July 31, 2006
Vol. 14 Issue 1
Adobe PDF Version
EDITORIAL
Matthew 19:20-22 20The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
As a nation we have been trusted with an abundance of possessions and sad to say to many of us our possessions are great. Our lives are filled with stuff, our houses are too small to contain it and our time is consumed in caring for it. Consider the needs of the poor. 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 June:
Abam/Abala, Pastor Cyriacus Nwachukwu: Attendance = 77 to 81. One (1) soul won. Evangelical Activities: Our activities are on the wheels. We had 3 days fasting and prayer. Topic: Where does our help come from? The condition of God's house here in Abam/Abala is not conducive for worship. When will the completion be? We are being pushed from one corner of the room to another because of intensive rain. Please WMF brethren come to our help.
Calabar 1, Pastor Johnnie Austin: Attendance = 74 to 88. Activities: Visitations were carried out on weekly bases as usual. Day weekly activities on Wednesdays Fridays, Sundays and Mondays morning Programs were equally conducted.
Calabar 2, Pastor Bassey Ekpe: No report!
Umuahia, Pastor Christian Ogbuka: Attendance = 51 to 62. Our evangelical work continues a prayer and youth revival meeting has been a source of revival for all.
Omoba Isiala Ngwa, Pastor Ronald Iheanacho: Attendance = 32 to 35. One (1) soul saved. Evangelism: house to house, Morning evangelism & Pastoral visit. We are passing hard times. We are paying N1000 for hall where we worship. We appeal to WMF not to relent in there effort. Help us get a land at Omoba for church to be free from rent. Pastor's place of leaving the rent is accumulating and we have been trying our best.
Ikot Osom, Pastor Okon Jim Ibok: Attendance 21 to 22.
Ikot Edibon, Pastor Effiong Johnson Unah: Attendance = 14 to 18. Evangelical Activities: Constant evangelism coupled with weekly activities. Request: Megaphone for outdoor preaching which is at the cost of N20,000 ($150.00).
Ikot Inyang Eti, Pastor Udobong Okon Essien: Attendance: 84 to 86; Two (2) souls saved; Evangelical Activities: 4 days revival street / house to house evangelism, Children's service on the 11th & Prayer band 1st with fasting.
10 Nze St., Aba, Pastor James Igbokwe: Attendance: 48 to 50. We are grateful for WMF helping us to get a place. But the agreement we had with the landlord remains a little amount to complete the rent for that place. What we spent will cover 4 years. So the amount that made it to reach that is yet remaining. For if we leave it at three years we will be at a loss in the landlord's hand. Therefore we need just N12,000 to complete his money for the 4 years. Evangelism, house to house prayer vigils and Bible classes continues.
Eket Urban, Pastor E. David: Attendance: 30 to 35. Evangelical Activities: Since we are very many and there are no financial members. I can't force the young boys to bring money when I know they have no money. I have been paying the rent all alone and now I have no money to continue. We owe up to N9000 as at last month. They have actually locked the class room block where we worship. I have managed from my stipend to pay for three months. I am still appealing for relocation which I know will bring solution. The cost of land is #900 thousand naira [approximately $9000].
Evavalley Amafor Isingwu Umuahia, Pastor Albert Emeh: Attendance = 20 to 27. Evangelistic report: Evangelism is our prime task. Mini prayer camp for the successful hosting of our pastors an elders meeting held in Iva-Valley on 22/23 June 2006.Fasting was observed for pastor Ogbuka's successful trip to USA. Though pastor Ogbuka fell sick all this while but thank God for his recovery. We need finance for relocation before the completion of Umuahia building project.
AMAEFULA, C/O 270 OBOHIA PASTOR AMBROSE: Our eyes are still on the way for the promised motorcycle. We appeal for help to pay our rents for we are running a church at Umungasi Aba for COGWMF Nigeria. We have also seen a land at Obohia at the cost of 1.2 million naira. Also another one plot at Umungasi at World Bank estate at the same rate of 1.2 million naira. We look forward for your help just as you have been trying as God is using you.
Port Harcourt, Pastor Sunday E. Etuk: No report!
