White Wing Messenger July 2011

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Contents w w w w

Upcoming Events

July 2011 • Volume 87, Number 12

FE ATU RE S 5 Vision Is God’s Way

12 Examining Yourself

by Randall E. Howard

by Ashley Guidry

15 The Public Ministry of Jesus

8 Spiritual Vision: Another View of You

by Samuel Williams

by Brian Sutton

10 Vision on the Mount

23 Stories of Sharing Jesus: Ice Cream and Cable Television

by Milton Gordon

by Beth Stephens

MINISTRIES 2 Finance and Administration: ARKS Report Update 18 Youth: A Vision of Transition 20 Children: Children’s Ministry at the Core of the Local Church 21 Chaplaincy: Not Unto Us 22 Harvest Partners: Children Raise Funds for “Bicycles For Missions” 25 Women: Trinidad and Tobago Ladies Retreat • Africa SOPAS

E DITO RIALS 31 Messages: It Is Written

by DeWayne Hamby

U P DATE S 4 News: Storms Spark Tragedy in the Southeast U.S. COGOP Launches “Operation Care” 27 A Letter from Clayton Endecott 28 News: Here & There Continued Words from the Evangelist In His Presence

Bringing honor to the WORD by the printed word, the White Wing Messenger strives to inspire Christian thought and practice as it imparts the “good news” of the Gospel while serving the connectivity needs of our church community.

Visit us online—www.whitewingmessenger.org

White Wing Messenger Editorial Board: Londa Richardson, Chair; Daniel Chatham; Hanny Vidal; Cervin McKinnon; Perry Horner; Tapio Sätilä; Shaun McKinley; and Adrian Varlack

Executive Editor/Publisher: R. E. Howard, Managing Editor: DeWayne Hamby, Copy Editors: Elizabeth Witt and Marsha Robinson, Editorial Assistant: Pamela Praniuk, Graphic Artists: Perry Horner and Sixto Ramirez, International Offices (423) 559-5100, and Subscriptions (423) 559-5114 Please submit all material to the White Wing Messenger; Managing Editor; P. O. Box 2910; Cleveland, TN 37320-2910; phone (423) 559-5128; e-mail us at Editorial@cogop.org.

The White Wing Messenger is the official publication of the Church of God of Prophecy.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS July 5–11, 2011 CBL School of Practical & Advanced Studies I Paraguay July 19–22, 2011 CBL School of Practical & Advanced Studies I & II California (English and Spanish) August 9–12, 2011 CBL School of Practical & Advanced Studies II Honduras August 12–16, 2011 CBL School of Practical & Advanced Studies I Zimbabwe August 14–17, 2011 CBL School of Practical & Advanced Studies II El Salvador August 25–28, 2011 CBL School of Practical & Advanced Studies I Spain August 25–28, 2011 CBL School of Practical & Advanced Studies I Bulgaria September 1–4, 2011 CBL School of Practical & Advanced Studies II London (English and Spanish) September 8–11, 2011 CBL School of Practical & Advanced Studies I Paris *For more information, visit www.cogop.org.

There is also information on state/regional conventions, which take place this summer.

White Wing Messenger (ISSN 0043-5007) (USPS 683-020) is published monthly as the official publication of the Church of God of Prophecy, 3750 Keith St NW, Cleveland, TN. Send all materials for publication to Editorial Department; PO Box 2910, Cleveland, TN 37320-2910; e-mail: editorial@cogop. org, fax: (423) 559-5121. For subscription rates, visit wwm.cogop.org; call (423) 559-5114; e-mail: subscriptions@cogop.org. Subscription rate: $18.00 per year, payable to White Wing Messenger by check, draft, or money order.

Periodical postage paid at Cleveland, TN 37311 and at additional mail office.

Donations for the White Wing Messenger may be sent to the above address.

All scripture references are from the King James Version unless otherwise indicated. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to White Wing Messenger, PO Box 2910, Cleveland, TN 37320-2910.

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NEWSHere&There Churches Rise to Minister After Storms During the last week of April, a group of deadly storms and tornadoes cut through the southeast United States. More than 300 people lost their lives, and hundreds of homes, businesses, and churches were destroyed or damaged.

Clint Knowles, pastor of the Hackleburg, Alabama, COGOP, lived through the devastation that claimed the lives of 17 in his community, including six who had ties to his church.

“I’ve never been homeless in my life, but in 40 seconds, we became homeless,” he said. “We rode out the storm in the master bedroom closet of the parsonage.

We should have been dead. It took the roof off and half the wall. When I opened the door of the closet, I saw daylight.”

After the storm, Knowles realized the storm had cost them their new church building, the parsonage and the entire surrounding neighborhood. He helped mobilize efforts for food distribution and even a charitable fund for the town at hackleburghelphands.com. In order to “keep morale up,” his congregation set up tents for worship on property the Sunday following the storms. Since the storm, the church has seen 37 new members added and 17 people saved.

Alabama State Overseer L. V. Jones also reported on his visit to Hackleburg: “It’s almost too much to comprehend. The Knowles and local church are giants in my eyes. So much gone. Hurting. Trying to cope. However, their focus is on serving others in the community. If anyone tries to focus on them, they divert the attention to others that have lost more than they have.” continued on page 29

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LOCAL/STATE/INTERNATIONAL

COGOP Launches “Operation Care” In May, the Church of God of Prophecy International Offices announced “Operation Care,” a program to assist Cleveland and the Bradley County area in disaster relief related efforts.

As part of “Operation Care,” the International Offices have made a portion of their facility, the former White Wing Press operations area, available to the Cleveland/Bradley Country Emergency Management Agency. The area is presently being occupied as a collection facility where individuals may bring donations. They are being compiled and distributed at various locations across the community.

Our facility is not a distribution point for individual requests, but rather services needs of satellite distribution centers.

In addition, the International Offices have released their employees to commit a portion of their work schedule to assist in area relief efforts.

Employees may serve off-campus without being penalized or losing pay.

The Offices are also establishing a benevolence fund to assist the needs, especially for staff members affected.

Finally, the offices personnel are focusing a portion of each morning, as well as weekly chapel services, to pray for those suffering as a result of the recent devastation.

General Overseer Randall E. Howard shared, “Our hearts are broken for those who are struggling in our community and beyond. The family of the Church of God of Prophecy has suffered substantial loss of property and life of several precious members across the southeastern U.S. Through our prayers and Operation Care we hope to make a difference and be Christ’s hand extended to the hurting.”

A fund has been established to assist with the disaster. You may send your donation to Harvest Partners; ATTN: North America Disaster Relief; P.O. Box 2910; Cleveland, TN 37320-2910. Note that all gifts are tax-deductible, and 100 percent of your gift is applied to the need you specify.

Feature

“Every great work and every great person came under the influence of a vision that changed them and therefore changed others.”* Napoleon had a dream to conquer the world, as did Alexander the Great, and they both hold a place in history today. Nelson Mandela had a vision of liberty for all in South Africa, and it is so today. Mahatma Gandhi believed passive resistance could defeat oppressive power, and he led such a revolution. Marco Polo was motivated to find riches from the East, and he led the world to meet the great Eastern Emperors.

Vision Permeates the Bible.

Led by God’s call, Moses said, “Let my people go.” Abraham was looking for a city. Daniel said, “We will not defile ourselves.” The three Hebrews said, “We will not bow.” Esther said, “I am come to the Kingdom for such a time as this.”

Caleb said, “Give me this mountain.” David said, “Is there not a cause?” Paul heard the man say, “Come over and help us.” Nehemiah was moved to build the wall, and Ezra was called to rebuild the Temple. Joshua said, “We are well able to possess the land.” Jesus said, “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand,” and “I am come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Each of these, and others, were captivated by a life-consuming vision from God. Vision is part of the heritage of the people of God. The writer of Acts reports that “. . . your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams” (2:17). Isaiah begins his report, “The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem . . .” (1:1).

The LORD answered Habakkuk and said, “. . . Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it” (2:2). Valuable visions build on the past, speak to needs, challenge people, solve problems, provide guidance, attract people, unite movements, give energy, and bring change.

Consider the following five realities about vision: 1. Vision is positively powerful. Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of England, was able to instill vision into the nation at the very time that Hitler was bombing London and bringing terror to the British people. He drove through the streets speaking through a bullhorn, declaring, “This is England’s finest hour. We will carry the battle to the enemy. We will fight on land, on sea, in the air, in the villages, and in the cities. We will not stop until we have conquered this foe.” We know the outcome as England mobilized and rose up to defeat Hitler.

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Difficulty becomes God’s prime time for vision. Faith rises to

Vision can carry people through hard times and give people hope. In Isaiah’s day, King Uzziah had just died, ending a long tenure of leadership marked by peace and stability. God gave Isaiah a vision of the throne, lifting the eyes of the people from despair to hope in their God.

Viktor Frankl was a Jewish prisoner of war who declared his vision standing before people and telling that his endurance had carried him through long atrocities.

Ralph Waldo Emerson stated, “Those folks who succeed remain enthusiastic longer than those who fail. Every great and commanding movement in the annals of the world demonstrates the triumph of enthusiasm [hope in their cause].”

Robert Dale says visionaries are nicked by thorns and still smell the roses. Visionaries get sand in their shoes but still hear the ocean’s surf. Visionaries are soaked in the rain but are still looking for the rainbow. Visionaries see ordinary believers and still sense God’s Kingdom arriving through them.

On the other side, there is the curse of visionless leadership. These are consigned to fight brush fires constantly, moving from crisis to crisis, solving problems as the norm, and often merely functioning as church referees. Without a vision, leaders are tempted to follow popular fads on a quest for the new and improved, careening from one new idea to another endlessly.

Leaders without vision repeat the past, are tied to tradition, and rest in the comfort of routines. They may live in the insane state John Maxwell describes of those that continue to do the same things and expect different results. Or as the Vice President of Proctor and Gamble has said, “Every organization is perfectly designed to get the results they get.”

the vision

God gives.

2. Vision embraces God’s forward-moving call. One great battle cry of the church is that the gates of hell shall not prevail against her. Paul said, “. . . God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). We have been told that there is no spiritual armor for the back side of God’s warriors. All of this indicates that the vision of God has much to do with moving forward.

