June 2021 by Oklahoma District Council of A/G

Outlook

M AGAZ I N E

VO LU ME 7 3 | I SSU E 6 | JULY 2 0 2 1

Outlook OKLAHOMA

The Oklahoma OUTLOOK is published by the Oklahoma District Council of the Assemblies of God. Publisher: H. Franklin Cargill Designers: Jayson Evans and Chris Ainsworth Copyeditor: Renae Elmore GENERAL PRESBYTERS H. Franklin Cargill Superintendent

MINISTRY DIRECTORS Chad Brodrick Church Ministries

Craig Dacus Assistant Superintendent

Heath Corrales Youth Ministries

Darryl Wootton Corporate Secretary

Dean Guthrie Children’s Ministries

EXECUTIVE PRESBYTERS Bruce McCarty Darren Pilcher

Susie Purkey Women’s Ministries

SECTIONAL PRESBYTERS Jackie Crafton Section 1

Kelly Coffey Section 8

Keith Williams Section 2

David Brooks Section 9N

Terry Bradley Section 3

Steve Lance Section 9S

Bob Yandell Section 4

Don Barnes Section 10

Jamie Austin Section 5E

Ric Freeman Section 11

Jason Byers Section 5W

Arlis Moon Section 12

Jeromye Jackson Section 6

Deborah Burke Ordained Female Presbyter

Jimmy Keith Section 7

Upcoming Events JUNE

Youth Camp #2 June 2-June 5 OSSOM Gameday (OKC) June 5 Save One Training June 5 Credential Application & Exam Deadline June 7 Youth Camp #3 June 7-June 11 RR District Pow-Wow June 11-13 Youth Camp #4 June 14-June 18 Heritage & Elite Ladies Appreciation Banquet June 18 Youth Camp #5 June 21-June 25 RR JLDA June 23-27 Youth Camp #6 June 27-June 30

JULY

Lil Radicals July 1-3 Kids Camp #1 July 5-9 Kids Camp #2 July 12-16 OYM Roundtable July 15 Kids Camp #3 July 19-23 RR FCF Regional Rendezvous (New Mexico) July 22-25 ACTS 2 Journey- Retreat #3 July 23-24 Kids Camp #4 July 26-30

AUGUST

National Fine Arts General Council 2021 (Orlando, FL) GM Celebration & Honor Star Crowning Century Leadership Roundtable OSSOM Graduation

August 2-6 August 3-6 August 14 August 26 August 28

Grace & Peace TIME – “the indefinite continued progress of existence and events that occur in an apparently irreversible succession from the past, through the present, into the future.” The “concept of time” depends on one’s perspective. Some of the earliest of birthdays seem to carry the addition of ½ to the year, such as 12 and ½ in quest of becoming a teenager; 15 and ½ the anticipation of a driver’s license; and 20 and ½ awaiting the days of legality. However, with the passing of years the ½ terminology ceases until somewhere in the 80’s and 90’s and after one reaches the centennial mark. I remember my desire to prolong the Christmas season for as long as possible as the next Christmas seemed to be an eternity away. Now – why is it that I think I only store Christmas decorations only for a few days until it is time to dig them out again?

For Linda and me we have experienced “time” change from slow to fast, seemingly overnight. I have found it easy to say, “Where has the time gone?” The opportunity and privilege of serving our Fellowship becomes more cherished with each passing day. THANK YOU FOR THE YEARS, THE LOVE, THE HONOR, AND THE MEMORIES!

Welcome to Jamie and Jen Austin as they transition from a Sectional Presbyter to the title of General Presbyter and Corporate Secretary as a newly elected member of our Executive Presbytery. Also, so thankful that our voting body affirmed Craig and Vicki Dacus to continued service as Assistant District Superintendent. Our greatest days are yet to come!

God’s direction for the Oklahoma Assemblies of God became evident during our Annual District Council. Praise God for the spirit of unity and anticipation that existed from the new camp open house and dedication through the closing reception following the final worship service. Our greatest days are yet to come!

