The Alabama Messenger Sep. Oct. 2016

The

Alabama Messenger

September/October 2016 Volume 30/Number 5

2016 Sectional Council Tour All councils begin at 9:30 a.m. CST

Section

Anniston/Birmingham/Cullman

Tuscaloosa

Tennessee Valley

Phenix City

Dothan/Enterprise

Montgomery /Sylacauga

Andalusia/Monroeville

Demopolis

Baldwin/Mobile

Date September 26

Location Springville Camp and Conference Center

September 27

Tuscaloosa First Assembly of God

September 28

Lake City Assembly of God, Guntersville

September 29

Cross Connection Church, Auburn

September 30

Faith Christian Center, Ozark

October 3

Bethel Worship Center, Wetumpka

October 4

Grace Way Fellowship, Evergreen

October 5

First Assembly of God, Jackson

October 6

New Life Assembly of God, Spanish Fort

EDWARD WILSON

DISTRICT SECRETARY‐TREASURER

ewilson@adcag.org

Nobody Likes a Phony

Some years ago, I asked a friend who directed a youth outreach ministry how I could improve my relationship with young people. He replied, “Don’t dress in jeans and a pull‐over because that isn’t how you normally dress. They can spot a phony in a New York second.”

Today we are faced with the challenge of reaching so many different cultures and religions. It seems new philosophies, doctrines, or imagined concepts pop up every minute. What is the answer? I believe the answer to be the wise counsel I received earlier, don’t be a phony. Don’t be something you aren’t and never intend to be.

Global University textbook, Assemblies of God History, Missions, and Governance, shares the 1972 view of a missiologist from the Dallas Theological Seminary, George Peters. He wrote among other things, speaking of Pentecostals, “They practice the Pentecostal presence of the Holy Spirit, believe in the miraculous, and expect miracles, and they are not ashamed to be Pentecostal in doctrine and practice.” His reference was to the continuous growth of the Pentecostal churches. But look at us now.

Too many of our churches are moving away from what brought us here and what will keep us relevant. Could it be that we are hearing the voices of those who are bringing their doctrines, philosophies, and religions into our midst and possibly allowing ourselves to entertain a thought that maybe there is a better way? It may be that we have become so educated, affluent, or sophisticated that in our thinking the supernatural isn’t necessary for the punctuation of a “good ole gospel message.”

Jesus was first a preacher/teacher. His primary purpose was to present the gospel in a simple, easy to understand form and expect change in the hearers. His secondary purpose was to demonstrate the gospel with “signs following.” He never made apologies for either. Even when a healing or miracle preceded his presentation of the gospel, He used the event to speak into the lives of the witnesses and used the event as an object lesson.

The disciples followed suit. Their ministry began with the presentation of the Old Testament prophet, Joel, and his foretelling of the Holy Spirit outpouring (Acts 2). The next chapter opens with the healing of a cripple and the opportunity it gave to preach the word. Notice the results 3,000 and 5,000 saved, respectively.

Where are we today? Have we become ashamed of our Pentecostal heritage? I hope not. Are we believing in the miraculous and expecting miracles? I hope so. Preaching and the manifestation of the miraculous gospel by the power of the Holy Spirit is all we have. It isn’t by our power or wisdom that we exist. It is “by my Spirit, says the Lord.” My appeal is that we don’t shut Jesus out of our churches, or present Him as something He isn’t.

It is interesting that a Baptist missiologist would write a glorious report about us when his own denomination didn’t agree with our doctrine of the Holy Spirit baptism with the initial physical evidence of speaking with other tongues.

What is more interesting is that so many of our preachers and ministers are denying our roots, while this same denomination has come to the conclusion that we were on the right track after all. They may not agree with the initial physical evidence part, but they do agree that this experience of speaking in tongues is real and welcome their members to receive it.