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The Gospel is all about going. The model of Christ demonstrates this, stating, “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10), and “. . . They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (5:31, 32). Dr. David Livingstone quotes the vision of Moffat, missionary to Africa, saying, “I stand and see the fires of 1,000 villages never touched by the Gospel.”

The inherent impulse of the Kingdom of God is to move ahead under the direction of the Commander in Chief, Christ Jesus. When the statistic is quoted that, in one 12-month period, two-thirds of the churches in North America did not baptize one new convert, we can see that many are not walking in the forwardmoving vision of God. The fishermen disciples had to rise up, leave their nets, and follow Christ. Zacchaeus felt compelled to return fourfold of the money he had taken falsely. Abraham moved under the urgency of God’s prompting to leave his homeland and all his kindred. When God’s vision stirs in a man, it most likely means action forward.

3. Vision is a tool of faith. Jonathan said to his armorbearer, “. . . there is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few” (1 Samuel 14:6). Often the size of one’s vision is determined by the size of one’s God. Of course, this is always a factor of our faith. The question is not what can we do, but what can God do through us?

Joseph went through difficult circumstances repeatedly on his journey through Egypt, but his faith was larger than being despised by his brothers, or being sold as a slave, or being thrown into prison. His God was larger than all of these factors and carried him through them to glorify God in ruling the mightiest nation in the known world.

Moses had a vision that God’s people were to be released and leave Egypt so that they could worship their God in freedom. Israel had no faith of which to boast. They were slaves—unlearned, oppressed, and poor laborers. They had nothing to be arrogant about.

Even their faith in God had been severely tested. But as a result of faith founded in God’s vision, the most powerful monarch on the earth allowed the massive exodus of slaves from his land.

Difficulty becomes God’s prime time for vision. Faith rises to the vision God gives. Hebrews says, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. . . . Now the just shall live by faith . . . we are not of them that draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul” (10:35–39). And John said, “. . . whatsoever

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is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” (1 John 5:4).

“Only he who sees the invisible can do the impossible.”

Faith becomes sheer confidence in the vision given

by God with no regard for the present circumstances.

There is an openness for God to fulfill the vision in whatever way He chooses.

4. Vision enlists participation. Jonathan’s armor-bearer saw Jonathan’s vision and strong faith and was willing to commit his life to that cause. First Samuel 14:1 says, “Now it came to pass upon a day, that Jonathan the son of Saul said unto the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines’ garrison, that is on the other side. But he told not his father.”

That day, Jonathan was not the only one who tasted the sweet victory of faith in a vision. The loyal armorbearer did not have the vision, but he was drawn into the vision as he saw the bold courage and conviction of his leader in the face of impossible odds. Vision tends to activate this response in those who hear it and who sense the “sold out” conviction of visionary leaders. Jesus simply said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). But His quiet conviction coupled with His immovable confidence stirred a new reaction in these men of the sea. They forsook all to follow this Man and to learn more of His vision.

5. Vision replaces the old routines. Robert Dale writes about reviving the plateaued church in his two books, To Dream Again and Keeping the Dream Alive. These books point to birthing a vision and local churches embracing a vision for the specific day, community, and challenges. Most are clear about the universal vision for God’s church, spreading His Gospel, and building His Kingdom. But each local church has a specific calling, specific gifts, and specific opportunities to advance right in the neighborhood and town where they are.

There were three types of inhabitants in the desert of the Old Testament context, while Israel was marching through the wilderness. The hermits were committed to the desert where they could live out their lifestyle uninhibited by external factors. They wandered about seemingly with little direction. The Bedouin were a people that herded their livestock about in the wilderness always looking for sustenance wherever it may be found. In contrast, the pilgrims were those who were on a march through the wilderness to a destination of purpose beyond the arid lands.

Some churches

Today pastors and churches must understand that they are pilgrims with purpose, marching toward a promised land. The wilderness is there to be crossed and conquered, and not a land to settle down wandering aimlessly.

Vision makes the difference.

We have all heard vision is the difference between a monument and a ministry.

A monument is historical, passive, and reminiscent of a time in the past when ministry occurred. This is similar to the difference in a building and a body. A building can house a body, but a body is much more than a building. A building is often the end result whereas a body uses a building as a beginning of ministry and impacting lives. These are similar to a product or a plant. A product is the final outcome from long research, development, and planning. A plant is the beginning of production, reproduction, and multiplication.

For each of these three metaphors, vision is either at its end point or in the launch mode. Often this is true for churches. Some churches are at the end point of vision, enjoying the memories and reputation of ministry that was done some years ago. Others are at the launching point with zealous anticipation of what God can do as they launch out into the deep.

As the leadership of the Church of God of Prophecy launched VISION 2020, the hope was that every local church, or every nation/state/region, would sense a heavenly focus (vision) for their specific work in their area of ministry for the next decade. The call to three Core Values (Prayer, Harvest, and Leadership Development) is certainly universal enough that they might easily fit into very specific calls that God is giving on the local and area level. We have already heard of exciting applications as inspiration rises. We believe God is still speaking visions to His people for the purpose that His Kingdom-building work will be activated in fresh, effective ways.

Our prayer is that this Movement will hear God’s voice in a new way and be empowered to respond with fresh conviction. Church, in these last days, may we arise and shine with the light of His glory as we are moved by visions from heaven.

are at the end point of vision, enjoying the

memories of ministry done years ago.

________________ *Leadership Magazine (Winter 1983).

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Spiritual Vision:

Another View of

ou Y

T

he global economic recession is continuing longer than many financial experts had anticipated, and this, in turn, continues to have a strong influence on how the community at large evolves. The worldwide financial crisis has also had an impact on the way that Christians interact with the world and each other, providing opportunities for the faithful who are going through

Samuel Williams, Evangelist Atlanta, Georgia

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problems to grow spiritually while allowing Christians within the range of observation of those experiencing troubles to grow by lending a helping hand.

During difficult times, it is fairly easy to see how a person reacts under dire circumstances, and perhaps, this is a part of the great Christian ordeal. The test is not just to see how any individual reacts to problematic circumstances, but more importantly, how a true child of God reacts as finances, friendships, opportunities, and even family relationships are stretched to their limits. This is a great time to observe and test personal faith, dedication, and maintenance of Godly composure.

One of the biggest goals for endtime Christians is the establishment of a proper connection—specifically,

finding that true line of communication and faith in God through the power of the Holy Spirit and maintaining it. Jesus Himself left the church and its members an exceedingly great challenge in the Book of Luke: “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (18:8). The question is obvious, and the answer is up to you, me, and every person who calls himself or herself a Christian.

The Bible clearly informs all readers that, near the end of the world, deception will be at its greatest strength and that only the elect of God have the grace and fortitude to survive the spiritual onslaught. And even the grace of God’s elect will be challenged by Satan and his domain as revealed in the Book of Matthew: “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, WWW.WHITEWINGMESSENGER.ORG

and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” (24:24).

Christians, therefore, must take the spiritual high road and look at all circumstances as testing grounds for faith as well as opportunities to increase reliance on and communications with the Holy Spirit, who was given as a comfort by Jesus shortly before His ascending to heaven to reside on the right hand of God. The Bible provides all of the necessary tools that are needed for personal spiritual survival and development, and it is fairly easy to compare situations that we go through daily with similar occurrences of the primary leaders in Scripture. Scripture is provided as a sound foundation and reference for every thinkable situation as noted by Timothy: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Biblical stories are, in fact, a close representation of our relationship with others and consequently our relationship with God. Most families— yes, even Christian families—have an easily identifiable “black sheep,” and one theory is to regard the relationship between the parents and the black sheep as a representation of the relationship between God and the parents.

In the case of David, for example, as his son Absalom was becoming more and more belligerent, temperamental, aggressive, and unstable, this should have been an indication to David that perhaps he should take a closer look at his relationship with God. As our families go through trials, we attend to the symptoms, take corrective measures, and draw closer to God. Equivocally, if

we take a closer look at our own personal lives from the perspective of a father figure, then we can also take the necessary corrective measures.

That child who just can’t be understood, who is always getting into situations and making questionable decisions— is it remotely possible that this is the same manner in which God questions our personal spiritual decisions and development? From God’s view, in the same manner in which a child who has apparently gone astray and made bad choices and poor friendships, we may be seen in the same light. Each Christian must take note of their one-on-one personal relationship with God from God’s perspective.

The Holy Spirit is wise enough to provide us with sufficient opportunities to grow to the full capacity that God designed for each of us, and we must endeavor to recognize all lessons and opportunities.

There is only one Christ—Jesus the Son of God—yet we must strive to be Christ-like and recognize situations from a purely Christian and godly viewpoint. God not only sees a person who has apparently lost everything and is experiencing troubles, but God also takes note of how the community and, more specifically, other Christians treat this person.

The Book of Job is a strict lesson on how people who are near to God have a tendency to look down at other children of God when they aree experiencing difficulties. Job was a devout man of God, in the similitude of Moses, David, Jacob, Daniel, Jeremiah, and the apostle Paul, yet when he went through a troubled period, he was judged wrongly.

God is all-knowing and sees all things, and He has His eyes of truth and judgment on the individual whom He allows to go through problematic situations as well as the observing bystander. The central theme in the story of the Good Samaritan is not about the citizen of Jerusalem who was robbed, beaten, and left half-dead as he travelled to Jericho, but instead the fact that a priest and a Levite passed a person wounded and in need—similarly as we do in these modern times—not having a desire to get “involved.”

If we see a stranger who appears to be experiencing problems on a

highway, we often pass them because of fear—fear of being robbed or fear of stopping and causing an accident.

The question is, Where is our faith?

In these circumstances, are we just like the priest and the Levite? If we are genuinely faithful, then we would know that God is our protector in all circumstances and would therefore act toward our fellow man like the Samaritan, who “. . . went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him” (Luke 10:34).

A few days ago, I saw a news story in which a young mother was arrested after she was reported to have left her two young toddlers alone in an apartment while she went to work.

