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The Voice of Apostolic Reformation
SEPTEMBER 2012
http://www.icof.net
CHANGE Dr. Bernie Wade
Trumpet of Truth Joseph Prude
THE NEXT WAVE www.icof.net PUBLISHER
The Phony Exchange of Bildad
International Circle of Faith (ICOF) ICOF MISSIONS
The Next Wave - Contributing Editors Dr. Barney Phillips
David Tait, Lee Bates, Bernie Wade, Dallas Carter, Robert Straube, Barney Philips, John Rogers, Sanford Wade,
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EVENTS
changed, but it is we who have made the change. In this political season we will hear many politicians offer change. It will sound very familiar. Like we have heard this all before. It was perhaps this false hope offered by those who 'wanted something' that prompted the great Apostle Paul to say, "If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied."
By Bernie L. Wade, Thd.
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ let us go onto perfection not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God. Of the doctrine of baptisms and of laying on of hands and of resurrection of the dead and of eternal judgement. Hebrews 6:1-2
While the only thing that is constant may be change we have hope through Jesus Christ that transcends this world. In this time of uncertainty we have hope only in Jesus. Revelation 3:2 instructs this: "Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God."
It has been said that the only thing that is constant is CHANGE. Yet, as followers of Jesus Christ we serve a God who doesn't change. "For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed."
Constants and Variables. There is a vast difference between those things that are constant and those that are variable. The results of getting the constants and variables confused are often disastrous.
At first glance this might seem like a contradiction, but in fact we should understand that God does not change. What does change is our understanding of His will, His diving plan and purpose for our lives. As we gain this understanding it may seem like God has
A constant is a data item whose value cannot change during the program's execution. Thus, as its name implies –
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their value is constant.
steadfast. When those who offer 'change' want to change a variable we should not find offense. When those who offer change want to change the law of God we should be unalterably opposed. We must have the audacity to see the constants continue.
A variable is a data item whose value can change during the program's execution. Thus, as its name implies – their value can vary. Those things that remain are the constants in our lives. Change is the variable. While we pursue the hope of change it is the constants that are what remain. These are those things that must be strengthened.
As followers of Jesus Christ there is nothing more constant that the instruction that He gave His followers and that His Apostles and the New Testament church taught and practiced.. There can be no substitute for the instruction of Jesus Christ. Nothing has stood the test of time and the constant challenge of change like the Apostles doctrine.
In our modern world an example of a variable would be what style of music you employ during worship. God is not concerned if your music is southern gospel, contemporary, messianic, traditional or something else. Styles change, these are variables. Changing variables is ok.
The simple version is really as simple as A, B, C. These things do not change.
An example of a constant is that Jesus Christ shed his blood that we might have life and that more abundantly. This can never change for those who follow Christ. Our hope is in the eternal sacrifice made by Jesus Christ who is the propitiation for our sins. Changing constants is never acceptable.
A. Repent - there can be no substitute for turning from our sinful nature (that we were born into this world with) and being set free by the blood of Jesus Christ. The people of every nation on the earth understand that in order to be free from our past we must change our future. Repentance is the beginning.
In this time of change we must remain focused. We must continue to be
B. Baptism - realizing that the only thing that could bring real and lasting
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change was the blood of Jesus Christ that was given to redeem mankind from his sins, Jesus instructed His followers and they continued this instruction, "Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins". Baptism takes that which could never be forgiven or forgotten and remits it by the blood of Jesus Christ. Matthew 28. Acts 2.
and just say no. While it would be easier or more politically correct to say nothing remember the words of Edmond Burke, "All that is necessary for evil to prevail is for good men (and women) to say nothing"! Stand up! Be firm in your resolve. This is not a time to be silent. Truth is being trampled in the street. Lend your voice to the chorus that refused to allow the constants to be changed.
C. Holy Spirit - Jesus and his Apostles made it very certain that there would be no substitute for the Holy Ghost and nothing would ever change this. Jesus promised that He would send back the Comforter. After the Day of Pentecost when the followers of Jesus Christ were endued with power from on High through the infilling of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues there was no doubt what Jesus had promised was delivered prompting Apostle Peter to respond, THIS IS THAT!
Dr. Bernie Wade is the President of the International Circle of Faith (ICOF) Global Network. A Global body of believers served by more than 50,000 ministers representing more than 25 million constituents. This is considered the largest Apostolic body of believers in the world. http://www.icof.net
These powerful truths of the New Testament Church remain constants. While many have come offering new methods and attempting to change these time honored truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ - Change is not acceptable when it comes to constants. Change the variables as needed but leave the constants alone. The next time you hear a politician (religious, government or social) offer some 'new truth' or attempt to explain away the law of God. Realize that they are offering to change the constants. Take a stand
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The Phony Exchange of Bildad
with his beloved friend, Sir William Wallace. Money and blood are the two most common reasons for betrayal. Let's take a look at the story of Job again.
By Dr. Stephen Phinney
In chapter 8 of Job, we see Job continuing to do an awesome job of communicating his perspective of his suffering. But like an eager, angry disputant, Bildad (his "friend") changes the mood with this: "How long will you say these things, And the words of your mouth be a mighty wind? Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert what is right? If your sons sinned against Him, then He delivered them into the power of their transgression" (Job 8:2-4).
There is nothing more disappointing than discovering someone who you thought experientially understood the Exchanged Life - didn't! There was a movie released years ago that caught my interest Braveheart. There was a particular battle scene in this movie that shook me to the core emotionally. As usual, the leading hero (Sir Wallace) was in a particular battle fighting the English with every ounce of blood within him. Suddenly, he noticed the battle turned rather unexpectantly; many of his own men were leaving the battlefield. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the commander who was given such signals was leaving the field in a gallop. Wallace hurried to catch him, knocked him from his horse, and ripped his face mask off to discover it was none other than one of his closest friends - Robert the Bruce. Shock and tears filled the eyes of Sir Wallace as he gasped for words that would not come. The scene: betrayal.
Bildad shows his first act of betrayal by using something very dear and close to Job in which to take his first jab - the loss of Job's sons. This is a bit much! Bildad is not impressed with Job's conclusion, nor the conclusion of why his children died. As most people of betrayal, Bildad certainly is showing the ignorance of NOT knowing Job. Job already owned that God did not pervert judgment. Yet, what does that have to do with his children or the assumption they had committed some great sin against God? I don't remember reading anything about the sins of his children being in the dialogue between God and Satan. Bildad's beliefs of extraordinary afflictions are because of extraordinary sins. Bad theology, Bildad! This story is not about Job's children, his wife, or any other human - it is about God, Job, and Satan. This "counselor" has some serious lies floating around in his head. His speech is rhetorical and punitive at best. Read Bildad's conclusion: "Lo, God will not reject a man of integrity, nor will He support the evildoers. He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouting. Those who hate you will be clothed with shame, and the tent of the wicked will be no longer" (Job 8:20-22).
Betrayal is probably the most graphic display of pretentious sin that there is. Nothing hurts more than when you put your trust in another to find that trust was used as a means or method to slip a knife into your back. Why do people betray those who they claim as loved ones? Because when push comes to shove - blood is thicker than life itself?! As in the case with Robert the Bruce, the pressure of his father outweighed the integrity of what was right and righteous
He is directly associating pain and suffering with the rejection of God. Wow - is that a mistake! God warns throughout the 7
Scriptures that man will suffer; Jesus said that we will suffer as He has suffered. Do you see what Bildad is actually saying here? As Bildad's message trickles down through the ages, he is covertly accusing Jesus of not being a man of integrity; thus, he is placing the same accusation on God. Hmm - not good. This is the earliest form of prosperity doctrine noted in the Word - a doctrine God does NOT support.
the process and act of baptism of fire. He obligates Himself to burn them (gods and idols) before we fall down and worship them. I think that many times we take half of our blessings from Him and make graven images, so that our flesh will be deceptively satisfied; but these graven images will not deliver us. If we somehow continue in such vanity, we will end up feeding off the ashes of a deceived heart and once again turn away from Him. Is there not a lie in one hand and truth in the other? If so, these are the components of betrayal.
