March 31, 2005

Vol. 12 Issue 9

Adobe PDF Version

EDITORIAL

Acts 20:35 I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Thank you so much for your prayers and financial support. Although the needs of the missions seem overwhelming, progress is being made in Nigeria. Sufficient contributions have come in to: 1. Complete the registration process of “The Church of God World Missionary Fellowship, Nigeria” (COGWMFN). 2. Fund the first Pastor self-help project. 3. Help with rents & purchase of chairs. The most pressing need in Nigeria is for rents and land purchase. Of 11 congregations only 2 own their land.

Monthly support for the Philippines has improved but is still coming up short.

Pray that the Lord will direct us as we labor to help those that have need. 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

Theme: “Effective Long-Term Ministry” (Preventing Burnout)

27 Ministers, Leaders & Spouses attended the 18^th annual Minister’s Meeting for Church of God Ministers held March 8-11 in Dunn Loring, Virginia.

The meeting began with Bro. Tony Bartlette preaching on “Special Difficulties of Pastoring” from 1 Kings 18:17-19, 24, 28, 40 & 19:4. He reminded us that Pastors can get burned or gutted from the inside out. Pastors got to have the fire of God. At times life gets tough. Your job is never done, results are often not evident, expectations of others are often unreasonable, you often wear a mask to not reveal how you really feel and feelings of failure come with the job. Do a good days work and then go home. Have a life. Even God rested. Examine yourself. Learn to say no. Refer to professionals people that are beyond your expertise to help.

Wednesday 9:00 AM:

Bro. Ed Beck brought a lesson on “Do Your Homework” from Matt 22:37-39, Eph 5:22-28, Col 5:19, 1 Peter 3:7-9, 1 Cor 4:15, Eph 6:4, Col 3:21& Heb 12:9. He instructed us to 1. Take Care of Yourself physically, Mentally & Spiritually. You need to be accountable to someone besides God. God works through people. 2. Take Care of Your Spouse. You need quality time together. Grow in Christ together. Communicate on all levels. 3. Take Care of Your Family. Make quality time on a weekly/ daily basis. Include family vacations. Be aware of other’s expectations of your children. Admit your limitations.

10:30 AM: Bro. Byrum Wood preached on “Follow The Leader” from Eph 4:1—16, 2 Peter 1:10, Ex 3:10, Heb 5:9-10, Acts 9:10, Ex 4:20, 22-23, Luke 4:1-2,18, Acts 9:15-16, 20, Eze 3:15, Ex 32:32, Luke 19:41, John 10:15, Ro 9:3, Philemon 9-10, Rev 5:12-13, 2 Tim 4:7-8 & Luke 14:15-24. He instructed us to be examples that people can follow. 1. The Call: We need to know that God has called us, otherwise we will not be able to endure the times of trouble that are sure to come. Suffering is necessary to be made perfect. 2. The Commitment, A Commission: Take the rod (The Word of God) and use it according to the direction of God in love. Fasting & prayer is necessary to bring your flesh under control. We are the Christ that is left here in the world. We are called to be Saints not Sinners. 3. The Compassion: Ezekiel “sat where they sat” to feel their situation. Moses prayed: “forgive their sin”. Jesus wept over Jerusalem. Paul prayed to “be accursed for his kinsmen”. We cannot be at ease when we see so many of our families & neighbors in sin. 4. The Consequence: God knew Moses “face to face”. Your personal relationship with God must be maintained above all else. 5. What We Must Do: We are commanded by the Lord to go into streets & lanes of our neighborhood and compel them to come in.

After lunch: We broke into small groups to discuss “1. Guilt Trip for Sabbaticals & Family Vacations. 2. Reaction of Pastor with situations in the church with scriptural basis. 3. Pay and benefits of Ministry/Workers; Promoting young ministers to go out. 4. When do you say no?”

Group Reports:

Group 1: 1. Every 7 years take a month to 6 weeks mandatory; need a support group; designate help; job description would help; Fear of what you will come back to. 2. Sometimes need to confront like Nathan did with David; 1 Cor 3: Be patient with people according to their ability. Human reaction. Eph 4:26.

