OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 1
OKLAHOMA
OUTLOOK Publisher H. Franklin Cargill
JANUARY
School of Ministry Gameday (Muskogee) January 12 RR District Indian Nation Winter Trace January 11-13 Credentials Application & Exam Deadline January 14 WM LIFE Rallies (All Sections) January 18 Century Leadership Roundtable January 24 ACMR Deadline January 31 Speed The Light Tour: Section 9 January 2 Section 3 January 5 Section 10 January 9 Section 11 January 12 Section 7 January 14 Section 8 January 15 Section 12 January 16 Section 2 January 17 Section 5 January 20 Section 6 January 21 Section 4 January 22 Section 1 January 23
FEBRUARY
School of Ministry Gameday (OKC) School of Ministry Gameday (Muskogee) SYNERGY Conference District JBQ Celebration
February 2 February 9 February 22-23 February 22-23
Sectional Council: Section 3 (AM) Section 2 (PM) Section 5E (AM) Section 6 (PM) Section 11 (AM) Section 12 (PM) Section 9N (AM) Section 1 (AM) Section 4 (PM) Section 5W (AM) Section 8 (PM) Section 9S (AM) Section 7 (AM) Section 10 (PM)
February 4 February 4 February 5 February 5 February 7 February 7 February 8 February 19 February 19 February 25 February 25 February 26 February 28 February 28
P.O. Box 13179 Oklahoma City, OK 73113 405.475.1100 www.okag.org 2 | OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK
@OKDCofAG OklahomaDistrictCouncil
Designer Jayson Evans Josh Lowder Copyeditor Renae Elmore
GENERAL PRESBYTERS
SECTIONAL PRESBYTERS
H. Franklin Cargill Superintendent
Raymond Frizzelle Section 1
Craig Dacus Assistant Superintendent
Keith Williams Section 2
Darryl Wootton Corporate Secretary
Terry Bradley Section 3
EXECUTIVE PRESBYTERS
Bob Yandell Section 4
Bruce McCarty Ron McCaslin MINISTRY DIRECTORS Chad Brodrick Church Ministries Heath Corrales Youth Ministries Dean Guthrie Children’s Ministries Darren Pilcher Executive Pastor Missions Susie Purkey Women’s Ministries
ORDAINED FEMALE PRESBYTER Deborah Burke
Jamie Austin Section 5E Jason Byers Section 5W Jeromye Jackson Section 6 Jimmy Keith Section 7 Kelly Coffey Section 8 David Brooks Section 9N Duane Elmore Section 9S Don Barnes Section 10 Ric Freeman Section 11 Arlis Moon Section 12
SUPERINTENDENT
HIT T H E “RE S E T ”
B U TTON The best plans have a way of going awry. Even when I have the
purist of intentions, someone perceives my words and deeds as if there were a hidden agenda. But I suppose I am not the only one to have experienced such responses. There have been times when words tumbled out of my mouth before my mind was fully engaged. We have all wished there were a way to “take it back” and express ourselves differently. Sometimes it was simply due to our facial expressions or just our tone of voice. Experience has taught us, however, that there is no alternative except to offer an apology. No wonder the wise man of old said, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” That is an admonition that should be heeded by all ages, regardless of race or social class, and whether clergy or laity. However, one must not allow “others” to determine our future. That does not mean that we give up and continue with our blunders and inappropriate ways. We should constantly seek to improve and to no longer act childish. The writer of Romans said, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.
This can be the year that ushers in your turning point. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? …even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Just because we may have failed, even numerous times, does not mean that we should quit, withdraw, or just sit down on the job. The only difference between a failure and a success has been defined by only one simple action. The successful individual “got up” one more time than the one that failed! So what does this have to do with ministry?
