Vol. 14 Issue 4
We serve a prayer answering merciful God. As you will read in the Philippine report, God once again granted His healing mercy to Bro. Luzan. Continue to hold him up in your prayers, his family and the Philippine mission. Editor
WORLD MISSIONARY FELLOWSHIP (WMF)
Continue to send offerings identified for specific missions to the Treasurer:
World Missionary Fellowship
C/O Bro. Steve Yoder
P. O. Box 418
Sugarcreek, OH 44681
I am available to visit congregations or groups to present needs and discuss WMF, Nigeria or the Philippines. Bro. Stanley J. Rexroth, Chairman.
NIGERIA
REPORTS FOR THE MONTH OF
September:
Abam/Abala, Pastor Cyriacus Nwachukwu: Attendance = 63 to 72. One (1) soul won. 6 days revival held though rain disturbed by heavy don pour (almost everyday) as we continue to prepare for our crusade here. Church activities continue. The completion of the church building is going on.
Calabar 1, Pastor Johnnie Austin: Attendance = 62 to 83. Activities: Visitations were carried out as usual. Three days prayer meeting was conducted. Weekly program included Monday Hot Hours, Wednesday Study Room & Friday Deliverance Service. We need a place or land to build a place of worship because of the high cost of rent here.
Calabar 2, Pastor Bassey Ekpe: No Report
Umuahia, Pastor Christian Ogbuka: Attendance = 42 to 47. We thank the Lord for the month. Our evangelical activities were carried out with much greater effort. Especially as we welcome our pastor & wife for their mission tour to the United States. The Youth revival/Children evangelism ministry were all in progress.
Omoba Isiala Ngwa, Pastor Ronald Iheanacho: Attendance = 38 to 41. 13 – 15 we had open air preaching; about 60 were in attendance. Four days were used for pastoral visits. We still look forward to the purchase of land to ease us of the problem of rent for worship & for the pastor. Proverbs 13:12 “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick, but when the desire cometh it is a tree of life”
Ikot Osom, Pastor Okon Jim Ibok: Attendance (not reported) Activities included: Fasting and prayer meeting was held, started from 17-19. Pastor visitation every Wednesday. We conducted our bible class every Tuesday while Thursday is our prayer meeting. House to house evangelism is every Saturday.
Ikot Edibon, Pastor Effiong Johnson Unah: No Report
Ikot Inyang Eti, Pastor Udobong Okon Essien: Attendance: 86 to 87; One (1) soul saved; One Baptized; Evangelical activities are: Weekly evangelism, weekly prayers, weekly prayer band, daily prayers, prayer & fasting once for the month, Holy communion, and baptism & tarry night prayer. Brethren, remember us in your daily prayers. May God bless you.
10 Nze St., Aba, Pastor James Igbokwe: No Report
Eket Urban, Pastor E. David: Attendance: 31 to 38. Evangelical Activities: Our services continued unstopped – house to house evangelism. We sincerely plead for a place of worship; that is we need help for relocation. We are earnestly praying for the success of WMF USA.
Evavalley Amafor Isingwu Umuahia, Pastor Albert Emeh: Attendance = 16 to 27. Evangelistic report: Our children have started their one month preparation services for their children’s day service coming up the 29th. All church activities are in progress.
AMAEFULA, C/O 270 OBOHIA PASTOR AMBROSE: Attendance = 39 to 46. The church is still waiting for he balance of the year amounts. Hoping & believing God for the miracles. Three (3) members were added to the church and the communion table was fixed on every second Sunday.
Port Harcourt, Pastor Sunday E. Etuk: No Report
Ogbor-Hill Assembly, Aba, Pastor Samson Ikpe: No Report
PHILIPPINES
October 12, 2006
Dear Bro. Rexroth & Info. Reading Saints,
Greetings from us these stormy months of September and October in the Philippines.
Thanks for your effective prayers for the miraculous survival of Bro. DB Luzan in his latest surgery on his prostate and bladder. After a week, we’ll know if he needs to undergo chemotherapy. Please continue to pray for his recovery. On the contrast, we lost also two of our die-hard and supportive deacons same time Sunday School Teachers in the mother church were Bro. Baiguen and Bro. Domucmat. Our prayer is that may God comfort their bereaved families.
Thank you very much for the sent building fund for the Antipolo project and the August mission offering for workers. The checks will be encashed yet on October 23by the bank after the 23 days consideration. The private speedy changers don’t like to change the checks as named in Holiness Church of God, not individual. To ably give the worker’s August offerings, we used the cash given by Bro. Tom Wilson and congregation, Sis. Luzan’s money, SSS, Local building fund and 10 % of local churches tithes and offerings.
About God’s work nationwide, it’s also moving smoothly. The projects made for the month are the bamboo parsonage in Tuburan Ninoy Aquino and the concrete fencing of the church compound in Katidtuan Bliss. Last October 1 (Sunday PM), a semi-district youth fellowship was convened in Katidtuan Bliss with four participating congregations - Katidtuan, Osias, Paatan & Bannawag.