When we fashion a graven image, like Bildad is doing here, we become futile and our externals become of no profit, even if we ourselves do not see how the adoption of such will ultimately put us to shame. Bildad is fashioning a god (an idol) of fake profit. Because of this fruitless advice, Bildad will soon be put to shame by the Lord Himself - for the crafting of such ridiculous mythology is futile and becomes speculation of mere men. Job's "friend" is not in a mindset of trembling before the living God. Any plans that man attempts to shape in his own strength are sure to fail.
Feeding on the ashes of a deceived heart that is flat out ugly! I think this is exactly what Bildad did to Job. He took some relevant Truths of God and mixed them with worldly fables and formed it into a knife. The end result: Job gets wounded by one of his "friends."
I have learned this over and over again. God is quick to slow "my works" in order to speed up the mighty works of heaven. He is really good at it. This reminds me of a time when God was confronting me, in love, regarding my efforts of adding "add-ons" to the ministry in which He called me. I was exaggerating the efforts of God; He calls this idolatry and a lie.
It should be clear to each of us that we all fall into mixing Truth with worldly fables. We are all guilty of betrayal! I'm afraid is it a part of our humanness. Most of us don't purposely do what Job's friends are doing. But if we are not led by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit and truly live out the Exchanged Life, we are bound to betray as a lifestyle. It makes me sick thinking how many times I have given half-truths and psychobabble to those I have been ministering. It takes much grief, pain, and suffering to purify our counsel to others. It is a fact that comes with our baptism of fire. We cannot beat ourselves with guilt or hesitate to move forward. We simply must embrace the lesson of our permissible suffocation and choose to become wiser still.
When you and I fashion a graven image, we become futile and these "precious" things are of no profit to God or man. This is why God must put them to shame. Have you fashioned a god or built an idol and pretended it was profitable? I believe when we try to shape our plans by using our own strength and attempt to have our needs met through what we have shaped, well, He is certain to fail our strength. He wants us to drink from the Living Water of the Exchanged Life of Christ within us. If we choose not this drink offering, we will become weary. God is quite experienced at
Scriptures are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Š Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
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Fear - Whether we admit it or not, we do not like to make decisions and choices that hurt people, send them away, or distress them. Rather than telling the truth we often try to coat our words with assurances that we know will eventually not hold up. But it is tough to face a person or a group of people and tell the truth.
Leaders Don’t Lie One of the hardest lessons for leaders to learn is to tell the truth. What might seem obvious to anyone in leadership about the truth may not be easy to practice. Leaders are constantly involved in delicate matters whether in business, non-profits, or church. Some things we know are confidential and must be guarded while other things may call for discretion about with whom we share the information.
Pride - We do not want to be caught in failure, ignorance, or wrong. The lack of accountability can contribute to this but in the end it is pride that will fuel most lies. Leaders are by nature competitive, aggressive, and out front. When we fail or struggle we may feel our leadership is undermined and we might be vulnerable with critics or supporters. Lying seems the easiest way to cover failures or weaknesses.
If knowledge is power then secret knowledge is even greater power. Knowing what to tell, when to tell it and to whom to tell it is crucial in any leader’s experience. A leader “knows” things that help him/her to lead. But knowing and telling something is not the same as not telling the truth. Withholding information may be necessary at times but lying has another dimension to it.
Expectations - Every leader lives under a burden of expectations. Some are selfimposed and some can be imposed by boards, persons of influence, and assessments by which we are judged. Expectations can be factual or imagined but they are real in any case. When a leader is not meeting expectations, lying to make things look better than they are is a temptation.
I have a friend who served on a church staff for years. After a pastoral change he met with the new pastor and was told that he was wanted and needed in his position for as long as he wanted to be at the church. The next week-end the new pastor introduced a new person to replace my friend. Promises broken are lies that destroy. No leader should ever lie and no leader who lies will last very long. Why are we tempted to lie? Here are a few reasons I have experienced.
There is a good rule of thumb for leaders when tempted to lie: don’t. Nothing ever comes to good from it. Dr. Gene Mims
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provide customers with "second-mile" service -- exceeding even the highest expectations of a typical fast-food restaurant.
'Guilty as charged,' Cathy says of Chick-fil-A's stand on biblical & family values
by K. Allan Blume/Biblical Recorder
"We don't claim to be a Christian business," Cathy said in a recent visit to North Carolina. He attended a business leadership conference many years ago where he heard Christian businessman Fred Roach say, "There is no such thing as a Christian business." "That got my attention," Cathy said. Roach went on to say, "Christ never died for a corporation. He died for you and me."
CARY, N.C. (BP) -- Dan Cathy oversees one of the country's most successful businesses. As president and chief operating officer of Chick-fil-A, Cathy leads a business with 1,608 restaurants that had sales of more than $4 billion dollars last year. They sell chicken and train employees to focus on values rooted in the Bible.
"In that spirit ... [Christianity] is about a personal relationship. Companies are not lost or saved, but certainly individuals are," Cathy added. "But as an organization we can operate on biblical principles. So that is what we claim to be. [We are] based on biblical principles, asking God and pleading with God to give us wisdom on decisions we make about people and the programs and partnerships we have. And He has blessed us."
His father, S. Truett Cathy started the business in 1946, when he and his brother, Ben, opened an Atlanta diner known as The Dwarf Grill (later renamed The Dwarf House). In 1967, his father opened the first Chick-fil-A restaurant in Atlanta. Today, Chick-fil-A is the second largest quickservice chicken restaurant chain in the United States based on annual system-wide sales. Dan Cathy's success has not erased the biblical values he learned as a child in a Baptist church. He is a warm, common man who is deeply committed to being a faithful Christian witness. And he is fully involved in New Hope Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Ga. He drives Chick-fil-A's efforts to provide genuine hospitality, ensuring that customers have an exceptional dining experience in a Chick-fil-A restaurant. Based on Matthew 5:41, Cathy is on a mission to
Rather than leading from his corporate office in Atlanta, Cathy chooses to spend the majority of his time traveling to the chain's growing family of restaurants and interacting with Chick-fil-A's committed team members. His actions stem from a belief that working in the field provides a clearer understanding of the needs of Chick-fil-A customers. Leading from the 12
front line also enables him personally to convey his servant spirit to the chain's 61,000-plus employees.
depend on a God who does love us and wants to have a relationship with us, and wants to give us the desires of our hearts."
Cathy believes strongly that Christians are missionaries in the workplace. "Jesus had a lot of things to say about people who work and live in the business community," he said. His goal in the workplace is "to take biblical truth and put skin on it. ... We're talking about how our performance in the workplace should be the focus of how we build respect, rapport and relationships with others that opens the gateway to interest people in knowing God.
There is another success story attributed to Cathy's organization. They have a positive influence in the world of Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Southeastern Conference (SEC) football. There was a time when the Atlanta college football bowl game, which is now named after Chick-fil-A, was called the Peach Bowl. The annual bowl features teams from the ACC and the SEC. It struggled for a long time. Then 15 years ago the Chick-fil-A organization got involved. It was rebranded as the Chickfil-A Bowl and has been incredibly successful with 15 consecutive sellouts. "We are the only bowl that has an invocation. It's in our agreement that if Chick-fil-A is associated in this, there's going to be an invocation. Also, we don't have our bowl on Sunday, either," Cathy said.
"All throughout the New Testament there is an evangelism strategy related to our performance in the workplace. ... Our work should be an act of worship. Our work should be our mission field. As long as we are stateside, let's don't think we have to go on mission trips by getting a passport. ... If you're obedient to God you are going to be evangelistic in the quality of the work you do, using that as a portal to share [Christ]," he said. When asked if Chick-fil-A's success is attributed to biblical values, Cathy quickly said, "I think they're inseparable. God wants to give us wisdom to make good decisions and choices." Quoting James 1:5, he spoke of how often he asks God for wisdom.
