The Alabama Messenger March April 2016

THEALABAMAMESSENGER March/April 2016 Volume 30/Number 2

The 101st Alabama District Council Moffett Road Assembly of God Mobile, Alabama April 25-27, 2016

Rev. Ken Draughon

Rev. Jeff Hartensveld

Rev. Rob Ketterling

Superintendent’s Message Monday Evening

Missions Service Speaker Tuesday Morning

Guest Speaker Tuesday Evening, Wednesday Morning & Evening

Detailed information for the upcoming District Council is located on page 16.

EDWARD WILSON

DISTRICT SECRETARY‐TREASURER

ewilson@adcag.org

Focus – Upward

We once sang a song that says, “I love Him because He first loved me and purchased my salvation on Calvary’s tree.” His love was shown on Calvary as was promised in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.’ Later it was said, “God is love.” I John 4:8

The primary focus of all Christians should be toward God. After all, it is He who has saved us. The God of the universe thought enough of mankind that He gave His only begotten Son. Jesus so loved us that He laid down His life freely. The Holy Spirit loves us so much He wades through all our sin to touch our hearts with God’s love.

How could we not love Him?

Our affections must be set on things above. No parents like to feel their children place them second to someone else. No spouse would want his or her partner to show more affection to another. God isn’t asking much of us when He asks to be number one in our lives.

I was only eighteen when I married. I signed on for life. Fifty years have now passed since I said, “I do.” My marriage has lasted because I have made a concerted effort to put God in the home and show Edna that other than God, she is number one. I have never spoken of or contemplated divorce. No other lady has ever turned my head.

Could we offer God anything less? I have never spoken of or contemplated turning back. Life is too short and uncertain, and Heaven is too real and near to look back. The things of this world are temporal, while the things God has prepared for me are eternal. Why would I yield to temptation and fall away?

When I was new to ministry, I visited a lady many years my senior. She was a widow and her daughter had died.

This lady had many years of experience and maturity on me, and I was taught to respect my elders. However, there came a time in conversation when I was thrown for a loop. This lady said, “I love God, but I don’t trust Him.” Wow! How do you answer that? As I looked at her statement, I realized she was speaking from hurt and loss, but the statement was still true, she didn’t trust God.

If we are going to focus on God, we must be willing to trust that He knows the end from the beginning. Solomon said, “Trust in the Lord with all thy heart, and lean not on thine on understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

Trust is something we learn by experience. I trusted my dad to provide the necessities for me to live. I never questioned whether there would be food on the table, clothes in the closet, and heat in the house because he had proven his willingness to provide. While he wasn’t one to verbalize his love, he was one to show his love by his work ethic and priorities. There was no doubt in my mind that I could trust him.

In the same way I can look at what God has done, and what He has promised to do and trust Him. He hasn’t changed His mind about loving us or providing for us. If he will provide for the birds of the air, He will provide for me. So the secret of building a relationship with God is, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things (clothes, food, housing) shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

The upward focus (seeking His righteousness) is the beginning of our spiritual maturation process. It will also force us to have an inward focus, which is my next topic.

Ken Draughon Alabama District Superintendent ds@adcag.org

Will the next

?

generation

know

Joshua died at the age of 110 years old according to Judges 2:8. He had been with these people and their forefathers since Egypt. After Moses died, God spoke to Joshua in Joshua chapter one that He had picked him to finish the journey from Egypt to Canaan. He had experienced the miracles of the days leading up to the first Passover and the exodus out of Egypt. He had walked through the Red Sea on dry ground. He was there when Moses climbed the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments from God. He also saw the rebellion of the people and heard them whining about the miraculous supply of manna. He walked beside Moses as his lieutenant. The great Moses who had “talked with God” had mentored him.