Ogbor-Hill Assembly, Aba, Pastor Samson Ikpe: Attendance = 18 to 25. Four (4) souls saved. Evangelical Activities: My dearly beloved brethren at COGWMF USA, I want to thank God for the grace of God upon your life, And I want to thank you people for the help you people have been helping us here in Nigeria. I say may God continue to shine his favor upon you all in Jesus name. Amen. I was told that my request have entered info for past 2 months ago, I believe God will use our brethren over there and visit us financially.NB: We want to remind you of our request we sent about 2 months ago. We need financial assistance (HELP)
PHILIPPINES
No report.
INDIA
Pastors J. B. & Gail Wood, Gary Williams & Allen Fletcher along with Sis. Ann Webb left for a missionary trip to India on July 17. They are due to return July 28.
YOUTH CORNER
Hello all, it's time again to catch up with the news on the corner. As summer is coming to a close, many of you are facing the winter blah's thinking about school and all the things that go with it. Thinking about new classes, new schools, college, it can be pretty scary. It can almost be overwhelming at times, but we must remember that God is in control. You know many times we can allow fear to stop us from experiencing what God has for us. The children of Israel were scared to go into the land of Canaan because of Giants (Numbers 13-14) Joshua and Caleb and Moses told the people that God was in control and He would give them the land but they were still afraid. We must not let fear rob us of the blessings God wants to give us. We may be afraid but we need to let God calm our fears. Remember God has not given us the spirit of fear. Another interesting note, after the spies came back and gave the reports only two gave positive reports. What will your report say when you stand before God.
Power Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
Summer in the Son
Has God done something great for you this summer? Was there an outing that was especially good, or a camp meeting that really meant a lot to you? Let us know, we would love to hear from you! Send it to:
Bro. Brian Bridges
123 Lambert Drive
Manassas Park, VA 20111-1829
Phone: 703-368-0805
Well that about wraps it up for this time. Remember to Live God LOUD, and serve Him with ALL YOU GOT!
Upcoming Events:
See Calendar
Bro. Brian
CAMP CROSSROADS YOUTH CAMP
June 25th through July 8th brought awesome adventure, ascent to spiritual heights and just an all around great time for the campers and staff meeting for the 2006 Camp Crossroads Youth Camps at the Church of God Campground in Burnside, Pennsylvania. "Meeting On The Mountain" was this year's theme and our Lord's sermon on the mount the focus of study. Long time camp workers acknowledge this to have been one of the most outstanding youth camps in memory. God's presence filled the tabernacle during evening services! Camp Crossroads is a cooperative effort of church of God ministers providing a scriptural based summer youth camp experience for over forty years. For information on this ministry please contact Brother Brian Bridges at (H) 703-368-0805, (M) 703-577-8168, badleg@juno.com; or Pastor Glenn Dryden at 703-573-3444 or glenn.dryden@gmail.com
CAMP MEETING REPORT
I was privileged to attend a few days (July 3-6) of the Altapass Church of God Camp Meeting located near Spruce Pine, NC. It was a refreshing time to worship with friends old and new and fellowship with the brethren.
Monday evening the evangelist, Bro. Kenneth Yoder, preached “Why So Few Are Really Sold Out” from Phil 2:19-23. No congregation can prosper spiritually without work being done by members. Workers, working because they are motivated by a deep sense of commitment to God; Not motivated because of guilt or personal ambition. There are different depths of dedication. There is not a strong motivation among us to be completely sold out. Be sold out to God. Too many are satisfied to be mediocre Christians. To develop spiritually associate with spiritual people.
Bro. Kenneth Yoder Tuesday Morning Bro. Tim Yoder preached “Being Spirituality Minded” from Rev 3:14-22. When things are going well in times of affluence there is a tendency to grow lukewarm. There is a tendency to equate material prosperity with spirituality. We are in danger of becoming overcome with legitimate things “cares of this life”. To be spiritually minded is to have our focus & attention on God and the things of God. To be worldly minded is a lifestyle & mindset that places values & focus on the things of this life. Many Christians today are living good moral lives while still focusing on seeking the things of this world instead of on God. God is love! Would you be satisfied with a love relationship where the relationship is merely being treated politely? A love relationship requires time and work to grow deep. To be spiritually minded is to have a heart that focuses on God; everything is based on how it will affect your relationship with God.