In 2008 Chick-fil-A began sponsoring a Chick-fil-A Kickoff game matching two of the nation's top teams and hosted on the first weekend of the season in the same stadium (Georgia Dome) as the Chick-fil-A Bowl. This year Chick-fil-A will host two kickoff games, one on Friday and one on Saturday. "That's never been done before," he said.
"Frequently Jesus challenged us to just ask ... we're simply not asking as often as we should. We need to be more faithful to
The pair of Chick-fil-A Kickoff games is expected to generate more than $60 million in economic impact. The bowl website 13
describes the event as "a college football celebration of epic proportions."
It began as a college scholarship and expanded to a foster care program, an international ministry, and a conference and retreat center modeled after the Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove.
When questioned about Chick-Fil-A's "Closed on Sunday" policy Cathy responded, "It was not an issue in 1946 when we opened up our first restaurant. But as living standards changed and lifestyles changed, people came to be more active on Sundays." The policy has not changed over the years as malls began changing their policies by opening on Sundays.
"That morphed into a marriage program in conjunction with national marriage ministries," Cathy added. Some have opposed the company's support of the traditional family. "Well, guilty as charged," said Cathy when asked about the company's position.
"We've always put in our lease that we will be closed on Sundays," Cathy said. "We've had a track record that we were generating more business in six days than the other tenants were generating in seven [days]."
"We are very much supportive of the family -- the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a familyled business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that.
"While developers had no identity whatsoever with our corporate purpose to 'glorify God and be a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us and have a positive influence on all that come in contact with Chick-fil-A,' they did identify with the rent checks that we wrote to the mall, that were based on our sales.
"We operate as a family business ... our restaurants are typically led by families; some are single. We want to do anything we possibly can to strengthen families. We are very much committed to that," Cathy emphasized.
"So, they would make an exception for Chick-fil-A when they wouldn't make an exception for anybody else, simply because they knew we would pay them more in rent than any other tenant would that was open even seven days a week."
"We intend to stay the course," he said. "We know that it might not be popular with everyone, but thank the Lord, we live in a country where we can share our values and operate on biblical principles."
The company invests in Christian growth and ministry through its WinShape Foundation (WinShape.com). The name comes from the idea of shaping people to be winners. 14
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American should be subjected to in a nation that has Christian values as it's cornerstone. Yet, Bibliophobic and Christophobic groups and persons have decided their opinion is superior to the Bible and that their proclivities are more important than the Bible and those who hold to this Holy Book. These are vehemently opposed to all those who don't support their Bibliophobia and Christophobia.
ICOF JOINS GOVERNOR HUCKABEE IN SUPPORT OF THOSE WHO BELEIVE THE BIBLE Americans unite to oppose Christophobia and Bibliophobia. The Spirit of Sodom and Gomorrah has come to America Washington, DC, July 29th, 2012: Long before biting into a chicken sandwich became a political statement the Bible was written as a roadmap to righteousness. Those who believe the words written in the Bible include adherents of two of the world's major religions: Judaism and Christianity. For Christians, the Bible is the Holy Book. Those who would openly defy the Bible are openly defying all Christians and their God. The official position of the International Circle of Faith (ICOF) is that the Bible is the Word of God. ICOF stands in support of righteousness. We encourage all of those who are opposed to unrighteousness to REPENT.
Mr. Dan Cathy is the President of Chick-fil-A, a fast-food chain known for putting faith ahead of profits. Christophobic and Bibliophobic groups have called for a boycott of Chick-filA. The Jim Henson Co. one of these Christophobic/Bibliophobic groups has pulled its Muppet toys from kids' meals. Since the Jim Henson Co. makes items for children, Christians should be aware the opposition of this company is in support of those who openly promote sexual perversion. We have all been shocked in recent days by those who are openly homosexual operating as pedophiles and preying on children such as the case of Jerry Sandusky. The
In recent days an American, Mr. Dan Cathy, a follower of Jesus Christ and a man who believes the Bible has come under attack because of his faith. Bibliophobia (fear of the Bible) and Christophobia (fear of those who follow Jesus Christ) are not something any 16
message we get from the Bibliophobic actions of the Jim Henson Company is simply disturbing.
showing up on Wednesday, August 1 or by participating online – tweeting your support or sending a message on Facebook." Sadly, even elected representatives (who are supposed to support the Civil Rights of all people) have taken the side with those who are Bibliophobic. This includes Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Sanfrancisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino who value their own opinions above the law of God. We would urge all those who believe the Bible to boycott the cities these men rule until such a time as they REPENT. Encourage your friends, family, company, etc. to do business with those who are not Christophobic or Bibliophobic. Additionally, we encourage supporters of Righteousness (those who believe the Bible) to continue to vote with their dollars by boycotting all those who are Christophobic or Bibliophobic. We are instructed in the Bible to support righteousness and avoid the unrighteous. For more information on these companies visit the American Family Association http://www.afa.net/
As a result of this continued onslaught against Civil Liberties from Christophobic and Bibliophobic groups, International Circle of Faith joined Billy Graham, Don Wildmon of the American Family Association, Gov. Mike Huckabee and others in supporting "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day" on August 1st, 2012. Governor Huckabee said this, "I ask you to join me in speaking out on Wednesday, August 1 "Chick fil-A Appreciation Day.� No one is being asked to make signs, speeches, or openly demonstrate. The goal is simple: Let's affirm a business that operates on Christian principles and whose executives are willing to take a stand for the Godly values we espouse by simply showing up and eating at Chick fil-A on Wednesday, August 1. Too often, those on the left make corporate statements to show support for same sex marriage, abortion, or profanity, but if Christians affirm traditional values, we're considered homophobic, fundamentalists, hatemongers, and intolerant. This effort is not being launched by the Chick fil-A company and no one from the company or family is involved in proposing or promoting it. Simply affirm appreciation for a company run by Christian principles by 17
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business acumen. This in turn means improving local education of all those wishing to have a business as well as being supported by an educated local staff that are also able to communicate with the world and be respected for their positions and concerns for their nations and families and friends. This means working within their countries, spreading goodwill to the rest of the world while enhancing the well-being of all they contact.
International Circle of Faith Business & Development There is a need for all people of this world to be as self-sufficient as possible and it is toward this goal that ICOF is headed through use of its “Development Division”.
International Circle of Faith Global Union is committed to helping our members and partners. Realizing that most churches and ministries need additional resources to accomplish their mission and at the same time lack the wherewithal to have their own development team, ICOF has committed, time, talent and resources to assist in the area of general development. This commitment includes but is not limited to:
One of the major difficulties facing individual and governmental development is that, even though all people are created equal, our societal set-up’s have been already shaped by our predecessors and “change” becomes the challenge to many.
A. Developing qualified and sustainable business proposals B. Attracting qualified investors to these projects. C. Advice and direction for churches and ministries. D. Unique and innovative solutions for missions and missionaries.
For ICOF to bring direction to all, a start must be made to bring all to belief in Jesus Christ and what He foresaw as future needs of societies, including enrichment of each other in all things. This enrichment can take on many forms and ICOF has taken a gigantic step to meet the challenge through its “Development Division”.
John Rogers, PhD., serves as Sr. VP of Development with ICOF Global
This Development Division includes support to assist in establishing new businesses of all kinds throughout the world that must be keyed to local environments, products, skills and
administration@icof.net
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liberty, as the Preamble to the Constitution denotes.
Female Prayer Warriors Issue Call for US Intercession SHAWN A. AKERS
“The website is simple enough that we didn’t want to drive people away,” says Nancy Schulze, a member of the committee, founder of the Congressional Wives Speakers Bureau and wife of former nine-term congressman Dick Schulze. “We didn’t want to overload the website. It’s simply one minute that everyone can take out of their day to pray for their country. Those prayers are sorely needed right now.” The main goal of the American Prayer Initiative, however, is to help America return to its core values set down in the 18th century by the founding fathers.