The news story also showed several interviews of the woman’s next door neighbors who had harsh words for the woman, noting that they would never display such irresponsibility. While the young mother was thoroughly irresponsible and should not under any circumstances have left her children alone, an equally important question that obviously arose was, What kind of neighbor with such a good conscience was not in a good enough relationship with this young woman to have been able to volunteer to take care of the children for her? Recently there was another story where children perished in a fire after being left alone.

All of us as Christians are involved in these stories as individuals and as a Christian community. As end-time Christians, we must look at both sides of the stories and ask the difficult question, Am I doing everything that God intended for me to be doing? We must get to the point of recognizing that we as individuals share some of the blame.

In a world of ever-increasing valley between the “haves” and “have-nots,” we must be carefully aware that God may be challenging our conscience as much as our actions. God’s grace is sufficient, and we are justified through faith. Nevertheless, good works must follow true Christians as noted in the Book of Revelation: “I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works . . .” (2:19).

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And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead (Matthew 17:9).

The word vision from the above verse comes from the Greek word hórama, pronounced hor’-am-ah. This word means “to stare in amazement or gaze in wonderment at something supernatural and glorious.” Vision here also includes direction, guidance, and leadership by strong influence and empowerment. Peter, James, and John were given a vision on the mountain with Jesus. The vision was a precursor of Christ’s mission to the world.

After the glorious transfiguration, Jesus gave a certain, specific imperative to them: “Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of Man be risen again from the dead.” Jesus knew His Father’s vision for sending Him to the world. He also knew the timing for the ultimate fulfillment of the vision. The passion He embodied moved Him on to the mission of fulfilling His Father’s vision.

He wanted these three disciples to get a glimpse of that vision, and He took them aside into the mountain for a glorious appearance. However, at first, these three disciples did not grasp the vision.

These disciples had just witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration as His glorious divinity shone through His earthly body, making Him brighter than the snow on a fully sunny day. There, as Jesus

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gloriously glistened with the brightness of His heavenly being, appeared to them Moses and Elijah speaking with Jesus. Peter, being the outspoken one for the three, said, “Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias” (17:4). As Peter was speaking, “. . . a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him” (v. 5).

When the three disciples heard the voice, they became fearful and fell on their face. They remained there until Jesus came and touched them and said, “. . . Arise, and be not afraid” (v.

7). When they looked up, “. . . they saw no man, save Jesus only” (v. 8, bold added). Jesus took the three with Him onto the mountain, and there they got a glimpse of His divinity and a strong message from His Father that brought their focus to hear His Son. Moreover, Jesus instructed them to keep the vision they saw quiet until after His resurrection. Jesus continued to be focused and about His Father’s vision and knew the time for them to keep quiet and the time for them to speak.

The three disciples seemed to struggle with the directive of Christ to be silent

about the vision, and they began to inquire about Elijah. They referred to an Old Testament prophecy (Malachi 4:4).

They asked, “Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?” (v. 10).

Once again, Jesus helped the disciples to understand the vision they saw and the voice they heard on the mount. He said, “Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed.

Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them” (vv. 11,12). The vision on the mountain focused their attention on seeing and hearing Jesus in His glorious divinity and heavenly authority. Coming down from the mountain, Jesus brought their focus more clearly on the vision to be fulfilled on the earth.

The Vision and the Multitudes The vision the three disciples saw and experienced on the mount was to bring their focus and endeavours to the vision that was to be fulfilled on down from the mount. Jesus reminded them that Elijah (John the Baptist) had already come. The Baptist’s message was, “He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose” WWW.WHITEWINGMESSENGER.ORG

(John 1:27). The Baptist declared, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (v. 29). The Baptist did restore “all things” that God sent him to restore concerning Christ. He was the forerunner and announcer of the coming ministry of Christ.

Jesus reminded the disciples that John the Baptist had been treated horribly and suffered horribly and that He would also suffer. The three then understood that Jesus was speaking of John the Baptist whose message was repentance and announcing of Christ’s increase in ministry. Yet they continued to struggle with the greatness of the vision they saw and experienced on the mount. In time, their struggles with the vision would be turned into joyous empowerment to proclaim the vision.

The next account in Matthew 17, beginning with verse 14, tells of a father who brought his son to Jesus. The son was tormented by evil spirits, and the father had already brought the son to the disciples for deliverance. Their efforts produced no deliverance for the lad. Jesus chided them for their lack of faith and commanded the boy to be brought to Him. He rebuked the evil spirit, and the boy was delivered. The disciples were so disturbed that they came to Jesus and asked, “Why could not we cast him out?” (v. 19).

Once again, the disciples needed to be refocused on Christ’s vision. The question they asked showed their obvious lack of faith and belief in Christ.

Christ then told them their lack of focus: “Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you” (v. 20).

These mentioned passages in Scripture show us that the disciples were zealous, but their zeal lacked wisdom in their response on the mount and lacked faith in Christ when ministering to the father’s tormented son. The vision on the mount was to bring the disciples’ focus to Christ and to “hear him.” The tormented son brought to them by the father tested their faith in God. Their vision was clouded in both instances. On the mount, their vision was clouded by traditional, nationalistic zeal and

religion—”. . . let us make here three tabernacles . . .” (v. 4). When seeking to minister to the tormented son, their vision was clouded by focusing on themselves: “Why could not we cast him out?” (v. 19). They were called to prayer and fasting to bring self under and increase faith and belief in God. Jesus told them, “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting” (v. 21). No formulated church vision is viable if not focused on hearing Christ and believing in Him.

The Vision Needed for Today Much is being written and taught today about vision. Denominations, local churches, businesses, and even families seek to have a vision and to live a visionary lifestyle. These entities seek to also formulate a visionary or mission statement based on their goals or core values. Think of some television commercials. The commercial focuses on the entity’s vision and mission. Think of businesses—their products or services and their vision and mission will focus on their products or services. Local churches have vision and formulate mission statements for their ministry context. One church has a short version of their visionary statement: Lifting Christ, Loving People.

Christ’s vision was based on and motivated by His Father’s will and desire to bring fallen men, women, boys, and girls back to His Father.

Throughout Christ’s earthly ministry, He would not be distracted, deterred, or detained from fulfilling that vision. Any who would join in Christ’s vision today must beware of and shun nationalistic, denominationalistic, traditionalistic zeal not based on His vision. Further, those who would join in Christ’s vision must beware of and shun “individualistic,” self-focused, self-motivated, selfglorifying ministries that have no faith in Christ nor hear Him. The Scriptures record that Peter would later recount the vision he saw and experienced in the mount, but this time his focus was clear. He states, “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there

came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount” (2 Peter 1:16–18). God’s voice boomed that day: “Hear My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”

Peter further emphasized the unity (teamwork) of those who wrote the inspired scriptures as they were “moved by the Holy Spirit.” He continues, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy. . . . Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (vv. 19–21, bold added). The unity of the Scriptures is very evident.

Churches may formulate or emphasize their vision and mission statements based on their local context and needs of their community. The vision and mission of Christ, however, should be the basic foundation for all Bible-based churches. Christ still, today, declares His vision and mission in the Holy Writ: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).

He further declares, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15 ESV).

Today Christ still commands, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19, 20 ESV). He completed His earthly mission and left a legacy and the vision to continue the commission He gave to His disciples.

God’s vision was Christ’s vision, and Christ’s vision became the apostles’ and early church’s vision. The Holy Spirit anointed the disciples to continue the vision of Jesus. Nothing less will do today. The vision is not a fable. Christ’s vision is still clear and strong.

Proclaim the vision!

He is risen!

Milton Gordon, M.DIV. Old Hickory, Tennessee

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ExaminingYourself The word examine means “to inspect, scrutinize (carefully investigate) critically, to question in order to elicit, or bring out facts.”

e

Examining one’s self, one’s heart,

is made necessary by our conditions

of how we are living our lives before

God. In order to live a clean spiritual and wholesome life in our allotted time upon this earth, we must attain the mind of Christ.

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According to the following verse of Scripture, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). There is a wickedness in our hearts that we ourselves are not aware of, nor suspect to be there. It is a common error among us to think our hearts are a great deal better than they really are, but the heart is deceitful and is constantly under divine inspection. The heart, the conscience of man, in a fallen and corrupt state is deceitful above all things.

Who can describe how bad the heart is? We probably cannot because we can’t know our heart as to what it will do in an hour of temptation. God sees whatever wickedness is in the heart and knows it perfectly, for He sees all. So we need to honestly and truthfully examine every area of our hearts. We can enlist the help of the Holy Ghost to get rid of the evil that may be there.

“Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart” (Psalm 26:2). Here, David is asking God to examine him. God knows every man’s true character and, as previously mentioned, the thoughts and intents of the heart. He sees through every disguise. We can always ask God to examine us because we are sure that He knows us and would discover whatever could be amiss in our lives, even though we might not know of it, or may have forgotten it.

The psalmist Asaph wrote the following in Psalm 77:6: “I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune

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with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.” He remembered the days and the times that God prevailed in his life and of a song in the night that comforted and entertained him in the time of a great sorrow. His fears communed with his heart, and he made a diligent search into the cause of his trouble, asking God what the consequences would be.

Melancholy and sad people are more apt to look back upon the days of old and magnify them to justify their own uneasiness and discontent they have with their present state of affairs. But they can’t really say that the former days were better than these because it is not possible to fully know if they were better days or not.

As we search our hearts, we ask, “Is God’s mercy gone from us? Has He cast us off? Are we deserted souls, walking in darkness, having no light?” This is a common case to those who fear the Lord.

The psalmist said he would keep God’s Word and of how he did it: “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments” (119:59, 60). He thought on his ways, pondered on what he would do beforehand, and pondered on what path his feet would take that he might walk surely. He examined himself as to what he had done, reflecting upon his past life, remembering the paths that he had walked on and the steps he had taken. He thought on the things that he had to do for God. He “turned his feet” to God’s testimonies, determining to make God’s Word his rule, and walk by that rule. He turned his affections to the love of God’s Word and to practice what the Word demanded.

When we are under the conviction of sin, we must strike while the iron is hot and make haste. We must not delay our actions until a more convenient time.

