Springfield, MA
NORthEaST LUCAS LEYS
february febrero 17-19, 2012
Mass Mutual Convention Center 1277 Main Street Springfield, MA 01103 (800) 291-5879
JAVIER BATISTA
WILLIAM MCDOWELL
MICHAEL FERNĂ NDEZ
SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
ROJO
CHRIST FOR THE NATIONS
SHERWIN GARDNER
Register by:
10/31/2011
1/16/2012
2/10/2012
1-4 persons 5+
$55 $50
$65 $60
$75 $70
merge conference discern
develop
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Rates listed are per person. Logon to operationomega.org for additional registration and hotel info or call 423.559.5303
Register by:
1-4 personas 5+
11/30/2011 $55 $50
REGGIE DABBS
2/20/2012 $65 $60
3/9/2012 $75 $70
SCHOOL OF WORSHIP
SIDEWALK PROPHETS
COFFEY ANDERSON
RIDGECREST, nc
Southeast 2
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ALL 4 CHRIST
march marzo 16-18, 2012
Carolina To RIDGECREST, order a bundleNorth subscription, use the form on (Near Asheville) page 31 or visit www.whitewingmessenger.org. Lifeway Ridgecrest Conference Center One Ridgecrest Drive Ridgecrest, NC 28770 (800) 588-7222 WWW.WHITEWINGMESSENGER.ORG
Contents w w w w December 2011 • Volume 88, Number 6
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.
Calendar of Events December 2–3, 2011 Youth Harvest Training • Puerto Rico Operationomega.org
page 16
Features
January 20–22, 2012 CBL School of Practical & Advanced Studies I Kentucky (tentative) January 23–26, 2012 CBL School of Practical & Advanced Studies II Brazil
6 The Giver of Good Gifts by DeWayne Hamby
8 Christmas Transformation
page 8
by Cathy Payne
10 The Christmas Cup
24 Women’s: One of 700
by Marsha Robinson
12 Christmas Wish Lists: What Do You Treasure?
26 Heritage Ministries: Membership 2012
by Kiara Casey-Rengifo
27 Fields of The Wood/ Tomlinson Center
14 A Night in Bethlehem by Dorka Rodriguez Cabral
16 The Dayspring from On High
Editorials
by Billy Murray
18 Christmas Gives a Second Chance by Uzziah Cooper
22 Stories of Sharing Jesus: Don’t Keep It To Yourself
4 Facing Forward: Reaching Out at Christmas by Randall E. Howard, General Overseer 31 Messages: Reflections and Projections by DeWayne Hamby, Managing Editor
by Ken Nope
Ministries 20 Children: Christmas from a Child’s Point of View 21 Stewardship: Online Giving
January 19–21, 2012 Youth Harvest Training Dominican Republic Operationomega.org
Updates 5 News: Here & There 28 Local/State/International News In His Presence
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 Editor: 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.
February 7–12, 2012 CBL School of Practical & Advanced Studies I & II Cayman Islands (tentative) February 17–19, 2012 Northeast Youth Conference Mass Mutual Convention Center Springfield, Massachusetts Operationomega.org February 17–19, 2012 Pacific Islands Ladies Retreat Waikiki, Hawaii February 20–24, 2012 CBL School of Practical & Advanced Studies II Campeche, South Mexico February 22–26, 2012 CBL School of Practical & Advanced Studies II Chile March 15–17, 2012 CBL School of Practical & Advanced Studies I South Carolina March 16–18, 2012 Southeast Youth Conference Ridgecrest, North Carolina Operationomega.org 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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Reaching Out at Christmas
Compassion will mobilize our actions to extend hands of aid, of service or kindness, and of friendship.
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Christmas is the greatest demonstration of God reaching out to mankind ever known. His compassion for a world lost in sin and separated from His fellowship motivated Him to send His Son, His only begotten Son. The familiar words begin with the phrase, “For God so loved the world. . .” And the participation of Christ is a moving demonstration of Christ reaching out to man. Paul’s writing in Philippians chapter two gives us the details step by step; “in the form of God” but “made himself of no reputation,” He was made like man and took the servant’s role, He humbled Himself, and He accepted the cross. In scholarly terms, He chose the incarnation, humiliation, and crucifixion, so that He could reach out to us. But the words that introduce this description say, “Let this mind be in you.” This Christmas, could all we who have received the marvelous grace of God make a choice as God and Christ have done? Could we choose to reach out to lost and hurting people during this season where we celebrate this great gift to mankind? Could we have the same kind of compassion as God had when He sent His only begotten Son? What a difference Christianity could make in our world if we would use this Christmas season as a time to think, feel, and act as God did that first Christmas. Perhaps the first place to begin would be to think with the mind of God as we view the world in all of its darkness. God saw the world lost and separated from his love and mercy. He saw them under the oppression of evil and darkness. What He saw motivated His feelings. Compassion rose in the heart of God as He thought about the plight of the world without hope. His love for them filled
His mind and heart until His compassion demanded action. That action was to send His Son, His only begotten Son, as the salvation for all mankind. If we will let this mind be in us during this Christmas season we will think like God and begin to see hurting lives everywhere we turn. We will realize that they need the hope that only comes through Jesus Christ, our Savior. We will understand that we have what they need and our compassion will rise up. We will begin to love the lost people around us and want to touch them with our love. Such compassion will mobilize our actions to extend hands of aid, of service or kindness, and of friendship. Our compassion will press on us to share the salvation solution that we have found, so that they too can have peace and grace and hope. This Christmas “let this mind be in you.” Look at the neighbors on each side of your home. Look at the associates working on each side of your office or work place. Look at the people you see often in shopping or activities of life. And during this Christmas season see them in terms of the “mind of Christ.” WWJD? Yes, ask yourself what would Jesus do and then respond with acts of love and compassion. At any other time of the year people may think you have gone mad or dropped off the deep end. But during Christmas, you can get away with loving others, with random acts of kindness and giving, with compassionate acts of service, and with touching someone with the greatest story ever told about the greatest person who ever lived with the greatest gift ever given. Join others and reach out this Christmas, because God reached out to you in that first Christmas gift.
PRAYER “Don’t just go and start talking. Come silently. Come slowly. Be careful. And see, these are the things that no one ever told me. They didn’t say, ‘Hey, be careful what you say to God. Don’t make all these empty promises.’ And yet, you have Ecclesiastes 5 saying, ‘You better be careful what you say; otherwise God will destroy the work of your hands if you make these promises you don’t keep’.” —Francis Chan, from the short film “BASIC Prayer” (David C. Cook)
Christmas Outreach Opportunity Christmas can provide an excellent outreach opportunity for churches to reach potential new members with the true story of the holiday. One popular outreach that has affected hundreds of thousands in the past, the Share the Good News of Christmas outreach, may reach a million new listeners this year. The Share the Good News outreach centers on a kit, available for purchase through www.goodnewsofchristmas.org or local Christian bookstores, containing door hanger bags that include an ESV Outreach New Testament, customizable invitations for church Christmas events, The Good News of Christmas gospel tract by Max Lucado and instructions on how to maximize the outreach. The retail price for the kit, which includes 50 bags, is $50. The web site also offers additional resources, such as bulletin inserts, a video and downloadable graphics for church promotion.