Shirley Dobson
The platform of the American Prayer Initiative is a simple one. It is to inspire people to “return to the God upon whom this country was founded.”
“The prayer topics and prayers themselves are designed to strategically address issues in our founding documents and to draw novices and seasoned prayer warriors alike into prayer for the reclaiming and rebuilding of America on her founding roots and principles,” Schulze said.
The operative word here is prayer. During a recent meeting in Washington, D.C., a group of influential Christian women –including Vonette Bright, cofounder of Campus Crusade for Christ and Chair of the National Day of Prayer Shirley Dobson—banned together to create the American Prayer Initiative.
The movement was born out of a prayer and accountability partnership between Schulze and Bright surrounding the Christian Worldview program established by Chuck Colson. The two felt as if they “had to try to do something to help change the culture of this country.”
Awebsite, www.americanprayerinitiative. org, was set up with a 31-day calendar that prompts individuals to pray 60 seconds each day of each month on a specific topic until Election Day, Nov. 6.
While Bright made phone calls some of her influential friends in the Christian community, Schulze gathered together some of her friends in the political arena. They all met in Washington for a “one-day pow-wow.”
Prayer topics include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as the Declaration of Independence suggests; as well as justice, domestic tranquility, defense, the general welfare and the blessings of
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“We had enough spiritual, intellectual and political firepower in that room that day to start any kind of movement,” Schulze said. “We weren’t out to start an organization, we were just there for a very intense day of discussion.
Schulze said there are two other members of the movement who are currently running for influential offices in this country who wished to remain anonymous so that, according to Schulze, “there would be no complications in their campaigns.”
“We decided at the end of the day that no movement that we could start would be sustainable unless we the people come back to our first love as a nation. Thus, the American Prayer Initiat ive was the result.”
Schulze said she already has gotten a great deal of positive feedback about the website and the prayer movement. “One thing we are finding is that men really like this website,” she said. “There was a man next to me, and he started telling me about the prayer initiative. He pulled out his IPhone and showed me, and I told him all about my involvement. That was totally unsolicited, but it was so great to see that the website is having that much appeal.”
Other women who gathered for the meeting include Penny Nance, executive director of Concerned Women for America; Anita Staver, attorney and president of Liberty Counsel; Devi Titus, president of Global Pastors Wives Network; Kathy Bright, national director of Bright Media and Discover God 4Kids.; and Jennifer Kemp, daughter of the late Jack Kemp, a former long-time congressman from New York.
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Preparedness is beneficial to several different audiences:
Practical Things Having a Plan will Help: Your washing machine can help you in either a house fire or a hurricane? Your oven can help you in a wildfire? Your clothes dryer can help you in an EMP (Electro-Magnetic Pulse) attack or tornado? Your camera phone has multiple emergency uses? A "baby monitor" can drastically increase your home's fire protection? That virtually every city has a cheap and plentiful supply of potential storm cellars? That there are roughly 26 criteria points for choosing an evacuation destination? That your tornado-damaged automobile still has about a halfdozen emergency uses? You can make an expedient "air conditioner" using two-liter plastic bottles? Why stocking your regular food is more important that stocking "survival food?" That in times of crisis certain types of food will fly off the shelves, but some more useful items won't? Why you DON'T need to buy all that expensive "survival" gear?
Individuals and families who realize there's more to disaster preparedness than a "72 hour kit." First Responders and Military Personnel who must protect the families they leave at home when they report for duty. Emergency Management officials who need better information with which to train their communities. Faith-Based Organizations who want to help their congregations and their community. Civic Groups that are looking for ways to help their members. Schools that would like to teach preparedness as a class. Employers who can offer family emergency readiness education as a "perk". Business Continuity Plans depend on key employees Business Continuity plans depend on key employees being able to report to work, and that depends on the safety of their family at home.
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Realistically prepare your family for emergencies without fear or unnecessary expenses. Prepare the best family disaster plan or family emergency plan possible. Ready your family for virtually any type of emergency or disaster. Deal with actual incidents focusing on realistic preparations, reactions, and solutions. Protectyour financial stability before, during, and after a disaster. Make the best disaster kit ("bugout kit" or "go bag" or G.O.D.S. Bag™) your budget allows. Organize for either a rapid evacuation or a lengthy shelter-inplace.
There are many organizations involved in disaster preparation. Cities of Refuge Network is dedicated to preparing Christian families. C.O.R.N. will help you get prepared. C.O.R.N. has a network of Disaster Preparation professionals trained to help families. Contact the C.O.R.N for the Disaster Preparation Consultant (DPC). http://www.citiesofrefugenetwork.com Things that you can do to ensure your plan: Have a flashlight and a pair of shoes under everyone’s bed in case there is an earthquake or other emergency during the night. Use a plastic bag tied to the leg of the bed to keep these items from moving during an earthquake. Plan where to meet after a disaster if your home becomes unsafe. Choose two places, one just outside your home and one outside your neighborhood in case you are told to evacuate. Be sure your gas tank is always at least half full. Determine the best escape routes from your home. Try to identify two escape routes.
HOW TO BEGIN: Talk with your family about potential disasters and why it's necessary to prepare. Involve each member of your family in the planning process. Show them simple steps that can increase their safety. This will reduce their (and your) anxiety about emergencies. Make sure everyone knows where to find your disaster supply kit and G.O.D.S. Bag™. According to FEMA you should have a G.O.D.S. Bags™ (or similar type bag) for each adult member of your family. You should have these in your house, your car and at your workplace. You never know when an emergency will strike or where you will be. GET EQUIPPED! BE PREPARED! 24
Facing some tough economic times? Would you like to help others prepare their family for disasters? Could you use some extra income? If you answered Yes to any of these questions you should consider becoming a C.O.R.N. Disaster Preparation Consultant (DPC). A DPC is:
Make sure each member knows who your family’s out-of-state contact is and instruct them to call this person and tell him/her where they are. Locate the gas main and other utilities and make sure family members know when and how to turn them off. Practice your evacuation routes, Drop, Cover & Hold and Stop, Drop & Roll drills. Teach each member of your family how to use a fire extinguisher. Create emergency response cards for each of your family members. Take into account the special needs of children, seniors or people with disabilities, family members that don’t speak
Is a passionate and caring person with the vision, mission and values of C.O.R.N. Has a burning desire to reach out and assist families to be prepared for any emergency situation. Exemplifies eagerness, and inspires to expand all families' knowledge of disaster preparedness, providing peace of mind in the midst of calamity. Has a great conviction for promoting the C. O. R. N. philosophy and message through helping others. Thus, DPC’s have the opportunity to create additional income for themselves and security for their families. Training is provided To become a DPC visit the Cities of Refuge Network (C.O.R.N) website: http://www.citiesofrefugenetwork.com
Or email: info@citiesofrefugenetwork.com
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The very act of bringing a cruise ship to Haiti is a large part of our mission. As one of the only nations in the Caribbean without a tourism industry, our assistance and efforts will show the world that Haiti is “tourism ready” and be the first step in breathing new life into their economy. Ours ship will be the first to dock in Haiti in more than a quarter century!
It is with tremendous excitement that we offer the 5th Cruise with a Cause missions cruise—this time to Port au Prince, Haiti! You’ll join together in a common cause with fellow believers to reach others in need, help a hurting nation and change your eternal perspective in the process. We have seen countless times as families from different social, racial and economic backgrounds unite to become the family of God in spreading love and sharing the gospel with those in need. This is unlike any other experience cruise or mission available!