Bro. Marty Simpson preached the afternoon message “Living by Your Faith (Convictions)” from Habakkuk 1:1-6, 12-13, 2:1-4, 18-20, 3:16-19. There are times that the children of God suffer because of the evil doings of others. We are required to live by the laws of our land and we are to obey those laws. It takes unwavering convictions to live right in a wicked world. There is too much wavering among people today. “When there is conviction in our heart it will be lived out”. We cannot live in the past; God knows the times we live in; He is the same God as always. We need to live right, now in our time; we need to be grounded living by our faith. When convictions are established in your life all the devils in hell cannot move you from them.
Bro. Marty Simpson
Tuesday evening, Bro. Yoder preached “What Are The Consequences of Not Living Close To God?” from 2 Chronicles 15:1-4. We cannot take the presence of God for granted. He is only with us as long as we seek Him. Failing to seek God until you find Him results in spiritual loss. The greatest blessing to any congregation is to have a Holy Spirit led, Anointed by God man as Pastor. When God is pleased He pours out His blessings; When He is not pleased He withdraws His presence. To lose the felt presence is a tremendous loss. God calls and equips spiritual leaders. Too often professing churches have chosen spiritual leaders themselves for their own satisfaction instead of having God chosen leaders. Beware of desiring your pastor to preach your desires.
Wednesday morning Bro. Christian Ogbuka, missionary from Nigeria gave his testimony and then preached “Peculiar until The End” from Exodus 19:3-8. God has always had a people. God demands that His people not defile themselves with the abominations of the nations. As a child of God you are to be separated from the world for God’s use. God has a law for you to live by. Be peculiar until the end.
The annual business meeting was held in the afternoon. Bro. Hoyt Runion was reelected to another 5 year term. Fall work week was set for September 25 – 29.
Thursday evening Bro. Yoder preached “Overcoming an Injustice Done to You” from Col 3:12-13. Forbearing is the willingness to suffer injury without seeking revenge. Christians are called to suffer injustice. Longsuffering is suffering over a long period of time. The attributes of love will lead you to forgiving the ones that have done injury to you. Why do Christians fail to settle their grievances? Some reasons are: it’s not easy to do, some think it’s better to let sleeping dogs lay, some are so defensive there is a fear of making matters worse. Unresolved grievances among the church members becomes such a burden that fellowship collapses.
Thursday morning Bro. Donald Curtis gave a presentation of Children’s International Lifeline.
Thursday evening Bro. Stanley Rexroth preached “She Broke The Curse from the book of Ruth.
CAMP MEETING REPORT
LICKING COUNTY, NEWARK, OHIO July 10 - 16
Monday evening, Bro. Kevin Beck preached “True Warfare” from 2 Cor 10:3-5. As a Christian there are battles that you will have to face and you need the power of God to win. The devil uses people. “If you want to be a victorious Christian you are going to have to fight. The devil only has as much power in your life as you give him”. Let the power of God in your life for with His power working in you, you can overcome every thought.
Tuesday morning Bro. John Watson preached “Christian Ground Rules for the Final Triumph” from 2 Tim 2:1-6. Three principles (rules) for success: Endurance hardness, Obedience & Striving hard & lawfully. Our life is governed by rules. The devil does not follow the rules. He does not play fair. He does not follow “rules of engagement”. The devil is your enemy and he is going to do all he can to keep you from making your journey through life into heaven with joy. To endure the race you must lay aside every weight.
The Ohio Bible College Annual meeting was held Tuesday afternoon.
Tuesday evening Bro. George Holley preached “Draw Some Lines” from 1 Cor 6:9-12. Morals & values of our culture today do not appear to have any limits. Where have you drawn your lines? God’s people have standards of holiness drawn by the Holy Spirit. We need to have a higher standard than to merely be a little better than the world. If God’s Word says it’s wrong, it is wrong. Draw a line on anything that is not expedient (Not to your benefit). Draw a line on anything that enslaves you (addictive).Draw a line on anything that does not edify.
Wednesday morning Bro. Ron Leasure preached “Work” from 1 Cor 10:31. Things we need to carry to work: A watch; don’t be late, A sense of calling – see your work as acts of worship, you’re doing it for God; A sense of responsibility – we need to teach our children to work; Value – diligent in your work, it is important; A sense of creditability – don’t take shortcuts, don’t try to do something that you can’t do, be a witness by the quality of your work; A proper perspective – we are there because we are servants of God. Your attitude toward your work will determine your measure of inner peace. Man was created to work.