It may be time for us to re‐evaluate what we believe, and then practice it. Remember, nobody likes a phony. Either we are or we aren’t Pentecostal. Either God still does what His word says or we need to find a new gospel. Let it be said by us as was said by Peter and John, “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20

Ken Draughon ALABAMA DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT ds@adcag.org

Two Times A Year Our Alabama AG family has two gatherings a year that are by-law mandated, but I like to think of them as opportunities. They are the District Council in spring and the Sectional Council Tour in the fall. These are tremendous opportunities to come together and be inspired by the Holy Spirit that loves to grace our gatherings. You also have the opportunity to be encouraged by your ministerial peers. Another opportunity is to have men and women of like faith pray with you and stand in agreement for victories in your life and ministry. Then, there is fellowship, which allows us to connect with our family of faith.

Fellowship will challenge us, encourage us, help us stay accountable, and fellowship is showing obedience to God and his word. Luke tells us in Acts 2:42 that the New Testament Church: “… devoted themselves to…fellowship….”

The District Leadership Team looks forward to these gatherings. I get excited as each gathering approaches because, as the District Pastor, I cannot wait to see this Alabama AG congregation come together. Pastors, you know how that feels when you see “all” your folks in the room. I remember Pastor Will Smith, the pastor I followed at my first and only church said, “Son, you can’t pastor anyone that won’t let you.” It is my heart's desire to pastor this Alabama AG family. We publish these gatherings and many more that occur during the year on our website in the late fall so you can place those into your calendar.

One version of 1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you as a good manager must use the gift that God has given you to serve others.” None of us have “all” of the gifts that God has sent to the church. This is why we need each other. You’ve heard it said, “No man is an island.” I need you, and you need me. That is how God designed the body of Christ. We need each other. We were made to work in teams. Paul said, “For the body does not consist of one member but of many” (1 Cor. 12:14, ESV). Every one of us is important to the plan of God for the Alabama AG family. If any of us pull back from the work, we harm His kingdom among us.

In closing, let me mention what the Apostle Paul told the church at Thessalonica, “…That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory” (1 Thess. 2:12). The phrase “called you” is not in the past tense, but is present tense. God is calling you today to walk in a “worthy” manner in all things as you serve Him. The reason we need each other and need to attend gatherings is so we can be encouraged in this war we are waging against the devil. Those that left Egypt and journeyed to the Promised Land were “picked off” if they became stragglers. We need to march together towards our God intended future. We sharpen each other for the tasks that lie ahead. Let me encourage you to attend our Alabama AG family gatherings because we need you and you need us. We need each other!

That’s how God set it up! I look forward to seeing you at the next family gathering.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Michael D. Sharp D. Min. District CE Director

DISCIPLESHIP DOLLAR DAY Sunday, September 11, 2016 Sunday, September 11, is our annual Discipleship Dollar Day. We are asking each church to consider receiving an offering of $1.00 per person in your Morning Worship Service, and sending it to the District Christian Education Department.

The ministries of the C.E. Department directly impact every person in your local church, from the youngest to the oldest. This department is designed to give back to our churches, investing in you through ministry, resourcing, and equipping. Your support helps us to develop new ministries for you, to keep our event fees low, and to sponsor or subsidize adults and children at every event we hold. Will you help us?

$1.00 is a SMALL amount to give that can make a BIG difference and will continue giving!

Thank you for your prayers, your friendship, and your giving.

K YOU THANK YOU THAN Many thanks to our Coordinators, Host Pastors, Presenters, Workers, and Attendees who made 2016 ACMS Training Day in Five Locations a wonderful day!

Tennessee Valley Campus, Hartselle First Assembly of God Host Pastor Jess White, Coordinator, John Sayre Birmingham Campus, LIFECHURCH of Birmingham Host Pastor Tim Mills, Coordinator Chad Payne Montgomery Campus, Safe Harbor Outreach Center (Prattville) Host Pastor Greg Melvin, Coordinator Michael Sharp Dothan Campus, Dothan First Assembly of God Host Pastor and Coordinator Carl Greene Mobile Campus, Fountain of Life Church Host Pastor Josh Hobbs , Coordinator Asst. CE Dir. Vint Norris

Junior Bible Quiz 2016-2017 September 10 - Moffett Road, Mobile October 08 - Evangel Church, Montgomery November 12 - Evangel Church, Montgomery January 07 - TBA February 11 - TBA March 10 & 11 - Springville Camp and Conf. Ctr. April 01 - TBA May 05 & 06 - SE Regionals , Greensboro, NC June 08, 09 & 10 - Nationals, Dallas, TX

CONGRATULATIONS ! Catching Fire JBQ Team from Montgomery First AG won 1st Place in state and 57th in the nation!