During our cruise to Haiti you’ll have days to rest, along with all the famous food and fun from a Carnival cruise ship experience. You’ll hear from our diverse lineup of Christian speakers, artists and leaders. There will be more than 80 concerts and conferences! Adults, singles, students, children, men, women, and couples will all be encouraged by the worship, teaching and missions training available onboard the ship.
Haiti is a nation full of need and filled with opportunities. They sit at a turning point both spiritually and economically. Our mission isn’t to offer handouts, but a loving hand up—and their government has given us very special sanctions and protection, allowing us to go places and help in ways unavailable to other mission efforts in Haiti. Teams of volunteer missionaries will visit schools and orphanages; do construction and renewal projects to rebuild areas devastated by the earthquake; provide aid in medical clinics and deliver medical supplies; visit with locals in the streets and tent cities; and help us host an evening evangelism outreach festival for almost 100,000 locals. We’ll share the Gospel to everyone we meet all along the way!
Please consider joining your favorite Christian personalities and over 3,000 other Believers this June 1-6, 2013 for the largest foreign mission ever! We’ll be serving shoulder to shoulder to help lives and save souls. It’s an experience you’ll remember the rest of your life!
Matthew Dunnaway
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The core of it is what he calls “The need for missiology:” I am proposing that missiology come into prominence, both as
THE PRESENT FUTURE: SIX TOUGH QUESTIONS FOR THE CHURCH
a theological pursuit and as a guiding operational paradigm. And just what is missiology? It’s what effective Christian missionaries study
A counselor once told me he had just
and practice. They make it their business
one problem with a
not only to understand the timeless
particular book: “I
gospel message, but also the culture in
wish I had written it
which they are ministering. They
myself,” he said. He
understand that communicating
meant that in that book, the author had
effectively means much more than
expressed all of his own most crucial
learning the language. Effective
beliefs about personal growth.
missionaries are lifelong learners of culture, working to understand where
I’ve never felt that way about a book before. Usually the material (at least
their people currently are so they can
some of it) has been new to me, or else
lead them to a true, yet truly
(rarely) it has been very familiar but not
enculturated, understanding of the grace
terribly close to my heart. Having
and truth of Jesus Christ. They
read The Present Future now, however, I
understand that the core of the Good
think I know what he meant. Reggie
News can come wrapped in different
McNeal has found a way to articulate
packages and expressions. Years ago I was a member of a
many of my most urgent concerns for the
denomination that was facing what
way we do church.
seemed like quite a puzzle: it was 28
growing overseas but shrinking in North
Other themes in McNeal’s book also
America. At the time I said, “That’s not
resonated strongly with me. “Sunday
hard to figure out at all! Our people in
schools” and other small groups need to
other countries know they’re
move beyond head learning and into the
missionaries; their churches know
proverbial streets, to meet community
they’re not clubs, they’re mission bases.
needs in the name of Christ and thus
If we just applied here what we
practice what we’re learning. Otherwise
know there, we’d grow here again too!”
it’s questionable whether we’re actually
Our church, like so
learning anything at
many others, was
all. I’ve tried initiating
operating from what
this kind of outreach
McNeal calls a
at my church, but
“refuge mentality.”
either because of my
Western churches’
weakness as a leader,
work has changed
or the church’s
over the past few
inability to take up a
decades. It is a missionary enterprise
new paradigm, it fell flat. If a whole
now. If there was a ever time (which is
church resolved to move that way
arguable) when our culture was
together, a group would have a far better
predominantly Christian, that time has
chance of succeeding in ventures like
decisively ended. If there was a time
this.
when churches could count on drawing
This takes vision, a clear sense of
new people in just by being there, that
purpose. McNeal emphasizes that as
time has ended. If there ever was a time
well. As a mission organization strategic
when churches needed to go outside our
planner, I’ve learned that a clear sense of
walls and seek to effect community
direction is by far the most crucial
transformation, that time is now.
element of any plan. This is not about the “how” but the “what” and the “who:” 29
what is it that God wants us to
especially to apply more in context of
accomplish in our community and in the
the community.
world? Who are we now, and who is God
McNeal opened the book with a
calling us to be? In some settings is the
warning: don’t read it if you’re not ready
only level of long-range planning that’s
to be challenged regarding change the
practical, for the great pace of
way you think about church. I urge you,
unpredictable change typically forces
fellow followers of Christ, to be open to
frequent re-adjustments of the “how.”
that change. See what McNeal has to say,
If I had one concern regarding
and see what difference it might make in
McNeal’s book, it would be in his
your church. This book was
approach toward apologetics and the life
recommended to me by two pastors at
of the mind. In context of the whole
our church, as we are moving through a
book, McNeal is probably on a fine track
time of transition. I have high hopes we’ll
with this; he recommends churches
make progress with it in a new and
create “Chief Learning Officers” as staff
exciting direction.
or high-level volunteer positions. At the same time, he rightly points out that many Christians and churches are too
The Present Future: Six Tough
much “head” and not enough “hands.”
Questions for the Church by Reggie
The answer, though—and I hope
McNeal. San Francisco: John Wily &
McNeal’s readers understand this—is not
Sons, 2003. 172 pages. Amazon Price
to learn less, it is to apply more, and
US$16.47.
The 30
God. In this hour I will so shake the church, that many will call it the devil and not understand is the shaking of the most high God. I will deal with the deep insidious sin of racism. I the Lord shall begin to layout my parameters for true repentance and not the false repentance that has been demonstrated in times gone by. I will break down the wall's of limitation, were whites for the most part refuse to submit themselves to Black Apostles and Prophets who are called and appointed of heaven. But yet many black men, and black women, and black families have submitted to men of other races without a second thought. I the Lord will make my church look like the church at Antioch. I shall begin to show my heart as it relates to the events of the hour, many have connected themselves to crafty political workers who use my gospel as a tool to continue to oppress the poor and walk in hate. They have been able to beguile gullible leaders in the kingdom and cause them to think that the false righteousness they walk in is the righteousness of heaven. It has grieved me much, as my people who are called to serve me, and demonstrate my heart in the Earth have connected themselves with those that hate the poor. I say to you consider the area of healthcare, did not my word say, that I would send health and cure.
Trumpet of Justice Newsletter ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The word of the Lord comes and says to you my people I come to speak to you in this hour concerning the balances of life. The Lord says there are those who have hijacked my message, and have pulled the message of God into the confinements of their culture. They view me only from the prism of what they have known, and still move in the realm of superiority. There are those in this nation who believe that they are the only ones who I speak to, and that the word of the Lord that comes to them is the only word that is accurate and pure. But I am the Lord, and I will have a just weight and a just balance in everything. This is the beginning of the shaking says the Lord, when I will shake everything that I did not plant. I the Lord say to you I shall begin to deal with racial superiority at the very root. For the Lord says this nation has had some pseudo-seasons of racial repentance, but not real repentance says God. Many have brought together great councils, and times of meeting. With many tears and weeping, but yet no real repentance in action and deed. All across this nation my voice is beginning to move, I'm rooting up, I am exposing all that is hidden and unrighteous and dark says
Jeremiah 33:6 (HCSB) 6 Yet I will certainly bring health and healing to it and will indeed heal them. I will let them experience the abundance of peace and truth. It has grieved me as I have blessed this nation with incredible wealth yet 31
many are suffering in this nation because of a lack of access to healthcare. I am the one that rose up this president and put him in office to execute acts of righteousness which are pleasing to me. All that he has done has not been righteous and holy, but I will weigh him in the balance as I weigh every man. Many that profess my name have raised a hand against the acts of heaven, not even understanding that it is the Lord. Do you not believe my word my people? That says that promotion doesn't come from the East or from the West or from the South but the Lord is the judge and raise up one set down another. Why? Would my word not be applicable, says the Lord when your political party does not win. Why are you now eating the leaven of the Herodians, you have exalted your politics above my word, you made your Constitution the holy writ, and made my written word secondary. I the Lord am the one that brought healthcare to this nation, I brought up because of the groan of the suffering of the poor. I am the omnipresent one, that has heard the groan of the single mother that does not have adequate healthcare for her child. It has come before me, it reached my throne, I am the one that is responded to the oppression of the poor and the sighing of the needy. It has grieved me people of mine, as you have lifted up your hands to rail and fight against what I have done. This is the time says God that you will see great correction in my church. There are no people on the face of the earth that own the gospel. In this hour I come to bring a just weight and a righteous balance. I will put away every doctrine of Devils that has infiltrated my church. The deceitful doctrine, of
conservatism that has caused many to think that conservatism and the kingdom are synonymous. The doctrine of false liberalism that supports false marriages and aborts babies. For yes there is a true liberalism, as spoken of in my Scriptures that loves the poor and is magnanimous and kind. I will restore true liberalism, which will heal the heart of the broken and mend the wounded. I will pull down, I will divide asunder between soul and spirit. No longer shall my people be deceived, I'm sending out says God, a great sound of a trumpet calling for those who are grieved the hijacking of my gospel. I will rise up a new movement, which I will fund by my own hand out of the treasuries of heaven. It shall not be a left-wing, or a right wing movement, but it shall be a kingdom movement sent from the throne of God. In this season justice shall run down like a River and righteousness like a mighty stream. I will rise up prophets and apostles full of the oracles of justice. They will stand for the poor, and the I will give them power to rebuke all lies that distort my gospel. This is the hour, I the Lord, I'm looking for soldiers, who are ready to be trained and untrained. I'm looking for soldiers, who will allow me to detoxify them from the dark influences and viruses of his current church atmosphere. This will be in a new move that many will not understand.