As we’re now nearing Semestral break, we’re on preparation for our local churches revival schedules. Please include in your devotions the said activities so that many souls will be harvested and added to His fold.
Your servant in Phil. Mission,
Sis Noemi for Bro. DB. Luzan Jr.
INDIA
October 11, 2006
Dear Father and Mother Wood,
Precious greetings and Hearty thanks to you in the highly exalted name of Jesus. Most humbly I submitted the blessed report on River ministry.
The place of Tammina Patnam is practically identical with modern village T. Patnam and lays some 2 miles east of the point where the creak flows into the sea of Bay of Bengal. On it’s east – western shore. Long ago these places were called by name cities. In Telugu language city called patnam. Along the river these so called cities were situated. In the olden days Merchant ships were bringing food materials and other goods through the waterways. This developed these places as cities. In the circle of time these cities were disappeared, now there are only small villages and colonies in those places.
Darkness and land of the shadow of death speak on the one hand of the material poverty of the land as a result of neglected, but on the other hand of the spiritual death in those villages as a result of the continues heathen influence and no Christian visitation. The inhabitants of the T. Patnam, K, patnam who had suffered most grievously under spiritual darkness would have an exceptional share in the light which Father and Mother Wood brought according to their vision in mission
They encouraged us so much to visit these villages to preach the Word of God. We began to preach. As the Fellowship of the church of God team was walking beside the river, could see fishermen casting nets into the lake, small boats wandering in the lake for fishing. By this beautiful sceneries the bank of the river is always appear very busy.
To reach T. Patnam we should go through the fishermen colony. These people have ignorant of Jesus as Savior. As we walked half mile from the bank we reached fishermen colony. There women of the village draw up the water with pots. As we were thirsty we drank water at the well and began to sing songs by P. A. system. It was very new to them to sing in the streets. One after one people were gathered around us and enjoyed in hearing songs. After that we preached about the Jesus, He is the savior.
On those days (seven years ago) there were no vehicles for this they often used bullock carts to travel other places but we went on foot to T. Patnam Mean while our children cried for food but no shops in the jungle to buy some thing to eat. These places are full of woods and we can cross to reach T. Patnam. About 7.30 P.M we had reached the village. That was the time for poor to come out from the fields and cooking .As the children of the village playing under the street lights, old people were sitting together and discussed some thing about the problems. Most of the houses had no power supplies they were used small oil lamps. So darkness covered all over the village.
As some of our team members went to prepare supper for us, others made arrangements to conduct street meetings at the center place of the village under streetlight. All these were succeeding to bring souls to the feet of Jesus. Gradually people tried to understand the word of God. In the beginning of our ministry they had showed very curiosity about our activities. But after much progress of the work we had faced many problems, abjections by the elders of the village. About their blind faith in cults they could not allow to accept Jesus as their personal savior. Even they excommunicated peoples from the village those that were participated in ministry. At the time of producing fruits of souls evil raised against the ministry and tried to spoiled like any thing In all these un favorable condition we started Sunday services in a small hut .The house hold of the family got ready to faced any action had been taken against of them by the elders.
Pastor Bobby sent reports about the river ministry to father and Mother Wood. They encouraged us with prayers. As number was increased to attend to Sunday services, we had needed to seek another place to conduct meetings. A sister in the village came forward to donate her place. After we made a thatched house of Prayer. During our noble mother Wood and team’s 3rd missionary journey to India, mother wood had kindly accepted to send Pastor Allen Fletcher to the village. He kindly dedicated thatched house for prayers and worship meetings. Even though it was great risk to reach village Pastor Allen came to dedicated .we praise God for His wonderful guidance in all unfavorable climates and conditions.
Once, while we were sailing in a boat to reach the village, at once dark clouds covered the sky and big winds raised the waves of river. Waves were hit over boat. At the same time it was rained. Fw team and children were caught up in jeopardy .At that very movement we prayed for the help, in the very movement I had vision that our noble Father and Mother Wood and saints were praying. This made out hearts to be encouraged very much.
On 24December, 2004 Tsunami disturbed our ministry in the village. For two months onwards we had lost connection with our people at River village. Our thatched worship house also damaged. We had brought all the condition to Father and Mother Wood. They immediately respond to our humble request of Church building and sanction great help to construct the permanent chapel. Again the elders of the village objected us to construct permanent building in the village and they prepared to excommunicate the owner of the place, because of all these obstructions we prayed for the Lord. The Lord touched president of group of villages. He came forward to sell his land near the village.
