THE
ALABAMA
MESSENGER VOLUME 30 // ISSUE 4 // JULY-AUGUST 2016
MEN’S ENCOUNTER September 15-17
See page 8 for more information
Fall
BREAKAWAY
SEPTEMBER 22-24 // SEE PAGE 6 FOR MORE INFORMATION
Cyndi Draughon EVENT HOST
Susanne Cox GUEST SPEAKER
Martha Tennison GUEST SPEAKER
Greg Woodall WORSHIP LEADER
EDWARD WILSON
DISTRICT SECRETARY‐TREASURER ewilson@adcag.org
Focus– Outward The answer to my question still troubles me. I had stood at the bedside of a lady who was critically ill. Blood on the sheets showed the severity of the disease that ravaged her body. I looked into her eyes and saw someone who had been left in life to love only her dogs. Now dying, she just had to listen to a witness of God’s love and turn her life over to Him. I gave it my best. Her answer to my plea, “I have beaten this once and I will beat it again.” In her effort to “beat” it she was transferred to another hospital in another city. When I asked later of her condition, the answer was, “She died.” This is just one of many stories that could be told of people rejecting the love of God. But it doesn’t get any easier to live with. Once in my life I was just like this lady, spiritually. The disease of sin had ravaged my body, mind, and soul. The marks of sin had become evident. But someone came along and shared the love of God with me. One event led to another until I found my way to an old‐fashioned altar and surrendered to “love.” I looked upward and opened my heart to God’s word to be led by the Holy Spirit. The witness of others caused me to look inward and examine what I had become. From the innocence of infancy I had become cold and hard. My habits, behavior, and vocabulary showed my lack of God. My ignorance kept me from following Him. But then I opened my heart to His word and changed from sinner to saint in one miraculous moment because my ignorance vanished by His grace and love. As I stood by that bedside, I was following God’s instruction to share His plan with others. It was not my job to convert. It was my job to present. My efforts may have fallen short, but I can at least take comfort in trying. The greatest method of evangelism has to be example. That is why our relationship with God is so important. If we do not exhibit what He has done for us with our daily living, we make poor witnesses. By the same token, the way we look at ourselves will determine how we share our faith. If we are not confident in our walk with Him, we will be feeble in our daily living and our witness will be negatively affected. “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” Acts 11: 26 Why were the disciples called Christians? What was seen in them that caused such a description? You see, we have called ourselves Christians for so long we have forgotten that we are judged by what others see. We can wear a cross. We can carry a Bible. We can improve ourselves with a self‐help approach to studying God’s word. However, our lives will only be changed when a supernatural change is brought about by the power of the word and Holy Spirit. The question is, what are your friends, relatives, and neighbors saying about your Christian walk? My goal is to reach, win, and disciple as many wayward people as possible while I have time. The curtain is closing. The night when no man can work is quickly coming. We must be about our Father’s business. My ultimate goal is Heaven. My relationship with Him will determine if I go. My view and work toward holiness in my own life will determine my holiness. Couple this relationship and holy life together and you come up with a life of witness. Who do you know is lost, and what are you doing to win them? Let me encourage you to examine your relationship with God, keep your life holy, and walk in such a way that others will want to follow. Finally, how you look at those who need Jesus is all‐important. We must look a them with love, not judgment. We once lived as they do; maybe not as sinful but just as lost. Jesus showed us how to love when He said from the cross, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”
Ken Draughon ALABAMA DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT ds@adcag.org
The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, “But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled”(2 Corinthians 10:2-6). In this letter to the church at Corinth, the Apostle was addressing those in the church and community that were challenging his leadership and calling. They defamed him. They had smear campaigns against him. They said he was weak and a coward. They said he didn’t have any power or ability to lead the church. These individuals were being used of the devil operating in his evil power trying to derail God’s plan for the church at Corinth. He was facing spiritual warfare, and the enemy was using individuals in the church as his puppets. “Good” people are sometimes used of the devil if they aren’t aware