Top Christmas Hymns Some of the most popular Christmas songs should be very familiar, while some may be unknown. These are the top Christmas hymns based on their inclusion in hymnals through the years. What are your favorites? Share with us at www.facebook.com/whitewingmessenger. Joy to the World! Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night It Came Upon the Midnight Clear O Little Town of Bethlehem Angels from the Realms of Glory O Come, All Ye Faithful As With Gladness Men of Old Silent Night, Holy Night Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus O Come, O Come Emmanuel Away in a Manger
—Source: Hymnary.org
General Overseer Shares “State of the Offices” Address In October, the General Presbyters and Assembly Committees gathered at the International Offices in Cleveland for their annual Fall Meetings. This time of prayer, dialogue, and planning helps set the course for ministry throughout the year and provides opportunity for leadership to address the urgent needs of our global movement. On Wednesday, October 19, General Overseer Randall Howard presented his “State of the Offices” address to the General continued on page 28
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Feature “What man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:9–11)
Have you ever received a nicelywrapped present, only to discover that instead of your latest and greatest fascination, inside was a “White Elephant” gift? Despite its name, it’s not an actual four-legged safari animal, but a phrase coined for a misdirected gift that leaves you thinking, “You really shouldn’t have.” Playing off this idea, some groups do a “White Elephant” gift exchange during
their inability to give a gift that has the “wow” factor. Why is it so hard for some people to wow their recipient with a good gift? Here are a few reasons: Personal knowledge—Some people simply don’t know the person they are buying for well enough. This is particularly true when names are drawn in a large family or church. Once a name is drawn, pretty soon the questions begin to swirl around about the person’s hobbies or wants. You may even see some people visibly excited when they realize their name was selected by a person who knows them the best. Without intimate knowledge of your subject, you’re most likely to gift them something they don’t need or want, or may already have. When I was a teenager, on a day before Christmas, my brother
the holidays, bringing their own hardlyused gifts. I think back to playing the game with my fellow Christian bookstore workers and our manager offering up a large bottle of poisonous cologne (I won’t offer the name lest I offend a reader who actually wears it). When the manager retired, guess what he received as a parting gift? Not all gifts are welcomed with the same enthusiasm. Don’t get me wrong; I believe gift-giving is one of the kindest actions a person can do. However, not everyone is good at selecting the right gift for the right person. The back of your closet or storage room can probably bear witness to this. The possibility of giving an unwanted gift is one reason the popularity of the gift card and gift certificate concept has grown so much in recent years. Some gift-givers realize
asked me about a certain musical artist. “He’s okay, but I probably wouldn’t buy any of his music,” was my response. I opened his present on Christmas to discover the latest tape from the “okay” singer. The moment of discovery was one of my first Academy Awardworthy performances, as I smiled and feigned excitement. Great expectations—We live in a materialistically-minded culture. Through media, we are made aware of wealthy people who pore through stacks of money in celebration and excess. In appealing to the deep pockets, advertisers catch middle and lower-income people in the crosshairs, creating a fascination and perhaps even a false reality sometimes attained through overextended budgets. Our quest for bigger and better gifts eventually leads to disappointed recipients.
Hit-and-Miss Gifting
The Giver
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Limited resources—It’s not that people don’t want to give the best gifts, but funds are limited. How many times have you heard someone say, “I wish I could have given you more”? On top of great expectations, our resources are sometimes stretched trying to give someone a really good “wow” moment. Because I’ve had gift-givers who knew me, who exceeded my expectations, and had the resources at the right time, I have had plenty of “wow” moments in my life. I’ll never forget walking into my living room and seeing what appeared to be the entire Star Wars section of our local toy store. One year, I had surveyed all the size of the gifts and resigned myself that I wasn’t getting the Atari video game system, only to happily discover it was smaller than I remembered. More recently, my wife surprised me with my
only a good gift-giver, but the perfect gift-giver. First of all, He knows us. He’s not late to the party. He doesn’t have to pull up our online profile to remember where we work or who our friends are. The Word says even the hairs of our head are numbered. He saw our struggles and knew what we needed most of all was Jesus.
own chair (that she carried in by herself ) for our living room.
If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer. But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Savior.”
“If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist.
of Good Gifts The Perfect Gift-Giver As much as I have been astonished with so many wonderful presents given by family, friends, and sometimes even strangers, I have to tell you that the greatest gifts I’ve ever received in my life come from the ultimate gift-giver who gave us the good and perfect gift of grace; “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). It is that amazing grace, the unparalleled gift, that unites us as believers, that has transformed our lives. We were extended grace when we deserved none. Through it, God fulfills the criteria for being not
—Unfinished Business, Charles Sell, Multnomah, 1989
Secondly, He surpasses all of our expectations. We sometimes view God on human terms, because we base our understanding on people we have met and things we can see. We consider the fact that, most of the time, our gifts correspond to what we have offered. If we show up to a celebration without a gift or fail to present a gift to a friend, we don’t expect one in return and are sometimes embarrassed to get one. Grace is free. That doesn’t
mean it’s cheap or meaningless. It is transformational. Finally, His resources are limitless. God is not a long-lost relative who suddenly came into good money and blesses you with some of the spillover. He’s not a friend who offers for you to order anything off the menu, but secretly hopes you’ll pick a hamburger. God is the creator and owner of the universe. Everyone who has ever been born has spent every moment of their lives living on His property. Everything is His, including everything you own. Every good gift you’ve ever received—spiritual, physical, relational—came from Him. Have you ever given brought a present to someone that you thought was the best, but before it’s unwrapped, someone offers a gift that blows everything else away? You whisper to another friend, “Wasn’t there a price limit?”
That’s my Father. He’s the giver of all good and perfect gifts. And He knows how to “wow.” “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:4–9). —DeWayne Hamby Managing Editor
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“Tis the season to be jolly. . .” The familiar carol signals the beginning of one of the most celebrated times of year among Christians around the world, Christmas! 8
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There is an excited bustling in the streets as we prepare for holiday participation. The brisk air seems to be transformed by the excitement and anticipation of the season. Faces form smiles, mouths are filled with kind greetings, eyes shine, and “good will” abounds. I have always been a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas. Each decoration has a special place. I spend days cooking assorted “homemade” goodies. Cards are personalized. Carols and a warm fire greet all who enter our home. Even in financially lean years, we have always followed the recipe for the perfect Christmas in our home. This year Christmas will be different for my family. For the first time, my dad will not be in our home for Christmas. The Bible affirms to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8). Friends who have lost family members in the past have tried with love to prepare me for this first seasonal celebration without my dad. They have tried to move me through my defined expectations of Christmas and remind me that I will sense him missing and experience sadness. In prayer these past few weeks, I have sensed the closeness of my heavenly Father communicating His own preparations those two thousand years ago as He prepared for the departure of His only begotten Son, who transformed from His present presence to earth as a Savior who “was made flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). For the first time throughout all of eternity, the Son would be among us on earth and not as it had been in heaven. All of eternity had prepared for this night. Angelic choirs prepared to sing glory to God proclaiming peace on earth and good will toward men. The sacrifice had been determined. Light would pierce the darkness and a babe would be laid in a humble manger. The Gospel evangelist wrote, “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger” (Luke 2:7). The most spectacular event of all history was taking place. The Son of God was to be enrobed in flesh to dwell with man. His entrance had been
foretold for generations. Not only heaven, but many on earth had anticipated and prepared for this day of salvation. And yet, even as Mary gave birth, the busyness of a holiday season was in full swing. Caesar had decreed that there should be a registration and taxing of the entire world. Everyone had to return to the city of their family origin. Imagine the busyness of this time. Many things had to be accomplished. There was registration for the family, taxes to be paid, family members to visit, stories to be told, beds to be made, food to be prepared, travel plans to complete—the “to do” lists were endless. Everyone seemed too busy to take notice of Joseph and Mary. In the midst of all the busyness, earth was touched by the visitation of God. Most people in the crowded town of Bethlehem missed it. A few shepherds heard the multitude of angels proclaim “good tidings of great joy!” A few wise men from the east traveled to celebrate and bring gifts to the child. There were a few in the temple that recognized God’s glory and took time to worship. But the reality is that the majority of people missed the opportunity to witness the singularly most significant transformation of all time.
Light would pierce the darkness and a babe would be laid in a humble manger.