Group 2: 1. Educate the congregation with respect to sabbaticals; concept modeled by Christ; Pastor needs to learn to delegate responsibility and accept responsible help. Avoid guilt by doing what God has called you to do. 2. Matt 18: formula for dealing with situations with attitude of restoration; 1 John 2:19: must be willing to count the cost of the consequences. “If they want to go, let them go”; Maintain Christ like spirit & attitude regardless of the situation. 3. 2 Cor 11:7-9, 12:13 Paul asked forgiveness for not preparing the church to care for the pastor. 4. Acts 6:2 Ordained deacons to take care of some responsibilities. Moses – Jethro: Ex 18:1-18 “this is not a good thing that you do”.

Group 3: 1.Essential, Time to reconstruct vision/ pray/ away from responsibilities, 50% pay for sabbaticals – No Guilt – earned time off. 2. Titus 1:7 “not soon angry”; angry and sin not, John 2:13 – 16 cleansing of temple. 3. Adequate (equal to average salary of parishioners (if 10 or more tithers) 1 Tim 5:17-18; Honor/respect pay well. 4. Say no when unreasonable or unscriptural.

PM Service: Bro. Henry Marquiss preached on “The Anatomy & Antidote of Compromise” from Matt 26:31-35, 69-75, 5:18, Heb 4:12-13, 2 Thes 2:10-12, 1 Cor 10:12, Acts 4:13, Mark 14:53-54, Matt 16:16, 1 John 2:15, James 4:4, 1 Peter 2:9-10, 1 Thes 5:5, Eph 5:8, Gal 3:29, 2 Cor 3:3, 1 Cor 12:27, Matt 5:14, Luke 4:43,16:13, John 5:20 & 1 John 5:30. He instructed us that sometimes compromise is good and sometimes it is bad. We all face the tendency to compromise. We are affected by the world. Peter fought against the truth instead of heeding its warning. Know that God’s Word is true; ignore it at your own peril. Boasting in yourself always decreases odds of success. Peter wanted to blend in with the enemies of God. He followed at a distance. If you want to fit in with the world you must distance yourself from the word. The Antidote: Stay Connected to Christ, know who you are. Compromise comes when our connection to the world is stronger than our connection to Christ. Stay connected to your calling, know why you are here. Stay connected to your master, know whom to please. Stay connected to a godly friend; know who you will share eternity with. Repentance is the only way back. Peter was a disappointment but Jesus came back to him.

March 10: AM: Committee (Bro. Ed Beck & Bro. Henry Marquiss) recommendations for Organizing: A Proposed Constitution was presented, discussed and approved to be presented to the Fellowship for consideration at the July Licking County Camp Meeting in Newark, Ohio.

PM: Donald & Denise Curtis were reelected to serve on The Minister’s Meeting Committee for another 4 years.

Evening Service: Bro. Steve Williams preached on “Poison in the Pot” from Acts 20:24, 2 Tim 4:6-8, 2 Samuel 11:1-2, and 2 Kings 4:38-41. He instructed us that Paul determined to keep the faith and finish his course with joy. Discouragement, hurts, strife, egos, jealously and such like poison the pot and you can’t get anything good out of it. People are running from the ministry because of the lack of security. It is easy to get out of balance and think we are more spiritual for it. If you are sick and don’t treat it you only get worse. When you are worn out you are vulnerable for an attack by the devil. Today the church is tired; programs, projects and activities fill our lives and it has become increasingly difficult to get people to commit to anything. Some suggestions: Take a day off for a Sabbath; organize your inner world; learn to say no; confront addictions; schedule ahead; eat right; exercise; see a medical doctor.

Tapes of the evening services may be ordered from Community Church of God, 2458 Gallows Rd., Dunn Loring, VA 22027; Audio: $2.00 each; Video: $10.00 each.

Evaluations: 100% liked the materials, agenda, fellowship, small groups, topic, meals provided & books & literature provided.

Topic of Theme for next year’s meeting was ranked in the following order: 1. Preaching/Workshops. 2. Effective church growth – what works? 3. Evangelism & Discipleship Training. 4. Pastor’s Spouses Issues. 5. Spiritual Growth. 6. Discipleship. 7. Disciplining new converts. 8. Establish a legal Ministerial Organization.