of what’s going on—spiritually immature. I believe that we are living in the last generation, and the spirit of anti-christ is already present. The challenge to our Biblical belief system is under constant attack through all forms of media. Every week, without realizing it, Christians sit under the propaganda of the devil through various outlets (pulpits) and after untold hours of this influence they arrive at church and spend a short time being told the other side of the story. No wonder that there are attacks against those that preach and lead congregations. Paul said it well, “…the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God….” You CAN NOT overcome these voices without “supernatural power” working in you. We must defeat this demonically inspired rebellion. These “strongholds” must be pulled down. In the original text he was saying, “we must put an end to these arguments, reasons, theories, or ideas.” God’s anointed word preached through an anointed vessel can defeat these arguments. The Apostle went on to say in Verse 5, we are told to cast down imaginations. That means we are to conquer them. We are to attack and conquer imaginations of this world. What are these imaginations? They are the deceptive and fleshly way of thinking common to this world system. Paul said in Colossians 2:8-10,“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” We must preach and teach under the anointing of the Holy Spirit in order to defeat the enemy’s plan to defeat us. We are told in 1 Peter 4:12, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you….” We are in “perilous times” and to defeat the devil we are going to have to lean on God. You are under attack as was the Apostle Paul. We must believe as he did and allow God’s “mighty weapons” to function in us as we lead people into the things of God. Allow the Holy Spirit to empower you with His boldness to break off the yokes that bind people and set them free. You are God’s answer for this generation. Don’t back up—double up!
CHRISTIAN EDUCAtION Michael D. Sharp, D. Min. Christian Education Director
msharp@adcag.org
ACMS “TRAINING DAY 2016” HERE SOON! Offering “Training Day” in five locations was successful in helping you train current and future workers in your church. So many commented how much this helped. them. Pastors and workers, please mark your calendars for AUGUST 20th. Once again, classes will be held in five locations making this convenient for you. Registration begins June 27th.
August 20,2016
gospel-centered ministry
TOP SS/SMALL GROUP TITHE 2016 Evangel Church, Montg Harper’s Joy AG Orchard AG Clanton 1st AG Kingwood AG Life Church of the AG Montgomery 1st AG The Crossing
$375.00 375.00 340.00 262.96 250.00 250.00 250.00 250.00
THANK YOU ! Your faithful giving enables us to help with needs here at home and around the world.
FIVE LOCATIONS TN Valley
Hartselle First AG
Birmingham
Life Church, Trussville
Montgomery
Safe Harbor, Prattville
Dothan
Dothan First AG
Mobile
Fountain of Life, Saraland
TOP BGMC GIVING 2016 Dothan 1st AG Orchard AG Clearwater AG Phenix City 1st AG Montgomery 1st AG Newton 1st AG Vincent Revival Center Jackson 1st AG
16,380.00 14,893.35 4,625.99 4,000.00 3,004.28 2,611.22 2,402.10 2,228.06
FUN AT KIDS CAMP 2016
Alabama Women’s Ministries Director: Cyndi Draughon
for every woman... REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR
fall Breakaway SEPTEMBER 22-24, 2016
OUR GREATEST EVENT OF THE YEAR! AT SPRINGVILLE CAMP & CONFERENCE CENTER PRE-REGISTRATION DEPOSIT: $35 PER PERSON (DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE)
I da M ay C ul pe pp er GUEST OF HONOR
$85 BALANCE DUE AT CHECK-IN
Martha Tennison
THURSDAY EVEnING SPEAKER
Susanne Cox FRIDAY EVEnING SPEAKER
G REG WOODALL
& FLORENCE FIRST AG WILL BE LEADING WORSHIP
LODGES ARE GIVEN ON A FIRST COME-FIRST SERVED BASIS EXCEPTIONS ARE THOSE THAT REQUIRE CERTAIN ACCOMMODATIONS DUE TO PHYSICAL SITUATIONS
P
Alabama Girls Ministries Coordinator: Kristi Norris
her heart... her world... His purpose
JULY 19-22, 2016
MAIL ALL REGISTRATION FORMS IN BY JULY 1ST TO ORCHARD ASSEMBLY OF GOD 10245 Howells Ferry Rd, Semmes, AL 36575 PRE-REGISTRATION DEPOSIT: $30 PER PERSON (DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE)
$70 BALANCE DUE AT CHECK-IN
Mpact Speakers:
Mark & Stephanie Sasser
Teen Girls Speaker:
Terra Russell
FOR MORE INFORMATION, EMAIL kristi@orchardassembly.com OR CALL KRISTI AT 251-680-3381
ALABAMA DISTRICT MISSIONS & MEN’S MINISTRIES DISTRICT DIRECTOR
DAVID STRAHAN
email: dstrahan@adcag.org
2016
men’s ministry David Strahan
MEN’S ENCOUNTER
church planting & development
Allen Griffin
us & world missions
STAND FIRM IN THE FAITH ACT LIKE MEN; BE STRONG LET ALL THAT YOU DO BE
DONE IN LOVE I CORINTHIans 16:13-14
George Sawyer
BE WATCHFUL
Neil Kennedy
September 15-17, Springville Camp & Conference Center
Cost $99.00 per man Calling All Pastors and Men’s Ministry Leaders!!