No doubt we have all made resolutions, especially with the launching of a new year, only to see them disappear into thin air in only a few days or weeks. We have all purposed to read the Word, pray without ceasing, loose the extra pounds, exercise more vigorously, and the list goes on and on. But maybe – just maybe – this can be the year that ushers in your turning point. Admit your transgressions and HUMAN CARNALITY: “All Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him.” Daniel 9:11. Believe that GOD HAS A PLAN: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11. Confess your TOTAL DEPENDENCY UPON HIM: “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39. Determine to KNOW HIM MORE: “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.” Philippians 3:10. Establish a GOAL THAT REVEALS HIS LIKENESS: “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him.” Romans 6:5. Forget the PAST AND ITS FAILURES: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, FORGETTING those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13. HIT THE “RESET” BUTTON AND TRY, TRY, TRY AGAIN!
Everyone gets hurt and life never gets easier. Scars may be visible but remember that they mean “the wound” has healed. Don’t let the past dictate your future but instead set a goal to be more like Christ – in every aspect of life! Treat others as you would want them to treat you. Become an encourager rather than a despondent discourager. Be a “lifter” rather than a “downer!”
FRANK CARGILL DISTR ICT SUPE R INTE NDE NT F R ANK . CAR G IL L @O K AG . O R G
OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 3
MISSIONS
A POW E RFU L AN S W E R TO A
CLUTTER-FILLED LIFE It could be safe to say for many of us that just a couple weeks
into the new year has proven to be another crowded, crazy beginning to a twelve-month journey of roles and responsibilities. It doesn’t slow down on its own. Before we realize it, the calendar is full and the to-do list is long. But there is a powerful answer to an otherwise clutter-filled year that I came across recently while reading. Over fifty years ago, catholic monk and social activist Thomas Merton wrote these profound words: “If you want to identify me, ask me not where I live, or what I like to eat, or how I comb my hair, but ask me what I think I am living for, in detail, and ask me what I think is keeping me from living fully the thing I want to live for. Between these two answers you can determine the identity of any person. The better answer he has, the more a person he is.” We can start to de-clutter our year now by how we start it. The only way to really begin to answer Merton’s questions is to obviously work backward. And, that work must come out of a well-thoughtout plan – a doable plan. You can only get done what you plan to get done. Personal strategy is critical. And, from strategy comes schedule. Map out what it looks like week-by-week, month-bymonth when you are envisioning those finished projects…and, the purpose behind those projects. The psalmist David wrote, “Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.” In other words, we need God to help us with our plans. And, the way we get His help is commit what we are planning to Him. But this necessitates an actual plan to commit to Him. So, this is where the process begins – identifying our plan for the new year. Here are some helpful suggestions when considering that plan:
Create a growth plan for the year. This is much different than some list of unattainable goals. Think in terms of an actual weekly plan for spiritual, mental, relational, financial, organizational growth. Write it out and refer to it regularly. Spend the first part of each day in spiritual and practical reflection. Peter Scazzero, author of Emotional Healthy Spirituality, wrote: “We know we have found our balance when we are so deeply rooted in God that our activity is marked by the peaceful, joyful, rich quality of our contemplation.” Whatever has our focus has us! Work off of a daily agenda. I know this sounds simple, but referring to a daily plan and getting the pleasure to mark “complete” on certain items of that list enables much needed celebratory moments along the way. Surround yourself with key growth-optimizers. No, these individuals are not the same as the traditional accountability partners. I do better when I get around people who inspire me to grow by how they are growing everyday. So, in other words, shake off the slackers from your life and connect with those who make growing a priority in their life. So, what are you living for this year? And, what potentially will keep you from living that purpose out in full passion? Decide now to live intentionally. Despite the everyday interruptions, tackle these days, weeks, and months with a doable plan. And, by God’s grace, we can come to the close of another year delighted in the progress.
I T I N E R AT I N G M I S S I O N A R I E S Michelle Castle michelle.castle@gmail.com ** Sensitive Country Charlie & Dona Bunn ucochialpha@juno.com UCO Chi Alpha John & Kathy Deisher johndeisher@osuxa.com OSU Chi Alpha CMIT Director Garo & Jordania Nargiz garonn@gmail.com Brazil, Latin America Caribbean Adam & Sarah Quinn OUQuinn@gmail.com Costa Rica, Latin America/Caribbean Tim & Liz Sebastian tim.sebastian@hqmail.agmd.org **Sensitive Country Brian & Crystal Stuke bcstuke@gmail.com South Africa, Africa David & Shirley Swafford dswafford72@gmail.com Latin America/Caribbean Greg & Susan Tiffany xaoklahoma@aol.com Oklahoma Chi Alpha Director Loretta Wideman lorettahwideman@gmail.com Kenya, Africa
DARREN PILCHER M IS S IO N S DIRE C TO R EX EC UT IV E PASTO R DA R R E N . P ILC H ER @ O K AG. O R G @ DA R R E N P ILC H E R 4 | OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK
FINANCE
RE N E WAL
S E ASO N I hope at the top of your list in the last quarter of this year is your 2019 Annual Credential Renewal!