That transformation was so significant, that centuries later, we still remember and celebrate. But in the celebration we, too, have filled our lives with many “to do” lists that we find ourselves in the same predicament as those in Bethlehem. Consider the moment that divinity took on mortality as Christ surrendered the glory of heaven to assume the limitations of humanity. The eternal and onlybegotten Son of God stooped from the presence he had with the Father, to take upon himself the likeness, fashion, and form of a man. This transformation would build a bridge, when He, as Savior, was suspended between heaven and earth on a cross for our eternal salvation. And that bridge opened a way for my dad to move from mortality to immortality as he surrendered the limitations of humanity for the joy of heaven and eternal life. How precious it was as I witnessed the moment that the messenger of the eternal and only-begotten Son of God came from heaven, entered my dad’s hospital room, helped him out of his worn robes of flesh and received him into the presence of the Savior for all of eternity. Perhaps this year will be different for you and your family as well. As witnesses to the miraculous moving of God’s hand in our lives, maybe we will celebrate His transformational gift not with sadness, rather with joy; not with a sense of loss, rather with a sense of completion and fulfillment. Perhaps this Christmas as generations gather, as stories are told, and as we remember the coming of our Savior, we will celebrate the legacy of our loved ones with our children for future generations: that God “was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14) and to “as many as [receive] him,” [he empowers] to “become the sons of God” (John 1:12). —Cathy Payne, Cleveland, Tennessee
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The Christmas Cup Each December, I wait with expectation for something to make it feel like Christmas. It might be early in the season or it may take some time, but every year it seems as if there is a specific, wonderful moment when a sight or a sound strikes a chord with me and I think, “Now, it feels like Christmas!” Maybe it’s when I see the old-fashioned street lamp decorations are up or I hear Karen Carpenter singing “Merry Christmas, Darling.” Or it could be some sort of multisensory experience: coming in from the wintry, cold outdoors to a warm, busy kitchen filled with chattering people preparing holiday food—the entire house saturated in the aromas of nutmeg and cloves and sage. More than likely, Christmastime starts to feel festive because something I see or hear or taste evokes a feeling—and a memory from some long-ago, happy Christmas comes calling like an old friend. Happy memories are a gift from God; after all, He designed us with the ability to recall and treasure memories: funny songs, sweet moments, happy times. I remember the gifts and food and traditions that created my Christmas memories and I love to recount those stories to my siblings and children and anyone who needs a cup of Christmas cheer. God has a story He loves to tell, too. He had Matthew and Luke write it down. Long ago, a weary couple made a grueling trip. Each step reinforced to them that this had not been their
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idea. Going home, under these circumstances, could not have been a pleasant experience. She’s pregnant. He’s worried. Nothing in their culture or experience had prepared them for this. They barely knew each other. But on they went. And when they finally arrived at their destination, rest and comfort were not awaiting them. They had to have wondered, why is this happening? Why us? Why a stable? Why a manger? But there are more characters in this story than just the troubled man and his pregnant wife. Out on the hillside, scruffy working men are spending another long night watching the darkness for danger. Suddenly, an angel steps from his dimension into theirs, the glory of God making him visible. Blind fear engulfs the men. The messenger speaks. “Don’t be afraid. I am carrying an amazing, joyous announcement that is for everyone! Today in King David’s city, a Deliverer has been born—for you! He is the Messiah, the anointed Lord!” The angel tells them a secret, “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” What a strange sign. But they have no chance to discuss it because now the shining angel draws himself to full height and opens out his arms. The radiance and glory upon him begins to spread until it illuminates rank after rank of angels, company after company, battalion after battalion, filling the sky. Like the roar WWW.WHITEWINGMESSENGER.ORG
of a great waterfall, their voices begin to reverberate with worship, with honor, with glorious praise. This army of God, overcome with awe at the archangel’s words, now with what sounds like a million, joyous voices shout, “The glory belongs to God who dwells in the highest place! Let the earth be flooded with peace! God has favored men with His perfect plan!” With thunderous, exuberant worship they are caught up into the heavenlies. The silent darkness returns, drawing the shepherds’ attention to the lights of the nearby town. But there is no time to sit around talking about angels. Someone greater still, is just a ways over there in Bethlehem. They scramble to their feet. “Let’s go now!” they shout to each other. They run. Over pasture and rocky hillside, they run; stumbling, laughing, exuberant. They run in one, purpose-filled free-for-all, knowing that they will find the Lord’s Messiah lying in a manger. Angels burning with the very Shekinah glory of God had declared it. It must be so! God knew those shepherds would need an extraordinary sign. There would be other babies in Bethlehem that night—in tents, in cradles, in their mothers’ arms, probably more than one in swaddling clothes. But there was only one baby in a manger. God had ordained that there would be no room anywhere else, no other option, so that Jesus would be in that manger, where those shepherds could find Him. Mary and Joseph’s accommodations had nothing to do with their social status or their tax bracket. They were where they were because of God’s plan; so that they could show Jesus to those who were looking for Him. In Matthew’s telling of God’s story, there were others looking for that child, too. Who is this proceeding in pomp and splendor across the miles? They have committed their future to finding him. They left their homes, their traditions, their religion. God shined a light and they followed it, through dark and unknown territory; to see the face of God and to worship. Can you see the purpose of God in your past, your present, your future circumstances? Your story is not just about you. Someone else may need to find Jesus this Christmas. Your quiet trust that He is in the middle of it all, your obedience to His prompting, your story of how you found Him, may help someone else see the true meaning of Christmas. And just why do we celebrate Christmas, anyway? Christmas celebrations are not called for in the Bible. Why do we shop and cook, decorate and travel, wrap and give and sing? The Scriptures do not command us to commemorate the birth of Jesus every year. The sweet secret is this: We don’t celebrate because we have to. We celebrate because we want to.
And not only the pious and holy revel at Christmastime— everyone is invited to this party. The music reverberates in every heart, whether they fully understand it or not. Jesus coming to earth was so glorious and the miracle of His birth so world changing that the celebration of it cannot be contained in one culture or sect. The Christmas cup runs over. Yes, the joy of Christmas pours out and winds its way from our past to our present and on into our future. We remember the stories, songs, and pageants telling of Jesus’ birth. We revisit our traditions and recall the memories. Memories are a wonderful part of Christmas. But Jesus is more than a memory. He’s not a baby in that manger anymore. He is trying to get our attention, right now, this Christmas, through every mall display and decorated house. In each Christmas card and gift there is a hint, a nudge, a reminder that He is still with us. He is with us, filling our present with His life, pouring through us, now. We can draw strength from Him when the stresses of life seem to overwhelm and weary us. We can turn to Him when the doctor, the lawyer, or the banker says there is nothing that can be done. He is with us. Through all of our lives, in every season. . . Offer the Christmas cup to someone: a neighbor, the bank teller, a family member, the mailman. Share your memories and tell the story. Offer the truth that God had a plan since before the world began; a plan that stretches from the past, into our present day circumstances, and is big enough to take care of all of eternity. All of eternity? Yes, the Christmas story is still being told and in a time yet to come it will take an epic turn: the One whose birth was humble, will be honored. He, who was seen by the few citizens of one small country, will be looked upon and worshipped by every nation and tribe and kindred and tongue. And though He was rejected when He came the first time, when He comes again, He will reign!
Marsha Robinson Cleveland, Tennessee
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Feature The days are long, the air is warm, and people seem to have a little bounce in their step. Repetitive jingles fill the air and no one seems to mind. It is after all, the most wonderful time of the year. I live on the east coast of Australia, where people celebrate Christmas a little differently. Christmas Eve here is a sleepless, sticky night with the fan on. It’s often a morning swim at the beach, a BBQ or baked ham for lunch and what feels like an endless summer night serenaded by kookaburras laughing in the New Year. As far as films, music, and the overall Christmas season, my mates and I have all grown up with the images of a cold, American Christmas. I distinctly remember the pile of movies I’d ensure to watch each year, annoying my family by reciting all of my favorite lines. The Grinch, It’s a Wonderful Life, Home Alone 1&2, Charlie Brown, The Muppets—they all had some sort of underlying moral about the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of giving rather than receiving. Be that as it may, most children and adults too, would have to admit that Christmas is essentially about gifts. Objects. Stuff. Things. Of course, as Christians, we drill into the younger ones the true meaning of Christmas. How it’s about celebrating the birth of our Savior and not about materialistic things. Sadly, the majority of our celebrations of Him boil down to a celebration for us. It’s not just Christmas, either. It’s year round. We’re constantly wanting. As Christians we defend these ‘wants’ spiritually. Literally writing up our ‘wish list’ of sorts, to corporately pray for. We want the biggest and the best, but our excuses are blurring, “We have to keep up with the latest and greatest, to draw the people in.” Really? Is the best lighting or sound equipment a top priority? Do we want our youth to be artificially moved to emotion, just like they are at any other concert, instead of being moved by the power of God? By attracting individuals to your church with superficial things, they’re going to leave for superficial reasons. By competing with the world, using worldly things, we will inevitably fail. The world can always top us with music, film, lighting, buildings, etc. What the unbelieving world doesn’t have is the tangible, tender, reigning, living God. We hear about massive revivals and miracles occurring in poorer nations. The people in these countries have many more burdens, yet far less material diversions. Could their desperation without distraction be what leads to such remarkable happenings? We preach on about Matthew 19:24 and the difficulties of the rich man getting into heaven. Here is a wakeup call—we are the rich men! We are so clouded by our long list of wants and desires that we can’t even see what a dangerous position we’ve placed ourselves in. My brother and I were recently talking about heaven. We realized that, on the surface, we expressed no real desires or longing for heaven at all. The things we were passionate about were either material or simply earthly. Fair enough, when we see the world fuss over such futile things. They know not what they do. What about us? The Christ followers as we call ourselves. We’re so senselessly comfortable on earth. We spend more time worrying about our infinitesimal time here, than we do preparing for our endless time in eternity. Imagine if the invitation to heaven was simply a matter of, who wants to be there? Take a look at Matthew 6:19-21: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where
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thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” So how are our hearts? If you were to truly look at what you’re passionate about, how much of it is worth anything in heaven? I have to admit that my current passions revolve around very selfsatisfying dreams that I’m not ready to give up. But if we truly understood the infinite paradise we’re to inherit, you’d think time couldn’t go fast enough. Instead we’re just desperate for anything that can make following God on this earth easier or more attractive. I asked my brother if he thought the vain things we ask for always came from God when we eventually got them. His opinion was simple and endearing. He linked it to being a father, saying that when his daughters ask for candy, he sometimes gives in. When a request is so simple, sometimes it’s hard not to give in despite knowing better. Jesus Himself mentions the importance of consistent prayer, in Luke 18 and in the parable of the persistent widow. Now, of course God can turn us down and His ability to say no exceeds any human authority. But imagine how He could move if you desired the gifts of the Spirit, His presence, and His will. I know it’s hard. Trust me; I love presents as much as anyone. Receiving Gifts was my Love Language. Mailing packages and giving strangers things for no reason is one of my favorite things to do. I’m the kind of person who buys two things in the vending machine and leaves one in there for the next person. But imagine if this year, instead of earthly gifts, we sought spiritual gifts from our Father. Imagine giving Jesus our love, respect, time, patience—all the things that He naturally gives us. Think of the example we’d be setting for our children if we showed them a Christmas focused on the power of everlasting gifts. Perhaps it goes against the grain of culture, tradition, and pure comfort. But we’ve spent too long convincing ourselves that mediocre Christianity is sufficient and pleasing to God. God has already given us the best gift we could ever receive, in that of His Son. The gifts continue to pile up as Jesus speaks in John 14. He talks of peace, comfort, and the fact that, if we believe in Him, greater works can we do also because He has gone to the Father. I look forward to the upcoming year with the courage that I can replace my list of material desires with the spiritual desires of our God. Hopefully the old hymn rings true: “and the things of earth will grow strangely dim” as I turn my eyes upon Him. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men. Happy Christmas.
