is coming soon let’s make haste while the iron is red.
Omoba Isiala Ngwa, Pastor Ronald Iheanacho: Attendance = 18 to 21. We held revival prayers on every Fridays of the month while Monday’s was used for Bible study.
Ikot Edibon, Pastor Okon Jim Ibok: Attendance 22 to 28. 1 soul saved. Three days revival was conducted. Fasting and prayer were held on the 1st. House to house Evangelism was visit.
Ikot Inyang Eti, Pastor Udobong Okon Essien: Attendance: 77; 13 souls saved. Evangelical Activities includes fasting and prayer, intensive Bible classes, Evangelism, morning and night prayers and Tarry night.
Ehere, Aba, Pastor James Igbokwe: Attendance: 19 to 21; The church at Aba now assemble ourselves from street to street. We are working hard to develop our congregation. So, we preach the gospel as well as pray for people for healing and so on. So far our week program stopped for reaching sinners every evening. More people joined us for going out for evening evangelizing
Eket Urban, Pastor E. David: Attendance: 20 to 28. We had three days fasting & prayers.
Obinze Owerri, Imo State, Pastor Albert Emeh: Attendance = 7-8. This is the ONLY CHURCH OF WMF in Imo state. The burden of renting 2 rooms for three thousand a month. The empty plot of land awaiting to be bought. HIGH transport cost going there every Sunday from Umuahia .let me as from now concentrate on IVA VALLEY till economy improves.
Evavalley Amafor Isingwu Umuahia, Pastor Comfort (wife of Albert) Emeh: Attendance = 25 to 28. Greetings from this church, wishing all a happy Newtide. This is the end of the year; moreover, we used this month to prepare for our yearly thanksgiving service that will come up on Dec. 12th. It is a busy month for all. Pastor Christian Ogbuka will be our guest speaker. We are expecting great blessings from God as we thank Him for salvation, life, provision and preservation throughout 2004. Prayer for us to do more in the year 2005.
THE CHURCH OF GOD (UNIVERSAL) UBE OKOBO, OKOBO L.G.A NIGERIA.
The Church set aside the first and the second weeks of the month for house revival of members. The text was drawn from the book of Ephesians 5: 14 “THEREFORE HE SAYS “AWAKE, YOU WHO SLEEP, ARISE FROM THE DEAD AND CHRIST WILL GIVE YOU LIGHT”.
Pastor Emmanuel Inua, who ministered for the month, called on all especially those who were weak due to the ill health of the Pastor in charge to look up unto Christ who is able to give him strength and life.
On the 3rd and 4th weeks of the month teaching was carried out in the church. Pastor E. U. Otoyo taught about steadfastness in Christ and drew his text from 1 Corinthian 10:12 “THEREFORE LET HIM WHO THINKS HE STANDS TAKE HEED LEST HE FALL”.
He taught us to be faithful and steadfast and not weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. The Pastor requested us to do good and forsake evil and if we need good reward we need to be steadfast as well. 15 men, 20 women & 30 children attended.
The Church here is requesting earnest prayer for one of our Ministers: Pastor Titus Martin who is bed-ridden in sickness.
Pastor E.U. OTOYO.
Report of activites from the Church of God (uni) Nung Ette Ibesikpo. For the month of October 2004.
On 4th – 5th there was overnight fasting and prayer for the sick brother Paul Edem Akpan in his compound. Text was drawn from James 5:15, Act 10:38.
On 6th there was women fellowship in the church of God house of worship by sister Esther E. Okokon. The text was taken from the book of Hebrew 11:32. after the fellowship women went to pray for the sick brother Paul again. Thank God that Bro. Paul had received healing, praise be to God.
Then on 8th there was overnight fasting prayer in the house of worship for our children. The text was drawn from the book of Psalm 13:1 for children.
On 12 there was also overnight fasting and prayer organized. The text was drawn from 1 Cor. 10:21
On 13th women fellowship took place in the house of worship by sister Esther E. Okokon she drew the text from the book of Psalm 1:1- end she warned against association with wicked men and reminded the saints about what is written in II cor. 6:16-the end.
God bless us all.
Effiong E. Asukwo,
Pastor in charge.
