IA Connection Jan/Feb 2015

Independent Assemblies

Jan/Feb 2015

uniting ministries worldwide

CHRISTIAN RAPPER

AARON RAY

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calendar January

Interstate Fellowship Meeting January 12, 2015 Faith Fellowship Collinsville, OK Rev. Kelvin Limbocker

February

TBD - Call (580) 310-0222

independentassemblies.org

March

Interstate Fellowship Meeting March 9, 2015 Liberty Church Weatherford, OK Rev. Scott Page

April Current Members

Interstate Fellowship Meeting April 13, 2015 Lifechanger Church Claremore, OK Rev. Ted Estes

Membership Payment facebook.com/IAFellowship

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CONTENTS

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f 2 Calendar

Independent Assemblies PO Box 1546 Ada, OK 74821 (580) 310-0222

4 Fasting 6 Christian Rapper: Aaron Ray 8 Alive with Purpose 9 New Year’s Admonition

10 The Lady with a Smile 11 Board Members

Independent Assemblies PO Box 1546 Ada, OK 74821 (580) 310-0222 www.independentassemblies.org Produced by Layers Media, Inc. www.layersmedia.com connection • 3

by: Mickey Keith

A Biblical Fast is to abstain from food for a period of time to devote oneself to prayer and consecration to God. 4 • connection

How To Begin: Start with a clear goal- Direction, healing, restoration of marriage or family issues, financial answers. Pray daily, read the Bible, listen only to Christian music (preferably worship) and ask the Holy Spirit for direction.

Fasting is about the condition of the heart, not the number of days. So, start slowly. Fast for one meal a day, or one day a week, or one week a month. Build up your spiritual muscles so that you will be prepared in a period of several months to fast for an extended 40 day period.

Preparing Spiritually: Confess your sins to God. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of weakness in your life. Forgive all who have offended you and ask forgiveness from those you may have offended. Surrender your life fully to Jesus and reject worldly desires that may hinder you. Romans 12:1 “...offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-this is your spiritual act of worship.”

Fasting was an expected discipline in both the Old and New Testament eras. For example, Moses fasted at least two recorded forty-day periods. Jesus fasted 40 days and reminded His followers to fast, “when you fast,” not if you fast.

Fasting enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life.

Prayer: Fasting can transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal experience. Fasting can result in a dynamic personal revival in your own life-and make you a channel of revival to others. Effective ministers of God from the apostle Paul to Martin Luther to John Calvin made it a continual part of their walks with God. Biblical Types of fasts: The Bible recounts primarily two types of fasts. A partial fast is described in the book of Daniel. Although the water fast seemed to be the custom of the prophet, there was a three-week period in which he only abstained from “delicacies,” meat, and wine (Daniel 10:3). The two primary types mentioned in the Bible are the “absolute” and “supernatural absolute” fasts. These are total fasts-no food (solid or liquid) and no water. Paul went on an absolute fast for three days following his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:9).

Moses and Elijah engaged in what must be considered a

supernatural absolute fast of forty days (Deuteronomy 9:9; I Kings 19:8).

I personally advocate drinking an abundance of fluids during your fast, preferably water and juices. Fruit juice (a cleanser) in the morning and vegetable juice (a builder) in the afternoon or evening.

How To End: Most experts agree that breaking a fast with vegetables, either steamed or raw, is best. Your stomach is smaller now, so eat lightly. Stop before you feel full.

Stay away from meat, dairy, fats, starches like pastas, potatoes, rice, or bread (except for “Melba toast”) for at least a week. Introduce them very slowly and in small amounts.

What to Expect: When you fast, your body detoxifies.

This can cause mild discomfort such as headaches and irritability during withdrawal from caffeine and sugars.

Limit your activity. Exercise moderately. Take time to rest.

For more information- www.billbright.com/howtofast One Last Word: Most healthy people can abstain from food for a number of days, however, please consult your doctor is you are pregnant, nursing a child, on prescription drugs or under a doctor’s supervision.