As has been the custom in years past, the National Office has made the online renewal process as user-friendly as possible for ALL of our ministers including our missionaries, senior-retired and newly credentialed. As of October 27th, the 2019 Minister Credential Renewal System is live and available at www.MinisterRenewal.ag.org! You may also access the renewal link from www.ag.org. We encourage you, if at all possible, to use the online system to renew. Once submitted, your renewal is immediately accessible to our office for review and approval. This eliminates the daunting task of going to the post office and trying to get a postmark as is required if waiting until the day of the December 31st deadline. If you have done this in year’s past, you know what I’m talking about! The process is simple. •
Create Account/Login to AG Passport by using your Minister Account # (This can be found on your minister’s card)
•
Click on the Minister’s Renewal link
•
Answer all questions
•
Pay the 2018 General Council dues, if there is still a balance due
•
Continue to follow the prompts until you see “Congratulations! You have successfully submitted your online renewal!”
•
Separately, you must submit payment for the $30 District Renewal Fee with these options: Online at www.okag.org through the GIVING link, via TEXT GIVING at 405.757.2509, or send a check to our office. Please designate your giving as “District Renewal Fee”.
Please note: After the deadline of December 31 (11:59pm CST for online renewals), renewals submitted online (or mailed) will require a $70 late fee, split between the District Council ($45) and General Council ($25). The online credentialing renewal system will only be available through 11:59 PM (CST), Tuesday, January 15, 2019. Unfortunately, after January 15th, your credentials will be considered “Lapsed”. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Renae Elmore at renae.elmore@okag.org or 405.475.1100. Article By: Renae Elmore
KEVIN CONNER F INANCE & O PE R ATIO NS K E VIN. CO NNE R @O K AG . O R G @K E VINSCO NNE R OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 5
CHURCH
C OMIN G U P IN
2019 The Church Ministries Department has been working
diligently for several months in preparation for 2019. It is our mission to serve our ministers and churches in a way that will help them be healthy for the long-term. To provide strategic partnerships so that ministers and ministries can thrive in accomplishing their purpose of being a missional outpost in the state of Oklahoma and around the world! There are a couple of key initiatives that are coming online this year and I couldn’t be more excited about them. One will provide opportunities for the local church to reach a group of people that many churches have not had the training to minister in this area. The other initiative will assist the church in developing a comprehensive strategy for health that will increase its effectiveness regardless of size. The Oklahoma Prison Initiative has had exceptional response across the state. We are partnering together with the Department of Corrections and our Oklahoma Assemblies of God Chaplains to provide the local church with the information and tools necessary to develop a prison ministry. We have a crisis in our state and I believe that the church has the answer. We are finalizing the dates of the trainings and will send out promotional material very soon! In addition, we are also kicking off our Oklahoma Healthy Church Initiative in 2019! In partnership with the Acts 2 Journey, Rural Compassion, Ministry Directors, and District Leadership we are gearing up to offer churches the opportunity to develop a strategy for healthy ministry. We have developed and are training a great group of leaders as well as finishing up the materials needed to come along side ministers and ministries. We are excited about the possibilities that are ahead for this new initiative! With all that is happening in the New Year, it was important for us to ask an important question that we all need to answer in our ministries….What purpose are we serving? This question always dominated my thoughts as a pastor, especially when we were planning our calendar for the New Year. I am sure that each minister and ministry has had to wrestle with finding and defining the answer.