Join Us Friday afternoon for our Men’s Leaders Forum with Rev. George Sawyer
SCCC SKEET SHOOT hosted by the Alabama District Men’s Department
Friday, September 16, 2016 COST: $5.00 per round If you bring your own gun and ammo $10.00 per round If we furnish gun and ammo
Men’s Encounter 2016 Wheels of Faith LFTL Benefit Motorcycle Ride Friday, September 16, 2016 Contact # 334-322-3705 Billy Smith—WOF State President & Captain
Schedule:
$25.00 per rider to raise funds for LFTL Fire Bibles
9:00 am-11:00 am morning session
Early Registration Post Marked by Aug. 26th
1:30 pm-3:30 pm afternoon session For more information visit: www.adcag.org under the Men’s Encounter Event page, or call 334-279-7172 ext. 5
Will receive a FREE BENEFIT RIDE T-SHIRT
lftl
Alabama District Men’s Encounter Golf Tournament September 16, 2016
10th annual
grill competition Grill Competition Thursday, September 15, 2016
INFORMATION: LOCATION
Entry Categories
HIGHLAND PARK GOLF COURSE 3300 Highland Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205
Boston Butt Chicken Brisket Ribs
4 MAN SCRAMBLE Bring your own team, or you will be assigned to one.
8:00 AM SHOTGUN START Sign in before 8:00 a.m.
——Prizes for each category will be Awarded—— — —Four Man Teams— —
$75 PER PERSON $300 PER TEAM Includes cart, green fees, range balls, lunch, and prizes.
——Sites open at Daybreak for setup——Judging begins at 6 PM——
AWARDS CEREMONY
Each team member will receive a FREE competition T-shirt if your registration is received by Friday, August 26, 2016
Ceremony will be held immediately following the tournament.
FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION Please call 334-279-7172 ext 5 or email ssowers@adcag.org
Please mail, fax or call the office at 334-279-7172 ext 5 to register your team. To download and print a registration form go to: www.adcag.org
All Men’s Encounter Information including registration forms, waivers, posters
and flyers can be downloaded at:
www.adcag.org under the Men’s Encounter Events page.
For more information, contact the Men’s Department at 334-279-7172 ext. 5
XBOX 360 Gaming Competition Thursday and Friday night after service. Night 1: Every Man for himself battle Night 2: Team Battle Prizes will be awarded!
REGISTRATION INFORMATION Tournament to be held Friday, September 16, 2016 (time TBA) $5.00 PER PERSON $15.OO FOR A TEAM
Annual Fishing Competition Friday, September 16, 2016 Sunrise until 2:00 pm Prizes Awarded in 3 Divisions
REGISTRATION DEADLINE Friday, August 26, 2016
Bass: Biggest Caught Catfish: Biggest Caught Pan Fish: Largest Amount Caught No Registration Required!