When we are called to duty, we must not lose time, but we are to see about it today while it is still day!

(What I am trying to say here is that if you know that you have committed anything that can be classed as sin, go to God in prayer, asking for forgiveness.)

Let us take a look at Psalm 139:23, 24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Here we find David appealing to God. We can do likewise.

We can implore of God to discover the wrongs that may be within our hearts. Those who are upright can take comfort in the all-knowing, omniscient God as a witness to this uprightness and can, with humble confidence, beg of Him to search our souls. An honest and sincere person desires to know the worst of himself so as to honestly wear a “window” in his breast for the heart to be looked upon. Then he can say, “Lord, I hope that I am not in a wicked way, but

Melancholy and sad people are more apt to look back upon the days of old and magnify them to justify their own uneasiness and discontent they have with their present state of affairs. see if there is any evil way in me. Lord, let me see it too, and root it out of me, for I will not allow it!”

Just as we have daily meals physically that are needed to maintain life and health in this world, we also need a spiritual diet—often.

There was a danger facing the Corinthians of receiving the representations of the flesh and blood of Christ unworthily, using an ordinance with intentions opposite of what it was ordained. “Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep” (1 Corinthians 11:27–30).

These individuals ran a great hazard of provoking God, rendering themselves liable to damnation, and causing a great punishment to be rained down upon them. Every sin, in its own nature, is damning; therefore, this sin of profaning God’s holy ordinance is damning. Where is the damning? The damnation comes by sitting at the Lord’s Table unprepared to take part in this ordinance. (When you sit at this table, and you may not remember any transgression now, but you may recall one later on, and you partake of communion, it can be repented of and forgiveness can be received.)

The ordinance of the Lord’s Supper was not intended to keep serious Christians from taking part in this duty though the devil has often taken advantage of it and robbed good Christians of their comforts.

The Corinthians came to the Lord ’s Table as to a common feast, “. . . not discerning the Lord’s body” (1 Corinthians 11:29), not making a distinction between the spiritual food and the common food, but set this upon their own level. This was sinful and displeasing to God, who brought down His judgment on them: “For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep” (1 Corinthians 11:30).

Ashley J. Guidry Patterson, Louisiana

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THE PUBLIC MINISTRY OF JESUS The Spirit of the Lord is on me because He has anointed me.

God comes down to earth through His Son Jesus.

While many wonder who Jesus was and why He did the things that He did, there was a clear declaration about His ministry, made by Him during His life on earth. This declaration was an acceptance of a mission as well as an outline that would drive His ministry and facilitate the will of His Heavenly Father: “‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’ Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, ‘Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing,’” (Luke 4:18-21 NIV).

By referencing Isaiah’s prophecy, Jesus not only acknowledges who He was, but tells the world what He will do. His ministry will include those whom the world has cast aside. Through this, He announced to the world at hand, and to those yet to come, that the will of God would be accomplished through Him. It was a signal of God’s Kingdom here on this earth.

The incarnation of Christ is at the center of the salvation of mankind. God comes down to earth through His Son Jesus. One who is fully God, yet fully man, has work to do that goes beyond what any being, other than He, could accomplish. Christ’s proclamation that God’s Spirit was upon Him and anointing Him for service is a truth that the church of today cannot ignore. Just as Christ desired and required the Spirit’s equipping, the church will require this same anointing to accomplish God’s will.

Christ’s acknowledgement of His dependence on the Holy Spirit for power is a key ingredient to who He was. Desiring that His disciples would follow His example, He would later state, “. . . apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 NIV). Regardless of the mission or ministry, Christ worked with a dependence upon the Holy Spirit’s power.

As we, the church of today, seek to take our cue for ministry from the example of Christ, we must recognize the need for the ongoing sustaining power of the Holy Spirit rather than a simple one-time experience. Not only was Jesus’ ministry one that received “an anointing” at one time, but the life of Christ could be summed up as a man who went from place to place to pray, and who performed some miracles in between (Luke 6:12). Without the Spirit’s same anointing upon us, our efforts will be in vain.

We look to God not only for anointing, but also for sustainability. Like Christ, we must have the Holy Spirit’s power to equip us and sustain our work.

We must follow Christ’s lead and strive to receive this anointing and spiritual renewal daily from the Holy Spirit.

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To Preach Good News to the Poor Jesus proclaims that He was to preach the good news to the poor. This pronouncement of Christ may seem odd to many of the affluent, Christian churches. We see a Savior who specifically speaks to those who suffer. The poor that Jesus speaks of in Luke 4 are poor, not only because of their lack of material wealth, but because of their political and spiritual circumstances.

Jesus has not come to give the poor a material bailout that will bring great riches; rather, He has come to provide something of much greater value: Himself. His heart is clearly open to the most vulnerable. Jesus has come to provide spiritual riches to those who sit in spiritual poverty, as well as hope to those who are materially poor.

Jesus accepts this prophetic mission and speaks it vocally for us, the church, to hear. As the people of Christ, we are now challenged to be Christ’s representatives here on earth, also ministering to the poor. How wonderful to know that we will not only model the lifestyle of Christ when we minister to the poor and needy, but we will also minister to Christ as we serve the “least of these.”

Sent Me to Proclaim Freedom to the Prisoners The apostle Paul states that in Christ “. . .we have redemption through his blood” (Ephesians 1:7 NIV).

As Jesus made the Sabbath pronouncement of the emancipation of this world’s prisoners, He did so with the full knowledge that their redemption would require His sacrifice. He knew that no prisoner could be freed without payment for their transgressions and that this payment would be made entirely by Him on the cross at the conclusion of His earthly ministry.

Luke chapter 6:17–19 (NIV) tells the story of a great multitude gathering from Judea, Jerusalem, and the seacoast of Sidon and Tyre to hear Jesus and be healed of their diseases: “He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil spirits were cured, and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.”

Verse 19 states that in reference to this particular gathering, Jesus healed them all. Many there were

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tormented by unclean spirits, and He healed them as well. The unclean spirits mentioned here were literally holding people hostage as if they were their property. Christ’s coming and ministry was a declaration that God’s grace had come to even these.

Not only would they be cleansed, but they could now be reconciled to God through Him. Because of the grace of God through Jesus, the prisoner would no longer be responsible for the payment for his crimes. If Christ has made our payment, through His own blood, there is now no condemnation upon the prisoner whom Christ has made free (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). In addition, Christ’s freedom for the prisoners does not only loose them from bondage, His freedom allows them to now become attached or reconciled to God.

Recovery of Sight to the Blind Jesus’ proclamation that He would recover sight to the blind applied to much more than the simple healing of a person’s natural sight. Matthew Henry wrote the following: He came not only by the word of His gospel to bring light to them that sat in the dark, but by the power of His grace to give sight to them that were blind; not only the gentile world, but every unregenerate soul, that is not only in bondage but in blindness, like Samson and Zedekiah. Christ came to tell us that He has eye-salve for us, which we may have for the asking; that, if our prayer be, Lord, that our eyes may be opened, His answer, shall be, receive your sight.1 The curse of oppression and spiritual poverty upon the lowest of society could be removed if only people could see the way out; this way out was Jesus. The apostle Paul described this blindness as a veil (2 Corinthians 3:15,16) that could only be lifted by turning to Christ. Jesus now offered sight to those who had never been allowed to see and sight to those who had never even tried to see.

Jesus’ promise to bring the restoration of sight was a radical idea. Now all who desired to see Jesus, and experience His truth, could receive their sight.

By coming to Him, they will no longer be required to depend on the leading of others to find their truth.

His restoration of sight would make it possible for believers to now see that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Through Him, the veil that had hindered man’s ability to see and experience God would be removed. Through Him, man could now see God for who He really was, and they could experience God for themselves.

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To Release the Oppressed At no other place in the proclamation of Christ’s mission do we see a greater example of His desire for the Kingdom of God to be at work in the world. Jesus addresses one of the most misunderstood concepts in Scripture: the oppression of others. A perfect example of the oppression that Jesus came to stop is found in Mark 11:15–18 (NIV): “On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there.

He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, ‘Is it not written: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations”? But you have made it a den of robbers.’ The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.”

This short reference to oppression is an example of God’s desire for all people to have “equal access” to the Father. The oppression of God’s people had become so terrible in Jerusalem that even the sacrifices being offered to God were being used to make money, and this was being done at the expense of the poor who came to worship. Money changers were the people who were exchanging Roman money into the shekels that could be given to God inside the temple, and vendors were selling “priestapproved” animals that could be sacrificed inside the temple. These practices in themselves could possibly have been done as a service to worshippers; however, Jesus clearly saw that inflated prices were being charged. By oppressing the people in this way, they were literally denying many of the poor into God’s house to offer sacrifices. This was being done with the approval and collusion of the temple priests, who were probably receiving a portion of the profits.

Jesus’ turning over of the tables is the visual expression of what He said He would do as the Spirit of the Lord anointed Him. He was standing up for the oppressed and condemning those in power who were doing the oppressing.

To Proclaim the Year of the Lord’s Favor The “year of the Lord’s favor” is a Jewish euphemism for the Year of Jubilee, which was an Old Testament tradition (Leviticus 25:8–54) whereby every 50 years the rich Israelites had to surrender their property

and the poor Israelites were forgiven their debts.

Thus, everyone started all over again. It was, in other words, a periodic effort to redistribute the wealth of Israel.

The Year of Jubilee’s great strength was that it allowed a fresh start to all, even those who had made poor decisions and had placed themselves into situations they could not get out of. Jesus’ words regarding this Year of Jubilee was a pronouncement of the grace of God! Those who were spiritually bankrupt would receive back all that they had lost and would receive a new opportunity.

The cancelling of debts by Jesus would be a spiritual one. Man’s sin debt owed to God would now be forgiven by Christ’s own sacrifice, thereby providing for Israel and all of those to be “grafted into this vine,” a Jubilee from sin’s consequences.

Jesus combined Isaiah 61:1,2 and 58:6 in this Sabbath reading of Scripture in His synagogue to announce Jubilee. Both scriptures were recognized by all Jewry as Jubilee passages. Jesus is doing something more here than simply proclaiming that He is going to preach good news to the poor, free captives, and heal the blind. He is declaring that His arrival is signaling the coming of Jubilee upon Israel.2

In Christ, the freed prisoner is reconciled and restored, as if no crime had ever been committed.