Kiara Casey-Rengifo Queensland, Australia
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Dorka Rodriguez Cabral Paterson, New Jersey
Bethlehem means house of bread, and prophetically, was the appropriate place for the birth of Jesus, the Bread of Life. Micah 5:2 tells us that the city of Bethlehem is south of Jerusalem, in
A Night
the Ephrata region, which means fruitful.
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Luke 2 states, “. . . there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night” and after an angel’s announcement “. . . the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ ” Jesus’ life on earth began in Bethlehem. His birth is the most important event in the history of mankind. This man would forever change the destiny of men, because He divided the history of the world. He would change the lives of those in Israel who sought God’s redemption and of all those awaiting the Messiah, and even us who have believed in the Son of God as Redeemer and Savior. He causes us to be born again. This event has its beginning in Bethlehem, because of the census, and the prophecy of Micah. Bethlehem means house of bread, and prophetically, was the appropriate place for the birth of Jesus, the Bread of Life. Micah 5:2 tells us that the city of Bethlehem is south of Jerusalem, in the Ephrata region, which means fruitful. Both names signify the fertility of this place. It was in Bethlehem that Elimelech left with Naomi and his sons to go to Moab when there was famine in the land. His sons married women from Moab. After Elimelech and his sons died, Naomi heard that the Lord had visited his people to give them bread and she decided to return. Orpah returned to Moab, but Ruth remained with Naomi.
Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.” Verses six and seven tell us that while they were there in Bethlehem, the day of His birth came, because the prophetic word of Micah had to be fulfilled. “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2). This was no coincidence; the prophecy had to be fulfilled and that’s what happened. It was fulfilled. There were so many people registered in Bethlehem that all lodging, inns, and guest houses were full. Wherever Joseph and Mary went, they were denied the opportunity to stay. Of course, the owners of the lodging places were unaware that the King of kings was about to be born, therefore they lost the great blessing to have had Emmanuel with them. However, animals in the stable where Joseph and Mary found, or rather chose, to spend the night were more privileged. I think if they could have talked, they would have praised God for the great privilege to witness this beautiful and blessed event. Jesus’ birth was followed by a dramatic announcement. Luke 2:8–20 tells us that there were shepherds in that region who were watching and keeping watch over their flocks at night. [It is made clear to us that they were outside. The temperature in the region for the probable date of Jesus’ birth would have been between 45 and 60 degrees Celsius or so.] And behold, an angel of the Lord appeared and the glory of God shone around them and they were terrified, but the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Verse 15 says that when the heavenly host of them went to heaven after having praised God, the shepherds said one to another, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us. They were in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.” The shepherds testified how God had visited them, announcing the birth of the Messiah. Jesus gave us the example of humbleness by being born in a manger surrounded by animals. A small town became the scene of the greatest event of mankind, the birth of the Son of God incarnate. Remember, something small can be big in His hands. May the blessing of the heavenly message the shepherds heard concerning what happened one night in Bethlehem saturate you not only at this time, but always.
Bethlehem in
Arriving in Bethlehem, Naomi had to find a close relative that would redeem them and marry her son’s widow. God was at hand and allowed Ruth to reap the fields of Boaz, who was the son of Rahab, the harlot, but whom God had restored. We all know the rest of the story. Boaz and Ruth married, became the grandparents of David, and because of this, Bethlehem, which belonged to the tribe of Judah, is considered the crib of King David. Jesus comes from the lineage of David. How wonderful! At the time of Jesus’ birth, the country was under the Roman Empire and all its inhabitants had to be registered at their birthplace, no matter where they were. It was for this reason that Joseph, the husband of Mary, a descendant of David, had come to Bethlehem to be counted. We see in Luke 2:1–5, “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when
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What is it like to have an angel appear and deliver to you personally a message from God? Some of us may never know and thereby be able to assess our reaction in comparison to that of Zacharias, father of John the Baptist. “And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him” (Luke 1:11, 12). The message that he and his wife Elizabeth were to have a child at their advanced years was too much for Zachariah’s mind to grasp. For his unbelief he was stricken dumb, and for nine months he had to ponder in silence the significance of what was taking place. Upon the child’s birth, however, and the pronouncement of his son’s name, this father of John delivered an inspired prophecy. Listen as Zachariah speaks: “And thou, child, shall be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace” (vv. 76–79). This child, filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother’s womb, had the assignment of the ages, as a forerunner to announce and introduce the Jewish Messiah, who was much more than the Jewish Messiah, but the Savior of all mankind.
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Malachi described this Savior as “the Sun of righteousness [arising] with healing in his wings” (4:2), while in his prophetic utterance Zacharias called Him “the dayspring from on high.” What a beautiful metaphor—“the dayspring from on high,” or in more current language, the dawning. The night had been long, but darkness was now ending—dawn was at hand and it was John’s assignment to introduce this dayspring from on high. Sin’s darkness would give way to heaven’s light. What a change was in store for the entire human race through this dawning, this dayspring from on high! Notice Zacharias’ words, “To give light to them who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.” This was so much like Isaiah’s prophecy written hundreds of years earlier: “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined” (Isaiah 9:2). The “dayspring from on high,” the dawning of a new day— how beautifully this describes the Savior announced by John. To observe the dawning of a new day is inspiring. It announces new opportunities, a chance to atone for yesterday’s shortcomings and failures. As an ending to night’s darkness, it is a time of freshness and hope. It announces the power which light holds over darkness. As the sun makes its appearance, darkness is dispelled. When the dayspring from on high made His appearance on earth, while the angels sang “Glory to God in the highest,” the demons must have trembled. The kingdom of darkness in which they operated would be exposed by the One who later would identify Himself as “the light of the world.” What blessed hope this brought to men who lived as prisoners of
darkness. They would hear Him say, “. . .he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). The light of life—resurrection life, offered by the dayspring from on high. O how marvelous! The power of sin’s darkness had prevailed for so long with man living in separation from his maker. This Savior to be announced by John would usher in a new day—a dawning of hope for the hopelessness of man’s dilemma. Listen to some more of Zacharias’ prophecy: “to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Peace, while continuously longed for and sought after, was so illusory—always beyond one’s grasp. The dawning, the emergence of light, revealed the problem. Mankind, in rebellion against God, could know no peace. Isaiah had stated it well: “But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked” (Isaiah 57:20, 21). But when the Savior came, the dayspring from on high, the angels could sing “on earth peace, good will toward men.” He was the solution to sin’s problem—the Atonement, reconciliation, redemption, the mediator between God and man. No wonder that Isaiah would identify Him as the Prince of Peace. While offering Himself as the light of the world, whereby all men everywhere may escape the darkness of sin’s dominion, this escape does not automatically occur for all mankind. There must be individual response. Unfortunately, some individuals refuse the divine invitation of deliverance from sin’s power. Ensalved by the prince of darkness, they continue
with him in his rebellion against God. For them, peace remains out of reach. How sad! For those, however, to whom the sun of righteousness has arisen, who have opened their hearts to His invitation, He has brought a “peace which passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). These rejoice that darkness for them is past, that they can live in the light of their new day. They know they have been visited by the dayspring from on high. They cherish the words of Him who said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Nearly two thousand years have passed since the angel appeared to Zacharias and his subsequent prophecy was penned. And now as the celebration of the Savior’s birth continues and greetings are exchanged among Christians throughout the world, three words appear to dominate most Christmas greeting cards—love, joy, and peace. While we use these words freely, their real meaning would be foreign to us but for one thing—the dayspring from on high has visited us. For this glorious visitation, we give praise to our loving God.