Fasting should always be done for a purpose, otherwise it becomes a weight-loss plan. None of the purposes is to earn God’s favor. We must come to Him through repentance and faith for fasting to have any eternal merit.

Here are 10 Purpose for Fasting from the scriptures: 1. To strengthen prayer.

2. Seek God’s guidance 3. Express grief.

4. Seek Deliverance or protection.

5. To express repentance and a return to God. 6. Humble self before God. 7. Express concern for the work of God. 8. Express love and worship to God. 9. Overcome temptation and dedicate self to God. 10. Minister to the needs of others.

May the Lord reveal Himself to you as you practice this age-old spiritual discipline! • connection • 5

CHRISTIAN RAPPER

AARON RAY by: Sunnie Dawn Smith

by: Greg Stier

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Aaron Ray’s journey to Christian Hip Hop Artist was born of pain, misery, faith, and love. Four years ago Aaron was at his lowest point. Aaron says he looked to God, put his trust in Him, and followed God’s path. The beginnings of an illustrious career in music and marriage to his bride followed, all flowing from his unwavering faith in God. Music has always been a part of Aaron’s life. He started writing different music genres at age twelve, and started playing the guitar at fifteen. All kinds of music appealed to him, but especially bands like Manafest and Thousand Foot Krutch. He would listen to the music while driving and rap during instrumental breakdowns. He had no idea it would lead him to the path he is now following.

Four years ago, Aaron’s heart was broken.

Everything was falling apart for him. He turned to music, but he still felt lost. As Aaron says, “Music became an idol for me; it was taking the place of God. I turned to music instead of the Bible.” His mom challenged him to do a 30-day fast. No girls.

No social media. No secular music. Around the 20-day mark, things became very difficult for him.

He was praying every day. He started listening to instrumental music only. He started rapping more while listening to the instrumentalists. He knew there was a path; he was just trying to see it clearly.

Around the same time, a girl started coming around-Jane. Aaron’s brother met her at a Christian book store where she worked and tried to set her up with Aaron. This was before Aaron’s fast when he was to the point of swearing off relationships. Near the end of his fast, though, he started having dreams about her and dreams about being on stage. He didn’t know why and he would wake up frustrated, wondering what the dreams meant. She was praying for him during the fast and near the end, she heard him rapping in the back room of his parent’s house.

She knocked on the door and told him that he was talented, and should consider a career in Christian Hip Hop. Near the end of his fast, his brother’s church was having a revival. They had a guest speaker from Texas who was supposed to come up for the last night but didn’t show up. The speaker told Aaron’s brother that he felt like he shouldn’t be there. He’d prayed about it and just couldn’t shake the feeling that he wasn’t supposed to go. This left Aaron’s brother in a bind, but he just decided to lead the revival himself. He spoke for an hour and a half and Aaron noticed that

“Then I heard God talking to me, in my heart, and God told me to get up there and tell my story.” people weren’t really getting it. But he was. He was truly understanding the concept of “going back to the cross.” As Aaron says, “Then I heard God talking to me, in my heart, and God told me to get up there and tell my story.” So he did. He preached for hours and hours until well after midnight. At the end, everyone was on their knees, crying out to God. He looked into the back where his parents were praying with Jane. God told Aaron that she was going to be his wife. He told Aaron that it wasn’t going to be easy, there would be rough patches, but that was the path chosen for Aaron. At that moment, Aaron went up to Jane and said, “This may sound crazy, but I’m going to marry you one of these days.”

Aaron and Jane married and now have a baby after three years of marriage. He will release his third full album in mid-2015. His nationwide ministry is a way to help teenagers cope with their problems and the negativity they face on a daily basis, bringing them closer to God. Above all, Aaron Ray encourages people to, “trust in God with your dreams and what you want to do; let God take over and watch it grow into something bigger and greater.”