Your calendar is full. Services, meetings, activities, fellowships, holidays, and district events seem to take up a lot of room on the calendar. With all of this activity it is easy for the church to get in the groove of “what has always been.” It becomes easy to not only fill the calendar, but to also develop a routine of activity, which keeps people, connected. While I would never want to add another thing to the calendar, I would challenge you to look at what our purpose as a church is. What is our highest purpose? How does that flesh out in our activity as a church? Does our vision and mission as a church match God’s purpose? Are we inward focused at the expense of reaching out? Have we carved out time in our calendar to minister to the community? Many churches do a great job of loving God through worship, prayer, and discipleship, which has a focus on the personal relationship a believer has with the Lord. Loving others however, entails fellowship and evangelism, which focuses on the church building relationship in the community. This fundamental purpose is key to our mission not only as a church, but for every believer. It is God’s way of using us to be his hands and feet to a lost world. Let me encourage you to Be Intentional about your outreach as a church. Find the strengths within the local body and use them to connect with your community. Serving a shelter, food bank, cleaning a local park, washing single mom’s vehicles, providing equipment for first responders, and many more opportunities are available. Be Involved in the community. Take the opportunities that are available through your community’s activities, events, and most prevalent needs. These can take the form of volunteering as a group to serve the community, which often provides the open doors, necessary to share the Gospel! Finally, Be a Servant to your community. As you present the opportunities to your congregation, they will see themselves as not only a part of the solution to a community need, but also how their ministry can meet the marketplace. Changed lives are the ultimate goal! We believe that these two initiatives will have an eternal impact on the Kingdom as well as the state of Oklahoma! May God bless you and your church in 2019! Stay connected with all the district news, emails, and mailings for more information!
CHAD BRODRICK C H URC H M IN IST RIE S C H A D. B RO DRIC K @ O K AG. O R G
6 | OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK
Chad and Nyree
WOMEN’S
WHERE ARE TODAY’S
LYDIAS? Thank you for your faithful support of our missionaries serving in
193 countries to reach the lost, plant churches, train leaders and serve the poor –so all can hear the saving message of Jesus. Missionaries are truly the heart of our mission. These dedicated people leave family, friends, and home country to proclaim Jesus’ message and to establish His church among those who have never heard. Our highest priority is getting our missionaries to the field of their calling and keeping them there, by effectively meeting their needs.” - Greg Mundis, D. Min. AGWM Executive Director
WHERE ARE TODAY’S LYDIAS?
(Adapted from: Daughters of the King 21-Day Devotional, article: “Lydia The Lay Leader,” Susie Purkey, 2017 OKAG)
Lydia was a New Testament woman who lived in the coastal city of Thyatira-one of the Greek cities in Asia Minor-now the modern Turkish city of Akhisar. It is clear from history that this pagan city was quite a melting pot of humanity and the chief object of worship was “Apollo,” who, was worshipped as the sun god, also known as “Tyrinnus.” We also know there was a very strong Jewish presence in the city of Thyatira, who worshipped Jehovah. Lydia was a prominent and influential lady who worshipped God. The waters in and around Thyatira were conducive for dyeing fabrics and other textiles and consequently, this became a very lucrative export. Red and purple dyes were in high demand and Lydia had a prominent business of purple dyes along with a large house with servants. (Acts 16:14-15) It was commonplace for the women to gather at the riverbank daily for prayer and one such day the Apostle Paul and his company, while on one of his many missionary journeys, came and met these women and Lydia for prayer. They told of JESUS, the risen Savior and as Lydia listened intently the Bible says the Lord opened her heart and she accepted what Paul was saying. Lydia followed her faith in JESUS by being publicly baptized, (along with her household), becoming the first Christian convert on the European Continent! However, not all in nearby Thyatira and Philippi accepted this Good News and it was here in Philippi that Paul and Silas were thrown in to prison for preaching about their faith. While in prison, they began to sing and praise God despite their unfortunate circumstances, when suddenly the prison was shaken with an earthquake