The mission statement of Christ in Luke 4 encapsulates the heart of the heavenly Father toward His creation. From that day of pronouncement in the temple until today, Christ’s words, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (v. 21 NIV), bring hope to this world. He is not just another great prophet. He did not enter the world to simply give man wisdom or words to live by.

He came to be, and is now, the only way to God. He is the Savior of the poor, the prisoners, the blind, the oppressed, and all of mankind. ____________ 1 Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Volume 5 – Matthew to John (Mclean, Virginia: Macdonald Publishing, originally published in 1706), p. 624.

2 Robert Linthicum, Building a People of Power: Equipping Churches to Transform Their Communities (Waynesboro, Georgia: Authentic/World Vision, 2006), p. 36.

Brian Sutton, Pastor Sheffield, Alabama

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A Vision of

As the Church of God of Prophecy forges ahead with Vision 2020, the Call to the Young Harvest continues to resound loud and clear as a core value of this Movement. This is not a new value of the Church, but it is now being emphasized for the purpose of giving priority to reaching the largest demographic in the history of the world. Nearly 60 percent of the world’s population is under the age of 29.1 As we consider that a new generation is emerging (and in some cases has already emerged), we must make preparations for the young harvest ministers and

workers whom God is raising up to evangelize and disciple the young harvest. If this is the case, then we need to not only have a vision of the harvest but also a vision of leadership transition.

Every generation requires visionary leaders that God uses to move them onto His agenda.2 Carson Pue, in his book Mentoring Leaders, reflects on the post World War international leadership that emerged during the 1950s. He laments not because they have mostly moved off the scene, for that is an inevitable consequence of time; his lament, however, is that there is not currently a crop of competent leaders emerging to take their place.3

While one can easily look at the emerging leaders and consider it a weakness of the emerging generation, we must also recognize that one of the responsibilities of leadership is to prepare for transition. The question at this point is, Are we seeking God for a vision of transition?

According to a recent analysis of licensed ministers done at the International Offices, 85 percent of our ministers are 51 years or older, and 60 percent of those ministers are 61 years or older. Two key observations can be drawn from these statistics: a) there are more ministers over the age of 60 in our Movement than under the age of 40, and b) a large percentage of our ministers will reach the age of retirement within the next five to ten years.

Acts 13:36 says that David served his generation (faithfully), and then he died. Leadership transition is inevitable and is literally knocking at our door!

This is not new to the history of God’s people. The

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Scripture records the leadership transitions of Moses (Joshua 1:1, 2), Christ (Acts 1:4–11), and the apostle Paul (Ephesians 20:17–38).

Our Movement, as part of the body of Christ, is experiencing a normal process. We, like the leaders of Scripture, must also raise up new leaders and prepare them for ministry in the present and future context. The Lord prepared Israel for the transition to Joshua’s leadership. The Lord prepared the disciples for the transition to their leadership. Paul, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, prepared the churches

for a transition from his leadership. The time has now come to address the transition of leadership within our Movement if we are going to truly value, evangelize, disciple, and release the young harvest into the world for continued work of the Great Commission.

Several questions must be asked of our local ministry leaders, pastors, overseers, and presbyters: • How long do you see yourself in the current service of leadership?

• Is this the best use of your gifts at this time in the body of Christ?

• Who are you intentionally mentoring for the inevitable leadership transition?

• What kind of timetable are you considering in preparing these emerging leaders?

• What does your transition strategy look like?

• Who is aware that a strategy exists?

As our Movement expands and invests in leadership development, another set of key questions must be asked: • What percentage of those that we are currently investing in will be leading our congregations for the next 20–30 years?

• How are next-generation leaders being identified?

• Who is ultimately responsible for ensuring that next-generation leaders are adequately prepared for ministry in a post-Christian context?

• Are the current top tier leaders prepared to develop next-generation leaders for the challenges of a post-Christian context?

Jesus challenged His disciples to consider the readiness of the awaiting harvest (John 4). He also challenged them to pray for workers who would minister to this harvest (Matthew 9:37, 38). Jesus had to both transition from a covenant ministry context that ended with John the Baptist as well as a leadership ministry that would transition upon His ascension. Do we have both a vision of the young harvest and a vision of leaders who can and will minister to a generation that will redefine the face of the Church for the next 20 to 40 years?

A painful discussion such as leadership transition brings up the question: What about the ministry of the older generation? Is there no value in them? There is absolutely, without question, value in the older generation. Every transitional process must address the role and voice of older spiritual leaders. When the kingdom transitioned from Solomon to his son, a meeting was set for Rehoboam to hear the advice of the elders of Israel.

Unfortunately, Rehoboam didn’t listen (2 Chronicles 10:1–8). Emerging leaders must know that the older generation is a gift from God to them before, during, and after their transition into leadership.

One of the great needs today is for mentors. I personally was greatly assisted by both my overseer as well as former pastor during my pastorate. In fact, I am still drawing from the wells of experience of those that God has placed in my life so that I can be a better “equipper” within the body of Christ. The Church will need to grapple with how to practically utilize the wisdom, anointing, and experience of the older generation so that the emerging leaders can serve the Lord and the body of Christ effectively.

In my next article, I aim to suggest some practical ways our churches and leaders can begin preparing next-generation leaders for the inevitable transition.

Let us pray for a vision of transition! _______________ U.S. Census Bureau, International Programs Center, International Database.

2 Blackaby, Henry, Spiritual Leadership (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001), p. 20.

3 Pue, Carson, Mentoring Leaders.

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Trevor Reid, Co-Director International Youth Ministries

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Children’s Ministry at the CORE of the Local Church With the adoption of the VISION 2020, the Church of God of Prophecy is focusing on its core values—Prayer, Harvest, Leadership Development. Children’s ministry is an essential piece of this vision. As local churches strive to align with these core values, it is important to focus on ways to enhance our ministry to children. I challenge each local church to focus on the CORE: Child-Centered Churches: Can you say that your local church is child-centered? Does the vision of the local church reflect the importance of reaching and discipling children? Are children represented on committees and boards that are responsible to cast vision and make decisions? Are children welcomed in every area of your local church? Do they feel valued and loved? Is the children’s ministry budget comparable to the budgets of every other ministry? Remember that believing children are members of Christ’s body. “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me . . .” (Mark 9:37 NIV).

Optimistic: Local churches can feel optimistic about their present and their future IF they have children in their midst. Children have God-given talents that are to be used for His service. There are children and youth in our local churches who are gifted in leadership, but we have dismissed them because they are too young. As we look toward the future, we must begin to identify and equip these leaders while they are young. We need Godly men and women to step up and begin mentoring these future leaders. I am optimistic when I see local churches focus on the spiritual and leadership development of children. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plan to give you a hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

Reaching The Young Harvest: For far too long, we have waited for the harvest to come to us. We must aggressively

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go out and reach the young harvest. People might say, “I will not be able to reach a nine-year-old. I am not relevant to this generation. I don’t speak their language.” I believe a nine-year-old will be the one to reach another nine-year-old. If we want to reach the young harvest, we must equip and mobilize the children in our local churches to reach them. We must train them to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into the harvest field” (Luke 10:2 NIV).

Enhance The Quality of Your Ministry: It is important to continuously raise the bar on the quality of your Children’s Ministry. The number-one factor a family looks at when choosing a church home is whether the church provides an effective children’s ministry. It should be a priority to train and equip your children’s ministry leadership. A child’s spiritual formation is set by age nine. We cannot be content with the status quo. Our children deserve our very best. Your local church should have a training budget for the children’s ministry team. They need to be given varied opportunities to sharpen their skills and learn new methods. “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry . . .” (Hebrews 8:6).

As each local church strives to align with the 2020 vision, I prayerfully challenge your local church to examine its core values. Just like the core of the Earth is the center that every layer is built upon, the CORE of your church will be the center that God builds upon. Put ministry to children at your CORE, and watch as God fulfills His vision for your local church.

Kim Batson, Regional Director of Children’s Ministry, Tennessee

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Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory . . . (Psalm 15:1) —let Jesus Christ be praised! The ministries of the Army chaplain can be prioritized by the categories of prayer, presence, preaching, programs, and professional ministry to soldiers.

Afghanistan is a land of much prayer. Muslim believers can be seen and heard praying at least five times a day. However, Muslims are not the only praying people in Afghanistan.

Many military and civilian Christian believers serving in Afghanistan with U.S. and Coalition Forces also pray without ceasing, including chaplains and chaplain assistants. Chaplains “talk to God about soldiers and then talk to soldiers about God.” God always says, “Soldier, I love you.” Until they are in harm’s way, the soldier’s usual response to God is, “Can I get back with You about that later, God?” Christian “prayer force” is the most powerful weapon available to mankind, and soldiers can frequently be found praying in any war zone.

One specific answer to prayer during this deployment was on behalf of an Afghan interpreter whose VISA application to study in the United States was miraculously completed— in answer to a Religious Support Team (RST) member’s prayer—with the hopes of his conversion to Christianity. Please join in prayer for the salvation of this “Terp,” as they are called. Prayer coverage is the single­-most powerful ministry a chaplain can directly provide to his command and soldiers.

In the United States ForcesAfghanistan (USFOR-A) theater of operations, chaplains provide “ministry of presence” to soldiers by battlefield circulation, under the protection of their chaplain assistants, who are trained to serve as personal “bodyguards” to chaplains. “Split-Ops” (when chaplain and chaplain assistants travel or operate separately) are prohibited

by USFOR-A Command chaplain’s policy so the chaplain and chaplain assistants are required to move and minister together.

Like any other soldiers, RSTs encounter many dangers on the

Not Unto Us . . . ground and in the air to be present with service persons. Chaplains are called to be where soldiers are and have been doing so in every American conflict since before the Revolutionary War. Chaplain (CPT) Dale Goetz was the first chaplain to be killed in action (KIA) in the Iraq and Afghan conflict that occurred in 2010. A chaplain assistant has been KIA in the Mid-East conflicts since 9/11 as well.