Dr. Robert E. Carter, Jr drcarter@mon‐cre.net
Ministerial Fatigue: The Epidemic For the past few years I have continued to see more and more ministers suffering from what I call ministerial fatigue. Most of us have experienced it from time to time. You are so tired you feel like you can't go on. Too many expectations from family, church and yourself but never enough time. You are not alone. It affects many ministers, cutting across all educational and cultural levels, gradually weakening your pastoral motivation. All spiritual activities become lax. And stress takes over. But take heart. You can overcome fatigue and not let stress control you. Here are a few suggestions. 1. Do not withdraw. We can be tempted to pull in and isolate ourselves, if not publicly then internally. Find someone to talk to. You are not alone and there are those who can and will give you support. 2. Enjoy your family. Take time to be with your family; your spouse needs you. No amount of ministry to the congregation will ever minister to the needs of your spouse and children. Your children want to know they have a full‐ time parent— to share their homework, to ask a question, to play their favorite game, or just to be close. Stop being the minister for a while and just be dad or hubby. 3. Remember your friends. You, as a minister, are set apart for a holy cause, not for a lonely walk. You need not be alienated from friends; take time to call or visit them. Jesus in the midst of His busy activities never forgot His friends (Luke 10:38; John 11:11; 12:1, 2). 4. Practice the gift of listening. As pastor, you are expected to preach and preach well. But you need to hear God’s Word, too. Take time to listen to someone else preach. Such food for the soul not only feeds you but relaxes you with a different perspective. 5. Rest awhile. You are a human being, not a machine. Even machines need periods of rest. Some pastors set aside one day a week as a family day—to be with the family, to relax, to rest—a good habit. Taking vacations is important. There’s nothing holy about working through the year without taking a break. 6. Receive spiritual nourishment. Morning devotion should be your first priority as you invoke the presence of God in your life. Ask for strength and directions. Cast all your cares and worries upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). You need the spiritual nourishment that comes from personal devotions. 7. Enrich your soul with something you enjoy. Develop a hobby. Read, play golf, create, or some other activity that helps you relax. 8. Exercise regularly and eat better. Studies show that people who eat healthy and exercise regularly have higher self‐ esteem and suffer less from anxiety and depression than comparable people who are not fit. Design an exercise program that you can do on a regular basis. To be your best you need to be physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually healthy. Take time and make the effort this year to be your best for the Lord.
Alabama School of Ministry 2016 Class Schedule Class Date August 6 August 6 August 13
Level 1 Courses (Certified) Introduction to Hermeneutics
Level 2 Courses (License) Eschatology
Level 3 Courses (Ordination) Church Administration, Finance and Law
The Local Church in Evangelism
Effective Leadership
Pastoral Ministry
September 10 September 10 September 10
October 15 October 15 October 22
Relationships and Ethics in Ministry
November 19 November 19 November 19
Conflict Management for Church Leaders Introduction to AG Missions
(Black denotes North) Mt Olive (Blue denotes Southeast) Newton (Red denotes South Campus) Evergreen
You may contact Edward Wilson for more information. (334) 279‐7172 or ewilson@adcag.org
Enrollment form may be found at www.adcag.org
You may enroll by using the provided forms at www.adcag.org, or by calling the district office at 334‐279‐7172 ext. 2. This course is required for anyone seeking credentials with the Assemblies of God or coming from another denomination. As always, if you have questions about this or any other course, please call our office.