so large that their chains fell off! Upon their release the next day, they returned to the home of Lydia. (Philippians 1:1-10) There, they met with the believers and encouraged them all once more. A new Christian Church formed and they were once again on their way to the next town. Lydia’s transformed life was evidenced by her willingness to give missionaries help, hospitality and provision from her resources. As previously mentioned, once Lydia heard about JESUS, she accepted him, shared her faith with those of her household and was baptized in water, as a public profession of her faith. This is a pattern for all of us. Later, when writing to the Church in Philippi, the apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Philippian Church that he had started, telling them
they held a very special place in his heart and that every time he thought of them, they brought him joy! (Philippians 1: 3-5, 7) “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy, for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.” (vs. 7) “So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the Good News. God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.” Lydia was able to manage a successful business without losing her soul to it. Perhaps that’s what Paul meant when he penned the words to the Church in Rome, (Romans 12:11), “Not slothful in business but fervent in Spirit, serving the Lord.” Could he have been thinking of our sister-in-the-faith, Lydia? Lydia not only sold her purple dyes but she served her savior. She stayed in business so that she could have a means to advance and promote the Gospel and she guarded her heart from greed by giving of her secular resources into the work of God’s Kingdom. As Paul and Silas moved on and started new churches, with every soul saved and new Church formed, Lydia laid up treasures for herself in heaven. “Some Go. Some Send. All are equally Rewarded.” Lydia, the conscientious businesswoman, devoted Christian and friend of missionaries - Lydia the lay-leader with a gift of hospitality. How much we can imitate from her! REFLECTIONS: • God promoted Lydia to a prominent place in business and in His church. What does this imply about the way God views women in leadership today? • What do you think the term “Not slothful in business” means? Think of three ways we can avoid being negligent or slothful in business. • God used Lydia greatly because she had a successful business with influence in the city. As a result, she commanded more respect from people when she shared her faith. What does this say about the way God views wealth? Can He use our prosperity as a tool for His Kingdom? • Read Luke 18:25…the story of the rich, young ruler. What are some of the challenges we face in becoming rich? What did Jesus warn us about regarding riches?
SUSIE PURKEY WO ME N’ S DIR E CTO R SUSIE . PUR K E Y@O K AG . O R G
OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 7
YOUTH
W E OVER M E Happy New Year! Ministry can be very lonely. As a youth pastor, there were many seasons I thought I was on my own and no one understood me or my situation. Sound familiar? Let me share with you some of my journey to this phrase I’ve become committed to over the last few months-- “We over Me”. Like most of us, over the years I’ve battled many insecurities. If I saw someone’s youth ministry was more “successful” than mine, I’d begin to feel inadequate and sometimes, even threatened. I felt like if I didn’t have hundreds of kids showing up every week then I must be doing something wrong. So now it’s a competition… but I was only really competing with my ego. After some time had passed I remember feeling broken and humbled, which was good. However, I allowed it to throw me into a season of self-pity. But the life of just feeling sorry for myself and got really old, really fast. Since it was now up to me to do something about it, my then narrow mind returned to the thought of wanting to fix whatever it was I had been doing wrong. I began reaching out to other youth ministers I felt were really doing a great job and ask them, “What’s the secret sauce to all this?” The leaders of these ministries were always kind, offered help, and sent resources to guide me through my journey. However, I was so fixated on looking for a formula and “follow these steps” program, that for years I missed the common thread that every single one of these ministries attributed part of their success to… PEOPLE. It all came full circle with understanding when I heard this quote:
I
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
I finally realized that structure and systems may be important and they can even sometimes bring rapid growth, but in order to really be successful in the long run, I needed something more. Next to Jesus, investment in people and people investing in you, are the keys to growth in every way.