1BCT RSTs travelled many miles in enemy-infested territories of Afghanistan to be with soldiers as a sign of God’s presence and that He had not left them nor forsaken them. When visiting soldiers who are grieving the loss of a fallen comrade or have been wounded in action and have counted the cost and paid the cost of service, words fail to convey enough meaning. Humbled in their presence, chaplains can simply pray and give thanks for their sacrifices.

Preaching the Word in a combat zone brings a new dimension of reality to the chaplain’s messages and sermons. With heightened awareness of the nearness of death and danger,

the gap between life and eternity is easily bridged to bring home the needs of the soul. Preaching themes of comfort, consolation, and courage in the face of the enemy and battle come easily. Being so close to lifeand-death matters can cause soldiers to be more open and receptive to the claims and message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Protestant chaplains are called to communicate the good news of the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which soldiers deserve to hear clearly and convincingly. A memorial tribute to honor the death of a fallen comrade, whom a chaplain may have known personally, is a difficult message to prepare and deliver. In providing this ministry, chaplains live up to the U.S. Army chaplaincy motto—“Courageous in Spirit and Compassionate in Service.”

In RC-North, one of the strongest arms of ministry, RSTs were involved in the distribution of care package contributions received from charitable organizations, churches, and citizenry of the United States. Made available to military and civilians alike from a WWM J U LY 2 0 1 1

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Ministries centralized “Chaplain’s Closet” or “Warrior Pantry” (as known on Camp Spann), these provisions spoke volumes to the generosity of God and the American people. These “pantries” were a blessing to many people on many levels—from the contributors to the recipients. Jesus’ words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” formed the operational premise of the “Warrior Pantry.” Many school supplies and children’s items are also received and distributed to Afghan children via the Humanitarian Affairs office of 1BCT. One such contributor to the peace effort in this venue was Mr. Bob Clark of “Thumbs Up for Freedom” organization, who made children’s wooden trucks and shipped them at his own expense for Afghan children in RC-North.

Inasmuch as suicide rates have reached their highest levels since the

Vietnam War among service persons and in professional support to 1BCT soldiers, the RSTs conducted a two-day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) to their soldiers. ASIST is a two-day training event created by Livingworks of Canada in which soldiers receive instructions to become suicide prevention “caregivers” or “gatekeepers” to soldiers who display at-risk behavior for suicide. Although more than 130 1BCT soldiers received this training in preparation for deployment to Afghanistan, an additional 60 soldiers were trained in preparation for redeployment to Fort Drum, New York.

Family members of service persons who hold down the fort on the home front in the absence of service persons are the real heroes of this

conflict to preserve the American way of life and deserve much credit. “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name [and our family members] give glory . . . ” (Psalm 15:1)—let Jesus Christ be praised!

—Submitted by Douglas Stephenson Chaplaincy Ministries Director

—Written by Chaplain (MAJ) Dale A. Code, US Army, 1st Brigade Combat Team

Children Raise Funds for “Bicycles for Missions” The children of the Fountain of Life Worship Center in Greenwood, South Carolina, were told of a great need on the mission field—bicycles for pastors’ transportation—as it was printed in a recent White Wing Messenger. We just have a small group of children, but their hearts were touched in a big way to help with this need. They immediately began to raise funds for the “Bicycles for Missions” project.

Their goal was set to raise $500.00, but their zeal was so magnificent that as funds began coming in, they more than doubled their goal with $1,262.35. The boys competed against the girls, and some shared some of their allowance and savings. Of course, the adult congregation got involved and helped them as well. One 91-year-old lady heard about their project and sent almost $70 in coins that she had been saving.

To God be the glory for what He has done and is still doing through our wonderful children at Greenwood! May their mission zeal flourish and continue to bless those less fortunate as they reach past their borders to touch others and make a difference for the Kingdom.

Our Children’s Church Director is Jane Simmons, and our Pastor is Bishop Donnie Bell.

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Reported by Vera Bagwell, Missions Director Greenwood, South Carolina

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WWW.WHITEWINGMESSENGER.ORG

Ice Cream and Cable Television Beth Stephens is a stay-at-home mom of three kids who is in love with Jesus. Although she admits her circle of influence is limited because of having her hands full with being a wife and mother, she still is inspired to share the Good News with those she meets. Here she relates two big opportunities that happened within a few days of each other:

My son, John, and I were outside playing in our garage, and boy was it hot! For weeks, John had been longing for the ice cream man to come through our neighborhood.

Finally, we heard the bells and dropped what we were doing, grabbed some money, and ran to meet the truck.

When the truck came around the corner, we said hi to the driver, and John chose from the pictures on the side of the van. The driver crawled from the front seat to the back to dig into his big freezer. Once he finagled his way back to the front again, we realized we ought to have picked one out for Will, John’s little brother. . . oops! Why didn’t we think of that while he was back there? I apologized as he wiggled his way to the back

again, and he kindly reminded me, “Never apologize to the ice cream man for wanting more ice cream. This is our business, and it’s commission.”

He was really nice, and we thanked him.

As he was driving off, I yelled, “God bless you!” He stopped the truck, looked back at us, and said, “I hope He does.” I thought, “Ca-ching! This is my chance!” We moved closer to the van and said, “Well, you know, God has a plan for your life. Did anybody ever tell you that?”

He began talking about religion and what he appreciated about the Catholic Church, how reverent it is, and some points of Buddhism. I stopped him and said, “Buddha? Here we have an opportunity to worship the Creator of the universe and you WWM J U LY 2 0 1 1

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want to worship an idol? I don’t think so! I mean really. . . . What can a piece of wood do for you?” He kind of chuckled inquisitively.

“Do you mind if I ask you a question?” I asked him. “God forbid, but if anything were to happen to you and you were to pass away today, do you know for sure that you would go to heaven?” He got off on a smaller tangent again, and I had to bring it back around to the subject at hand.

I said, “Let me tell you what the Bible says. It says, ‘All have sinned and come short of the glory of God,’ and ‘The wages of sin is death.’” Then I emphasized excitedly, “‘BUT the Gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.’ The Bible also says that ‘Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

And you’re a ‘whosoever,’ right?” He said, “Yes.”

“Shazam! That’s it, Buddy! You are on your way to heaven!” Then, guess what? He asked if he could pray for us. I was shocked and said, “Sure!”

The whole time, John had been standing there, licking his ice cream.

I had told him to go ahead and start eating because it was going to melt.

I knew this was an opportunity we couldn’t rush.

“I’ll see ya in heaven!” I said as we waved goodbye. I didn’t even invite the man to church or ask if he had a Bible. Ahhh! And I haven’t seen him since. The weather is hot again, and John’s eager for more ice cream . . . so I’ve got big plans to hand him a Bible if he ever comes around the corner again!

A few days later, I was talking with three young cable company employees on our front porch.

They had convinced us to switch

“If anything were to happen to you and you were to pass away today, do you know for sure that you would go to heaven?”

I asked him if he would like to receive the gift that God had for him.

He said, “Yes, I would.” I said, “Okay . . . I’m going to say a prayer for you first, and then you can repeat a prayer after me. I put my hand on the ice cream truck, thanked God for loving its driver, and I asked God to prosper his business. Then I invited him to repeat, “Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for what You have done for me. . . .

Come into my heart. . . . Forgive me of my sin.” Before he asked for forgiveness, he paused and said, “Oh, this is the hard part.” He was truly sorry. He was so sincere. His eyes were watering, and he repeated that part of the prayer. I continued, “Thank You that You died for me.

You rose from the dead, and You’re coming back for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen!” He repeated it all.

I was so excited! When he opened his eyes, he was smiling. I said,

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companies so they’d come back to do the paperwork. I was sweating bullets in that hot sun, and I’m sure they were too! (Where’s the ice-cream man when you need him?) Finally, my husband Randy got home, and he finished verifying our information for them. Hooray! I’d been hoping for a chance to go look for my soul-winning script. I didn’t have it with me the last time. I finally found it behind my nightstand and told John to pray for me because I was about to tell these people about Jesus. I made it back to the front door in time for their last question: “Is there anything else we can do for you?”

“Well actually, would you mind if I keep you for two more minutes so I could read something to you?” I asked. They said, “Sure.” I was literally reading word-for-word off the script.

I wish I had it memorized. When I got to the part, “Do you know for

sure that you would go to heaven?”

One of them said, “Yes. I’m saved.”

The other two were not sure, but they thought they would because they were pretty good people.

“Well, let me tell you what the Bible says. . . .” (I love how we can just tell them what the Bible says—it takes all the pressure off.)

I continued with the script and asked if I could pray for them. “Lord, do a quick work in their hearts. If they have not received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, I pray that they would do so now.” I asked if they’d like to receive the gift of God, and the two said, “Sure.” They repeated the sinner’s prayer! When they picked their smiling heads up, I asked excitedly, “How do you feel?”

The girl nodded her head and smiled.

“Pretty good,” she told me. She was just glowing. And the guy’s eyes were teary. He looked so grateful to the Lord.

Oh, it’s just so exciting! I went on to tell them about a message I’d heard on television reminding us that Christ is the burden-remover and the curse-destroyer! That is so powerful, isn’t it? I just want to shout, “Woohoo!” every time I think about the depth of that!

They laughed a little, we thanked them for our new cable service, and we sent them on their way—once again without an invitation to church, a Bible, or any clue as to what they should do next! Ahhh! And that’s even at the end of the script in parentheses! Why do I always forget that part? Oh, well. I know that the Holy Spirit drew these people, and He’s not about to abandon them.

My advice to you, especially if you are shy, is to get the script I used.

You can find it at revival.com. My mom, who is a great evangelist with hundreds more stories, uses it on a daily basis—and boy, does it work!

Beth Stephens Cleveland, Tennessee

WWW.WHITEWINGMESSENGER.ORG

Ministries

T

The National Women’s Ministries Department of Trinidad and Tobago held its annual Ladies Retreat at the Victory Heights Bible Camp from March 25–27, 2011. It was an awesome time, and some said it was our best retreat yet.