For the Cargills, time no longer moves slowly – but we commit to remain faithful until He comes or calls! Thanks for the 21 years of being known as your pastors! Frank and Linda Cargill

I am delighted to share the “passing of the baton” with our new executive leadership team. Congratulations to Darryl and Faith Wootton! They will lead our Oklahoma Family to new heights and expanded ministries. Linda and I are thankful and honestly – proud – of the Wootton Family!

H. Franklin Cargill Superintendent frank.cargill@okag.org

Grace and Peace. The Apostle Paul began all of his correspondence to the New Testament churches with these Greek words – “CHARIS AND EIRENE.” I wanted to begin my first correspondence to the Oklahoma churches with these English words – GRACE AND PEACE.

an opportunity to write a personal note of thanks to the Cargills, please do. We know God has wonderful chapters ahead for our beloved Pastors. May they experience grace and peace.

In their most basic forms, charis is defined as unmerited favor, while eirene is defined as complete unity. Our prayer for each minister, each family, and the entire Oklahoma Assemblies of God is overwhelming favor and unity in Christ Jesus.

May grace and peace be multiplied to your families. Faith and I sincerely desire to see each minister, spouse, and family become healthy in spirit, soul, mind, and body. Ministry can be exhausting. The Holy Spirit is refreshing. In this season of Pentecost, may the Holy Spirit refresh you with unmerited rejuvenation. May your family experience grace and peace.

May grace and peace be multiplied to Pastor Frank and Linda Cargill. Serving as Superintendents for 21 years, they deserve our sincere gratitude. If you have not had

May grace and peace be multiplied in our churches. Although current obstacles to the Gospel may seem great, the opportunities are greater! We are

believing for a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit and for our churches to multiply. We wish your church unmerited favor and unprecedented unity. Finally, please allow me to express our gratitude. Faith and I were humbled and honored to become your “Superintendentelect.” Admittedly, our hearts have been extremely sad as we prepare to say goodbye to our beloved SpiritCHURCH family. Serving my home church as Lead Pastor for the last 17 years has been a journey of joy. However, God has given us peace about our next assignment. We are excited about the future and look forward to teaming up with each of you. We are praying that God will multiply to the Oklahoma Assemblies of God His GRACE AND PEACE.

Darryl Wootton Superintendent dw@okag.org

Travel Discounts for General Council 2021 I have recently been made aware of some information provided by the office of Wilfredo “Choco” De Jesus, the General Treasurer of the Assemblies of God. The General Council has negotiated discounted airfare rates with specific airlines for people traveling to Orlando this summer for General Council 2021. To access the discounted rates, you will need to follow the instructions listed below for your chosen airline. The discounts are limited to the available travel dates listed for each airline. DELTA • Discount Meeting Code: NMUM7 • Group Ticket Designator: NGN2G • Available Travel Dates: July 30, 2021 – August 9, 2021 • Reservations: Reservations and ticketing is available via www. delta.com/meetings or by calling our Delta Meeting Network Reservations at 800-328-1111. When booking online at www. delta.com/meetings, select ‘Book Your Flight’ and enter your Meeting Code in the box provided

AMERICAN • Discount Meeting Code (AA Promotion Code): (A) 8771EH • Available Travel Dates: July 31, 2021 – Aug 10, 2021 • Reservations: Reservations and ticketing is available via www. aa.com or by calling our American Airlines Meeting Service Desk at 800-433-1790. If having Travel Agent book flight, agent is responsible for manually adding the Authorization Number in the tour code box of each ticket. Ticket designator must be appended to the fare basis code to prevent receiving a debit memo. UNITED • Discount Meeting Code (Z code): ZJV2 • Discount Agreement Code: 715943 • Available Travel Dates: July 30/2021 – August 9, 2021 • Reservations: book online via www.united.com/meetingtravel or by calling United Reservations Meetings Desk at 1-800-4261122 and provide the Z Code and Agreement Code

Kevin Conner Director of Finance & Operations kevin.conner@okag.org

Important Note: Discounts and rates have been negotiated by the General Council of the Assemblies of God. If you have issues and more specific questions than the information I provided above, you will need to contact either the airline or General Treasurer’s office directly. I am passing this information on for your benefit and on their behalf. The number for the General Council is (417) 862-2781, ext. 3020.