Wednesday afternoon the ministers met. Rodney White, Phil McKnight & Donald Curtis was elected to serve on the camp meeting committee with permanent members Tony Bartlette, George Sutherland, Charlie Craig & Donna Romine.
Wednesday evening Bro. Tony Bartlette preached “Are You Defined by the Culture?” from Joshua 5:12-6:1. We live in a perilous time. Are you going to allow a Godless culture to define you or are you going to step in to the culture and make a difference? When you can’t figure out that your purpose in life is to worship and serve God, your culture has overtaken you. Jesus does not need a makeover. Many churches have given up thinking things can’t get any better, but our worship and service to God can get a lot better. Our culture is working to eliminate God. There are walls of resistance that must come down for you to get where God wants you to be.
Thursday morning Bro. Christian Ogbuka gave a brief testimony and then preached “Take Heed to Yourself” from Hebrews 2:1. Give attention to what’s important. Are you ready to obey the Word of God? We must look into what we are doing for God will bring all things into judgment. Examine the Word of God and make sure you are in line with God. Make use of the time before God’s grace gives way to judgment.
Bro. Christian Ogbuka The WMF annual meeting was held Thursday afternoon.
Thursday evening the Easter program, “Once on a Hillside” was presented.
Friday morning Bro. Ed Beck preached “Coming Down From the Mountain” from Mark 9. Camp meeting is a mountain top experience but we don’t stay there. When we come down from the mountain we have demons to deal with. One demon you will have to deal with is the demon of doubt. A second demon that you will have to deal with is that of the devil changeling you about your calling. Make your calling & election sure through the Word & the Holy Spirit. Third is casting doubt on your relationships. We need a close relationship with Jesus so you can have a close relationship with the family of God. Another demon is dis-couragement. Another demon is depression. Some demons can only be cast out by prayer & fasting.
Bro. Ed Beck Friday evening Sister Sarah Ingram preached “A Royal Priesthood” from 1 Peter 2:9-10 & Leviticus. If God had strict requirements of the earthly priesthood what about us who make up a royal priesthood? We are responsible to carry the presence of God. You can’t carry His presence if you are blind (spiritually) or lame or crippled. Too often we identify more with the problems than the promises. Your Lord wants you grow spiritually so you can minister to others needs. Bad spiritual food will make you sick. We need to discern the Lord’s body when we feed our soul.
Saturday morning Bro. Abraham Jeter preached “The World View of Jesus Christ” from Matthew 12:22-29. What is your outlook on life? Your world view will impact your decisions in life. It impacts your daily life. It is important to have a Biblical world view. Jesus’ world view is that Satan and demons are real. There are two kingdoms – one of light & life and one of darkness & death. God does not put sickness & disease on you; He put our sickness & disease on Christ. Healing is your bread.
Saturday evening Bro. Harold Kelly preached “Earnestly Contend For The Faith” from Jude 1-4. “True unity is connected to the truth”. We can’t mess with the Word of God; it is settled forever. Our greatest danger is not from without but from within. Our enemy is working to separate us from the Word of God. If you please God, you will please God’s people. We live in a time when morality has been changed into something shameful. When the church adopts the philosophy of the world she loses her power. Success in the kingdom can only be measured by changed lives.
Bro. Harold Kelly Sunday morning Bro. Iran Watson preached the closing message: “The Joyful Meeting in Glory” from Psalm 19:14, Jude 24-25 & Genesis 31:49. The camp meeting is coming to a close and we are going home; we need to take the blessings with us. Let our words be seasoned with the Holy Spirit of God. Let your words & mediations of your heart be acceptable to the Lord. We’ve got to stop killing each other with our words. We serve a God that is able to keep us from falling. We do not have to sin. May the Lord watch between you & me while we are absent from each other.
Tapes, VCR or DVD may be ordered from Steve Knighton, 346 Washington St., Newark, OH 43055; Identify speaker & date; suggested donation $3.00 audio; $6.00 VCR or DVD.
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
PASTORAL CALL
The congregation of the Ezra Church of God continues its search for a Pastor. Through turbulent waters the saints have sailed to the conclusion of their twenty-seventh year of church school ministry. Pray for this congregation and the community it has served for eighty-six years. A nearby Maytag plant is shutting down with a loss of 1,100 jobs! At least two families in the church are impacted.