Using the international theme, we had a “Turning Point” that will stay with us for a very long time. The young women conducted the retreat this year, and we were not disappointed. They blessed our hearts from moderating the sessions to ministry of song, the Word, drama, and they led in the TAP sessions, which from all accounts were very frank and ministered to the various needs of the groups.

This year, rather than have an open discussion, all the TAP groups looked at “Creating balance in our relationship with God, looking after our families, getting an education, working, and still finding time for ourselves.” After this exposure, we are confident that we will have a legacy after we are gone. Our church is in good hands, and the work of God will continue.

restoration of young people to do the work of the Lord and that we can’t afford a generation split in the body of Christ.

She reminded the young women that even with freedom they must be disciplined, chaste, and modest, and be taught proper behavior between the sexes.

The highlight of the retreat, however, was the Panel Discussion led by the young people on the topic, “What is the turning point? How do we develop or shape godly young women?” This was probably the first time our women had actually opened up and spoken frankly to each other. Some of the issues discussed were the need for older women of character, the need to be real with each other, how to bridge the gap between education and experience, the importance of communication, and how to properly look after your husband and the family.

The youth told the older women what they didn’t like in their relationships with each other, and the mature women explained why they behaved the way they do. Reconciliation

Trinidad and Tobago’s Ladies Retreat

Our Guest Speaker was the National Women’s Ministries Director from Barbados, Shirley Mortimer-Harris, and God really used her to minister to us in a special way. She was anointed for the occasion and was such a blessing as she shared with us the weapons of prayer, the blood of Jesus, the name of Jesus, and the power of praise and worship, which God has given us to fight in this battle. She encouraged us to be submerged in the power of the Holy Ghost.

Pastor Gloria Stewart from the New Testament Church of God was our featured speaker. She spoke to the issue of bridging the gap between youth and experience. She was a tremendous blessing. She used the Titus 2:3–5 model of how the older women are to teach and train the younger women. It was the perfect springboard for the panel discussion. She emphasized that it is necessary for a

was made, lives were affected, and apparently healing took place during the Sunday morning TAP group as the women were able to talk and pray about some of the issues coming out of the Panel Discussion.

We thank God for a wonderful time of worship and fellowship during this retreat. The altar was filled with people reaching out to God on Saturday night after the evangelist spoke. Many persons returned home with experiences of healing, deliverance, and blessings to strengthen their walk with God. We are eternally grateful to God for all that He has done for us and what He will continue to do. To God be the glory!

Our attendance was 114 women.

Ouida McMillan National Women’s Ministries Director Trinidad and Tobago

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Ministries

Africa

SOPAS The month of March provided a new opportunity for Women’s Ministries to once again join the team of the Center for Biblical Leadership on a three-week training encounter on the continent of Africa. Our schedule included schools in the cities of Lubumbashi and Kinshasa, both in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Springs, South Africa as a part of the School of Practical and Advanced Studies (SOPAS) and to add a women’s tract to this exciting ongoing ministry. Bishop Randall Howard joined us in the DRC for participation in the ministry, and Bishop David Bryan joined us in South Africa.

The first school held in Lubumbashi, DRC included approximately 400 pastors and key national and ministry leaders from the region surrounding this great city. The women’s tract here included approximately 200 participants, who all completed the week of training and received a certificate of participation.

From Lubumbashi, the team traveled into the capital city of Kinshasa for the second school in DRC. Once again, the approximate participation was 400 pastors and ministry leaders from throughout the nation with approximately 200 participating in the women’s tract.

These schools were especially effective for our women in ministry as it is the first time this kind of training has been provided for women in this region. These schools provided the opportunity for women who are currently involved in similar ministries to connect and begin a ministry network, using their resources for even greater benefit in this last days’ harvest. The school was further blessed by the inflow of several new and young ministries that are rising throughout this nation.

Travel into this area of the world is rarely easy; however, we were blessed to have Bishop Ntambwe Beya and his wife, Sister Mputu Beya, host the team for both schools.

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Upon leaving the Democratic Republic of Congo, the team traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa into a smaller region called Springs where the South Africa SOPAS was held. The small family-operated conference center welcomed us, and we were blessed to have more than 100 pastors and national leaders join us for this school. We were blessed by the participation of approximately 30 ministers completing the training within the Women’s Tract. We are grateful for the hospitality and support of Bishop Stephen Masilela and Bishop Nathaniel Botha, the national overseers of this region. We were also thankful for the participation of Bishop Masilela’s wife, Sibongile, and Sister Rosita Bryan for their ministry in the women’s tract in South Africa.

From our first gathering at each site, the Holy Spirit lingered among the women who had come to sharpen their learning and listening skills for ministry. We thank the Lord for His presence throughout this time and for all of those who participated in this training event—bringing anointing, speaking healing and restoration and building foundational ministries for each woman participating. Each presentation and exercise of faith built us up in preparation for the last evening of anointing and sending forth each woman to their strategic fields of labor.

I am especially grateful to be involved during this time of training and ministry preparation among our women throughout Africa on behalf of the cooperative efforts between Women’s Ministries and SOPAS and the CBL team. I thank Bishop Ortiz and his leadership vision for the opportunity.

Cathy Payne Women’s Ministries Director

WWW.WHITEWINGMESSENGER.ORG

Dearest Brothers and Sisters, Just a few weeks ago, the Church of God of Prophecy family suffered one of its greatest losses when Tatjana Votschnyuk, wife of Bishop Vitaliy Votschnyuk, who is overseer of the Ukraine, suddenly went to be with the Lord. She had struggled with heart and circulation problems and was treated in Intensive Care a few times just days before her passing, but somehow none of us were prepared for such a sudden loss.

Tatjana was a central figure for Women’s Ministry along with her sister Larissa (wife of Gena) of Belarus for all of the CIS. Tanja, as most knew her, was the co-pastor of the Emanuel Church in Kiev and a backbone in local as well as national administration. She was a faithful wife, a wonderful, loving mother, and an example to all. We shall continue to miss her greatly.

We are grateful to all the individuals who shared their love and sorrow at the time of the loss and at the funeral.

Bishop Howard dropped everything and joined me and my wife, Wanda, for the funeral in just three days notice. Of course, Bishop Gena, overseer of the Belarus and brotherin-law to Vitaliy, and Larissa, his wife (sister of Tanja), were there from the beginning and stayed on some time to help the family adjust. Bishop Micha and his wife, Vasalisa, drove down from Moscow for the funeral, and Goderdzi Gododzi of Georgia flew to be by Vitaliy’s side. Missions Pastor Dima flew from the Ural Mountains to be there, and all the bishops of our Movement from the Ukraine were there helping every minute.

Our partner pastor in the Czech Republic, Pastor Petr, along with his son, were there to be with them and to show their love. Twelve bishops from different movements in the Urkaine addressed the funeral of about 1,300 people, where the music, God’s Word, and the fellowship of loved ones were such comfort. People from around the world sent love and greetings, and we were all reminded that we are indeed a part of a great family in our global Church. Thank you to all who called, sent flowers, and sent offerings, and during the past days, several have asked how they may be a comfort or help to the family. Thanks to all of you.

Vitaliy now is a single father of three teenagers: Olga, Timofiy their son, and Sofiia, who all love their father dearly and continue with him to miss their mom. They have much support from their large Christian family and, of course, the loving, large local church in Kiev. Bishop Vitaliy gives much time to his family now but almost immediately addressed his life to the ministry and need of the church in Kiev and the many churches in the Ukraine over which he has oversight. He is a man of vision and much strength, and we ask you to continue to hold him and his three children before the Lord in prayer as well as Tanja’s parents.

In times like these, after the first days have passed, we ask ourselves how we may help. I would like to suggest that this would be a great time to give an offering to the family.

The medical costs of the few weeks before Tanja’s passing as well as her funeral must have been a burden on the family. They have made many financial adjustments during the past few years as they gave the value of their home in cash to the church for the land and for the building. They were really not ready for such a loss.

I would like to encourage you if the Lord leads to give an offering to them at this time of love. We are encouraging them as a family to take some time this summer for a vacation, to catch their breath, to enjoy each other, and to begin to readdress their family life. I would like to help them pay any last costs and to see that they have the security for some time off.

If you would like to give an offering, there are several ways: • Some may want to have an amount of their allotment sent from International Offices. In some nations, this is much easier than sending cash.

• Others may want to send a personal offering through our International Offices. Sister Paulette in our finance office will be glad to assist all who wish to contribute to send their funds through our International Offices, which is usually the safest and least expensive way as well as a sure way to see that the family receives their love offering.

• The family is not aware that I am sending this note of love out on their behalf, but I believe if we can show our love in a tangible way, it will be so meaningful to them.

Several have already sent offerings, and several have asked how they could do so. If you still need assistance in getting your offering of love to them, contact my office or Sister Paulette in International Offices or Bishop David Bryan for assistance.

Please simply mark all contributions with “Love Offering for Bishop Vitaliy Vozniuk in the Ukraine.”

God bless each of you dear family members; your love and prayers have held this precious family in a time of need. They seem to be doing well, and we want to continue to show our love and to pray for them.

Clayton Endecott General Presbyter Europe, CIS, and Middle East

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NEWSHere&There ALABAMA Chickasaw

We can only say, “Thank You, Lord” as He continues to bless us through His Spirit and His Word. Our youth are still reaching out to our community to let them know God loves them and they are welcome to be with us in service. We’ve had two bucket drops for camp. Some of Citronelle’s youth are involved with us. The Lord anointed with a total of $2,250.31. We all give thanks to the Lord for those who drive by and reach out to help our youth get to camp.

Greenpond

Glory to His name! An outstanding month it has been. God’s Spirit has been in each service, and there have been showers of blessings. Souls are being saved. The Children’s Ministry presented a program about Zacchaeus and Noah. Thank the Lord for the teaching of our children. We had an average attendance of 102 children. The children and youth enjoyed a cookout with 120 in attendance. Great food, games, and other activities made it a great evening.

LOCAL/STATE/INTERNATIONAL

ARGENTINA

A few months ago in Argentina, at the La Mansion Celestial Church, a caravan of 18 buses and cars met and accompanied us to the beaches of La Balandra in the province of La Plata, Buenos Aires.