Other Comments: Booklet would be better if all the ministers had their outlines in it. The topic was better than I expected.

The single most important aspect of this time I would mention to encourage others to attend in the future: You are not alone. Fellowship, encouragement & Preaching. You are spiritually up lifted and encouraged which enables you to go back and encourage your congregation. It strengthens you by renewing friendships. To meet new people. Know them that labor among you. A more central location would encourage a larger attendance.

Next Year’s Meeting is scheduled for March 1-3 at The Church of God of Cumberland Valley, 611 Shippensburg Rd., Shippensburg, PA 17257.

The committee elected for next year is: Chair: Tom Hannold, Advisor: Bob & Sue Rauch, Vice Chair: Stanley & Martha Rexroth, and Donald & Denise Curtis.

NIGERIA

REPORTS FOR THE MONTH OF February:

Abam/Abala, Pastor Cyriacus Nwachukwu: Attendance = 60 to 81. One soul saved. Weekly activities continues, Our four days seminar organized by the host pastor and church workers: Topic: “Ideal house-wife “ was in progress, despite that some of the native engaged in farming work following the earlier rain since December until now. This part of the world.

Umuahia, Pastor Christian Ogbuka: Attendance = 42 to 68. As we received grace for grace, we share with others the message of salvation. The Lord has been doing much in our midst .God has through our effort reached so many in healing and consolation. Bringing peace to families, Despite our numerous problems around here with a new born baby boy Bro. Eze was presented to the Lord on the 3^rd of Jan, followed by pastor Joshua’s son and souls that had pleasure to worship with us. Even though most of them are not residing at home rather in the urban areas.

In this month also, I made a trip to Lagos on the 14^th of Feb, on 20^th I washed with pastor Augustus Edet having stayed two days with him .I delivered a message captioned “wholly following the lord“ Wholly in that context meaning completely, totally exclusive. With such scripture Josh 14:6-9,13:1-3,23-33, 14:29-30. Pastor Edet and I discussed much on pastoral relationship for the purpose of unity in regard to the church of God world missionary fellowship.

Calabar 1, Pastor Johnnie Austin: Attendance = 71 to 82. Two souls saved. Evangelism continues with a prayer period for the growth of the church. Two people gave their life to Christ this month, normal church activities Bible teaching and weekend miracle services on Fridays. The project for the Calabar is now deliberately forgotten about, while that of Umuahia and Abala Nkamiri- Aba, too. Please I am reminding this ministry to try once more a righteous fair play among all congregations .As we all the minister of God, in addition, the individual small project.

Calabar 2, Pastor Bassey Ekpe: Attendance = 46 to 60. One soul saved. This month is good as we step up evangelism of house to house and has paid off by new members responding by attending bible class and other church program within the week, we conducted one hour prayer after each Sunday worship every week, for this ministry progress and journey mercy for the visiting of W.M.F. executive to Calabar .By October this year. Also for our backsliding members here. This is to remind this ministry that others were paid their rent for their place of worship while I was not there, Please consider giving us here our own rent which only N3, 000 was paid out of N36, 000.So any amount can be given as part payment, It is better than stopping. Also, I am now stopping hiring of chairs since I am now using the money in paying my church contribution and tithes of this. So I want a help so as to buy permanent table chairs lamp, for when there is no electricity we use candle during evenings. Lastly, Calabar project fund, that of individual small project please I am requesting of it now .May God help as souls are perishing a save in time will bring them into the kingdom of Christ.

Omoba Isiala Ngwa, Pastor Ronald Iheanacho: Attendance = 24 to 34. One soul saved. Mondays were used for Bible Studies, while Fridays were also used for revival prayers. House-to-house evangelisms were made 6 days. The place we are staying has become too strait for us please come to Macedonian and help us .We need land for our permanent place for the lord is adding souls to be saved into his church.

Ikot Edibon, Pastor Okon Jim Ibok: Attendance 15 to 20. Fasting and Prayer was held on the 6th. Tarry Night Prayer was conducted on the 24th. We had a house-to-house Evangelism.