CHURCH OF GOD (UNIVERSAL) Mbat Ekpa, (Riverine Area) Akpabuyo Local Gvt. Area, Cross River State – Revival Report:
Theme: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday today and forever; Heb 13:8 The meeting started with three days fasting & prayer prior.
Oct 18: message by Bro. Monday Effiong on “The Love of Christ”. His thought was that the saints had allowed worldly things to separate them from the love of Christ. He emphasized that we should not allow what we see and the influence of others to separate us from the love of Christ.
Oct 19: Bro. Effiong used the topic: “The Main Purpose of Going to Meetings (church)” with text from Matt 11:7-21. He said people don’t know the main purpose of going to service. Many only go to hear but not to do what they heard. The main purpose of attending church meetings should be for hearing and doing what the word says thereby preparing one for heavenly life with God. The main enemies that hinder us are the flesh, the world & Satan himself.
Oct 20: Bro. Effiong used the topic: “Let us Not Love in Word or in Tongue” with text from 1 John 3:18. He pointed out that many things people do in the name of the Lord only profane Him since they do not have the truth in them. The blessing of God is to every believer, which includes new heart, new spirit, healing to the body, healing of the land and causing them to keep this commandment. One soul came to the altar.
Oct 21: Bro. Essien Effiong Williams spoke on the topic: “The Tongue” with text from James 3:3-12. He stressed the importance of settling any misunderstanding one had with the person concern rather than using one’s tongue to tell or report to others without the offender knowing his fault. Anyone who uses the tongue to curse another profanes God. To avoid quarreling among the saints one should be quick to hear but slow to speak. Four souls were at the altar seeking deliverance.
Oct 22: Bro. Monday Effiong preached on “Jesus Who Anointed with the Holy Ghost And with Power For Our Good” with text from Acts 10:38 & Matt 8:23-27. Jesus who calmed the sea is willing & ready to calm down your problem if only you can believe Him. Sin sickers need to only call on Jesus for their salvation for He is the same yesterday, today and even forever. Seven souls were at the altar.
Oct 23: Bro. Effiong preached on the topic: “Spiritual Infirmity” with text from John 5:1-9. He said spiritually speaking some Christians are under the control of this sickness and that is why they could not support the work of God nor able to follow up other saints a times they cannot even do good to themselves. The power of Jesus is the only power to deliver them. At the end 5 souls from different denominations came to the altar while others testified for what the Lord did to them. It was an uplifting experience. To God be the glory; Amen.
Pastor’s Testimony: Formerly I was a pastor in Assemblies of God Utan Mmong (Rivenire Area) where I met one Bro. John Titus from the church of God, universal who preached to me about certain truth in the Bible such as Bible name for the church, one thousand year’s reign of Christ, induction classes before baptism etc. These made me leave Assemblies while I was still very young in this present truth. Three senior pastors tried to win me back to the Assemblies but truth had set me free from their false doctrines.
On Nov 17, 9954 I moved to Mbat Ekpa, another fishing settlement where Bro. Efiton preached and four souls believed and were baptized. Though we stayed in someone’s veranda the first revival service held was great and souls were added to the church. Pastors who attended the meeting were: Bro. Augustus Edet, Bro. Titus Martin, Bro. Elijah Willie & Bro. Uwem Offiong. These men of God do continue to visit us from time to time. Revivals, youth meetings, house-to-house preaching, morning trumpeting Bible studies and fasting & prayer are only weapons since then till now. As God would have it souls have accepted Christ in another fishing settlement called Ine Oron. At the moment we are only 19 adults & 14 children; the Lord has provided us with public address system.
We have need of traveling from one settlement to another but no boat nor boat engine to travel with. We trust God to provide us with this need so that we can reach out for souls with the Bible truth in this Riverine Areas. Pray for us that God’s Grace be sufficient the more to accomplish His perfect will.
Monday A. Effiong, Pastor
PHILIPPINES
November 13, 2004
Dear Bro. Rexroth & Saints,
Greetings from the Philippine Mission to you with Sis. Martha and to all our loving supporters abroad in Jesus Name. May this report find you all well, victorious & prospering in our father’s business.
Glad to share about the fruitful revivals in Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija Santolan, Pasig City, Tagapua San Francisco, Agusan Sur and Kulaman Sultan Kudarat. The last day of revival in Kulaman that is Sunday is the church dedication of the new church building funded by Coulter’s Church of God, pastored by Bro. Dave DeVoll.Picture is font view with congregation.