Joshua took the lead in Joshua chapter 1 after God told him three times in vs. 6, 7, and 9 to “Be strong and very courageous.” God has ALWAYS connected with those that would seek Him and obey His words. Through this relationship between God and His servant, the children of Israel saw victories in their battles and provision for their needs. In Joshua 1:7 God instructed Joshua to stay in His word, “… Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.”

It was Joshua’s call to lead them into the Promised Land and teach them God’s law so that they would continue to be blessed by the Lord and live in peace in the land. It has always been the mandate of God’s servants throughout the ages to lead God’s people into God’s promises for them and teach them to dwell in His word. This was done so that they would be prosperous in their lives. We have witnessed a handing off of the leadership of God’s people from one generation to another as our Pentecostal forefathers have taught the richness of God’s word and demonstrated the Pentecostal experience in which they functioned.

Joshua had come to the end of his time and passed to the next generation what had been passed to him. Here’s the problem: The next generation does not always understand their heritage and are often unaware of it’s worth.

Judges 2:7 says, “The people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great work which the Lord had done for Israel.” While the memory of God's greatness and the work He did for Israel was alive, the people maintained their devotion to God. But verse 10 says that after the death of Joshua and those who had seen God's mighty acts, “There arose another generation after them, who did not know the Lord or the work which He had done for Israel.” The result of this ignorance is given in verse 11, “The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and served the Baals; and they forsook the Lord, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt.” And then verse 14 describes the divine response to this idolatry. “So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and He gave them over to plunderers.” Those whose forefathers had seen and experienced the hand of God, are now facing the wrath of God. So what about this generation in which we live? 100 years ago, this fellowship was birthed in the fire of Pentecost.

For decades we have seen the Pentecostal message preached and taught among our churches. Here is my concern: if we aren’t careful, we are going to follow non-Pentecostal evangelical models of how to “do church” until we have come to a generation that “knows not” the Pentecostal experience. God forbid!

We are going to Moffett Road Assembly of God in Mobile (April 25-27) for our 101st Alabama District Council. Our theme is, “Will the NEXT generation know?” Judges 2:10 ASV states, “There arose another generation that knew not…” Pray with me for God to manifest His presence and bring a “sure word” for the NEXT generation. I look forward to meeting with the family in Mobile. See you at ADC 101.

DISTRICT DIRECTOR

ALABAMA DISTRICT MISSIONS & MEN’S MINISTRIES DAVID STRAHAN

email: dstrahan@adcag.org

us & world missions

church planting & development

men’s ministry

lftl

Join us for Our

101st Alabama District Council Missions Banquet with Speaker: Joil Marbut Monday, April 25, 2016 Banquet begins at 5:00 PM (Tickets are $20) LIMITED SEATS AVAILABLE! ALL Tickets will be First Come/First Serve Only 300 seats will be available for the 2016 Missions Banquet, Register Early Contact the District Office to reserve your tickets now for our Missions Banquet!

Join us for our Upcoming District Missions Service Tuesday, April 25, 2016, at 9:00 am.

Our Special Guest is Jeff Hartensveld

Spots Are Still Available!

MISSIONS TRIP HONDURAS AUGUST 22-29, 2016 Come be a part of what God is doing in Honduras through !

Total Trip Cost $1,500 per man FIRST COME-FIRST SERVE! For more information contact the Men’s Department at 334-279-7172 ext 5

If you are interested in joining the Alabama Men’s Ministry Department for this exciting trip contact the Alabama District Men’s Department NOW! Email ssowers@adcag.org or call 334-279-7172 ext. 5

Thank you for supporting our Alabama District Missionaries!

If you have made a faith promise to the Alabama World Missions Legacy Fund, please send funds to the Alabama District Missions Department.

If you would like to make a commitment, please send your contribution to the Alabama District Council marked Alabama World Missions Legacy Fund.

CP&D Top 25 Giving 2015

Thank you for all those who attended our recent CP&D Banquet Tour. We are grateful for the support as we look forward to the future of church planting in Alabama. If you have not turned in your 2016 faith promise, please do so.