Apostle Joseph Prude Apostolic and Prophetic Congress
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Bakery Won't Sugar-Coat Marriage Views If the Chickfil-A firestorm has accomplishe d anything, it may have emboldened business owners who agree with Dan Cathy. As difficult as it's been for the popular franchise, Chick-fil-A has been an example of unshakable faith to proprietors like Jack Phillips. The owner of Colorado's Masterpiece Cake Shop says he isn't about to waver from his belief in marriage as the union of a man and woman--not even when a homosexual couple is trying to destroy his business for it. When two men visited his store looking for a wedding cake this summer, they said the meeting "only lasted a few seconds." Jack was kind--but firm--in his conviction that he would not bake for events he disagrees with. The local News Channel 5 reports Phillips as saying, "If the state won't recognize gay marriage, neither will [I]." Stunned, Dave Mullin and Charlie Craig took to Facebook, launching a campaign to force Phillips into submission.
The Next Wave Magazine has now become a daily news source, The Next Wave Magazine Online. Every day you can read both a morning an and evening edition of the The Next Wave.
International Circle of Faith Colleges, Seminaries and Universities is available to serve your Christian education needs. ICOF CSU is a network of Christian Education professionals, bible colleges, Christian seminaries, Christian universities, and other Christian education institutions. for more information visit us online.
The chances of that look slim. Jack says he feels so strongly about the issue that he'd be willing to sacrifice his business over it. "If it came to that point, we would close down the bakery before we would compromise our beliefs. That may be what it comes to... we'll see." Our hats go off to Jack and business owners like him who politely but firmly stand their ground when the bullies come calling. There is no appeasing the other side on marriage--and the sooner Americans learn that, the better.
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Dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions, but the stranger never felt obligated to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our home - not from us, our friends or any visitors. Our long time visitor, however, got away with four-letter words that burned my ears and made my dad squirm and my mother blush. My Dad didn't permit the liberal use of alcohol but the stranger encouraged us to try it on a regular basis. He made cigarettes look cool, cigars manly, and pipes distinguished. He talked freely (much too freely!) about sex. His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing. I now know that my early concepts about relation-ships were influenced strongly by the stranger. Time after time, he opposed the values of my parents, yet he was seldom rebuked ... And NEVER asked to leave. More than fifty years have passed since the stranger moved in with our family. He has blended right in and is not nearly as fascinating as he was at first. Still, if you could walk into my parents' den today, you would still find him sitting over in his corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures. His name?.... We just call him 'TV'.
"THE STRANGER" -author unknown.
A few years after I was born, my Dad met a stranger who was new to our small town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around from then on. As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my family. In my young mind, he had a special niche. My parents were complementary instructors: Mom taught me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey. But the stranger... he was our storyteller. He would keep us spellbound for hours on end with adventures, mysteries and comedies. If I wanted to know anything about politics, history or science, he always knew the answers about the past, understood the present and even seemed able to predict the future! He took my family to the first major league ball game. He made me laugh, and he made me cry. The stranger never stopped talking, but Dad didn't seem to mind. Sometimes, Mom would get up quietly while the rest of us were shushing each other to listen to what he had to say, and she would go to the kitchen for peace and quiet. (I wonder now if she ever prayed for the stranger to leave.)
(The average Westerner watches about 12 YEARS of television in his or her lifetime. Yes 12 YEARS. I wonder what it has done to our generation that we are not even aware of?)
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ushering military members to the front of the 200-person line and bursting into applause; of customers circling up to pray; of CEO Dan Cathy calling Rick Warren, stunned that the company had set a world record for sales.
Chick Magnet: Millions Drawn to Chain's Defense by: Toni Perkins
It wasn't a good day to be a chicken, but it was a great day to be an American. By the millions, people swarmed their local Chick-fil-As, shattering records--and perceptions--about where the country stands. The media can dismiss us, the culture can degrade us, but there is no denying the powerhouse of deeply faithful people in this nation. By noon, even reporters couldn't ignore the outpouring of support told in the lasting images of cars snaked around for miles, customers spilling out across city blocks, and snarled traffic.
But above all, there was hope. In every corner of America, people seemed to say, "You are not alone!" Across parking lots and food courts, customers were high-fiving, striking up conversations, and snapping photos with people they had never met. On this day, there were no strangers-only allies. And in one simple gesture, ordering a meal, they showed the world a strength that no poll ever could. It was the resounding confirmation of a values movement that is not only surviving the pressure--but thriving under it. Even Gov. Mike Huckabee, who designated Wednesday as Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day, was almost speechless. It went "beyond anything I could have imagined," he said. "You know, for all the talk, 'we need to be tolerant and have diversity,' I'm all for that," Gov. Huckabee told reporters. "But let's include Christians in that, let's include people who believe in oldfashioned biblical values. Those folks are Americans too. And if Dan Cathy wants to say something, fine. Other people say something quite the opposite. I don't go around trying to put them out of business over it."
It was the slowest fast food anyone had ever had--and customers were never happier to wait. There were reports of restaurants running out of food, 1,884 Google results for "long lines at Chickfil-A," and special deliveries to congressional offices. There also were poignant stories, of people in San Diego 35
ever increasing poverty rate, degeneration of values and overall quality of Life; by focusing on the needs and solutions for all these areas including the neglect of our Nation's children. We are purposed to impact the preservation and restoration of the family. We hold that the Church was patterned after the family.
Christian Greetings, We welcome you to the International Circle of Faith Global Missions Department. Our missions department exists to aid our network of established ministries and churches in a holistically approach of restoration of body soul & spirit; to extend the church beyond the traditional parameters of the edifice complex.
We are a mission’s resource network; partnering with churches, organizations, agencies and nonprofits and faith based communities to achieve our mission to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every man woman and child.
We are dedicated to community and family development by helping meet the needs of the citizens and communities we are called to serve. We must focus on the needs of an ever growing population in our communities, cities and Nation. Every day, individuals and families who are at risk of homelessness, hunger and other life crises in our communities go unnoticed by society at large. We are the body of Christ and it is our mandate to help those who need our help the most?
Africa Our past and present missions include: Drilling water wells, free medical services and in current development of Agriculture &Housing.
India In partnership with ICOF CSU we have started the Patrick Song Academy English School, to help young Indian children to speak English, so they can function in elementary and secondary education.