It’s also a joy to inform about the new call in San Miguel, Surigao Sur. 5 families from the Wesleyan Church who come out from their inviting us to visit them for they want to join us in the Holiness Church of God. So Bro. Wesley our driver, responded the call and held evangelistic meetings. The good Lord bless the meeting. 6 souls receive the ordinance of Baptism (Picture) under the banner of the Holiness Church of God at the close of the meeting. In that place we have a couple from Bannawag Church of God who stayed there already for almost 4 years teaching in the elementary school of the government. They’re added to the new come out brethren from Babylon.
When we arrive from Surigao City another call from Lebak area requesting our visit to solemnize the marriage of our nephew who married there. I took the privilege to remind the coworkers in that area about the schedule of our incoming Youth Convention on Dec 23-27, 2004 to be held in Ma-a Davao City. The same date in Luzon District to be held in Santolan, Pasig City. I also inform them about the incoming Ministerial conference to the held on April 2005 here at Bannawag, Kabacan, Cotabato.
Before close we sold the old jeep because is always in trouble through the recommendation of Sis. Noemi & Samuel and purchase a Van to be more presentable. So we want to inform to all our supporters in U. S. who have contributed for our Jeepney project that we sold for one-hundred-fifty thousand pesos and purchase a Van (picture) for two-hundred-thirty pesos. We lace eighty thousand pesos and told Bro. & Sis. Esteban to pay by installment, trusting the Lord to supply the need.
This is all for today. May God richly bless you all and all the days to come.
In God’s Labor,
Bro. & Sis. D. B. Luzan Jr.
Holiness Church of God
Philippine Mission
INDIA
December 6, 2004
Greetings in Jesus Name,
The visiting mission team conducted Gethsemane church dedication. (Picture of the congregation) We are grateful for the support to build this building. Rev. Garry Williams gave God’s Word how Paul chose Timothy to be the next leader & reared him as a spiritual son. Many of our pastors reminded me as they are young Timothy.
Please remember us in your prayers as we move forward for Christ to add many souls to the Church of God.
Thanking You,
Your Humble Servant in Christ,
Premnath
December 18, 2004
Most Respected Father & Mother Wood,
Very special greetings, prayers & best wishes from Tirupati Fe ministry India Church saints. Local people are very much impressed & blessed by missionary team visit. Hearty thanks for providing a new motor cycle for Tirupati ministry to cover more villages to spread the Gospel.
Your Humble Servant in Christ,
K. Martin & Linda
December 21,2004
To all the Saints of WMF,
I am highly indebted for the love, prayers & concern for lost souls and participation for the continued support for advancement of Good news of Lord Jesus Christ on this ancient land, India and all over the world. I humbly submit this report of the 3rd Mission team journey.
The team: Mother Gail Wood, Bro. Allen Fletcher, Bro. Hoyt Runion & Bro. Gary Williams preached the Word of “God and evangelized some villages. Their passion for souls and compassion for the under privileged is the making example of their motivation in life. Their vision to reach India resulted in mission to the lost in spite of their busy schedule. Their mind and soul is encouraging. Saints of the Fellowship said that they were really blessed and revived by the preaching’s & examples. Heathen said that they were tasted the real Joy of Christ in the presence of Mission team. The true light
is shined in the dark for many souls to come to Jesus.
The team arrived Dec 1 and that evening Mother Wood dedicated the Lt Col Madison Memorial Mission house for the glory of God. Camp meeting began the next day. All the congregation praise the Lord Jesus. As the pastors preaching the Word of God day by day it was spread into four corners and many people attended to the meeting. The great and glorious gift by God is preaching. Apostle Paul said “woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel”.
People started to come to the meetings in hundreds. For every meeting the number increased. In the villages for nights it is a big problem for People transportation. Even though many people were coming enthusiastically. Many villages people came and requested us to arrange transport facilities. For their appeal we requested private bus owners but some were not willing to cooperate and others were expected more money but as the Lord enabled us we arranged hired tractors & Fe vehicles also worked hard.