Mark Your Calendars NOW! Men’s Encounter 2016 September 15-17th Springville Camp & Conference Center Guest Speaker: Allen Griffin

Montgomery First A/G

$31,000

Evangel Church

$18,000

Phenix City First A/G

$15,500

Ozark First A/G

$15,250

Excel A/G

$15,000

Life Church of the A/G

$15,000

Lake City A/G

$12,100

Dothan First A/G

$12,000

Fountain of Life Church

$10,500

Safe Harbor Outreach Center

$7,300

Ashland First A/G

$7,178

Moffett Road A/G

$6,600

Clanton First A/G

$6,500

Appleton First A/G

$6,000

Calvary A/G-Decatur

$6,000

Harper’s Joy A/G

$5,000

Sunshine A/G

$5,000

Kingwood A/G

$4,800

Eufaula First A/G

$4,567

Marvin Chapel A/G

$4,500

City Church of Mobile

$4,300

Coastal Church

$4,105

Butler First A/G

$4,050

Weatherly Road A/G

$4,000

River of Life Worship Center

$3,866

Trinity A/G-Red Bay

$3,600

New Horizon Family Worship

$3,600

Alabama Women’s Ministries Director: Cyndi Draughon

for every woman...

i

Now is the perfect time to get involved with Alabama Women’s Ministry. I believe as women in ministry, we need one another! The Ladies Luncheon at District Council is a wonderful way to connect with other women from every walk of ministry. The Life Rally tour is also a great way to connect with those who live in your area. Please step out and get involved. You will not regret it. I hope to see you at these upcoming events!

Life Rally& Girls Night Out

i

District Council Ladies Luncheon Ticket Price: $20 GUEST SPEAKER:

Karen Schatzline

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

at 12 noon in the Family Center of Moffett Road AG

Alabama Girls Ministries Coordinator: Kristi Norris

her heart... her world... His purpose

Girls Night Out

REMINDER

Be sure to check the Life Rally & Girls’ Night Out schedule for the night your section will meet. I want you to bring all of your girls to this event for a FUN night together.

j

We will bring our missions offerings for the past year and celebrate what Alabama Girls are doing for missionaries around the world.

I hope you can join us!

July 19-22, 2016 at Springville Camp

Mpact Speakers:

Mark & Stephanie Sasser Teen Girls Speaker:

Terra Russell

Mark your calendars now! It’s going to be an ALL STAR week for Alabama Girls!

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

Signs of Christian Maturity We live in a country where it seems each year fewer and fewer people are willing to act like grownups. So many refuse to take responsibility for their actions, many want someone else to take care of them, and yet others seem content to be 25 going on 12. I would like to think the church hasn't been effected by this devolution of maturity, but I am concerned it has. Listed below are 5signs of a mature Christian. There are of course more but I thought I would focus on these. Ask yourself if these signs of maturity can be seen in your life on a regular basis.

1. An Appetite for Meat : It’s good to enjoy the milk of the gospel with every meal. But some Christians pride themselves on focusing only upon fun and play in church and avoid the meat of doctrine. We make a huge mistake when we allow the terms theology or doctrine to become words to avoid. Hebrews 5:11 2. An Ability to handle Personal Offence: It is seldom that a mature believer should feel offended. Offence is appropriate at any attack on God’s glory, but a mature Christian understands that should he be attacked because of his faith it is a blessing. Luke 21:17 A mature believer doesn’t take personal offense easily. They understand that when someone sins against them, there are bigger issues at stake than their personal rights. Galatians 2:20 3. Decision Making Based on Scripture, not Opinions or Feeling: One of the greatest signs of immaturity is to live daily based on your feelings and emotions. In order to remain stable and effective you must have an anchor which is the Word of God. If your feelings are in conflict with what you know is Biblical truth we must act based on God's Word not our feelings. A simple definition of maturity is to do the right thing no matter how you feel. James 1:6 4. Humility when used by God in Ministry: I grew up watching God use my grandfather Buell Pitts in powerful ways. I saw people healed, saved, filled with the Spirit and delivered from the power of evil during his revivals; yet I never saw or heard him take the credit. He always had a humility about him that made him always available for God. A mature Christian understands it is God ministering through him.