GOD’S SUPER-APOSTLES and A NEW APOSTOLIC REFORMATION? The Pentecostal – charismatic movement has been a prolific source for unbiblical, heretical teachings and practices for over a century. One of the more recent and successful aberrant movements calls itself the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). With its roots in the late 1940’s New Order of the Latter Rain, the NAR has many aberrant and heretical doctrines and practices. These include the restoration of apostles and prophets on a par with the New Testament, the necessity of submitting to NAR apostles and prophets as foundational to church government, obeying directive personal prophecy as essential for doing God’s will, the rise of an elite uniquely powerful end-time generation of people who will perform greater miracles than Jesus and the Twelve Apostles and conquer the world for God, the impartation of spiritual gifts at will by apostles and prophets, the importance of dreams, visions, and prophetic words as “present truth” that is just as inspired as the Bible, and the list continually grows. The Assemblies of God in 1949 officially rejected the Latter Rain movement as aberrant, unbiblical, and dangerous. Classical Pentecostals have consistently upheld that rejection since then. For years the Latter Rain movement largely disappeared from view, but it resurfaced in the form of the NAR in the 1980’s. Promising endtime revival, greater spiritual power, and more spectacular supernatural experiences, the NAR has grown into an influential movement. It’s pervasive errors and excesses have hurt many thousands of people. Two recent books provide the most balanced and thoroughly researched examination of the NAR ever done. These outstanding works are endorsed by prominent Pentecostal scholars and leaders, including Craig Keener, Amos Yong, Vinson Synan, Michael Clarensau, and others. They provide a detailed analysis of the rise of the NAR. They conduct an in-depth evaluation of all NAR doctrines and practices, revealing NAR’s repeated misinterpretation of Scripture, and explaining what all of the relevant biblical passages really mean. The authors, R. Douglas Geivett and Holly Pivec, are evangelical Christians and scholars, active in ministry and apologetics. They believe in the continuing supernatural ministry of the Spirit. Their evaluation is very fair, and therefore very devastating to the NAR. As you read you will encounter the leaders, language, teachings, and practices of the NAR. You will realize how deeply these aberrant beliefs have penetrated many Pentecostal churches and ministries. You will recognize the names of prominent ministers and ministries that are a part of the NAR. You will realize how unbiblical and how dangerous the NAR is for genuine, biblical Pentecostal life and practice. Every Pentecostal / charismatic minister and lay leader should read these books. If you are a genuine Pastor, teacher, or leader, then you love God and His Word and His People, and you want to know the truth. These books tell the truth. I urge you to buy them today. God’s Super-Apostles: Encountering the Worldwide Prophets and Apostles Movement, R. Douglas Geivett and Holly Pivec, Wooster, OH: Weaver Book Company, 2014, 159 pages. In this book the authors provide an introduction and overview of the NAR. All of the NAR’s major teachings and practices are examined and compared with Scripture. A glossary of NAR terminology equips the reader to recognize such terms as evidence of NAR influence. Lists of NAR teachers and organizations are provided. This book is excellent for pastoral teaching or for a small group study (under good leaders!). “If you have a loved one who has been drawn into this movement, or you want a brief and accurate introduction to it, or if you … simply want a brief introduction for yourself, this book is for you.” A New Apostolic Reformation?: A Biblical Response to a Worldwide Movement, R. Douglas Geivett and Holly Pivec, Wooster, OH: Weaver Book Company, 2014, 254 pages. In this book Geivett and Pivec go into greater depth. They examine the historicaltheological origins of the NAR, its growth, its attempts to gain influence in politics and among other churches. They explore all unique NAR doctrines and practices including apostles, prophets, apostolic unity through church government, strategic level spiritual warfare, an elite end-time miracle working army of God, the Manifest Sons of God, spectacular spiritual experiences, dominionism, and so forth. In every instance the authors exhaustively examine what the Bible actually teaches about all of these things, compare this to NAR teaching, and conclusively demonstrate the aberrant, dangerous, often heretical nature of the NAR. Michael D. Sharp, D.Min. District Christian Education Director !
MINISTER DATA CHANGES DYKES, OSCAR M. (O) (LOUISE) 9960 ATRIUM WAY APT 607 JACKSONVILLE, FL 32225 904-425-3297 JOHNSON, ERIC E. (CM) (ANGELA) 54901 LOTTIE RD PERDIDO, AL 36562 251-348-9867 LITTLEFIELD, WILLIAM E. (O) (JANE) 3707 NAVAJO TRACE DOTHAN, AL 36305 334-790-9694 PETTIS, STEVE (O) (REGINA) 305 BRIARWOOD CT BAY MINETTE, AL 36507 334-695-8570 NEW MINISTERS JENKINS, JOAN (CM) (GERALD) 559 CUMBERLAND RD E. MOBILE, AL 36608 251-533-7782 joan@mrag1.com