Ikot Inyang Eti, Pastor Udobong Okon Essien: Attendance: 78; 1 soul saved. Evangelical activities include: bible class, house fellowship, prayer meeting, tarry night, fasting and evangelism. Pray for us.

Ehere, Aba, Pastor James Igbokwe: Attendance: 23 to 28; Two souls saved. I appreciate God and his people .My daily prayer is that God always would bless (WMF) I feel like report my case to house hold of faith, at first week of Jan.2005, my land lady collected the sum of N12,000 as rent by 15^th Jan. Dog bite my son ,a boy of 12 yrs old, the elders and pastors prayed for him .I took him to health where I was given a bill of N25,000.00. Right now the Local Govt of the area where the church is located are ejecting all non buying and selling business .Right now we are stranded .To relocate the church I searched and got a place that cost N175,000 for three years. I have been on my knees for God’s intervention. I decided that now one would die in silence. Help I plead in the Name of Jesus. Please Concerning the rent any amount can support; half bread is better than non.

Eket Urban, Pastor E. David: Attendance: 18 to 22. . One soul saved. One to one house evangelism for three days. We actually go out to preach and seek for members, but not all that come to the church are steady members. Some stay about two weeks and go back to their different churches. Some times only one or two may become member. God is really kind in building the church gradually. To God be the glory. Evavalley Amafor Isingwu Umuahia, Pastor Albert Emeh: Attendance = 21 to 26. We are grateful to God for the month of Feb. We are doing fine on our church programs .New people kept visiting our church this month .We can’t count on them till we are sure they are ready to be members. Please try to pray for us, as the national church does not come to our rescue in rent payment. This is a major factor that contributed to closure of our Obinze church. No help in transport cost No help in rent payment the responsibility was one sided. Please help us to stand since we are a new church .We need encouragement.

AMAEFULA, C/O 270 OBOHIA PASTOR AMBROSE: Attendance: 47 to 52. We succeeded to have our evangelical group to be giving the report of the converts; we organized street evangelism with our evangelist we are organizing to dedicate our musical instruments next Sunday.

WMF BIBLE COLLEGE AND SEMINARY (NIGERIA)

March 6, 2005

Dear Brother Rexroth,

Greetings to you in Jesus Name—Amen

This is to inform you and the general body of Christ that the college has been upgraded with more qualified instructor and more subjects. We are also pleased to inform you that one of our teachers Mr Abaraonye has been recalled to start work with NIGERIAN. TELECOMMUNICATION Ltd. as a senior manager Human resources after 9 years of court case with the company. He was a management and English instructor. We have employed more two instructors. One of them is a Cameroonian who teaches French & research Methodology. He has Doctorate degree in Theology. The second person has masters in personnel management. Therefore presently the college has been upgraded with the following courses: 1. BIBLIOGRAPHY. 2. PROPHETIC THEOLOGY. 3. EXEGESES, 4. TYPOLOGY. 5. CHURCH HISTORY. 6. CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE. 7. BIBLE HISTORY. 8. SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY. 9. HOMELITICS. 10. CHRISTIAN ETHICS. 11. PRACTICAL THEOLOGY.12.DISPENSATIONALISM. 13. ANGLOLOGY 14. PNEUMOLOGY. 15. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION. 16. INTRODUCTION TO MISSION. 17. CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP. 18. RESEARCH METHOLOGY. 19. PRAYER THEOLOGY. 20. EVANGELISM AND CHURCH GROWTH. 21. COUNSELING. 22. USE OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE. 23. FRENCH. 24. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY. 25. CHURCH MANAGEMENT/FINANCE.
It is a pleasure to inform you that presently I am reading my masters in theology and by the grace of God, I shall complete the course by September this year. We have been able to buy three computers for training. One cost N 50,000. 00 fairly used. We still need to buy more. The introduction of this information technology has really attracted more people to register in the college. This is the first Bible College to teach this course in this area. We are inviting applications from any one in Nigeria who is interested in this college to apply to the Rector, WORLD MISSIONARY BIBLE COLLEGE AND SEMINARY, PLOT 412 IKOTA ESTATE LEKKI, LAGOS. Tel. 08056312636, PMB 3866, APAPA, LAGOS, NIGERIA. The first batch of students who started since 2003 shall be graduated this year during the visit of the missionaries from the WMF USA in October. May I use this opportunity to thank the men of God from WMF who inaugurated this college. The joy we have is that we have broken the barrier of division among MINISTERS OF GOD in Lagos Nigeria. A O. EDET REPORTER

March 15, 2005

The Church of God and WMF Bible College and Seminary Nigeria in conjunction with WMF USA Is organizing a Conference and Revival in Nigeria.