Billy Murray General Overseer 1990–2000 Originally printed in December, 1991
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Feature We do not deny the fact that the season, “Christmas,” once carried many pagan trappings, nor do we dispute the fact that the worship of a “high day” brings on judgments of desolation. God made all things, and “they are good;” therefore, Christmas is a season of the year when believers should rejoice in knowing the “King of Glory”. This king is “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). An unknown author and music composer writes: O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, Free Thine own from Satan’s tyranny From depths of hell Thy people save And give them victory o’er the grave Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Christmas Gives a Second Chance
Christmas gives humankind a second chance: “A child is born to us; a son is given to us” (Isaiah 9:6 NLT). Christmas is the season of celebration, highlighting, worldwide, a second chance to live in this redemptive “Joy to the World”. When this Bible truth becomes the staple in the lives of individuals, the abundance of joy, hope, and peace will be realized yearround. Similar to God’s gift to the world, we exchange gifts and enjoy great celebrations as we live out this theological norm. Reenacting the manger birth, the wise men journeying to Bethlehem and the caroling by the heavenly choir are but a few of the reminders of this second chance. Therefore, it is only fitting to celebrate the One who makes it all possible. The God who was born in the manger gives us a second chance!
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Many say that they do not believe in this manger birth, but yet they fail to find a better way of managing their lives, business and other organizations, world order, and commercial events. There will hardly be a better system of reckoning chronos time other than the Gregorian calendar. It is through this calendar that the world knows of the ‘before Christ’ (BC) and the ‘after His death’ (AD) as the only two distinct time periods known to man. Since the manger-born boy denotes the ending and beginning of the only time dispensation known to us, why is it so hard for some to accept that He came to give the lost a second chance? “For the Son of Man came to save the lost” (Matthew 18:11 ISV). Christ came that every individual might have a second chance. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). When this second chance is accepted, life becomes a process of giving over total control of the cares of life and placing total dependency in Him. During this Yuletide season, be reminded that the One born in a manger came so that we can cast all our cares upon Him. He was once the babe “wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in the manger”. Now, He safeguards from anxieties, frustrations, and disappointments. If you are uncertain about tomorrow, Fear not! For behold, He brings to all who desire a better way, “good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10). Therefore I submit to you, the second chance is the “bread of heaven sent down from glory.” The second chance is “The Awesome Ruler, Gentle Redeemer, God with us, the Living Truth.” O Jesus, Jesus, that’s what we call You, manger- born, You came to save humanity. You are our second chance!
Uzziah Cooper, M. Div. Leadership Development Director, NE
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“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14). During WWI, British and German troops met in what they called “no man’s land” during an unofficial truce. The British troops were from the Northumberland Hussars, 7th Division, Bridoux-Rouge Banc sector. Though there was no official truce, about 100,000 British and German troops were involved in unofficial
singing Christmas carols (Silent Night is reported to be the carol). The British responded by singing carols of their own. The two sides continued by shouting Christmas greetings to each other. Soon thereafter, there were excursions across “no man’s land” where small gifts, such as buttons and hats, were exchanged like souvenirs. The artillery in the region fell silent that night. The truce also allowed a breathing spell where recently-fallen soldiers could be brought back behind their lines by
forbidding friendly communication with the opposing German troops. It is difficult for us to understand the forbidding of friendly communication. Although it was only for a short time, we can see that the truce was done in the spirit of Christmas and that can still be found in mankind. In the midst of war, as men fight for what they feel is their duty as soldiers fighting for their country, can still find a spirit of peace and goodwill. I pray that our soldiers stationed around the world will feel this spirit
burial parties. Joint services were held.
and find peace in the midst of war.
The Christmas Truce of 1914
cessations of fighting along the length of the western front. The first truce started on Christmas Eve, 24 December 1914, when German troops, in the region of Ypres, Belgium, began decorating the area around their trenches. The Germans began by placing candles on their trenches and on Christmas trees; then continued the celebration by
The fraternization was not, however, without its risks; some soldiers were shot by opposing forces. In many sectors, the truce lasted through Christmas night, but yet it continued until New Year’s Day in others. General (Sir) Horace Smith-Dorrien, Commander of the British II Corps, was irate when he heard what was happening, and issued strict orders
I would like to wish a Happy and Merry Christmas to all!
Chaplain (MAJ) Roger D. Lanter
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MINISTRIES MINISTRIES
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One of my very best Christmas memories is the year my younger son was only twenty months old. It was the evening of the children’s Christmas play. Clint was too young to participate, so he sat with us on the second row of the sanctuary. Each time the life-sized animal puppets appeared, Clint squealed with delight. As the children’s choir performed, Clint clapped and sang along. When Mary (a child performer) placed baby Jesus (a life-sized vinyl doll) in the manger, Clint cried out, “Look! Baby Jesus!” The audience was just as thrilled with Clint’s responses of wonder as they were with the awesome musical production. After the production was over, Clint struggled free from his dad’s arms and ran to the manger scene. Unaware that anyone was watching, he leaned down over the manger filled with straw and kissed baby Jesus. How thankful I am that I caught a glimpse of that unforgettable moment! If you were to ask children the familiar question, “What does Christmas mean to you?” I’m sure the most often heard response would be “gifts.” But it doesn’t have to be that way. Christmas can be a time when every child responds with a sense of wonder to the birth of a tiny baby who was God’s only Son. We must create an environment that invites worship and wonder rather than selfish materialism.
Teach your children the true story of Christmas. Read the story from a variety of children’s story books. Let your children act out the Christmas story with costumes, props, and pets. (Our children did that for their grandparents on Christmas morning. That was unforgettable, too.) Celebrate Advent (His coming) by making an Advent wreath together. Read verses of Scripture and light the appropriate candle each week of Advent. Involve your children in acts of giving. There are abundant opportunities during the holiday season for your children to give to other children who are needy: Angel Tree (these gifts are given to 3The children whose parents are in prison) Purse shoeboxes (the 3Samaritan’s shoeboxes, filled with supplies and toys, are shipped to needy children throughout the world) Stockings Project (stockings 3Metro stuffed with toiletries, warm mittens, and a toy are given to poor children in America’s inner cities) Child Fund/Helping Hands (your 3One child can give an offering to buy clothing, food, and school supplies for a child in one of our orphanages throughout the world)
3Local charities, children’s hospitals, etc.