It was in this place that we witnessed the water baptism of 102 brothers and sisters. They decided to die to this world and resurrect in Christ.

Our National Overseer, Bishop Francisco Lopez, was invited to participate in this ceremony. Glory to God! We move toward our heavenly place with firm steps in “Jesus’ strategy” to reach the lost souls in this region. Glory to God! Our Father never ceases to amaze us! He made it all possible!

Your faithfulness through prayers and loving support are definitely impacting our nation for Jesus Christ. Thank you, our Partners. We continue in prayers for you as well—that our great God will give us many revivals around our world. He is coming soon, and we must all work while we have the opportunity.

—Harvest Partners Argentina Connection

West Blocton

Greetings from the West Blocton Church! Our little church is really on fire for the Lord. The Holy Ghost is there every service. We had 11 saved, 9 baptized, and 1 to join the church.

All of these are ready to go to work for the Lord. God is blessing; keep us in your prayers.

VIRGINIA Ivanhoe

Our youth attendance has increased from averaging 9–13 due to the exciting activities we have had including games, fun, devotions, and food. We have had youth nights on Fridays led by Doug Fleming and Saturday nights led by Lisa Jonas.

Narrows

God is blessing us with an increase in attendance as the Spirit of the Lord is mighty in every service. We give honor also to our pastor, Jim Hagy, and his wife. We dedicated a service to them, in which they received cards and money, along with a huge dinner. We love and appreciate them so much and want the very best for them.

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North America Convention Schedule Corrections Please note the following corrections to the North America Convention Schedule that ran in the May 2011 issue. For the full listing, visit www.whitewingmessenger.org and view the May 2011 issue.

July 1–3

Southeast Spanish

Bishop Josue Serpas, Overseer; Bishop Sam Clements, Representative; North Cleveland Church of God; Cleveland, Tennessee

August 18–20

Arizona

Bishop Jose M. Rivera, Overseer; Bishop Sam Clements, Representative; Simpson Conference Center, 5502 N. 23rd Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona

August 19–21

Washington State

Dr. Don Knoblich, Overseer; Dr. Hector Ortiz, representative, Red Lion Hotel, Columbia Center, Kennewick, Washington WWW.WHITEWINGMESSENGER.ORG

SEND NEWS ITEMS TO EDITORIAL@COGOP.ORG

TESTIMONY God Heals Pastor’s Daughter in Congo Brazzaville

the seriousness of the situation and pressures coming from his family to consult sorcerers to heal their child; but the bishop forbade On Thursday, March 3, the NGO him to do so. And reassured him that pastors in Brazzaville were in District Superintendant phoned the National Overseer, announcing prayer.

On Saturday morning, the that Pastor Donatien’s daughter situation remained critical. The was hospitalized for four days. child was still in a coma, so the After being assured by the physician that nothing was serious bishop asked the pastor to keep his phone on and prayed for the and it was no longer necessary to child via the cell phone. stay at the hospital, the situation At noon, the young girl awoke, became worse and the child went and the pastor, full of joy, called into a coma. The pastor called the bishop again to let him know about the bishop saying: “Papa, a miracle

Churches Rise to Minister After Storms

continued from page 4

“The parsonage is gone and furniture destroyed. . .yet they have a roof over their heads and a place to sleep. Their church building is gone. . .but Pastor Dewayne Smith found them a tent for worshipping in. Their bodies are frayed from the stress and demand on their time. . .but spirits are higher and more positive than ever. Their vehicles were torn to shreds by the storm. . . but God moved on somebody to give them transportation.

“Some have gone on to glory, and God is sending new people their way daily. They see the wind ravaged buildings left in the wake of the storm. Listen to their conversation, and you will hear them talking about the new buildings that will soon replace these.

“They do not worship the things that are gone but the supreme ‘God who is’! If you are feeling discouraged and want to give up, I ask that you go to Hackleburg for a tour and visit with these people. Praise the Lord!

“This saying fits these people perfectly—‘Don’t curse the darkness; light a candle!’”

has happened! She is awake!”

Afterward, the young girl asked for a Bible and to be taken to the room where the bishop is always housed when he is in the area, for the angel of God is there. The bishop instructed all the regional pastors to keep praying for that girl.

Willing to be baptized after her coma, she was brought to Brazzaville where the bishop baptized her along with other Brazzaville local members.

—Mukendi Bitchy Jean Pierre Israel National Overseer, Congo Brazzaville

A tornado also hit the daycare building of the Durkee Road Church of God of Prophecy in Cleveland, Tennessee. Darren Schalk, COGOP Christian Education Director, reported the following: “Thanks so much for all the prayers that went up this week for the Durkee Road Church. If you haven’t heard, the tornado hit the daycare building and completely removed the roof. My entire family was in the parsonage when it hit mere feet away from the daycare, and thank God they were all safe.

“Several have asked what they might be able to do to help, and thus far I honestly do not know. We’re still in the process of finalizing the insurance plans, and hopefully the rebuilding will begin ASAP. Please pray that the families affected by the daycare closing will find a way to function each day until we reopen, and that we will not lose our current enrollment to other facilities in the process.

“The daycare is a great asset to the church and helps pay for the daily functions, so this could have far-reaching implications for the future if we cannot reopen quickly. Also, pray for my fatherin-law, Rick Brogdon, as he pastors the church. He has many stressful days ahead of him as he tries to sort through the mess.”

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NEWSHere&There

LOCAL/STATE/INTERNATIONAL

Words From the Evangelist

The recent release, Billy Graham in Quotes by Franklin Graham (Thomas Nelson), collects and categorizes quotes from the popular evangelist’s 70 years of ministry in more than 400 pages. Here’s a sample of quotes from the book, used by permission of the publisher:

God’s Will: “The will of God will never take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us.”

The Gospel:

“Jesus Christ is God in human flesh, and the story of His life, death, and resurrection is the only Good News the world will ever hear.”

Peace: “If we are at peace with this world, it may be because we have sold out and compromised with it.”

Christianity: “Ninety-five percent of the difficulties you will experience as a Christian can be traced to a lack of Bible study and reading.”

Holiness:

“God’s holiness demands that sin be punished—but God’s love has provided the way of redemption through Christ.”

Love: “I am convinced the greatest act of love we can ever perform for people is to tell them about God’s love for them in Christ.”

The Word:

“The Bible teaches that there will be a famine of the Word of God in the last days . . . spiritual starvation leads to spiritual death.”

The World: “The world may argue against a creed, but it cannot argue against changed lives.”

Heaven: “The most thrilling thing about heaven is that Jesus Christ will be there. I will see Him face to face. Jesus Christ will meet us at the end of life’s journey.”

Preaching: “I have had the privilege of preaching the Gospel on every continent in most of the countries of the world, and I have found that when I present the simple message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, with authority, quoting from the very Word of God—He takes that message and drives it supernaturally into the human heart.”

Church:

“In some churches today and on some religious television programs, we see the attempt to make Christianity popular and pleasant. We have taken the cross and substituted cushions.”

Join the White Wing Messenger Facebook page to find out how you can win a copy of Billy Graham in Quotes www.facebook.com/whitewingmessenger.

In His Presence MINISTERS George R. Sedwick Yukon, OK; March 29, 2011; licensed minister for 43 years.

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Vera S. Wells Ball, LA; April 16, 2011; licensed minister for 64 years.

Erna A. Bryan Clarendon, Jamaica; April 17, 2011; licensed minister for 30 years.

Fannie Mae Hill White Bluff, TN; April 21, 2011 licensed minister for 21 years.

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MESSAGES

I feel the time is right to create a writer’s community . . . where we can share ideas and encourage one another.

DeWayne Hamby, Managing Editor

It Is Written “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Proverbs 27:17 NKJV).

I recently returned from a conference targeted toward Christian writers and the publications they represent. For three days, several hundred attendees gathered to network and sharpen their skills through a variety of workshops. Some of the main points centered on making your voice heard in a new digital world, a topic we’ve already addressed here at the

White Wing Messenger.

It was encouraging to hear from peers working at other publications who shared tools and resources that they have found to bring excellence to their craft. It was a great example of community—a group of us brought together with the common thread of our backgrounds in writing.

The conference came on the heels of Leadership Development Institute 2011 held here in Cleveland, Tennessee, where I, along with my friend Drew Dyck, managing editor of Leadership Journal, led a workshop on writing for publications. Drew shared his journey from book concept idea to being a published author, hoping to provide answers for those considering that path themselves. Pastors, he said, have a

wealth of material to draw from should they decide to make that leap into publishing.

I have a firm belief that writing is a ministry. The fathers of our faith passed their narratives down in story form, but they also used writing for edification and instruction. It may be available at your local bookstore, and it may come in a variety of packages, but the Holy Bible is more than ink on paper—it is a living, breathing, life-changing document!

Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will remain” (Matthew 24:35 paraphrased).

Many of you are called to write. I know this because you share your heart when we meet or you email me. You may place it on the back burner from time to time because the rest of your life becomes so crowded. But I want to encourage you to take another look at it. Rediscover that passion you have, and make a decision to enhance that skill. Don’t hide it.

Don’t ignore it.

I feel the time is right to create a writer’s community in our Church. Up until now, those who are interested in writing have submitted their email addresses to us and we send a list of themes and welcome your participation.

We may continue to do that, but my

vision is to have more of an interactive community where we can share ideas and encourage one another. This would also be a pool of talent we could draw from for the magazines as well as other publishing opportunities.

At this point, the easiest way to create this network is through social media, specifically Facebook. I realize that is not much help to those of you who are not connected, but my hope is that the community would grow and offer video podcasts and face-to-face opportunities, perhaps even in the form of seminars and retreats.

The community will be for novices as well as seasoned writing veterans. I’ve already mentioned this idea with some seasoned writers who are thrilled at the possibility of interacting this way. No matter what our backgrounds are, we’ll all share a common bond—our passion for God and a love of writing.

So are you up for it? Are you ready to join us on this writing journey? If so, drop me a line at dhamby@cogop.org. I’ll direct you to our online community and share any current information I have regarding the group. I’d also enjoy hearing your ideas of how the group could best benefit you.

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