HEATH CORRALES YO UT H M IN IST RIE S H EAT H . C O R R A L E S @ O K AG . O R G @ H EAT H C O RR A L E S 8 | OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK
I stopped focusing on how these leaders could help me grow a youth ministry and focused on how can we grow together. I stopped being jealous and threatened by other youth ministries and started to ask myself what could I learn from them. It reminds me of a conversation I had with a had a friend in ministry. The first time we met we talked for a while and exchanged numbers and I told him, “I’m looking forward to connecting” and he responded with, “let’s not connect, let’s be friends.” As leaders of the next generation, we know that students desperately long for real relationships. We as leaders, share that same longing. Students need people in their life that have their back and we as leaders are no different. We teach, preach and challenge students all the time to get out there and build relationships with each other. Well, guess what? WE need to do the same. We need to lead by example in this area. I’m convinced the only wrong way to do ministry is to do ministry alone. Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 In other words, WE OVER ME! Be Blessed Oklahoma, Heath
CHILDREN
HAPPY
NEW YEAR! On behalf of Oklahoma Children’s Ministries I trust that
you had a very Merry Christmas and that you are excited about 2019. I would also like to THANK YOU for your support of Children’s Ministries in Oklahoma. Since it’s inception, our mindset has been to serve our churches. OCM offers many opportunities through Fun Arts, Kids Camps, and PB&J Retreats. We also serve our churches through our gender specific programs of Girls Ministries and Royal Rangers. JBQ is steadily on the rise as a ministry that places the word of God into the hearts and minds of kids. I think at the center of any church or ministry should be the heartbeat of missions. Our churches in Oklahoma have always had strong support for B.G.M.C. This ministry is a phenomenal way to teach the kids to not only give to missions but to also have compassion for a hurting world. Each of these ministries have been made possible because of prayerful and financial contributions from churches like yours.
SEPTEMBER
7 JBQ Season Opener 9-13 National Girl’s Ministries Week 20-21 OCM Conference 27-28 National Girl’s Ministries Sleepover
OCTOBER
5 Area JBQ Meets #1 6-12 National Royal Rangers Week
NOVEMBER
2 Area JBQ Meets #2 22-23 PB&J Retreat
DECEMBER
15 All BGMC, Masters Toolbox, Coins for Kids Offerings Due
The following is a list of dates for all activities concerning the various ministries of OCM. I hope this helps in planning a fantastic year for the kids of your church.
JANUARY
11-12 District Girl’s Ministries Training 11-13 Royal Rangers Winter Trace 12 Area JBQ Meets #3
FEBRUARY
2 Area JBQ Meets #4 16 Kids Camp Clinic 18 Kids Camp Registration Opens 22-23 JBQ District Celebration
APRIL
12-14 Royal Rangers Spring Trace
MAY
3-4 WCO at Camp Adventure 4 Fun Arts
JUNE
7-9 Royal Rangers Pow Wow 19-23 Royal Rangers JLTA 30 - July 3 Kids Camp #1
JULY
4-6 Little Radicals Camp 8-12 Kids Camp #2 15-19 Kids Camp #3 22-26 Kids Camp #4
AUGUST
10 District Girl’s Ministries Celebration 16-17 Royal Rangers NEEC
DEAN GUTHRIE CHIL DR E N’ S DIR E CTO R DE AN. G UTHR IE @O K AG . O R G @O CMDE AN OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 9
IN MEMORY
Willie R. Boyd
9/27/1922 - 12/19/2018 Reverend Willie R. Boyd was an uncommon man who came from common stock and humble beginnings. He was born on September 27, 1922 under a tarp by a river outside Panola, OK. Bill met Betty Richmond in Oklahoma City OK in 1939 while visiting his older sister, Robbie. Bill married Betty in June of 1941. Only six months later, Pearl Harbor was bombed and he received his draft notice in December of 1943. Bill served his country honorably for three years on active duty as a cook in the U.S. Army during World War II. By 1975 Bill and Betty were heavily involved in sponsoring and ministering to refugee families from the Vietnam War. They turned their church’s fellowship hall into a distribution center for clothing, food, and furnishings. At one point, their efforts supported over 100 refugees seeking education, housing, and jobs; many of them living in that same church building. Their youngest adopted daughter, Hali, is also a refugee from this same war and ministry. Brother Boyd was ordained with the General Council of the Assemblies of God in November 1952. Though he pastored over 72 years in total, he worked in addition to his ministry. Bill was a coal miner, and a lead and zinc miner. He worked for the Armor Meat Processing Co; for gas-meter installation and reading services; for the Civilian Conservation Corps; and for BF Goodrich tire manufacturing. His other part-time jobs included working at service garages and appliance stores. He even played Santa Claus.