Galatians 2:20 I Timothy 3:6 5. Tendency to give Credit for Spiritual Growth or the Manifestation of God's Power to God, not People: Our world is full of idol worship. American Idol is the most aptly named and unblushingly honest tribute to our celebrity culture. Our hearts are geared to adulate and adore. An immature believer struggles to break the habit of idolizing people. He merely transfers his adulation of worldly celebrities onto spiritual celebrities. A mature believer avoids idolizing a pastor, or an evangelist, or any Christian minister in a way that gives someone else the glory rather than God. I Corinthians 3:4 Let's step up and grow up in these last days. Let's be examples for our children, this world and the Body of Christ .

Good News

With everything that is going on in the world today, you only have to watch a few minutes of television or internet “reporting” to get all the bad news you can handle. Sometimes it is important to take a step back and look for the good news that is out there.

Here is some good news: Young people in the 21st century still respond to Jesus. In some ways, this is truer than ever! The lives of children and youth have changed dramatically from when you and I were their age. But this shift to more pain, more confusion, more stress, and more isolation makes a relationship with Jesus truly revolutionary: something young people are hungry for.

Today’s young people are hungry for something to be passionate about. And the message of Christ is wonderfully counter‐cultural. While their school‐ work often calls for busy‐ness, Jesus calls them to a relationship of trust and connection. While their sports teams often call them to performance, Jesus calls them to a place where their worth is pre‐established. While their parents, and even their peer groups, call them to wear a variety of masks to hide the pain in their lives, Jesus calls them to be themselves—the selves he so perfectly loves.

Christian Camps are a proven way to allow the Holy Spirit to get through the “stuff” and establish a lasting relationship with Christ. Young people are still responding to Jesus, and Christian camps are still a great way to help facilitate that response. Please, please, please get your young people to camps this summer.

Food for thought: It costs more to board a pet than it does to send a kid to our A/G camps for the same number of days.

Travel ball teams (which parents gladly pay) average about $2000 for the season.

Academic or sports camps can be 3 to 6 times the cost of Alabama A/G camps.

Thank you for believing in Jesus, your kids and camp! If we can ever do anything to help you, please don’t hesitate to call.

Many Blessings, Rev. Kevin Pierson Executive Director Springville Camp and Conference Center

Class Date

March 12 March 12 March 12

April 2 April 2 April 9

May 7 May 7 May 14

August 6 August 6 August 13

September 10 September 10 September 10

October 15 October 15 October 22

November 19 November 19 November 19

Level 1 Courses (Certified)

Introduction to Pentecostal Doctrine

Level 2 Courses (License)

Old Testament Survey

Level 3 Courses (Ordination)

The Corinthians Correspondence

Acts: The Work of the Holy Spirit

Romans: Justification by Faith

Introduction to Homiletics

Eschatology

Effective Leadership

The Poetic Books

Prison Epistles

Introduction to Hermeneutics

The Local Church in Evangelism

Relationships and Ethics in Ministry

Conflict Management for Church Leaders

Introduction to AG Missions

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

Preaching in the Contemporary World

Church Administration, Finance and Law

Pastoral Ministry

You may contact Edward Wilson for more information.

(334) 279‐7172 or ewilson@adcag.org Enrollment form may be found at www.adcag.org

Rev. Orville W. Johnson Jr. announces the opening of a new counseling practice in Foley, AL. Rev. Johnson is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God, with more than twenty years pastoral experience. He has earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Troy University and a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. He is an Associate Licensed Counselor under the supervision of Patty Vanderpool LPC. Orville is a member of American Christian Counselors association and National Association for alcoholism and drug abuse counselors.