Top scorers in the nation!

Kevin Sowers placed 55th Peyton Shuffitt placed 146th Christina Gonzalez placed 162nd Allie Haynes placed 246th Addy Powell placed 267th

BGMC

PHEASANT HUNT OCTOBER 14, 2016 Greenway Sportsman Club 2621 HWY 223 Union Springs, Alabama 334-850-3689

MISSIONS RALLY 2016 Special Target FIVE Projects Chris Duncan . Indonesia Joil Marbut . Ecuador Tom McLane . Senegal Jason Smock . Korea Joel Temple . Europe

$60,000 GOAL

We need YOUR help!

Sporting Clay Shoot , 9:00 a.m.

Pheasant Hunt, 10:00 a.m.– 1:00 p.m.

Lunch & Missions Challenge, 1:00 p.m.– 2:30 p.m.

SS Tithe January-July 2016

BGMC January-July 2016

Evangel Church, Montg.……...………………...$525.00 Harper’s Joy AG…………………………………..$450.00 Orchard AG…………………………………………$360.00 Kingwood AG……………………………………....$350.00 Montgomery First………………………………...$350.00 The Crossing…………..……………………….….$350.00 Weeks Memorial..…………………………………$289.00

Orchard AG……………….….………………….$36,819.65 Dothan First AG………………………………..$16,500.00 Clearwater AG…………….……………………...$8,200.00 Phenix City First AG………………..…………..$5,600.00 Montgomery First AG…………………………..$4,870.26 Jackson First AG……………..………………….$3,460.53 Vincent Revival Ctr……………………………...$2,977.50

adcag.org

Children’s Leaders Retreat In The Smoky Mountains!

January 18-21, 2017

Come join the fun!

Alabama Women’s Ministries Director: Cyndi Draughon

fall

for every woman...

Breakaway

THE GREATEST EVENT OF THE YEAR!

SEPTEMBER 22-24, 2016

AT SPRINGVILLE CAMP & CONFERENCE CENTER Fall Breakaway is just a few weeks away! We have worked hard to make sure this will be a time of refreshing for you and the ladies from your church.

Martha Tennison are Susanne Cox are sure to minister with a powerful anointing. Come expecting! This is a great opportunity to get away from all of the busyness of life and have a few days of fun and fellowship with other women. Laughter is good for the soul, so come ready to have a good time!

PRE-REGISTRATION DEPOSIT: $35 PER PERSON DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE

$85 BALANCE DUE AT CHECK-IN

PLEASE BRING

GIFT CARDS

TO FALL BREAKAWAY! PLEASE CONTINUE TO BRING GIFT CARDS TO ALL OF OUR EVENTS TO HELP SUPPORT OUR MISSIONARIES AS THEY RETURN HOME FROM THE MISSION FIELD. WE LOVE OUR MISSIONARIES & THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO SHOW OUR APPRECIATION!

For many years the Sunshine Room served our missionaries well as they returned home from their mission field for furlough. The Sunshine Room helped provide the basic needs to set up a home for missionary families while in the states. Although we have transitioned from the Sunshine Room to providing our missionaries with gift cards, we are thankful for the many families that we were able to serve in this capacity over the years. Methods change but the end result is the same... Serving Missionaries!

Thank you for making this ministry possible!

Alabama Girls Ministries Coordinator: Kristi Norris

her heart... her world... His purpose SEPTEMBER 23 & 24

T his can be done this weekend or any other time you can fit it in to your church schedule. Be sure to email us pictures from your sleepovers!

GIRLS MINISTRIES MISSIONS PROJECT

recap What a great time we had a camp this year! From the spa to cake decorating to the lakefront activities to the awesome services with Mark and Stephanie Sasser, Terra Russell and Melissa Norris. God met us there and many lives were touched/ changed for His glory. We made lots of new friends and had fun with the old ones. Looking forward to next year!