People are hunger for the spiritual food; many were starving. In these remote villages no one take responsibility about the spiritual needs. Praise the Lord that He sent His servants from WMF to sustain with His Word. Here no people heard never before such a messages preached by the noble team. “The Sword of the Lord and sword of the Gideon”; “The strange Man with Strange Message”; “Apostle Paul’s missionary journey”/ “Church of God” and so many preaching’s. Mother Wood presented deep thoughts on 23rd Psalm; we never before go nearer to this Psalm. It touched every heart. Many hearts comforted with the Psalm.
For every meeting sick, needy, evil possessed, broken families, broken hearts, the depressed and lost souls were brought to the mission grounds. The all-sufficient Christ sustained and comforted every one without fail. One woman brought with infected body; her eyes and whole body was infected. The team laid hands and prayed with much burden & consecration. When we came to know about her condition that she is healed; Praise the Lord; All the glory to God.
Levi Newton church Pastor’s wife is barren for many years without children. She met Mother Wood on 2nd Missionary journey to India. Mother Wood prayed for her; the Lord blessed. Now she is carrying 9th month. A little boy was injured while he was coming along with his parents fell down and broke his hand; immediately it was swelling. Directly they brought him to the meeting place. Pastor Allen prayed for the boy. Immediately the Lord touched the boy and healed him.
Those were come suffering from fever, headache & other diseases for many days were by the power of prayer they were healed. The most important thing is souls those are under the power of evil were released and saved by the power of Holy Spirit. The Lord had done great things among the heathen. 28 new souls were saved & baptized. People saw great salvation.
On 5th Dec Mother Wood dedicated Grace Chapel in D. V. Palem village. The program held greatly. The spirit of God moved over all; the great joy was overflow in all hearts. Really it is wonderful gift to the poor Christian. We are thankful and grateful for all who presented this nice chapel. We praise God for all His great things through His appointed servants.
On 12th Dec Pastor Allen Fletcher dedicated one more church. We are thankful to Sis. Shelly Edward for this church building. This is Tribal village. People living in great distress and misery; from few years onwards we visited this village with Gospel. We were conducted Gospel meetings, street preaching’s and we help them by soup & soap. To bring them to the Savior of Jesus Christ we faced many difficulties, shame, warnings & troubles by some other religious people. Once upon a time we were driven from the village but we never disappointed and turned back. By all your prayers and supporting help we could over come every evil things. Now the Lord blessed the ministry with a beautiful chapel.
For all this we glorified Lord Jesus; we express our heart-felt gratitude to you all for all your supporting help and great encouragement while we were weary and disappointments.
Your Servant in the
Ministry of High calling,
Bobby & Fellowship of the COG
Pastors & Saints
December 22, 2004
To Father & Mother Wood,
Greetings in Jesus dear name. Praise God for His great works. On Dec 18, I, Bro. David went to 123 mils to preach the Gospel where there is no church. By God’s grace we could p[reach the Gospel to more than one hundred people who never heard about Christ & Salvation and also we distributed some Gospel tracts. It took for us 16 hours to & fro. Please pray for them soon many may be saved.
On the 19th we give baptism (picture) for eight people. These are from the branch church Peyala Palem (Picture Palm Leaf shelter need a church hall), which is about 20 mils. About 35 people attended and it was the first baptism in that village.
Thanking You,
Your Humble Servant,
Premnath
YOUTH CORNER
Upcoming Events:
See Calendar
No Column received this month. Editor
Bro. Brian Bridges
123 Lambert Dr.
Manassas Park VA 20111-1829
E-Mail Badleg@juno.com
Phone: 703-368-0805
AFTER THE DUST SETTLES
God has once again been merciful to our country in this past election. He has allowed the election of several candidates, including the President, who are favorable to Christianity and morality. In addition, He allowed several states to pass marriage protection initiatives. For this gracious favor we should praise Him. But more than praising God, we should busy ourselves in the Kingdom work while the conditions remain favorable. Although God’s work progresses regardless of the cultural climate, it is obviously much easier to work in favorable conditions. I believe that we should regard this last election’s results as a gracious extension of time in which to work.
Reflecting on the election, it was amazing how much time and effort Christians put into the election. With moral issues creating well-defined differences between the candidates, the amount of energy and time expended by Christians, many of whom may have never been politically active, was worthy of note. We sent emails, canvassed neighborhoods, put up signs, and talked about the issues at work, at church, everywhere we went. We made it an urgent matter of prayer. I believe that our prayers, activities, and dedication moved God to graciously act on our behalf.