Orville’s life, business, pastoral, law enforcement and counseling experience before licensing and after have given him a unique insight for individuals, couples, and those suffering with PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief and substance abuse issues.

Orville as been married 37 years and has two sons and two grandchildren. He and his wife, Carol, have lived and ministered in Bald‐ win county since October 1998 and look forward to many more years of effective serving in South Alabama!

Rev. Johnson is seeing clients and welcomes your call at 251‐269‐1819 for free phone consultation and available appointment times.

NEXT CHAPTER COUNSELING 820 NORTH ALSTON ST. FOLEY, AL 36535 251‐269‐1819

DATA CHANGES CARROLL, JEFFREY L. (O) (BEVERLY) 2125 HALCYON LOOP MONTGOMERY, AL 36117 334-239-8909 LEE, JACK B. (O) (KIM) 25 RICHIE ST SARALAND, AL 36571 256-689-8250 LOPER, JASON D. (O) (KRISTI) 6064 MOORE CEMETERY RD MCCALLA, AL 35111 205-475-1622 WALKER, LARRY RAY (O) (SHARON) 624 RIDGE TOP CIRCLE BIRMINGHAM, AL 35206 205-994-4039 YOUNG, ADAM (O) (CASEY) 12902 BUCKSVILLE DR MCCALLA, AL 35111 205-337-1967 NEW MINISTER BERRY, SUMMER (L) (JUSTIN) 3963 SHADE TREE LANE BESSEMER, AL 35022 205-482-6266

MINSTERS TRANSFERRED IN ELLIOTT, DAVID E. (O) ELLIOTT, VICKI C. (O) 42 BATTLES CIR DOUBLE SPRINGS, AL 35553 941-567-8819 FROM PEN FL DISTRICT ENNIS, MICHAEL (O) (CHRISTY) 805 COURTNIE CIR ODENVILLE, AL 35120 417-861-1252 FROM GEORGIA DISTRICT HILL, KELSEY (CM) 32837 RIVER ROAD ORANGE BEACH, AL 36561 817-395-2050 FROM GEORGIA DISTRICT KLIMIS, MATTHEW (L) (NATALIE) 92 DEEP WOODS RD VALLEY GRANDE, AL 36703 727-420-5468 FROM OHIO DISTRICT NICHOLS, JOSEPH E. (CM) (ALISA) 1170 LEE RD 454 PHENIX CITY, AL 36867 706-577-8860 FROM GEORGIA DISTRICT

PURVIS, DERRICK (CM) (ERICA) 6362 ST HWY 87 SAMSON, AL 36477 334-449-2370 FROM WEST FL DISTRICT SASSER, MATTHEW (CM) (AMANDA) 188 BROADVIEW TERRACE OZARK, AL 36360 334-733-9371 FROM N CAROLINA DISTRICT WILLIAMS, CANDACE (L) (MARK) 78 BROOKHAVEN CT ELLERSLIE, GA. 31807 706-478-1314 FROM GEORGIA DISTRICT MINISTERS UPGRADED TO LICENSE GREEN, BARBARA LINDSEY, BETTY GUINETTE LINDSEY, DONNIE MINISTER REINSTATED COUCKE, DUANE (L) (LORI) 1356 CO RD 1216 VINEMONT, AL 35179 256-590-7822 MINISTER TRANSFERRED OUT KOLB, ALVIN TO WEST FL 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

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DIRECTOR Michael Sharp

YOUTH MINISTRIES DIRECTOR Steven Mason

WOMEN'S MINISTRIES DIRECTOR Cynthia Draughon

In Loving Memory….

Rev. Cora L. Fowler of Mobile, Alabama, went home to be with the Lord January 13, 2016, at the age of 92. Fu‐ neral services were held at Pine Crest Memory Chapel January 15, 2016, with Rev. Bill Gray officiating.