There are many opportunities in every community for your child to be involved in giving during the holiday season. Involve your children in worship. Each year since I can remember, we have had a family devotion before our traditional Christmas dinner. It is usually quite creative, giving each person, regardless of age, an opportunity to participate in words of thanksgiving and songs of praise. These devotions linger in my memory and in my children’s memories. You, too, can create times of worship during the holiday season. A visit to a live nativity, attending a Christmas play or musical as a family, singing carols and songs of praise around your own nativity—these and many more can be times when you and your children worship the Christ child. Involve your children in service to others. As long as I can remember, my mom has distributed Christmas baskets and gifts to the elderly in our church; if I was home or nearby, I helped. Those are some great Christmas memories— ringing the doorbell, giving hugs, sitting and chatting with someone who was so glad you stopped by. Christmas can be a time when our children become very selfabsorbed or it can be a time when our children focus on others. Your children can be involved in service by helping you make fruit baskets for the elderly, passing out small gifts to residents of a nearby nursing home, or serving a meal at a homeless shelter. Why not ask your children to come up with some ways your family can focus on others during this Christmas holiday? This year make Christmas more than just a holiday for your children. Make Christmas a time of remembering His birth, worshipping Him, giving to and serving others. May your children and you experience delight in His presence during this Christmas holiday. —Kathryn H. Creasy Children’s Ministries Coordinator
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The principles of God’s Word are timeless, but the methods of obedience may change. Since an agricultural lifestyle is not part of the memory bank of most people living in today’s technology-driven world, many have difficulty relating to instructions like: “You shall not delay to bring to Me from the fullness of your harvested grain and the outflow of your grape juice and olive oil” (Exodus 22:29, Amplified). Far removed from measuring the results of their labor in baskets and jars, many people simply see a debit in their bank account when their employers direct deposit their paycheck. As the modern-day “storehouse” (Malachi 3:10), the local church is challenged to find relevant ways to help Christians obey God’s commands and experience the consequent blessings of heaven’s opened windows. Realizing that many people have set aside their checkbooks in favor of electronic payment systems, Harvest Ministries decided to offer them the same option for honoring their financial commitments to the Lord. In December 2006, the church launched an online giving service on our web site, offering a number of advantages to donors:
Online Giving
• Convenience—With just a few keystrokes, they can make their donations at any time from anywhere they have a computer. • Consistency—In this mobile society, church services are sometimes missed for a variety of reasons. Electronic giving helps insure that tithes and offerings remain up-to-date even if the person is unable to attend church. Donors can even choose to set up automatic payments that fit their schedule. • Information—An online giver can access all the data about his contributions to the church for the year, including anything given manually at church. The first day our system went live, a young man who was relatively new to our congregation set up his online account and sent an email expressing appreciation to the church for providing this service. He travels a lot in his employment, and giving online helps him to stay connected to his home church. Today, a number of families choose this option, and 20 percent of total tithes are transmitted electronically. In addition to online giving through our web site, the church also receives an average of five checks each week from the paying agent used by other families who identify the church as a payee in their bank’s bill-pay service.
Stewardship Ministries
Another recent source of revenue comes from partnerships with businesses who match employees’ donations to charity. After submitting the documentation necessary to qualify as an eligible charity, the church has received about $4,000 per year in matching funds from one employer. Also, some members have benefited from another employer’s willingness to handle contributions to the church as payroll deductions. As technology continues to change at astounding speeds, we must trust our immutable God to help us provide contemporary methods for His people to be good stewards of all He entrusts to them. —Veronica Venable, Administrative Pastor Harvest Ministries, Roanoke, Virginia
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Don’t Keep It To Yourself By Ken Nope
We call it “leading someone to the Lord.” The Holy Spirit is the One who draws people into salvation, but God allows us the privilege of cooperating with Him. He uses us to gently lead others to Him with truth; the truth that He loves them and
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longs to forgive and save and change lives. Knowing the love of God, our goal, our passion must be to see souls saved. I started preaching at the age of 17. God has been good and I’m still preaching. During my 46 years of ministry, I have had an intense desire to see God save souls. Awhile back, I became discouraged with the “season” that I was in; a season where it seemed that there were few people I was personally leading to the Lord. I pastor the Birchwood Church of God of Prophecy, near Cleveland,
Tennessee. Among the faithful people who work alongside me is a man named Ronnie. He moderates our services. One Sunday, Ronnie shared with me, “Pastor Ken, my cousin, Johnny, has cancer and has made the decision not to undergo chemotherapy. As far as we know, he is not saved. Would you visit him?” I readily told him yes. That week, Ronnie, another member, Tag, and I went to visit Johnny. He was an extremely hospitable man, just a good old country boy, who quickly made me feel as if I had known him for years. At 72, he WWW.WHITEWINGMESSENGER.ORG
had many amusing stories about his younger days, stories about hunting, raising top-notch coon dogs, working, and southern life. We laughed a lot. His stories also caused me to develop a deep respect for this strong, hardworking, down-to-earth man. After awhile I said, “I’m truly sorry that you have cancer, Johnny. I know you decided that you would not have chemotherapy and I heard that the doctor said there is nothing else that they can do. We would like to pray for you.” He said, “Okay.” I ventured further, “Before we pray, may I ask you if you have a relationship with Christ? Are you saved, Johnny?” I had already determined that he was a direct person who would not want me to beat around the bush. He replied to my question just as directly as I had asked it. “No, I once was, but for most of my life I have not been saved.” I told him, “We are going to pray for God to heal you, Johnny. But whether He heals you or not, He will save you. The most important thing for you to know is that God loves you. Would you like to ask Him to forgive you of your sins?” Johnny was direct once again. “No. I went back on Him and I don’t feel right about asking Him to save me now that I am sick.” It was like watching a man drown, knowing I had the life preserver! I pressed on. “Even though you made wrong choices, Johnny, God has mercy. He will forgive you.” But his mind was made up. He wasn’t ready to give the Lord his heart. So, I drew a deep breath and prayed for him anyway. With him listening, I prayed boldly that he would be healed and that the Lord would speak to him and convict his heart. We said our goodbyes and I traveled home with a heavy heart. A couple of months went by and I made another trip to see Johnny, this time by myself. He had company visiting. Ever the entertaining host, he treated us to more storytelling and more laughing. He seemed to be
doing pretty good. I asked him if he had thought any more about giving his heart to the Lord. I thought sure he would have thought about our previous conversation and be ready to pray with me. To my dismay, he still did not want to pray the prayer that would give him peace with God. So I prayed an almost identical prayer as the one I had prayed weeks before and went on my way. Much went on after that, with church responsibilities and everyday life, but always at the back of my mind was concern for Johnny. After some time had passed, God gave me a message from the second chapter of Mark. In that account, four friends lower a man down through the roof of a house where Jesus is teaching. The Bible says, when Jesus saw their faith, He forgave the man’s sins, even before he healed him. While I was preaching, something began stirring in me. I felt I needed to share that truth with Johnny and convince him that, even though he didn’t feel that he had enough faith for himself, our faith could work for his good. I found out that Hospice had been called for Johnny. This usually means that it has been determined that the person is terminal and I worried that it was too late. As I was driving to work, I saw another church’s marquee that plainly said, “God gave you a message to share. Don’t keep it to yourself.” I repented for not going sooner and told my wife, “I am going to see Johnny, no matter what!” When I went, he was still very alert. No one was there that day, not his wife, none of his friends, not even the dogs! It was just him and me. I felt like I was on a mission from the Lord. I shared the Mark 2 story and he stopped me in the middle of it and said, “I heard a sermon on TV just yesterday about that same passage.” Trying not to visibly shudder from the chills that were running all over me, I calmly said, “I believe that is confirmation from the Lord, Johnny,”
and proceeded to tell him about the church sign. After I told him what the sign said, I started expounding on God’s love and His persistence. Johnny stopped me in the middle of a sentence and said, “I’m ready.” For some reason, after all that time, it did not register with me that he said it! He repeated, a little more insistently, “I’m ready.” It was as if he was saying, “Hurry up, Preacher. Let’s do this!” He repeated a prayer for God’s forgiveness and turned his life over to the Lord that day. I left rejoicing and praising the Lord. I found out recently that another minister visited Johnny some time after that momentous day. That minister inquired about Johnny’s relationship with the Lord. Johnny replied, “The preacher from Birchwood was here awhile back and he led me to the Lord. I’m saved and everything is all right between me and God.” Thank God for His saving power and His steadfast love!
Stories of Sharing Jesus highlights testimonies of Christians who respond to the call to share their faith with others. If you know of a story that would encourage our readers, please contact us at editorial@cogop.org.