Kristi

2016 National Fine Arts Results This#was#another# excepaonal#year#for# Fine#Arts#students.# # Alabama#was#well#represented#with# 122#total#entries,#21# of# which# received#superior#scores.#We#had#10#entries#that#placed#in#the#Top#10#as#well#as#2#Award#of#Merit#Winners.#We#are#blessed#to# have#so#many#talented#students#from#Alabama#and#are#proud#of#each#of#them#for#using#their#talents#and#gids#for#the#Lord.

AWARD%OF%MERIT KT#Photography,#Digital#1#Garrison#Strahan#1#Montgomery#First#Assembly KT#Guitar#Solo#1#Jordan#Blalock#1#Crossroads,#Albertville

TOP%10%PLACEMENT #2#KT#Spoken#Word#1#Garrison#Strahan#1#Montgomery#First#Assembly #3#KT#Urban#Solo#1#Carlos#Parrott#1#CenterPointe,#Mobile# #3#Puppetry#Solo#1#Trent#Smith#1#Ashland#First#Assembly #4#Puppetry#Solo#1#Sarah#Boyd#1#Ashland#First#Assembly# #4#Worship#Dance#Troupe#1#Ashland#First#Assembly# (Macy#Bell,#Alyssa#Hurst,#Addison#Smith) #4#First#Person#Essay#1#Madison#Bailey#1#Lake#City,#Guntersville #4#KT#First#Person#Essay#1#Zachary#Hurst#1#Ashland#First#Assembly #5#Guitar#Solo#1#Austin#Shuffitt#1#Montgomery#First#Assembly #7#KT#Songwriting#1#Candace#Price#1#Sulligent#First#Assembly #8#KT#Rap#Solo#1#Kevin#Cooper#1#Robertsdale#First#Assembly

SUPERIOR%PLACEMENT Photography,#Digital#1#Gabby#Joy#1#Montgomery#First#Assembly Visual#Art,#3D#1#Hannah#Byrd#1#Crossroads,#Albertville Visual#Art,#2D#Painting#&#Drawing#1#Madisyn#Greene#1#Vincent#Revival#Center Visual#Art,#2D#Painting#&#Drawing#1#Jonah#Medeiros# Celebration#Church,#Fairhope Visual#Art,#2D#Painting#&#Drawing#1#Emmee#Sessions#1# Celebration#Church,#Fairhope Puppetry#Group#1#Ashland#First#Assembly#“No#Legs”# (Macy#Bell,#Sarah#Boyd,#Sara#Gaither,#Russell#Jordan,#Will#Jordan,# Sabrina#McCain,#Addison#Smith,#MaryAnna#Taylor,#Brittany#White) Puppetry#Group#1#Ashland#First#Assembly#“Waist#High”# (Grace#Catchings,#Caroline#Coleman,#Kaylee#Crocker,#Alyssa#Hurst,# Amaiah#Knepper,#Trent#Smith,#Leland#Steed,#Emma#Williamson) Puppetry#Group#1#Montgomery#First#Assembly#“Satan#Bite#the#Dust”# (Savannah#Clemens,#Daonta#Hammond,#James#Johnson,#Gabby#Joy,# Taelor#Joy,#Anagrace#Sandlin,#Gabrielle#Williams) Short#Sermon#Jr.#1#Colby#Mason#1#Montgomery#First#Assembly Short#Sermon#Sr.#1#Austin#Glines#1#Celebration#Church,#Fairhope Spoken#Word#1#Hannah#Byrd#1#Crossroads,#Albertville Spoken#Word#1#Tyler#Oswald#1#Montgomery#First#Assembly Worship#Dance#Solo#–#Alyssa#Hurst#–#Ashland#First Human#Video#Ensemble#Large#1#Moffett#Road,#Mobile#“We#Are#Barabbi”# (Garrison#Carlos,#Mackenzie#Dodge,#Jordyn#Holland,#Ryan#Lee,# Micaha#McClain,#Justin#Paxton,#Rachel#Seward,#Liona#Smith,# Christian#Stanley,#Taylor#Willis) Human#Video#Ensemble#Small#1#Montgomery#First#Assembly# “#WhatIfJr”#(Tyler#Oswald,#Ashlyn#Strahan,#Kylei#Strahan,#Jeremiah#Waits) Human#Video#Solo#1#Kevin#Hoffren#1#Celebration#Church,#Fairhope Piano#Solo#1#Colby#Collins#1#Dothan#First#Assembly Woodwind#Solo#1#Dalton#Cash1#Fayette#First#Assembly Rap#Solo#1#Logan#Lassitter#1#Robertsdale#First#Assembly Vocal#Solo#Male#Sr.#1#Chad#Martin#1#Moffett#Road,#Mobile KT#Vocal#Solo#Female#1#Candace#Price#1#Sulligent#First#Assembly