10 | OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK
Bill’s first pastorate was at the Elgin School House in KS. No one showed up the first Sunday but Bill persevered. He went on to attend seminary at Central Bible Institute and to a life of pastoring with wife Betty and children Gary and Sandy, beginning in Turin KS. Bill and Betty also pastored in Eudora KS, Newton KS, Scotts Valley CA, and Belen NM. While in Newton KS, Bill and Betty adopted Lani and Tony as their children. From 1980 to 1994 Bill and Betty actively pastored in Belen, New Mexico. In 1994 Bill retired as Pastor of Belen, NM First Assembly of God. Bill’s first wife, Betty, passed away in December 2005. A most-eligible Oklahoma bachelor, Bill married Bea Cowett in November 2008. “Granny Bea” loved and cared for Bill until his passing on December 20, 2018. Bill was recently awarded recognition as the oldest living World War II veteran in Sequoia County--Bill no longer holds this title. He has moved away from Sequoia County and now resides with Jesus in His Heavenly home. The LORD granted Bill’s prayer to be with Him this Christmas and he has gained much. Bill is preceded in death by first wife Betty; son Gary; grandsons Cory and Robbie; and siblings Luther, Lucas, Henry, Gladys, Mozell, and Robbie; and half-brother Bobbie. Bill is survived by second wife Bea; sister Helen; daughters Sandy and Lani and Hali; son Tony; 11 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; 10 great-great grandchildren; and a vast number of spiritual sons and daughters.
OKLAHOMA
DISTRICT NEWS PRAYER REQUESTS Clint Gray - Pray for church commercial property to sell so new church can be built. Bob Graves - guidance for him and wife. Ricki Jimenez - healing for him, son, and daughter.
INFORMATION Help for Pastors call (918) 758-4147 or visit www.pastoralcareinc.com.
NEEDED Coweta needs a full time worship leader. Contact Mary at (918) 486-3110. Eagletown needs a good used van to start a bus ministry, if you have one to donate. Contact Keith Ayers at (918) 720-3411. Vinita Family Praise Center needs a part time worship pastor. Email resumes’ to familypraisevinita@yahoo.com Attn: Ben Coats along with audio file of you leading worship.
TRANSFERS Welcome Kendall Felton Bonnie McPhail Aaron Doan Shaun Roberts Dawn Roberts Chad Rose
From North Texas Northern New England Arkansas Potomac Potomac Southern Missouri
Farewell Randal Ginther Jacob Casto Valerie Casto Jordan Moore
To North Texas Rocky Mountain Rocky Mountain Ohio
PASTORS’ REPORTS Lester Lowry, Enid, reports nine baptized in water and two saved. Doug Jackson, Watonga, reports one saved during revival. Leonard Stoner, Bluejacket, reports five children saved on Sunday morning, Raymond Frizzelle, Miami, reports 17 saved in jail ministry, three saved in youth service, two saved in children’s church, and two saved in nursing home. Keith Ayers, Eagletown, reports one saved and one filled with the Holy Ghost in regular service. Gary Mullen, Sallisaw, reports two saved through live nativity. Approximately 500 drove through in two nights. Clint Gray, Arpelar, reports seven saved at FCA meeting in public schools in huddle meetings.
EVANGELISTS’ REPORTS Amani Fam reports over 20,000 in attendance in Pakistan Crusade. People saved by the thousands. Many were healed instantly of tumors, blood issues, demonics were set free, a blind woman was healed and a crippled boy. We encouraged leaders in a two day seminar in Egypt. Next step by God’s grace is to start a Bible school in Pakistan. Alex Hanna reports 20 Yemeni people were saved and received miracles. Seven hundred Iraqi people were saved and 30 received healings from M.S., infertility, epileptic attacks, asthma, pneumonia, strokes and several were filled with the Holy Ghost. Three hundred Syrian refugees received Bible studies, prayer, and support. Fifty Syrians, Jordan, and Egyptians have been saved thru Arabic social media and outreaches.
MINISTERS’ SPOUSES Virginia Bobbitt Spouse of the Late Dwayne D. Bobbitt 12/12/1927 – 12/11/2018
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