OUR EXPECTATIONS AND BENEFITS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

(A) TOTAL FREEDOM

(B) TRANSFORMATION OF LIFE

(D) GENARATION OF CHANGE

OUR AIM.:IS TO BUILD THE GOD’S MAN

OUR THEME: THE TOTAL FREEDOM (JOHN 3:36)

DATE: THURSDAY 13^TH – SUNDAY OCT 16^TH 2005

TIME: 10.00AM AND 5.00PM RESPECTIVELY.

VENUE: LOGOS AFLAME MINISTRIES

OSAPA- LONDON LEKKI, 3RD ROUNDABOUT FROM

MOBIL HOUSE MAROKO, VICTOTIA ISLAND

LEKKI EPE EXPRESSWAY, LAGOS.

OFFICE ADDRESS: SUITE 8, GBOLAGAS PLAZA 1^ST GATE, IKOTA, LEKKI, LAGOS.

DAILY ACTIVITIES

THURSDAY- OCT 13^TH – SUNDAY OCT. 16^TH 2005

CONFERENCE: MORNING- 10.00AM

REVIVAL: EVENING- 5.00PM

SPECIAL FEATURES

MATRICULATION/ GRADUATION OF STUDENTS ON SATURDAY OCT 15^TH

AWARD OF CERTIFICATION TO CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS.

ORDINATION OF MINISTERS

SPECIAL THANKSGIVING SERVICE ON SUNDAY OCT. 16^TH 2005 AT CHURCH OF GOD PREMISES.

THIS CONFERENCE IS FREE FOR ALL THE PARTICIPARTS BUT MINITERS/WORKERS WHO MAY NEED CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION WILL BE ASKED TO PAY A TOKEN OF ONE DOLLAR ($1).CASSETTE/AUDIO CD WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT A MODERATE PRICE IMMEDIATELY AT EACH SESSION.

FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO SUPPORT THE PROGRAMME EITHER BY

CASH OR IN KIND SHOULD PLEASE ADDRESS ALL YOUR SUPPORTS TO CHURCH OF UNIVERSAL NIG.LAGOS.

AND FOR MORE ENQURIES PLEASE CONTACT, THE CONFERENCE CORDINATOR

PASTOR A.O EDET

ON, TEL: 2348056312636

EMAIL: pastor_augustus@yahoo.com

PHILIPPINES

March 3, 2005

Dear Bro. Rexroth & Saints,

Greetings and belated happy Valentines to you with Sis. Rexroth and to all our loving supporters.

We want to inform that first week of February I was privileged to have my pacemaker checkup at the Phil. Heart center in Manila and found out that my heart is fully depending to the pacemaker. I was advised to take insulin due to my high sugar. Saints, please remember me in your prayers that if I can still help in the advancement of His Kingdom. He will lengthen yet my life.

While we were in Manila I was able to visit and preach in the 3 nearby Churches. Bro. & Sis. Esteban invited us to go to Cuyapo Church of God to attend their 2^nd church anniversary and dedicate also their 7 elected Deacons there. Before we returned home to Mindanao Bro. & Sis. Fajardo invited me to preach in their prayer meeting in Antipolo Church of God.

Saints, thank you for the monthly offerings we are withdrawing in the bank every month. Though it’s not enough thank God for the direct individual offerings we are receiving that complete the offering. The excess is that we are depositing for our priority projects like in San Miguel Surigao Sur. We were able to purchase a church lot, 500 square meters where we plan to build a chapel for the brethren who newly came out from the Wesleyan Church. Presently these brethren are worshipping in the house extension of one of the brethren. Saints we want to appeal to our more privileged people of God for this need this 2005.