JESSY, SUNIL (L) (SAFEERA) 2214 ESTALINE DR FLORENCE, AL 35630 256-398-0033 KELLEY, PATRICIA (CM) (JAMES) 17606 US HWY 84 ANDALUSIA, AL 36421 334-488-2662 MCDONALD, TIMOTHY (CM) 3115 LOWERY LANDING RD BREWTON, AL 36426 251-369-1671 timmcdonald1997@gmail.com SARDINAS, RUDY (L) (JESSICA) 710 LANKFORD CIRCLE OPELIKA, AL 36801 334-740-9297 CREDENTIAL ADVANCEMENT REV. SHIRLEY WILLIAMS (L) PASTORAL CHANGE REV. BRANDON ROWELL MAGNOLIA A/G
MINISTER TRANSFERRED IN COOK, CHRISTOPHER (O) (STACI) 560 GANTTS JCT RD SYLACAUGA, AL 35150 228-216-8059 FROM THE MS DISTRICT COOK, STACI (CM) (CHRISTOPHER) 560 GANTTS JCT RD SYLACAUGA, AL 35150 228-216-8060 FROM THE MS DISTRICT
CHURCH DATA CHANGE FORMERLY FIRST A/G IS NOW: CHURCH OF NEW BEGINNINGS OF COLUMBIANA, AL P. O. BOX 616 COLUMBIANA, AL 35051 (205) 669-1484 PASTOR: JEFF LINHOLM
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
Rev. James W. Wingard of Samson, Alabama went home to be with the Lord June 6, 2016 at the age of 67. Funeral services were held at Bottoms Garden Chapel Funeral Home, Geneva, June 8, 2016 with Rev. David Holt and Rev. Robert Hamilton officiating. Brother Wingard received a certificate of ministry in 1989, a license to preach in 1991, and was ordained in 2007. His ministry in Alabama included serving Opp First Assembly of God; Dozier Assembly of God; Lighthouse Assembly of God, Union Springs; Emmanuel Assembly of God, Geneva; Red Level Assembly of God; and Sellersville Assembly of God. He also served several churches in the West Florida District, which included Little Rock Assembly of God, Bonifay, and First Assembly of God, Westville. His wife, Hilda, two daughters, one son, six grandchildren, and one great‐grandchild survive him. Rev. Paul D. Cottrell of Birmingham, Alabama, went home to be with the Lord May 31, 2016 at the age of 78. Funeral services were held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home June 3, 2016, with Rev. David Copeland officiating. Brother Cottrell was granted license through the Alabama District Council of the Assemblies of God in 1967 and ordination in 1972. His pastoral ministry included serving Full Gospel Assembly of God, Ohatchee; Calvary Assembly of God, Birmingham; Good News (Robinwood) Assembly of God, Birmingham; Gospel Lighthouse, Mobile; Bayview Assembly of God, Adamsville; Tarrant City Assembly of God, Birmingham; Trinity Christian Fellowship, Wellington; and Mountain View Assembly of God, Fort Payne. The Fort Payne church became an outreach to the Hispanic community under his ministry. His wife, Nancy, two daughters, one son, four grandchildren, and seven great‐grandchildren survive him.
Alabama District Council Assemblies of God P. O. Box 235014 Montgomery, Alabama 36123-5014
Periodical Postage Paid Montgomery, Alabama
Alabama in the summer: Heat, Vacation, Kids out of School … CAMP! If you say “Alabama in the summer”, lots of peo‐ ple have lots of different things that come to mind. Around here we think CAMP. Camp is such an awesome impact on a young person’s life that it is worth the effort, time and finances that are required. Take, for instance, (we’ll call him Alex). Alex was a pretty good kid and came to children’s church fairly regularly. He didn’t al‐ ways listen and sometimes acted up. Most of the time he was just “there”. At camp however, he was filled with the Holy Spirit and could be seen at alter time moving quietly and rever‐ ently from group to group, person to person praying for them in the Holy Spirit. Even sitting down beside adults and gently putting a hand on their shoulder and praying for them. When the option was given to go to the rec hall, Alex stayed, praying with people as long as they were there. Or, take for example, (we’ll call him Brandon). Brandon had never been to camp and did not come from a churched back‐ ground. He listened to the speaker and when the invitation was given, he accepted Jesus and was immediately filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues. His parents did not know anything about Pentecost, but said that they could not argue with what had happened in their son’s life. These and hundreds more are touched by God’s power every year at camp. Sometimes the ends justify the means. The means are facilities that must be funded and kept in good re‐ pair. The means are long days of hard work. The means are being a servant even when hot and sweaty. The ends are lives that have had an encounter with almighty God and will never ever be the same again. We think that’s a pretty good summer. Many Blessings, Rev. Kevin Pierson Executive Director Springville Camp and Conference Center