ALABAMA DISTRICT MISSIONS & MEN’S MINISTRIES DISTRICT DIRECTOR

DAVID STRAHAN email: dstrahan@adcag.org

us & world missions

church planting & development

men’s ministry

lftl

2016 LFTL Banquet Tour Section

Church

Date

Speaker

Time

Anniston Birmingham

Springville Camp & Conference Center

11/1

John Loper

7:00 PM

Montgomery

Safe Harbor Outreach Center

11/1

Murray Kelley

7:00 PM

Dothan

Harper’s Joy Assembly of God

11/3

John Loper

Phenix City

The Bridge Church

11/3

Murray Kelley

7:00 PM 6:30 PM CST 7:30 PM EST

Monroeville

Appleton Assembly of God

11/4

John Loper

7:00 PM

Enterprise

Faith Christian Center, Ozark

11/4

Murray Kelley

7:00 PM

Demopolis

Butler First Assembly of God

11/7

Phil Schmidt

7:00 PM

Andalusia

Luverne First Assembly of God

11/7

Murray Kelley

7:00 PM

Tennessee Valley

Hartselle First Assembly of God

11/10

John Loper

7:00 PM

Mobile

Moffett Road Assembly of God

11/10

Murray Kelley

7:00 PM

Cullman

Life Springs Assembly of God, Jasper

11/14

John Loper

7:00 PM

Sylacauga

River of Life Worship Center

11/14

Murray Kelley

7:00 PM

Baldwin County

Robertsdale First Assembly of God

11/15

Phil Schmidt

7:00 PM

Tuscaloosa

Fayette First Assembly of God

11/15

Murray Kelley

7:00 PM

IT’S NOT TOO LATE!!

MEN’S ENCOUNTER 2016 September 15th-17th

Call Today to Register!

334-279-7172 ext 5

Alabama District and Builders International Nepal Legacy Team Missions Trip January 11-19, 2017 Join David Strahan and Ryan Moore, Builders International Director, on a prayer and vision casting journey in Nepal. Nepal is among the fastest growing Christian populations in the world! On this trip you will spend time with the leadership of the Nepal Theological College and hear their story.

This project includes the construction of a women’s dorm, retail spaces, offices, and a student activity center. It is vital, as it will give opportunity for 100 additional students to be accepted into the college to prepare for ministry.

The cost is $1,499.00 per person

Thank you for your continued support of Church Planting & Development

This is a special rate for the Alabama District and includes: airfare from ATL, hotel, meals, ground transportation, and a scenic flight over Mount Everest.

Passport and Visa are required for this trip For more information, contact: David Strahan dstrahan@adcag.org 334-279-7172 ext 5

Alabama Wom en’s

fall Breakaway S E PT E MB E R 2 2 - 24, 2 01 6

AT SPRINGVILLE CAMP & CONFERENCE CENTER

Calling all ladies!

Start spreading the word about Fall Breakaway.

This is THE GREATEST EVENT OF THE YEAR for our women. Let me encourage you to begin making plans now to attend.

Space is limited and we will fill up quickly!

I da May C ul pe pp er SPECIAL GUEST

JOIN US FOR OUR GREATEST EVENT OF THE YEAR! REGISTRATION BEGINS JULY 1ST PRE-REGISTRATION DEPOSIT: $35 PER PERSON (DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE) $85 BALANCE DUE AT CHECK-IN

Martha Tennison

THURSDAY EVEnING & Friday morning SPEAKER

Susanne Cox FRIDAY EVEnING SPEAKER

G REG WOODALL

& FLORENCE FIRST AG WILL BE LEADING WORSHIP

Dr. Robert E. Carter, Jr drcarter@mon‐cre.net

Putting Your Basket in the River We are all familiar with the story of Moses in Exodus 2.