Lastly but not least we are praying much first that the good Lord may intervene in your meeting this month that you may able to continue your support to the mission. Second request is the plan of our children to come and attend camp meetings there to represent the Philippine mission to give report of the true present condition of the missionary work in the Far East. We are praying much that if they can come they will be a blessing and be encouraged to continue the work we have started. Thank you Bro. And all our dear supporters who are receiving our beautiful paper, Info+ for you monthly support for us in the Philippine Mission. May our Great God in Heaven be responsible for the rebound.

Your Bro. In His Labor,

Diosdado B. Luzan Jr.

INDIA

March 22, 2005

The Most honorable Chairman and all the noble missionaries and saints of WMF,

Precious greeting in name of Jesus The Lord The God. Hearty thanks for your kind recognition are about great tasks, which we are accomplishing through your unspeakable support. Your kind recognition is motivating us to continue active participation. The tasks, which are given by Noble Missionaries, are more meaningful. This is not mean achievement to raise number of Chapels in very short time, which are done only by your prayers and supporting help

We would like to share a few things openly with you, which is discussed in the pastors meeting held on 18^th March 2005. The Fellowship Of the church of God society formed and registered in year of 2001 but the Church of God in India is established above 40 years and had done faithful ministry. In meanwhile the ministry in India like an abandoned ship without either helms man, rudder or anchor resulted of this the branch churches carried away and the ministry driven by the winds. We the pastors had to fight with discouragement. This is one of biggest battle in our ministry some times; this discouragement’s brought us depression and despair it causes to destroy our vision.

In all this discouragement’s we pray to God, the Lord had marvelously open the door and led his appointed servant to India the entrance of noble missionaries of WMF that every thing was calm completely. They brought us many blessings and blessed responsibilities. The result of prayers and kind efforts of W.M.F the FELLOWSHIP OF THE CHURCH OF GOD was born on 2001. We ministered encouragement comfort and faith. The ministry of the church is going to succeed. By the prayers and suggestions of noble missionaries and all the all the operation of organizations for the Glory of God. We devoted our adequate amount of time for the organizational and administrative matters to the development of all the programs. Thus the prayers, suggestions and loving support of W.M.F, which has been helpful to us in dealing with discouragements and conquered every discouragement. They shared our feelings of despair and encouraged us in the battle of the Gospel. Thus we were encouraged ourselves in the Lord our God. Your prayers and supporting help are a very good source of strengthened and comforted in the movement of discouragement, result of this we could complete the 11 church buildings and laid foundation for 3 church buildings. In connection of development activities by your help we could fulfill “build a church in a village” project, which may call the life work of Fellowship of the Church of God.

This is not mean achievement to raise number of Chapels in very short time, which are done only by your prayers and supporting help. Every Eye is observing the work and appreciated. Our hearts are over whelmed with joy of Christ it is great and noble task and it is our ever most vision to build the church like that which will be blessed.

Now the committee purposed to buy a land beside the Lt. Col. Webb Mission house this land will be more useful for ministerial future projects. Already the most of the land were purchased by the Government to distribute to poor for housing projects the owner of the Land is willing to sell out the remaining place. An apartment builder is trying to buy it. I humbly request to your Excellency please pray that God may sanction this place to the noble ministries of Fellowship of the Church of God. In front of the mission house there is a auditorium in sale. We are praying to know the will of God it will be helpful to conduct public meetings, Bible training center and other projects. We have committed all needs of church ministry to the Lord, financial and other wise.

The whole congregation became thus identified with the service activities of Fe. In this pastor meeting all the pastors of the society gave good report of every branch church ministry. The Lord abundantly blessed our services with new souls. Which is the perfect measure of success of our service in the sight of the Lord .We are proudly say only your prayers do all this.

End of the meeting pastor Premnath and Pastor Martin preached the word of God and encouraged all the pastors. Few pastors could not attend the meeting, as they were in busy by their children final examinations. Meeting was closed offering by special prayers and praises for the W.M.F and all the saints of the Church of God.

You’re humble servant with hearty thanks,

Pastor Bobby,

Fellowship of the Church of God, India.