Six Keys to Pastoral

Health During Challenging Seasons

Seasonal changes that happen in Oklahoma often come with dramatic events and challenging affects. The changing seasons bring storms, drastic temperature variations, and heightened allergy symptoms. In addition to the changes in the environmental seasons we face, all of us as ministers of the gospel face different seasons. Sometimes a new season brings great success and at other times, difficulty is pervasive. As ministers, we are not immune to the effects of the changing seasons that we go through, we have the responsibility to be a good steward of the God-given life we have been entrusted with. How do pastors stay spiritually, emotionally, and physically healthy during the challenging seasons we face? 1. KNOW YOUR SOURCE Before we were called into the ministry, we were a child of God. The foundational element of our lives must be maintaining our walk with the Lord. Positions, people, and places are always in transition, but your relationship with God must be the stabilizing key to staying healthy. We will never find ourselves lacking when we let God be our primary source of renewal, strength, and wisdom. 2. STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS We are created for a community in which we share our burdens with one another. Through this we not only have the opportunity to intercede for one another, but feel supported and loved. As you intentionally strengthen and build healthy relationships with family and friends, you will find people who are willing to help. Do not do ministry in isolation, eventually the cost becomes too great and burnout is inevitable.

3. LEARN TO SAY NO One of the challenges of ministry is that we are often pulled in many different directions in our daily life. Not only do we feel the weight of our primary responsibilities, but we feel the pressure placed on us to do and be everything that is expected of us. After all, we are supposed to be ready to preach, pray, respond, reach out, connect, and die. Yet, we must be willing to say no to things that are not necessarily the most important to our ministry work. Sacrifice the things that are good, but are a distraction from the things that we are called to do! 4. FIGHT THE TEMPTATION TO COMPARE My grandfather would say, “be faithful to work your corner of the vineyard that God has given to you.” This was a reminder that God is the one who not only owns the entire vineyard, but has also entrusted to me a portion to be a good steward of. It also reminded me that if we are busy working our area, then we will not have the time or need to compare what others are responsible for. Additionally, I will not have time to boast about the size of my portion if I am focused on the harvest. 5. TAKE A SABBATH REST We have heard on many occasions that taking a day for rest is of utmost importance. In spite of the frequent reminders, we often find ourselves constantly working without rest because of the pressures we put on ourselves as ministers. However, we must remember that the church is not ours and Jesus said that He would be an active agent in building the church. We must work hard, but put as much effort into finding and guarding times of rest. The pattern that God established of working to rest and resting to work is healthy. While we rest, God is still working! Trust him!

6. FIND A HOBBY AND GET ACTIVE It is interesting to note that our spirit, will, mind, emotions, and physical body are all connected together. When we are out of balance in one area, it will affect every other aspect of our lives. Finding a hobby and/or getting active is a great way to reset every aspect of our lives. Finding joy outside of the pressures of ministry is an important part of staying healthy in the ministry. Additionally, taking care of yourself will only enhance your effectiveness in ministry. As ministers we have been called to serve God and to serve people of whom He has entrusted us. The pressures of the challenging seasons that we face can be overwhelming, but God has given us the tools to stay healthy through Him. When we strategically develop health through every aspect of our lives, we can face the challenging seasons with greater strength and effectiveness. We are praying for each of you during the changing seasons in your ministry and life. May God give you wisdom to stay healthy and face the challenges that come with strength and endurance. We believe that God is going to powerfully work through each of you. The Best Is Yet To Come!! Blessings, Chad and Nyree

Chad Brodrick Church Ministries chad.brodrick@okag.org

The Gift of Distinguishing Between Spirits Not everything supernatural comes from a loving God. The dark side can produce amazing phenomena, too. Christians need to be able to know the difference. A slick sorcerer came blending in with the crowd of new believers in Samaria and even thought he’d like to do what he’d seen apostles do. Peter, however, saw right through his motive and called his bluff. A few years later, a young fortune-teller in Philippi said all the right things about the preaching of Paul and Silas: “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” Acts 16:17 But Paul wasn’t fooled into accepting this endorsement. He cast out the evil spirit that inhabited the girl.