ICOF Missions focus: 1. The Gospel of Jesus Christ 2. Humanitarian 3. Business and Economic development We believe that by assisting those in need– physically, mentally, and spiritually – and helping them to reach their full potential, our communities become stronger, and the lives of each member become ready to empower their world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Help us and be a part of our efforts in doing our part to improve our
ICOF Medical missions in conjunction with Project Eye Openers, reaches the
poorest, most vulnerable patients, who may not be aware about eye care and free medical camps services. While Project Eye Openers current outreach teams provide free medical services and eye examinations to 36
approximately 400 plus patients in each Village per Medical Camp outing, their ultimate goal is to eliminate obstacles by providing pre-screenings through our Mobile Medical Camps.
With the baby boomer generation fast approaching their senior years, a swelling tide of concern for the many that will need support and assistance is evident by the many senior citizen charity groups that continue to organize throughout the country. ICOF Home Missions division offers opportunities for any person to donate time and important resources to this growing challenge.
Pakistan Evangelism: We have a program called “Project Logos “The program consists of sending bibles to Pakistan translated into their native language.
Holistic Family Restoration. A long term priority is to under-served communities. The goal is to lead individuals and families in need towards a better life, improved happiness and inner peace in addition to rebuilding their material lives or improving their living and an educational condition with the power of the whole Gospel of Jesus Christ ….body, soul & Spirit.
Medical Missions: Through ICOF Medical Missions “Physicians with a cause” provide free medical camps and sharing of the gospel, throughout remote villages in Pakistan.
USA We also are focused on Church Home Missions in the USA. Through Community Enhancement that acts as a safety net for individuals and families in need, ICOF Global Missions works to strengthen and enhance communities by working with varies other agencies, churches, non profits within the Faith Based communities already in existence. We are committed to our Senior citizens community including information and referral, food distribution and collaborations with the faith community.
A hundred years from now it will not matter how much money you have, what kind of car you drive or what kind of House you live in, but the world will be a better place because you made a difference in the lives of others”.
Dr. Barney Phillips
Senior Citizens
ICOF VP of Missions
ICOF Home Missions offers personal interactions for the elderly. Providing a much-needed ministry for older people to receive care and human concern.
drbphilips@icof.net
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"Really?, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the Senator. "I'm sorry, but we have our rules." And with that, St. Peter escorts him to
BE CAREFUL HOW YOU VOTE
the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he
While walking down the street one day a
finds himself in the middle of a green
Corrupt Senator (that may be
golf course.\ In the distance is a
redundant) was tragically hit by a car
clubhouse and standing in front of it are
and died. His soul arrives in heaven
all his friends and other politicians who
and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.
had worked with him.
"Welcome to
Everyone is very
heaven," says St.
happy and in
Peter.
evening dress.
"Before you settle in,
They run to greet
it seems there is a
him, shake his hand,
problem. We seldom
and reminisce about
see a high official
the good times they
around these
had while getting
parts, you see, so
rich at the expense of the people. They
we're not sure what to do with you."
played a friendly game of golf and
"No problem, just let me in," says the
then dine on lobster, caviar and the
Senator.
finest champagne. Also present is the
"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders
devil, who really is a very friendly guy
from the higher ups. What we'll do is
who is having a good time dancing and
have you spend one day in hell and
telling jokes. They are all having such a
one in heaven. Then you can choose
good time that before the Senator
where to spend eternity."
realizes it, it is time to go.
38
Everyone gives him a hearty farewell
and puts his arm around his shoulders.
and waves while the elevator rises.
"I don't understand," stammers the
The elevator goes up, up, up and the
Senator.
door reopens In heaven where
"Yesterday I was here and there was a
St. Peter is waiting for him, "Now it's
golf course and clubhouse, and we ate
time to visit heaven..
lobster and caviar, drank champagne,
So, 24 hours passed with the Senator
and danced and had a great time. Now
joining a group of contented souls
there's just a wasteland full of garbage
moving from cloud to cloud, playing the
and my friends look miserable. What
harp and singing. They have a good
happened?"
time and, before he realizes it, the 24
The devil smiles at him and says,
hours have gone by and St. Peter
"Yesterday we were campaigning,
returns.
Today, you voted.."
"Well, then, you've spent a day in hell
Vote wisely on November 2, 2012
and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity." The Senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell."
So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator
FUNERAL SERVICE FOR A DOG
and he goes down, down, down to hell... Submitted by Michael Otobong:
Now the doors of the elevator open and
Church member: Pastor my dog is dead can you do a burial service? Pastor: We don't do service for animals. Church Member: Please Pastor did you know any church that can accept N20m donation for my dog burial service? Pastor: Wow! why you don't you tell me the dog was a Christian?
he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls to the ground. The devil comes over to him 39
Cameroon Dear Bishop Wade,
In an effort to share the work that ICOF members around the world are doing for the Kingdom of Jesus Christ we share this overview from our members, friends and partners:
(L to R) Dr. Victor Balinga Sunday - Bishop of Limbe Bishop Ngwa David - ICOF Secretary General for Africa, Bishop Tembi Alfred Tembi Bishop of Cameroon, Dr Ndoudoumou Jean Jaques Director General of Contract and Public Markets at the Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon.
AFRICA Dr. Wade,
It happened again in the city of Yaounde today July 28th. ICOF reached the Presidency through an illustrious son of Cameroon the president of the World wide church of God who was awarded the prestigious Ph. D in Divine Laws from ICOF CSU.
Praise the Lord Jesus! The Lord is steadily uniting the Fivefold here in Africa. My present concern is agreeing on a specific date and time for our ICOF African Fivefold Meetings. For now, one of our major difficulty is internet connection - especially now with the very heavy rains (we had rain fall here in Buea, non-stop for 4 good days, until today that we have seen some sunshine!), thus causing Skype to become fairly ineffective.
This is an extension of the 4th Convocation which held in Buea on the 23rd of last month. His candidature was postponed for obvious reason. We had to do a thorough investigation of his personality for integrity before any such award. We found him worthy and the award was done today in the presence of the Secretary General for ICOF Africa Dr David Ngwa.
Well, the future is very promising! International Business is helping to bring into Africa modern and quality communication gadgets - Mobiles, Ipods, etc. I see the Lord also blessing His people! It is well! Please, have a blessed day! Love you all! Dr. Ngwa Secretary General ICOF Africa www.icof.net 40
GHANA
a recorded Audio tape),
PRESIDENT ATTAH MILLS IS DEAD
He stated “I will accept whatever they do to me, because the truth in the Bible has guided me towards the right path.”
Dr. John Evans Fifii Atta Mills (21 July 1944 – 24 July 2012) is the third and immediate past President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana. He was inaugurated on 7 January 2009, having defeated the ruling party candidate Nana Akufo-Addo in the 2008 election. He was VicePresident from 1997 to 2001 under President Jerry Rawlings, and stood unsuccessfully in the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections as the candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He was a friend to the International Circle of Faith Global Union and will be missed.
NYC churches win battle to meet in schools by Dr. Tom Askew
It’s official! After 17 years of rulings, counter-judgments, being pushed out,
KUWAIT
let back in, and
Kuwaiti's Royal Prince Abdullah al-Sabah
often subjected to legal bafflement, 60-
converted To Christianity from Islam. He
plus churches in New York City (NYC)
stated, "If they kill me because of it,
have received a green light to use public
then I will appear
school facilities from the U.S. District
before Jesus Christ and I will
Court for the Southern District of New
be with Jesus
York.
Christ forever."
For the many who have followed this
The Royal Prince
case with prayer, this is great news! In
went on to say (in 41
within a week in the Assembly. The Lord moved touch and blessing through the Important Service preachings/ Teachings. The Lord Jesus healed several illnesses and delivered three from strong
the aftermath of this victory, there are even more causes for rejoicing.