January 14, 2005

My name is Prasad, age 44 years. I worked in the Hindu temple in daily wages basis. I got two blessed children; my youngest son had a hole in his heart, when I consulted the Doctor. The Doctor advised me that the heart should be rectified by the bypass heart surgery and it is going to be very expensive, it shocked me. I am very poor man. I do not have any money with me and we are feeling very much not able to help my loving son. We met many rich people to help for my son's surgery, but nobody came forward to help my son. I finally disappointed and felt my son could not have further life. Our Pastor used to tell many time about lord Jesus Christ son. Our Pastor used to tell many things about Lord Jesus miracles. He also advised me to take healing prayers for visiting Godly Pastors along with my son, I visited the Church. Three of the missionaries, they stretched their hands and prayed for the heart patient son. They prayed for the Lord's power. What a miracle! The state Government sanctioned the money for my son's heart surgery we thank the missionaries and the Lord. I believed Jesus Christ and decided to take Baptism. Please pray for surgery successes.

YOUTH CORNER

See Calendar for Upcoming Events

Greetings all,

It’s time to go down to the corner and see what’s happening. Well it’s March and spring is beginning to pop its head out. With that come all sorts of things. It means exams, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, softball and track practice. It means school plays, dances, looking for that perfect summer job, youth group fund raisers (car washes, doughnut sales oh yes!) Retreats and camp is just around the corner. Yes we are all so busy, and these things are mostly pretty good. The problem is Satan can use these things to take away time from God. We all need time to seek the Lord everyday. So as things get busy remember to always put God first and seek Him everyday.

Power verse: Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

That’s all for now, if your youth group is doing something special please let me know.

                Bro. Brian Bridges
                123 Lambert Dr.
                Manassas Park VA 20111-1829
                E-Mail Badleg@juno.com
                Phone: 703-368-0805

DEATH

On Tuesday February 15, 2005 John W. Collins, age 78 went home to be with the Lord. He is survived by: his wife Barbara Collins, one son Johnny Collins, two daughters; Faith Parsons, and Julie Collins, five grand children, plus other family members and a host of friends.
Pastor Tony Bartlette preached the memorial service and was assisted by
Pastor Lee True of the Gibsonia Church of God, and by Brother Charlie Craig.
Our hearts were blessed by the beautiful songs from Bro. Sherm and Sis.
Evelyn Romine. It was a beautiful home-going service. We will certainly miss Bro. Collins in the days ahead. Bro. Collins has been a long-time advocate of the message of the church and was passionately interested in promoting the gospel of Jesus Christ. He
served in his local church for many years, in a variety of ways. He was active in camp meeting efforts in Florida as well as in other states. He possessed fervor for the work of God that is unusual in our day. He was
constantly dreaming and planning for the promoting of the things of God.
Whether at home or on the foreign field, he longed to see things being made better and the lives of men and women changed by the power of the gospel. I feel safe in saying that many brethren were encouraged to press forward, in spite of the obstacles, by the urgings of this dear brother.

In 1988 he was introduced, by Sis. Evelyn Anderson, to the needs of some poor saints in the country of Guatemala. This was to become his burden as well as his deep love, until the end of his earthly life. Starting with a small group of people in a rented building, the mission has grown and now has 10 congregations and three schools. Hundreds of lives have been touched and changed for the better due to the dedication of this brother. Bro. Collins worked tirelessly toward expanding and improving this work over the years. His work in Guatemala was indeed a labor of love, and the evidence is amazing. At the news of his death, many people stopped by our apartment, sorrowing with tears over the one who had meant so much to them. There is much to be appreciated and much to be learned from the life of this brother. Bro. Collins and I laughed, cried, prayed, and worked hard together over the past 14 years or so. I will hold in my memory the great times we enjoyed in the work of the Lord.
Please remember Sis. Barbara and the family in your prayers. Also, we ask
for your prayers for the mission in Guatemala, that it may continue to be what God would desire.

Following the funeral, I was asked to attend a board meeting of the Church of God Evangelistic Association. In the meeting I was installed as the new president of the association and the work in Guatemala. With God’s help and your prayers I will do my very best to see that the work continues in the direction that is pleasing to the Lord. There are some pressing needs that must be attended to immediately. By March 1 we will need around $4,000.00 to pay basic bills. Please pray about an immediate offering and consider budgeting a monthly offering for this work. Being a pastor, I know that many are already giving to other worthy efforts, but I also know that if each will do a little it will go a long way in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is going to take a while for me to “learn the ropes”, so please be patient and please stand by this work as we make the transition.