Church: Ezra Church of God
1345 Ezra Street
West Frankfort, Illinois 62896
Location: Southern Illinois
Just Off Interstate 57 at Exit 65 One Hour North Of Paducah, Kentucky
- Minister of the Gospel to shepherd our congregation and administer our K-12 church-school ministry in an economically challenged community.
- Divinely called into the ministry.
- Intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Strong believer in the importance and power of prayer.
- Genuine desire to see individuals born into the Kingdom of God and grow in their relationship with Jesus.
- Burden for foreign missions.
- Readiness to preach the Gospel to include weekly church-school chapel services.
- Experience in K-12 Christian Education environment preferred.
If you believe God is leading you to pursue this position, please send your resume to:
Ezra Church of God
Pulpit Committee
c/o Mr. Bill Hopper
7093 Izaac Walton Road
Benton, Illinois 62812
Telephone: 618-724-9518
We request your earnest prayers as we seek God’s direction in this critical matter.
BI-VOCATIONAL PASTOR
KINGS CROSSING-COMMUNITY CHURCH OF GOD 5700 Edinburg Gap Road, Fort Valley, VA. 22652. Pastor Jennings B. Wood.
We are seeking a pastor with a Shepherd's heart, A man of integrity,who believes in and doesn't compromise the Word of God.
We are a small but growing church currently in the progress of finishingour new sanctuary and class rooms.If you believe God is leading you to pastor our church please send yourresume to the above address, attention Jeanie Hull Chairman, PastoralCommittee.
CALENDAR:
July 28-August 4, 2006:Burnside Family Camp, Burnside, PA. Evangelist: Mitchell Burch. Music director: Clarence Brannon. Services: 10:30 am, 2:30 pm & 7:00 pm; Children & Youth Programs. Annual fish fry with Ed & Gerri Carpenter on Saturday, July 29 at 5:00 PM. Lodging: Angela Ford 864-288-3492
August 4-13, 2006: 120th Camp Meeting, Church of God, Vichy, MO. Services: Prayer 8:00 AM, Worship 10:00 AM & 2:30 PM, Children 4:30 PM, Evangelistic 7:30 PM. Lodging reservations need to be made by July 15; Also several motels in the area; full camper hookups available. Contact: phone 573-299-4601, mbc@fidnet.com
August 7-11, 2006: Camp Meeting; West Side Church of God, Lebanon, MO. Begins Monday 7:00 pm; ends Friday with 7:00 pm service. Two – Three services daily; am service is conference style. Contact: Pastor David McDaniel; 417-588-3832, davidm@nephilimfiles.com or christsambassador_40312@hotmail.com
September 22-24, 2006: Fellowship Weekend, Chapel of Hope, Lenoir, NC. Service times: Fri 7 PM, Sat 10 A , 2 PM & 7 PM, Sun 10 AM. For more information contact: Pastor Mike Spicer 828-758-2340, vspicer@caa.k12.nc.us
September 30, 2006: Annual Fellowship Day, The Church of God of Cumberland Valley, 611 Shippensburg Rd., Shippensburg, PA. Services: 10:30 AM & 2:00 PM. preaching by visiting ministers. Noon and evening meals provided by the congregation. Contact: Pastor Stanley J. Rexroth 717-423-6389, Church: 717-423-6988 stanley@rexroth.net
October 21, 2006: Gospel Workers Seminar Led by Evangelist Larry Sauvageot, Dunn Loring Community Church of God (near Washington, DC). For further information contact Pastor Glenn Dryden at 703-573-3444 or glenn.dryden@gmail.com
October 22-25, 2006: Revival Services with Evangelist Larry Sauvageot, Dunn Loring Community Church of God. For further information contact Pastor Glenn Dryden at 703-573-3444 or glenn.dryden@gmail.com
November 8-12, 2006: Revival; Church of God of Cumberland Valley, 611 Shippensburg Rd., Shippensburg, PA. Service times: 7:30 PM each evening & 10:30 AM Sunday; Contact: Pastor Stanley Rexroth, Phone: 717-423-6389, Church phone: 717-423-6988 stanley@rexroth.net or Associate Pastor Lonni Wickard, Phone: 717-530-1970, loviswiss@pa.net
Created by: Brian S. Rexroth, Sr.
Maintained by: Dexter Horst
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