Praise the Lord, through all the prayers and supports of Father and Mother Wood and all the saints we could build a beautiful Chapel in the village. We had deep desire to dedicate by Father and Mother Wood and team on their missionary journey to India in 2006 July, but in the same night great cyclone was raised on the lake and spoiled our program. Father Wood assured us that they could not come to dedicate now but from that day onwards can pray for the ministry in river village. Pastor Bobby and team visited the village on 28th of September 2006 .we conducted a meeting and early in the morning we got up and went on street preaching. In the same day 11 new souls were baptized. Some of the souls were saved in the camp meeting while Father Wood preached the sermon during their recent trip to India. Sis. Jonse had done good service to prepare meals to the team and taking pictures of the ministry.
Praise the Lord for the great assurance of Father and Mother Wood. We are ever thankful to honorable sis. Shelly Edwards to sponsor for this building. All the Glory to God.
Your humble servant Bobby
FELLOWSHIP OF THE CHURCH OF GOD.
YOUTH CORNER
It is once again time to visit down here on the corner. My prayer is that everyone is doing well and that God is blessing you. I know that many of you are just finishing up your first few months of school, and you’re loving it right?
I will now pause and give you a few minutes to fuss about school and the bad joke I just made. PAUSE
Was that long enough? I sure hope so. Anyhow, October is upon us and that means Halloween for many people. You know as I look around at all the decorations and such that people have, I am reminded of when I was younger and everyone was deciding what they wanted to be for Halloween. I remember it was a big treat to decide what you were going to dress up like and who you wanted to be. I remember a time in kindergarten when my mom dressed me for our class party as a pumpkin. Can you imagine . . . . a pumpkin! I didn't want to be a Jack - O - Lantern. I thought it was pretty silly. But you know if you think about it, Jack - O - Lanterns are pretty neat. I mean think of the process the pumpkin has to go through. It starts as an ordinary piece of produce, then someone opens it up, scoops out all the goop inside, puts a face on it and fills it with a light. Then after all of that it is something that people will take notice of.
You know, we are like that pumpkin. We are just plain and ordinary until God opens us up, takes out all the goop, gives us a new face (or outlook) and puts His light in us. After God has changed us, we are something that people will take notice of.
Power Verse: Proverbs 4:18
But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
Well that is all for now, take care and remember to LIVE GOD LOUD!
Bro. Brian Bridges
123 Lambert Drive
Manassas Park, VA 20111-1829
Phone: 703-368-0805
REVIVAL REPORT
We were privileged to attend one night of revival at Community Church of God in Dunn Loring, VA on Oct 23. The Evangelist, Bro. Larry Sauvageot, preached on “The Loss of The Fear of God” from Malachi 1:6, 2, 2:17, 3:7-8 & 13. He told us that when we become insensible to God’s Spirit we do not fear God. What God has done He will do again, both positive & negative. We lose the fear of God by progression beginning by stealing from God and living to please ourselves. There’s no searching after God. Everybody is doing what is right in their own eyes. We have become an irresponsible generation. “When you lose your fear of God you will lose your fear of sin”
FELLOWSHIP DAY REPORT
September 30 was a day of fellowship at The Church of God of Cumberland Valley, Shippensburg, PA. Bro. Glenn Dryden preached the morning message, “The Sin of Passing By” from Luke 10:25-37. He reminded us that we have opportunity to gain eternal life. Do you have a restricted view of humanity? When you truly love God it is easy to love your neighbor. Pray that you not commit the sin of passing by. Be vigilant, be alert and watchful for opportunity.
Bro. Tim Bash preached the afternoon message, “Spiritual Intervention” from John 11:32-46. He asked: is there anything between you and God? Everything in life has resistance. Take away the stone and listen to the right voice.
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:
November 2-5, 2006: Revival; Robinwood Church of God, 12030 Warrenfeltz Lane, Hagerstown, MD. November 2-4 at 7pm and Sunday Nov 5th at 10:45 am. Bro Tony Bartlett is the evangelist. Contact Pastor Henry Marquiss 301-992-8199 hmarquiss@aol.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
November 23-25, 2006: Annual Thanksgiving Fellowship Meeting; Zion Hill Church of God, Benton, Arkansas. Beginning Thursday night at 7:00 through noon Saturday. Friday services: 10:00 am, 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm; Contact Pastor Charles E. Powell: 501-525-8911, 501-620-9439 (cell); charlespowell1929sbcglobal.net
March 22-24, 2007: 20th Annual Meeting of Church of God Gospel Workers/Ministers: Host: Licking County Church of God, Newark, Ohio. Theme: Discipling New Converts; Committee Members: Tom Hannold, Stanley & Martha Rexroth, Karl & Yvonne Lohr & Donald & Denise Curtis.
April 18-22, 2007: Camp Meeting, Bible Holiness Church of God, Mindanao (by zone), Philippines. For information contact Pastor D. B. Luzan Jr., P. O. Box 115, Kabacan 9407, Philippines
April 26-29, 2007: Camp Meeting, Bible Holiness Church of God, Luzon (just one venue), Philippines, Contact same as above.
July 15-22, 2007: 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, Email: campmeeting@adelphia.net