DOOR TO DOOR EVANGELISM: Door to door Evangelism harvested 5 Souls last week and many more others ministered to for healing and deliverance. The Team is doing the follow-up program.
NEPAL Dear Brother, Greetings, How are u and The Family?
PRAISE/WORSHIP CHOIR CONFERENCE: We are in prayer and preparations concerning the coming National Youth Praise & Worship conference on 29th & 30th August 2012. We will also have the awards to the Youth groups at District level. Please join us and be part as we look to Him.
It Was Nice Talking to you this Morning. As you know i have sent u the Invitation this program will be of 2 days. So If anybody another wants to come u can bring them. And Please Inform Me Too. This Program Will Be Held In Hetauda ,Makwanpur. It Is Very Expensive Program so please pray that God Arranges Money And Every other Stuffs. Thank You God Bless You Rev.Matthew Suroya
KENYA GENERAL ELECTIONS 2012: We are having General Elections again postponed from this year in December to 4th March 2013 needing your prayers again as we remember the 2007 Post election violence that saw more than 2000 killed. Your prayers are very essential for God to move.
KENYA
CHURCHES SECURITY: Pray with us as we are in need to set up security measures in and around our churches due to the threat of Islamic Al Shabaab terror attacks. Psalms 18:1 How I love you, Lord! You are my defender. 2 The Lord is my protector; he is my strong fortress. My God is my protection, and with him I am safe. He protects me like a shield; he defends me and keeps me safe.
VICTORY PRAISE; AUGUST 5TH, 2012. Praises unto our God forever, greetings and love from Bungoma, Kenya, Africa in Jesus mighty name! SUNDAY SERVICE: The Lord really moved amongst the congregation. We had an Assembly of 7 churches with great testimonies of new Souls coming to Christ Jesus. It was over 20 Souls 42
Dear Bishop Wade, Greetings from the Philippines.
It is always good to serve needy childen, lepers, HIV families ,unreached groups, and people are in need of help and guidance.
I am very sorry I cannot join our skype meetings because I am always travelling and the time of our meeting I am always having meetings with people.
At Bargur lepers colony we were able to distribute shoes for nearly 200 lepers. Mr.Thandapani one of the leper said that he was walking without shoe for many month with his wounds in his feet. Now he is happy to wear shoe.
I am in Manila and I visited our ICOF people Sheraz and his wife in their residence inside their bible school. We plan to do something for ICOF this year. Also I will introduce to you our ICOF coordinator in Manila in the name of Mrs. Jessica Soriano. Please see her email account and welcome her in our circle. She is a gifted women in the unity of the Body of Christ. In many villages and in a old age home we done free medical camps for the benefit of poors, lepers and needy. With our medical team Dr. Predita went to all these camps to provide treatment to people. Based in semmanda patty hospital Dr. Jones and medical staff involve in visiting villages for medical service. Sister Joshphine in Salem old age home thank our mobile medical team for their camp for old age people.
Please plan to visit the Philippines and we will conduct conference for our people here and also introduce ICOF here. The Lord bless you more with our wife, children and staff. Love, Bishop Bing ICOF- INTERNATIONAL CIRCLE OF FAITH, PHILIPPINES
Children at Chetti patty home, Sangeetha patty and Kamalapuram home got clean water fecility now. Yes,a company in Goa donate these machines for children in orphanages and in village schools. Nursing training graduation took place last month. We thank God for Gayathry, who joined in our home when she was 5 years old. Now she became a nurse through this training at our mission.
INDIA Greetings from Salem, India. Very dry season now, no rain and no water in our part of India. Hoping and praying for rain. There is no water in our borewells of churches and orphanges. We appriciate your prayers for the same.
Esther at Kulandai nagar village leads a church and child care centre
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with 40 children. Her husband who was a pastor died by heart attack. She joined in our leadership training and she is appointed to lead this church to continue her husband's ministry. You know well how it is hard to encourage women in leadership. We do it by God's grace.
Her present hut is in falling condition. She sleeps on a pillar cave which is tied up with some dried palm leaves. You can see her present hut and sleeping cave. By God's grace we have raised some money to build a small house to this blind woman, who leads many into the light of Jesus.
Above all, we speed up church planting and reach unreached. All our churches in JMHA aim to plant more churches within 2020. I am so excited to spend most of the evenings in meeting houses, villages and individuals for ministry. We set up youth groups, women groups , men groups and children clubs to do more ministries. Every Sunday churches we hear many exciting testimonies and new people in churches.
Thank you for your ongoing prayers and assistance. Everyone from our mission send you wishes and regards. Yours cordially J.Glory Dhas with Team Dear in Christ, ICOF
Greetings • we had fasting prayers in our Church INKOLLU, A.P. INDIA • God has anointed with His Holy Spirit • we prayed for each one in the circle and for all • And in the circle we prayed for the world • God have used me with anointing like a sharing word of God, healing sick and getting gifts of Holy Spirit. • Glory to God for it.
I love to share a testimony briefly that happened life of Gunaseely, a blind lady; Recently, we went to Thathiam patty village to screen JESUS film for villagers. To our surprise only one lady came to watch this film after many hours of our advertisement. When we saw her closely we were shocked to know that she is blind lady.
Your brother in Christ Pastor DANIYELU = Hyderabad
Then we asked, "How can you watchthis Jesus without sight? She replied to us that she may not be able to see Jesus, but she could hear his voice . She added that she is blind, but not deaf. After we began to screen, than many people came to watch. In the end we gave an altar call. This blind lady was the first person who wanted to give her life to Jesus. Then, she became strong believer of our church and use to proclaim Jesus to others through songs on her own composing and testimony. She is very poor and belong to lower caste family. We as the church want to build a small house for her.
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Social Media Director
Key Skills: : Highly proficient with social networking sites including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Linked-In, Digg, foursquare, Google+, and/or Flickr. Send your resume to: mailto:administration@icof.net
ICOF CSU INTERNSHIPS Disaster Preparedness Consultant (DPC).
ICOF CSU offers internships to students. This program is designed to help the student develop their ministry while working hands on with ICOF in a variety of areas. The student will receive an ICOF CSU degree or credit toward their degree.
The DPC position is the nucleus of the Cities of Refuge Network (C.O.R.N). Enjoy earning a tremendous income working with a family based company with Christian values.
Available internships for the 20122013 academic year are in the following areas:
The ideal candidate will have a background in ministry, call center, sales, network marketing, or related fields. This person is someone who enjoys interacting with people.
SOCIAL MEDIA GRAPHIC DESIGN GRAPHIC LAYOUT TEACHING WRITING NON PROFIT MANAGEMENT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MISSIONS GRANT WRITING INTERNET TECHONOLOGY ADMINISTRATION CHURCH MANAGEMENT MINISTRY MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE/EVENT MANAGEMENT PASTORING PREACHING PROPHECY FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: administration@icof.net
No experience necessary. Training provided. As a DPC you will help individuals and families plan for life's unexpected situations. Annual income $4075K. Send your resume and cover letter to info@citiesofrefugenetwork.com \
Reach over 50,000 loyal Christian readers with the Next Wave. For more information contact: mailto:nextwave@icof.net or
502.410.4263
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Ohio Valley Fivefold Roundtable Tuesday September 11, 2012 - 6 PM Prospect, Kentucky HOSTS: Robert and Jackie Straube Email for more information: chancellor@icof.net http://www.icof.net
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SEPTEMBER 21 CONGRESSIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST WASHINGTON DC ICOF CSU Graduation
Hosts: Bishop Clarence Harris Congressman Paul Broun
October 17th ICOF CSU Zambia Host: Dr. Charles Mwape
THE INTERNATIONAL GATHERING OF EAGLES ACCRA GHANA. 8th to 10th of November 2012. Bishop Freeson (ICOF Bishop of Ghana)
BISHOP RANKINS ANNIVERSARY SERVICE ABUJA, NIGERIA OCTOBER 25 - 28th
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