Pharaoh had given the order to kill all Hebrew baby boys.

Jochebed, a Hebrew woman from the tribe of Levi, gave birth to Moses. Rather than take the chance of Moses being killed, she placed him in a basket and put him in the river. His sister watched from a distance to see what would happen to Moses, and Pharaoh's daughter found him. The rest is history.

That seems so cut and dry, but let's look a little closer. No matter how much Jochebed knew she needed to save her son, she still had to put the basket in the river. She had to let go, she had to lose control, and she had to trust God would take care of him. Other than her faith there were no guarantees. There were crocodiles in the river that could be attracted to Moses' crying. There were snakes in the river. The basket could drift away. Even with Moses' sister watching that didn't guarantee the child's safety. It took a lot of faith to place that basket in the river.

There are times in our life when we know we have to make huge, difficult decisions. We may think we can handle it, we may think there is always a Plan B, but the real answer is trusting God. We have to be willing to lose control and be willing to place it in the Lord's hands. That is so hard, especially when it involves our children or those we love.

Yet, God had a plan for Moses. God was in control and all things would work together for good. God was going to do great things in his life, but it started with a mother being willing to put the basket in the water.

Do you have some big decisions to make? Does the idea of losing control and totally turning it over to God frighten you? The name Jochebed means "God is Glory". Trust God, turn it over to him. Put the basket in the water and let God receive all the glory as his will unfolds.

Dr. Robert Carter

Alabama School of Ministry 2016 Class Schedule Class Date

Level 1 Courses (Certified)

Level 2 Courses (License)

Effective Leadership

September 10 September 10 September 10

October 15 October 15 October 22

The Local Church in Evangelism

Relationships and Ethics in Ministry

Conflict Management for Church Leaders

November 19 November 19 November 19

Introduction to AG Missions

Level 3 Courses (Ordination)

Pastoral Ministry

(Black denotes North) Mt Olive (Blue denotes Southeast) Newton (Red denotes South Campus) Evergreen

You may enroll in classes by using the provided forms at www.adcag.org, or by calling the district office at 334‐279‐7172 ext. 2. The ALSOM course, Assemblies of God History, Missions, and Governance, is required for anyone seeking credentials with the Assemblies of God or coming from another denomi‐ nation. As always, if you have questions about this or any other course, please don’t hesitate to ask.

You may contact Edward Wilson for more information at (334) 279‐7172 or ewilson@adcag.org.

DATA CHANGES FAITH CHRISTIAN CENTER OZARK, AL PHONE: 334-443-0295 RONNIE CHANEY PHONE: 334-560-4449 GIDDENS, TONY (O) (AMY) 66 SHILOH DR SYLACAUGA, AL 35151 256-861-6590 JOHNSON, ERIC E. (L) (ANGELA) (CM) PO BX 1220 DEMOPOLIS, AL 36732 251-348-9867 LUCAS, CYNTHIA G. (O) 10149 CO RD 73 MONTEVALLO, AL 35115 205-410-1405 MORRIS, LUKE (O) (STACY) 125 PEBBLE CT PIKE RD, AL 36064 334-294-7703 RANDALL, GLENN PHONE: 256-477-9500

ROBERTS, THOMAS (O) (LESSIA) 104 NANCY LANE HAYDEN, AL 35079 256-702-3900 PASTORAL CHANGES REV. ERIC JOHNSON RIVER OF LIFE CHURCH DEMOPOLIS, AL NEW MINISTERS DiQUATTRO, JONATHAN (L) (DAWN) 2366 CARRIAGE DR MOBILE, AL 36693 GRIMES, TIMOTHY (CM) (SUSAN) 508 CRESTVIEW DR GADSDEN, AL 35903 256-405-3887 HINSON, MARION EDWARD (CM) (TONYA) 269 PEACOCK RD GROVE HILL, AL 36451 251-377-9319 MOORE, SUE (L) (J.C., JR) 2645 NEEDHAM RD. NEEDHAM, AL 36915 205-673-2327