Aaron’s producer, Travis Wyrick is a four time GMA Dove Awards winner and two Grammy nominations. Travis chose to record Aaron to mentor Aaron and help him hone his craft. Aaron’s latest album, IDENTITY, will debut in mid-2015. You can Live Out Loud and Born Sinner on Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, and Spotify. Aaron has been featured on the global network JUCE TV and filmed his episode for Soul Mag TV. He also shared his personal testimony as well as debut his Live Out Loud Music Video featuring C-Phresh. For more information, visit www.aaronraymusic.com or contact him at aaronraymusic@gmail.com or call (405) 213-3005. • connection • 7

by: Jerry Edmon

Our very antique, very overweight cat took down a bird today...brought it in the house, let it go, recaught it several times and finally sent it on to Glory.

Moral of this story...NEVER UNDERESTIMATE ANYONE! When they are walking in what they were created to do they come alive.

The reality is that you can be more than you thought you could be. You can do more than you thought you could do. When you start walking in what you were meant to be, you will start being alive every moment.

Your gifts will function to their highest potential.

When you operate within your purpose, your life will bear fruit because it was designed to. A tree doesn’t struggle to bear fruit. There is not strain on the tree. It just happens because that is the way it was designed.

Isn’t that the problem with most people today?

They are not doing what they were created to do.

Somewhere they got off track. As a result, they are living very unfilled and fruitless lives. Maybe they have gone through divorce or tragedy of some kind.

Maybe they started life without the education, but whatever the reason, they become convinced that this is just the way life is and they settle. As a result they struggle in their life. Nothing feels natural to them. It seems that they hate what they do for a living. They are going through the motions but they are not alive.

I have some good news for you. When you come to Christ, he helps guide you to your destiny. He knows what you were designed to be and he orchestrates your purpose through your relationships and your opportunities. In Christ you can truly find yourself.

When you get comfortable in your own skin and stop trying to be someone else, you will start doing what you were created to do and you will come alive. • 8 • connection

New Year’s Admonition by: Mickey Keith

Dec. 31st at 11:59 pm EST, over one billion people all across the world watched as the “ball” dropped in New York City’s Times Square.

The Name of the ball itself ? The Star of Hope. Why would they call the New Year’s ball the “Star of Hope?” Because Each New Year IS a time for hope! It’s a time for opportunity, and a time for us to grasp hold of our destiny.

What a great time to `forget what is behind, and strain toward what is ahead, and press toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us Heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Phil 3:13, 14 NIV Let go of the pastLeave your resentment- Eph 4:2932. Leave your worries-Phil. 4:6-8 NLT Leave your failures behind. Let the past be just that---the past.No amount of worry can change what has already slipped into the pages of history. However, we can look forward, learn from the past and determine to not repeat our mistakes. 1 Corinthians 13:5-6 says that, “Love keeps no record of wrong done to it…”

Lay Hold of the FutureLet’s run into the New Year with our eyes wide open to God’s blessings; with our hearts attentive to His voice. Isaiah 43:19 NLT“ For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”

He deserves our very best ! What you give God at the first of the year will help set the tone for the rest of the year! Eph. 5:1517 NIV “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the

most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Our time on earth is limited-Psalm 90:12 “Teach us how short our lives really are so that we may be wise.”

Know what God’s Will isIsaiah 46:10 NIV “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” Since God’s will and purpose SHALL be established in the earth, we must align ourselves with that will. “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done’!”

Jesus said, “I only do what I see my father do.” Our hearts and desire should be to do what we see the Father doing in the life and ministry of Jesus.

One of my favorite stories has to do with the 1959 Biblical epic is called “Ben Hur.” One of the most famous scenes in that movie was the climatic chariot race, which required 5 weeks of filming, 15,000 extras, and 18 chariots – nine to be used by the stunt crew during practice.