Sister Fowler received license to preach in 1944 and was ordained in the Georgia district. She served with her husband in pastoral ministry in the South Carolina and Georgia districts, as well as the following Alabama churches: Tanner Williams Assembly of God, Mobile; Gardendale Assembly of God; Excel Assembly of God; Cedar Point Road Assembly of God, Mobile; and Parkway Assembly of God, Mobile.

Sister Fowler is survived by two daughters, one son, and one granddaughter.

Rev. John W. Knighton of Phenix City, Alabama, went home to be with the Lord January 14, 2016, at the age of 84. Funeral services were held at Edgewood Assembly of God, Columbus, Georgia, January 18, 2016, with Rev. Mike McBride officiating.

Brother Knighton transferred into the Alabama District from the Southern California District in 1955. He served as pastor in California and Georgia and the following churches in Alabama: Fellowship Assembly of God, Phenix City; First Assembly of God, Union Springs; Appleton Assembly of God, Brewton; Oakdale Assembly of God, Repton; and Calvary Temple Assembly of God, Sanfort Road Assembly of God, and Power of Praise Assembly of God in Phenix City.

Brother Knighton is survived by two daughters, two sons, and grandchildren.

Rev. Donald G. Cox of Montgomery, Alabama, went home to be with the Lord February 1, 2016, at the age of 82.

Funeral services were held at Leak Memorial Chapel February 5, 2016, with Rev. Greg Kelley and Rev. Jim Ingram officiating.

Brother Cox transferred into the Alabama district from the Tennessee district in2006 as a senior‐retired ordained minister. He served as pastor in the Potomac, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Alabama districts. He was awarded a certificate in 2007, recognizing his fifty years of service as an ordained minister with the Assem‐ blies of God.

Brother Cox is survived by one daughter, two sons, and four grandchildren.

Gift Cards

$50

FOR OUR MISSIONARIES

Thank you to churches across Alabama for continuing your support of this ministry that blesses our missionaries as they return home for furlough. Because of your faithfulness, our missionaries are able to make temporary houses into “homes” during their stay here in Sweet Home Alabama.

Please encourage your Women’s & Girls’ Ministries to bring gift cards to our upcoming Life Rally & Girls’ Night Out in your section. I would also like to encourage all of the ladies to bring a gift card to District Council with them.

Thank you for all you do for missions!

101STALABAMADISTRICT COUNCIL

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Monday, April 25 BGMC Golf Tournament Monday morning 2:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Registration Begins Missions Practice Missions Banquet with Missionary Joil Marbut Opening Service with Superintendent Ken Draughon

Tuesday, April 26 9:00 a.m.

Missions Service with Rev. Jeff Hartensveld 12 noon Ladies Luncheon/Lunch Break 2:00 p.m.

Business Session 7:00 p.m.

Service with Rev. Rob Ketterling -Honoring Hall of Faith Recipients Wednesday, April 27 9:00 a.m.

Service with Rev. Rob Ketterling -Memorial Service -Communion 12 noon Lunch Break 2:00 p.m.

Business Session (if needed) 4:00 p.m.

Ordination Candidates & Spouses arrive for pictures 5:00 p.m.

Presbytery arrives for Ordination meeting 7:00 p.m.

Ordination Service with Rev. Rob Ketterling -Honoring 50 Year Ordination Recipients

If you are in need of the following information, please visit our website at www.adcag.org or call the Superintendent s Office at 334.279.7172, ext. 1.

-General Registration Form -Childcare Registration Form -Golf Tournament Info -Ladies Luncheon Form -Missions Banquet Form -Exhibitor Form -Sponsor Form -Hotel Information

Please email Terra Russell at trussell@adcag.org if you are interested in becoming a District Council sponsor.

APRIL 25-27, 2016/MOFFETT ROAD AG IN MOBILE