MINISTERIAL UPGRADE JOHNSON, ERIC (L) WOLLNER, MITCHELL (L) MINISTERS TRANSFERRED IN DAYER, CALEB THOMAS (L) 1925 8TH AVE # 15D TUSCALOOSA, AL 35401 501-428-373 FROM THE ARKANSAS DISTRICT ISKANDER, HABIB (O) (RUTH) 929 VESTLAKE HOLLOW CIR VESTAVIA HILLS, AL 35242 714-272-3872 FROM THE SO. CAL DISTRICT ISKANDER, RUTH (L) (HABIB) 929 VESTLAKE HOLLOW CIR VESTAVIA HILLS, AL 35242 714-272-3872 FROM THE SO. CAL DISTRICT

ALABAMA DISTRICT COUNCIL OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Kenneth Draughon, District Superintendent John A. Loper, Jr., Assistant Superintendent Edward Wilson, District Secretary-Treasurer

GENERAL PRESBYETERS Kenneth Draughon Johnny E. Jones Murray Kelley

DISTRICT PRESBYTERS Robert Angles George Arnett Barry Danner Scottie Fulcher Jerry Jenkins Keith Jones Charles Lenn Eddie Littlefield Lomax Lunsford Michael Lynn Randall Reid George Sawyer James F. Smith, Sr. Ronald O. Thompson David Wooten

DISTRICT WORLD MISSIONS DIRECTOR David Strahan

SCHWARTE, MICHAEL (L) (YING) 911 LAW DR AUBURN,AL 36830 907-518-0232

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DIRECTOR Michael Sharp

YOUTH MINISTRIES DIRECTOR Steven Mason

WOMEN'S MINISTRIES DIRECTOR Cynthia Draughon

Alabama District Council Assemblies of God P. O. Box 235014 Montgomery, Alabama 36123-5014

Periodical Postage Paid Montgomery, Alabama

Summer is coming to a close, and I hope it has been an awesome experience for you as well as your students. Sometimes (most times) summer is hectic. Filled with activities, running here and there and, in Alabama, HEAT – it can sometimes wear you down. I wanted to share an encouraging article with you from Dr. Wess Stafford. Dr. Stafford led Compassion International for 20 years and wrote several books championing the cause of children and trying to awaken adults to the importance of advocating for children.

He points to one night at camp as the change in his life and reason for his ministry.

I can still picture exactly where I sat the night of that campfire talk. I could walk you to the spot right now. Years after that experience, after I’d become president of Compassion International, I Googled the man who’d spoken the words that altered the course of my life.

Then I flew out to Los Angeles and took him to lunch. I told him all about my ministry and said, “You have no idea what you did for me when I was a teenager at a campfire talk at Woodbine Ranch [Sedalia, Colo.]. In that moment, you rescued me by letting God use you with that concept of forgiveness.” I’ll never forget: This dear man looked across the table at me, tears welling up in his eyes and said, “Wess, that might have been the most important thing I did in my life.” I responded that I was just one of a string of lucky kids in his ministry and said, “I just wanted you to know that now I lead a ministry to over 1.5 million hurting children, and I speak up and I write—and it all came from that moment with you.” For camp counselors and pastors and others who never get to see the fruit of their labor, who wonder, Was anyone even listening as I poured my heart into these kids? I want you to know—there’s always a Wess Stafford in the crowd. There is always somebody who may be way too hurt to express gratitude now or even for decades, but you can trust God. If you’re faithful, you are changing lives. There is no more powerful setting than a camp program for God to change lives. In a new setting, away from our comfort zones, hearing words from people we don’t know—that is magic. And I can tell you, it absolutely transformed my life.

—Dr. Wess Stafford

Thank you for getting your students to camp and thank you for all the other things you do to pour into their lives. If we can be of assistance in any way to help you do this, please give us a call.

Many Blessings,

Rev. Kevin Pierson Executive Director Springville Camp and Conference Center 205‐629‐6279