In the spirit of authenticity, Charlton Heston actually learned to drive the 4 horse vehicles. But after weeks of practice, he expressed concern about the final shoot. He took the stunt coordinator aside and said, “I can drive the chariot,” he told stunt coordinator Yakima Canutt, who was directing the scene, “but I’m not sure I can win.”

“Chuck, you just make sure you stay in the chariot,” Canutt replied, “and I’ll make sure you win the race.”

Likewise, God is saying to us: “Just stay in the chariot and I’ll make sure you win the race.” • connection • 9

The Lady with a Smile If you have ever contacted the President’s office of the Independent Assemblies, you probably recognize the voice of Glenda Keith. She is married to IA President, Pastor Mickey Keith and serves as his assistant in that office. She loves to add value to churches and the ministry.

The majority of communications, credential renewals, and other updates for the 140 churches, 60 not-for-profit groups, and over 1,000 ministers are handled by Glenda and her assistant. You’ve either talked to her on the phone, or have met her in person at one of the many IA events held through the years.

She’s the lady with the smile…always making others feel at ease, whether in a youth camp, (cooking at and directing IA camps for 17 years), on the mission field, or at IA conventions, where friends from around the country look to her for loving affirmation.

Her leadership is also felt in her home church, where she directs nurseries, children’s classes and women’s events. She served as office manager for her father-in-law, the late John W. Keith for many years, and continues to be very proficient in the inner workings of the church. Licensed with the IA since 2005, Glenda has developed nursery programs in

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by: Mickey Keith

two churches, and in 1993 established a Christian pre-school, which ministered to over 300 children in 8 years.

Not only does she serve as a fine ambassador for the IA Fellowship and representative of the Executive Board, Glenda has served alongside her husband in ministry since 1978. Currently, she serves as Co-Pastor of Life Community Church in Ada, Oklahoma, and is ordained with the IA. Known for her compassion, she ministers with Godly wisdom to young families and women of all ages.

Mickey and Glenda have four children, eight grandchildren and numerous children in the faith.

They make their home in Ada, Oklahoma. January 2014 marks the 35th year of full time pastoral ministry for this couple, as well as their 37th wedding anniversary.

The next time you call the Office of the President, say hello to Glenda Keith, the lady with the smile! • Mickey and Glenda Keith

executiveBOARD Mickey Keith

President PO Box 1546 Ada, OK 74821 (580) 310-0222 mickey.keith@gmail.com www.life623.com

Dr. Ted Estes

Vice President PO Box 2248 Claremore, OK 74018 (918) 341-8344 pastorted@lifechangerchurch.com www.lifechangerchurch.com

Ken Anderson

Secretary/Treasurer PO Box 1120 Lexington, OK 73051 (405) 527-6030 kda@valornet.com www.libertygospelok.org

Robert Johnson

Director of World Missions PO Box 978 Blackwell, OK 74631 (580) 363-2734 roj@clarionmissions.org www.clarionmissions.org

Jerry Edmon

Board Member PO Box 862 Elgin, TX 78621 (512) 281-5316 Jedmon1234@aol.com www.fwcelgin.com

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES Southeast Oklahoma District Rev. Billy Hunter Antlers, OK (580) 298-2740 Southwest Oklahoma District Rev. Donnie Miller Cyril, OK (580) 464-2224 (580) 512-3657 Northeast Oklahoma District Rev. Mac Blackwell Locust Grove, OK (918) 479-6057 North Texas District Rev. Marc Jones Denton, TX 75751 (903) 675-6011 Southeast Texas District Rev. Herb Hawthorne Baytown, TX (281) 723-2278 South Central Texas District Rev. Jerry Edmon Elgin, TX (512) 281-5316 Midwest Regional District Rev. Mark Maynard Granite City, IL (618) 931-4106 Arkansas Regional District Rev. Charles Kendrick Alexander, AR (501) 303-0831 Ozark Regional District Rev. Terry Fletcher Aurora, MO (417) 678-2310 connection • 11

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