If you have any questions concerning the work, please call me at 606-663-5330 or 606-569-5005. Send all contributions to: C. O. G. Evang. Assoc. P. O. Box 3887, Lakeland, FL 33802-3887

Thank you and may God’s blessings be upon each of you. We look forward to hearing from you. Please keep this work and us in your prayers.

In Christ’s Kingdom

Harold & Linda Kelly

CHURCH CLOSES

Mason Church of God, Mason, Ohio has sold their building. Pastor George Sutherland plans to move to Vandalia, Ohio when his house in Mason is sold. Several members have moved from the area and the few remaining members plan to attend other congregations.

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

CALENDAR:

April 4-10, 2005: Revival, Peace Haven Church, Lancing, NC. Evangelist: Larry Dishman; Contact Bro. Joe Richardson 336-384-3457

April 11-14, 2005: Revival, Warrensville Church of God, Warrensville, NC. Evangelist: Larry Dishman; Contact Bro. Joe Brewer 828-738-3307

April 16, 2005: Fellowship Meeting, Mt. Pleasant Church of God, Mt. Pleasant, PA. Service times: 10:00 am & 2:00 pm; Contact Pastor Paul Prinkey 724-547-2151

April 20-27, 2005: Revival, Comstock Ave. Church of God, Comstock, MI. Evangelist: Larry Dishman; Contact Pastor Jerry Miller 269-344-1036

April 30, 2005: Fellowship meeting, Pine Flats Church of God, Pine Flats, Pennsylvania. Stay over accommodations being made for those who want to travel in on Friday. Services at 10:30 AM & 2:00 PM, meals provided; contact Pastor Tim Bash 814-743-5340, email tbash@polyvision.com

May 28, 2005: Fellowship Meeting, Ravenswood Church of God, Ravenswood, WV. Service times 10:00 am & 2:30 pm; Contact Pastor Roger Cummings 304-273-9710

June 13-18, 2005: Camp S.O.S. 2005 Senior Youth Camp, LOCUST SPRINGS CHRISTIAN RETREAT CENTER, Greenville TN. Please contact Bro. Bradley Zoladz for information at (304)-291-2723 E-mail: bzoladz@adelphia.net

June 26 – July 2, 2005: Camp Crossroads Youth Camp, Senior Week, Burnside, PA Contact Bro. Brian Bridges for further information at (703) 368-0805 e-mail badleg@juno.com

July 3 – 9, 2005: Camp Crossroads Youth Camp, Junior Week, Burnside, PA

July 1-7, 2005: Altapass Camp Meeting, Spruce Pine, NC. Evangelist: Bro. Hayden Hutton, Christchurch, New Zealand (A life-long missionary to India). For information phone Hoyt Runion 423-473-6091; For reservations phone Tillie January 828-728-2808

July 15-22, 2005: Camp Meeting, Licking County Church of God, 2181 Riggs Road, Newark, Ohio. Made possible through the efforts of a group of cooperating Church of God congregations. For general information contact the Camp Meeting Committee, Phone: 740-345-7841. For lodging information contact: Chris or Sonia Lindner at 47 Spring Valley Dr., Newark, OH 43055-4089; Phone: 740-366-4089, Fax: 740-366-5890; Email: campmeeting@adelphia.net

July 23-29, 2005: Camp Meeting, Green Chapel Church of God, Oak Grove, LA. Three preaching services daily. Contact Pastor William Moden Office: 3184282237, Home: 318-428-2680

July 29 – August 5, 2005: Burnside Family Camp; Church of God Campground, Burnside, PA. Evangelist: Ben Jordan. Activities for youth under the direction of Vaughnie Zopp, Brian Bridges & Carla Miller. Opening with annual fish fry on Friday evening with Ed & Gerri Carpenter. For lodging contact Angie Ford 864-288-3492; For youth program contact Vaughnie Zopp 304-392-6862; All are welcome.

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March 31 2005