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As one year closes and another opens, there is great excitement; for we are celebrating the fullness and blessing of the passing year and considering what a new year will bring. This is surely the case here in the International Offices of Women’s Ministries. Reflecting on the opportunities of ministry and leadership training completed this past year, we celebrate the privilege of participating in international ministry and leadership training in every regional area of the world within our network for the Church of God of Prophecy. January and March offered opportunities to join Dr. Ortiz and the team of CBL to travel into Asia and Africa where Women’s Ministries sponsored a women’s tract for the School of Practical and Advanced Studies. The nations included in this sweep of two continents were Singapore and Malaysia, India, Indonesia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa. We were blessed to meet, fellowship with, and train amazing women who have been
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called into ministry and leadership in these regions of the world. Additionally this year, Women’s Ministries participated in ministry in the biennial leadership conferences of our regional areas in the Caribbean (Turks & Caicos), Europe and the Middle East (Ukraine), Central America and Spanish Caribbean (Honduras), and South America (Colombia), each directed by their respective General Presbyter. In three of those regions we were part of the design of targeted ministry and training for women who are called into ministry and leadership. Of course, the spring and summer supported the similar blessing in North America as we ministered in conventions and conferences including the states of Washington, Maryland, California, Nevada, Northeast Region, Alaska, and Pennsylvania. We were delighted to again fellowship with and minister among wonderfully anointed men and women serving in ministry and leadership. Perhaps our most directed opportunity for ministry and leadership training included the regional and international retreats sponsored from these offices. This year alone retreats traveled into ten regional areas of North America including Canada, two regions of the Caribbean (St. Maarten and Grenada), Central America (Guatemala), Europe (Cyprus), and South America (Argentina). As I reflect on these opportunities of the past year, I am reminded of the faithfulness and calling of the Lord and of those who are responding affirmatively to the One of 700 campaign, which we use exclusively as provision to plan and prepare for these open doors. Last year, the Lord specifically spoke this word of affirmation and provision in me from a passage in the 20th
chapter of the book of Judges concerning the warfare against the tribe of Benjamin. It speaks of a confusing and difficult day for Israel, and yet the Lord worked on behalf of the tribe of Benjamin to keep them from being totally obliterated. I further noticed in verses 15 and 16 that among the 26,000 troops of Benjamites, there were 700 who were chosen to lead the charge because they had a unique characteristic— these 700 Benjamites were left-handed. Through this word, I sensed the Lord assuring me that He had 700 women whom He had separated to lead this charge of ministry throughout the world. He assured me that each one of these 700 women would invest an offering of $100 to support this unprecedented year of ministry opportunities. While it has not always been women who have invested, and while we have not yet met our original goal of 700, the Lord allowed the provision necessary to complete every opportunity to which He had directed. This article comes in gratitude for each investment into these ministry opportunities. And we rejoice in all the Lord has done and give Him the glory. This article also comes at the beginning of a new year of opportunity for ministry to once again make you aware of the need in Women’s Ministries for the coming year. If you are one of the 700 the Lord will use this year to enlarge and complete ministry and leadership training for women’s ministries, please return the form at the bottom of this page to our offices with your offering and connection information so we may throughout the year share with you some of the victory newscasts from these ministry opportunities. You may also contact us electronically at womens@cogop.org You may not be one of the 700 who the Lord will use for the financial responsibility, but you may be one of the other 26,000 troops who will add support through prayer and encouragement. Please also visit our website at http://cogop.org/ministries/womens/1of700 to contact us and affirm our strength and obedience. —Cathy Payne, Director International Women’s Ministries
Name _____________________________________________ Address __________________________________________ City ______________________ State ________________ Zip Code ______________ Telephone ________________ Email __________________________________________ Amount Given $ ________________
Mail to: Women’s Ministries PO Box 2910 Cleveland, TN 37320-2910 WWM D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 1
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MINISTRIES MINISTRIES
PleaseJoin
Heritage Ministries Association for 2012!
The Heritage Ministries Association supports the Heritage Ministries Department, assists in maintaining and improving Fields of the Wood, First Assembly House, Shearer Schoolhouse site, and the Holy Ghost marker.
Membership for 2012 is $20.00. With your membership you receive:
There are several ways to join:
2012 Heritage Ministries collector card 2012 Calendar, featuring Fields of the Wood 20% discount card for Fields of the Wood gift shop and café, in Murphy, North Carolina and White Wing Bookstore in Cleveland, Tennessee (see back of membership card)
• Join online at www.cogopheritage.com • Join in person at Fields of the Wood • Mail your membership fee to the Heritage Ministries Director: Church of God of Prophecy • Heritage Ministries Department P.O. Box 2910 • Cleveland, TN 37312-2910
If you are a member of a Church of God of Prophecy congregation, you may join through your local Heritage Ministries Director.
Heritage Membership is congruent with the calendar year. Membership cards are personalized and therefore must have a name indicated with a current deliverable address.
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Still
Touching Lives
In the recent months, a man brought his 13 year-old grandson to visit the Fields of the Wood Bible theme park for the first time. Like many first-time visitors, he was in awe of the massive Ten Commandments and the 358 steps to the top. But what happened on the other side of the mountain is a blessing that every parent or grandparent hopes for from the very day their child takes their first breath. The young man, still full of energy, wanted to climb Prayer Mountain. As the young man climbed, he stopped and read every marker along the path to the altar. At the top of Prayer Mountain, the young 13 yearold knelt and prayed the sinner’s prayer. Just as everyone that has received the gift of forgiveness, the young man was overwhelmed with joy and wanted to share his story with anyone that would listen. So we say thank you Jenna Allen, park manager, for hearing the story of another soul that was saved at Fields of the Wood. Fields of the Wood Park is open seven days a week. The Gift Shop and Café schedule is seasonal, open March—November and closed December—February.
Upcoming Events at Fields of the Wood: First Assembly Commemorative Service January 26, 2012 (at the First Assembly House) Easter Program—April 7, 2012 Sunrise Service—April 8, 2012
Tomlinson Center Spring Classes Announced The Tomlinson Center offers accredited college courses with a biblical and ministerial focus. Spring 2012 Semester, classes continue January 11, 2012
Bible Introduction to the New Testament—BIBL 102 Dr. H. E. Cardin The Gospel of John—BIBL 204—Dr. H. E. Cardin Methods of Bible Study—BIBL 261 Bishop Tim Harper Wisdom Literature—BIBL 303—Pastor Jack Anderson, Jr. Introduction to the Old Testament (Spanish) BIB 101—Bishop Elias Rodríguez
Pastoral Educational Ministry of the Church—CHED-241 Pastor Phil Pruitt Introduction to Preaching 1—PASM 261 Dr. H. E. Cardin The Christian Family—PASM 264—Bishop Tim Harper The Pastoral Ministry 1—PASM 461—Dr. Sylvester Smith Contact Tomlinson Center at www.tomlinsoncenter.com or 423-559-5324 for more information or to enroll.
Heritage Day—June 16, 2012 —Wade Patterson, Heritage Ministries Director
—H. E. Cardin Tomlinson Center Director
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NEWSHere&There
General Overseer Shares “State of the Offices” Address continued from page 5
Presbyters, Assembly Committees, and International Office staff. “This time of sharing has developed as a way to let leadership in the Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) know where my mind and heart are so that they would better understand my actions and directives,” said Bishop Howard during his opening statements. He continued, “It has evolved into a benchmark moment each year where we ask ourselves ‘where have we come from, where are we, and where are we going?’ It is good to keep these things in view as we walk along, otherwise we may find we are only taking a walk and in time we may find we have compassed this mountain long enough.” Bishop Howard shared four “dreams” that he and the General Presbyters have identified as they continue to pray about the church’s future and implement Vision 2020 into their respective areas. These dreams, as outlined in the presentation were: • “We dream of the financial polity of this network being implemented in every nation of ministry. • “We dream of Leadership Development, building an integrated model to develop spiritually inspired ministerial leadership throughout the COGOP so that the International Office will one day arrive to the place that our main product is Leadership Development. • “We dream that our Vision/Mission/Core Values will become a matrix for the calling, identity, leadership and strategic action of this movement in the next ten years. • “We dream that this movement will become a mighty movement of prayer. “Today is the day to dream the dreams of God and to walk toward the realization of those dreams by faith,” said Bishop Howard. “This church has stepped out to declare that God is still giving dreams and visions. We have stepped out to proclaim that we are willing to move in faith to be dream chasers, running after the glory of God at the end of everyone of His dreams and visions. Remember, eye has not seen nor ear heard neither has entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for them that love him, but God has revealed them unto us by his spirit, for the Spirit searches all things, yes the deep things of God. Our former General Overseer Brother Murray spoke His dream and God’s heart into this body when he said the greatest days of the Church of God of Prophecy are yet to come. We join that dream declaration. God’s glory will ever increase on earth and we his people will move with Him to see that day come.” The audio of Bishop Howard’s “State of the Office” address is available in its entirety on the COGOP Web site media player at www.cogop.org.
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Honduras Inaugural Pastor’s Conference a Success In September, nearly a thousand pastors gathered in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, for a Pastor’s Summit sponsored by the offices of Benjamin Feliz, General Presbyter to Central America and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean. The conference featured presentations from General Overseer Randy Howard, David Bryan, Gabriel Vidal, Trevor Reid, Kathy Creasy, Cathy Payne, Hector Ortiz and Sam Clements as well as pastoral challenges from special guests René Peñalba, Edmundo Guillén and José Mario Vega. The conference convened for four days at the Hotel Plaza del Libertador. Also held in conjunction with the Pastor’s Summit was a conference for spouses directed by Damaris Feliz featuring presentations from Diana Garcia, Dorka Cabrál, Bess Howard and Maria Elena Rodriguez.