As I think about that, I wonder how much we could accomplish in the Kingdom of God if we were as zealous in the work of God’s Kingdom as we were in the last election. How many emails do we send out? How many hours do we spend going door to door? How many letters do we write to the newspapers? How often do we talk about the things of Christ at work? With our neighbors? With our friends and family? How urgent is our prayer life? Would God be moved to work in our behalf, to send an awakening to our nation, if we were as concerned about souls as we are about politics?
During the political campaign season, I think we have proven that we have both the time and energy to expend if we are truly interested in something. It was easy to focus our attention and energy on the election because we could see the harm that could result if we failed. Serious consideration of the matter convinces us that the progress of God’s Kingdom and the eternal welfare of souls far outweigh the importance of any election issue. Do we place our trust in the government’s ability or God’s ability to keep us a moral nation? We certainly realize that whatever measures the government may take to support morality are at best temporary stopgap measures. Public morality will continue to decline and religious freedom cannot continue in our nation unless God intervenes with a true spiritual awakening. We dare not view the results of this election as a solution but rather as a space of time provided by God for our benefit to get serious about His work.
Are you as concerned about your neighbor’s soul as you were about his vote? I think it is time for a serious inventory of our priorities. Are God’s Kingdom and His interests really at the top of your priorities? Let’s not squander the grace that God has extended to our country and especially to us as His witnesses.
-Steve Yoder
REVIVAL REPORT
Bro. Bob Rauch served as evangelist for revival services held at The Church of God of Cumberland Valley in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania Nov 1014, 2004. The meeting was well attended and God’s presence was felt in every service.
The meeting started Wednesday evening with Bro. Rauch preaching on “Having Power With God” from 2 Kings 6:1-7, John 1:11-12 & Acts 1:8. He stressed that trying to live right is futile without the power of God. We are made with a need for Jesus. “There’s power in surrender to God”. You receive power when Jesus comes into your life. We need to have our experience sharpened. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
Thursday evening He preached on “The Power of the Word of God” from Heb 4:12, Isa 55:6-11, 2 Peter 1:21, 2 Tim 3:16, 1 Cor 1:21 & Rev 10:8o-11. He reminded us that nothing is more powerful or sharer than the Word of God. “When God speaks something always happens. The Bible reveals the mind of God, the will of God and the promises of God. God says if you ____ then I will __”.
Friday evening Bro. Rauch preached on “The Power of Hope” from Romans 5:1-5. He stressed that hope is the device & expectation to receive what we desire. Hope propels & motivates us. Hopelessness leads to severe depression. You don’t have to be without hope. In Jesus Christ you are never without hope.
Saturday evening he preached on “The Power of Your Witness” from Acts 1:4-8. He reminded us that your witness is the strongest testimony you can give demonstrating the change that has taken place in your life. Without a personal witness the fizz is gone.
Sunday morning’s message was on “The Power of Jesus Name” from Isa 9:6 and a number of other scriptures. He reminded us that God wants us to be more than conquerors. The name “Jesus” becomes significant when connected to Christ. “In His Name” or for His Purpose He’s the son of God. He has all power. You will be rewarded for every thing you do in Jesus’ Name, no matter how small or large. Jesus is the only mediator between God & man. If you claim to be a Christian and fail to live right you are taking His name in vain.
The closing message Sunday evening was on “The Power of the Church” from Matt 16:13-19 & John 17. Bro. Rauch reminded us that Christ’s intention has always been to build a strong, pure and blameless church. There are many differences among us, not to divide us but to compliment each other so we can be a stronger unit. Each of us has potential to be used of God. There is much unused potential; will you use yours?
YOUTH PASTOR SOUGHT
Robinwood Church of God, located in Hagerstown, Maryland, is seeking a youth pastor with a love for God and a love for youth, together with strong leadership skills to direct our growing youth group currently from 20 to 40 members. This includes age 5 through 21. Initially, we are offering a part-time position, which we hope to expand into a full-time position in the future. Inquiries please send resume to Troy Cosner, President of the Board, 14219 Rockdale Road, Clearspring, MD 21722 or email at troy@intrepid.net or by phone at 301-582-3336