“The conference far exceeded my expectations,” said Bishop Feliz. “It was the first meeting of this nature and this magnitude. We’re already making plans to conduct a joint Latin America meeting in Panama in 2013. The attendees were thrilled with the level of ministry that they received. I give gratitude to our General Overseer and International Offices supporters as well as our special speakers. Our pastor’s wives were blessed to have this gathering at this level.”
LOCAL/STATE/INTERNATIONAL
&
Pastors Feel Privileged Yet Struggle with Loneliness Discouragement A recent LifeWay Research poll found that more than half (55 percent) of 1,000 random pastors surveyed confessed to experiencing discouragement or loneliness, although 93 percent agreed with the statement, “I feel privileged to be a pastor.” “Many oft-quoted statistics speak of miserable and unhappy pastors, but that’s not what we see when we actually ask them,” explained Ed Stetzer, Vice President of Research and Ministry Development at LifeWay Christian Resources. “There is discouragement and loneliness, but when 98 percent agree it is a privilege to be a pastor, we also know there is a great honor to being a pastor.” Discouragement and loneliness varied among respondents by age and size of church, with pastors 65 and older the largest group agreeing with the statement, “I find it is easy to get discouraged.”
—Source: LifeWay Research
Russian Ministry Launches Children's Camp Greetings from beautiful Ekaterinburg, Russia! Our God is so good! The last several months here have been wonderful months of ministry. God is building His church! During the summer, when most churches have a slump in attendance, our church continued to grow, and now that everyone is back from vacation we are bursting at the seams with people wanting to hear the Word of God. When we returned from the States in July, we were immediately busy with preparations for our first children’s camp. We rented a small campground suitable for housing our kids, the teachers, and ministers. All in all, about 60 people attended the camp. It was an unforgettable time of sports, games, worship, barbecuing outside, and most importantly spending time in the Word of God. We had devotions each morning and evening by the fire. We saw just how important these camps are for kids. First of all, the kids got acquainted with
each other and made new Christian friends. Secondly, they discovered more of God and how wonderful it was to be in God’s presence and to have Christian fellowship. The administration of the campgrounds invited us to come back next summer and the director promised us a 30 percent discount. He was very impressed with our camp and our kids. The Lord really touched his heart. Every evening he came to our meetings and listened to our Christian songs as we sang around the campfire. He paid attention to the Bible stories we told to our kids. Every year we have a youth camp at the end of August. The name of our camp this year was “Revival Generation 2011.” This year 230 people attended the camp and we saw the Lord do marvelous things in the lives of our teenagers. It was a time in which God touched their hearts and brought healing to so many. The services were filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit. “Freedom from sin” and “loving God” were the main themes of the camp.
—Dmitry Iryna Paul and Mellanie
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NEWSHere&There
LOCAL/STATE/INTERNATIONAL
Reaching the Youth of Ukraine
Emmanuel Church team had the opportunity to serve children in the camp of “Fairy Tale,” in the city of Ladan. The camp was held in two sessions for two weeks each. During this time, the camp hosted 116 children, 80 percent from non-Christian families. The purpose of the camp was for children to make friends with each other, and most importantly, introduce them to God. The camp also included games, singing, dialogue, scenes, contests, and much more. Thank God for every change of heart! From August 20th to 27th, the city of Ladan held a youth conference “Keys of the Kingdom.” It was attended by over 100 young people from different cities of Ukraine (Kiev, Odessa, Truskavets, Alexandria, Chernigov to name a few). It was a time when young people have the direction for the coming year, a new portion of the anointing, and many new friends. Impressed by this conference, the youth ministry began making plans for next year!
In His Presence MINISTERS Oscar William Emerson Sr.; Salisbury, Maryland; June 28, 2011; 55 faithful years of service. Alpheus U. Craig; Jamaica, September 17, 2011; Licensed minister for 60 years. Melbourne A. Brown; Jamaica, August 29, 2011; Licensed minister for 28 years. Francella E. Brown; Jamaica, November 24, 2010; Licensed minister for 35 years. Collin Cole; Jamaica, June 11, 2011 ; Licensed minister for 34 years.
Fredrick P. Mahaffy; Grants Pass, Oregon; August 23, 2011; Licensed minister for 60 years.
Lois S. Quails; Hazel Green, Alabama; August 30, 2011. Lois was the widow of Pastor James I. Quails.
Larry C. Bell Collinsville, Oklahoma; August 29, 2011; Licensed minister for 48 years.
Luther A. Lowry; Rossville, Georgia; September 17, 2011.
Ronald A. Christie Sr.; Brooklyn, New York; September 7, 2011; Licensed minister for 39 years.
Rebecca Beck Griffin; Canto, Georgia; August 20, 2011; Widow of Bishop Jesse A. Griffin. She was honored at her viewing by the State Overseer and his wife.
William E. Edwards; Goldsboro, North Carolina; September 14, 2011; Licensed minister for 35 years.
Jackie Sanders; Shannon, Georgia; May 20, 2011. Nellie M. Walker; Cleveland, Tennessee; October 15, 2011.
Kathryn J. Brown; Clinton, Michigan; October 1, 2011; Licensed minister for 63 years.
Billy R. Richardson; Kilgore, Texas; September 15, 2011; Licensed minister for 44 years.
Iva Jae Ashley; Crossville, Tennessee; December 17, 2011; She pastored in Tennessee and did new field work in Indiana and Wisconsin.
MEMBERS
Sarah L. Gann; Corsicana, Texas; October 9, 2011; Sarah was the wife of Reverend Daniel Gann.
Clara Odell Rising; Chadbourne, North Carolina; August 21, 2011.
Thelma McCaleb; Gordonsville, Tennessee; October 13, 2011.
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MESSAGES
We continue the same inspirational articles but we also make a deliberate attempt to offer something for every member of the family.
DeWayne Hamby, Managing Editor
Reflections and Projections If you are like me, the closing of a calendar year prompts you to momentarily reflect upon the past 365 days, considering both their challenges and triumphs. In my thoughts on this ministry, my mind is drawn to you, the readers. I cannot adequately describe the gratefulness we feel for your support. As I have traveled and as some of you have visited or contacted me, I have received so many kind words about the ministry of the White Wing Messenger. We are so thankful for a strong network of longtime, loyal readers. If you have read the White Wing for more than 75 years, I’d love to hear from you and listen to your perspective. Longtime readers like you have provided vital support. As our readership continues to age, we’re charged with finding ways of engaging younger readers as well, to bring them on this journey. This means we continue the same inspirational articles but we also make a deliberate attempt to offer something for every member of the family. One way we have engaged younger readers is the merging of the digital world, placing the magazines online for younger readers to view, and interacting through social media. We have also produced special issues for youth and children’s ministries.
Coming In January Going forward, a pitch for reaching younger readers suggested by a longtime supporter and seconded by a new reader has continued to echo in my mind. So we’re going to try it next month. In our January issue, you’ll notice a page written especially for younger readers. Our target for this new page will be ‘tweens and teenagers still living at home. My idea is that if they see their parents or grandparents’ magazine lying on the coffee table, they will know there’s a page with them in mind. It would be the page they turn to and connect with. The art and content will reflect the target audience and hopefully something will speak directly to them. Although a bump in subscription numbers would be nice, I don’t see that as a direct result. Moreso, I see this as a way of a younger reader finding a connection point that not only gives them a sense of ownership of the magazine but also of their connection in the Church of God of Prophecy. It could be that as they turn to this page, they find that the magazine and the Church offer them a more relevant voice than they might have considered. As longtime readers, I wanted to announce this so you can help us pray
for this new endeavor. It won’t surprise you and you’ll know the reasons for the new page. You may even begin to think of potential younger readers in your life that you could make aware of it.
Truth that Lasts Jesus said, “heaven and earth will pass away: but my words will not pass away” (Matthew 24:35). The truth of the Word of God endures from generation to generation. I believe we need it more than ever. In the coming year, we’ll look at topics that continue to be discussed, studied and opined by the world around us, such as heaven, the authority of the Bible, personal evangelism, and more. Additionally, we’ll present the latest information about the ministries in your area as well as a broad picture of the entire Church of God of Prophecy. I’m looking forward to it and I hope you are, too. As always, we welcome your feedback and prayers. Contact us online at www. whitewingmessenger.org or www. facebook.com/whitewingmessenger. You may also call 423-559-5128 or give your postman something to do by sending a letter.
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