“The man’s twisted facial features sent chills over my body, I admit. I was initially a bit fearful of what we were getting into. But then the Holy Spirit calmed me and assured me that he would be in control.” The bishop laid hands on the man and spoke with authority: “Holy Spirit, you take control of this fellow. This demon from hell has come to strip him of his mental faculties. Pull it out of him, and send it into oblivion!” The man crumpled to the floor, tossed and turned for a moment, and then went totally limp for several minutes. When he finally opened his eyes, he was crying and softly repeating, “Thank God, thank God.” The entire church broke into rejoicing. Helping him up from the floor, Cohen asked, “How do you feel now?”

“I feel like something

Some think this “I feel like something has been lifted off of has been lifted off of kind of thing happens only me,” he replied as the me,” he replied as in primitive tears continued to flow. areas of the the tears continued “I’m free! I’m free!” world, not in the enlightened, now the to flow. “I’m free! I’m Cohen, sophisticated presiding bishop of a West. Actually, denomination, says, free!” the work of “Satan is a liar from Satan knows no the pit. Sometimes we geographical fail to allow the alllimits. During a week of special meetings powerful Spirit to direct us in confronting at a church in western Virginia, Bishop the evil one and casting him out. But if we Harry Cohen was inviting people to use divine power, we can overcome the respond to a public altar call for salvation devil’s works.” when suddenly, a stocky man in his late thirties burst out, “HELP ME! HELP ME!” The last story is that of my own father, The startled worshipers in the pews Lawrence N. McGrath. He was a demonshuddered, wondering what would possessed alcoholic. I prayed for him happen next. for 15 years, from 1973–1987, before he was delivered from bondage and gave “I looked at his face,” says Cohen, “and it his heart to Jesus. Dad was stumbling seemed contorted. I discerned that he had along University Boulevard one Sunday some kind of demon possession, and so I evening in Jacksonville, Florida, in a asked for the church elders and visiting drunken stupor, when he heard music ministers to accompany me. coming from the adjacent Bingo Hall! He loved the game and played it weekly. The “As the man reached the front, we formed Bingo Hall rented the store-front space a circle around him. We were close from a Jewish Synagogue through the enough to tell he’d been drinking. I said to week. Confused, he stumbled in and was the congregation, ‘Everyone here tonight, immediately met by church ushers, who please go to prayer.’ greeted him by saying: “Welcome! We

Susie Purkey Women’s Ministries susie.purkey@okag.org

have been praying for you!” (And they had – they were praying for the lost to come to their church which, was an Assembly of God church temporarily renting the space on Sundays, from the Jewish Synagogue, while their new church was being built!) The spirit-filled ushers helped my dad to sober up, by giving him coffee and a little sandwich. Then, they combed his hair and washed his face and invited him into the church service, where dad had previously heard the music. He responded to them, “I have a daughter who believes like that” and agreed to go into the service. Once inside the sanctuary, he listened quietly and after the message, responded to the altar call by going forward of his own free will. However, unable to stand under the power of God – down on the carpet he plopped, into a crumpled heap. The men of the church gathered around him and prayed, forcing the demon spirits to leave him and after some time, when he was able to stand-- he was no longer intoxicated and was speaking in a heavenly prayer language!!! Hallelujah. My dad did not know that this was my home church, who helped me to go to Central Bible College and THEY, certainly did not know that this dirty, disheveled alcoholic was Susie (McGrath) Purkey’s father…BUT GOD did. My father lived another 20 years and never drank another drop of alcohol from that day forward. Thank God for those ushers of the Church, who were gifted with Discerning/ Distinguishing between Spirits! They were used by God to save a Sinner from certain death. May we seek the Lord and ask Him to help us live our lives, MINDFUL of the help of this powerful Gift—available to ALL Believers. For Revival! Susie Purkey

Thank You for Supporting

Speed the Light It seems like every time I write an article my opening statement is “Wow! What a year!” To say that about 2020 would be an understatement! Let me share with you a memory. In 2019, I had just completed my first Speed the Light sectional tour and had returned back to the office. I shared with Brother Cargill how the tour went and updated him on our giving pledges. He listened to what I had to say and followed up with “Heath, we need Speed the Light” and in that moment I began to fully realize the importance of Speed the Light. In 2020, the students in Oklahoma helped build a water well in Africa, provided support to rescue trafficking victims through FREE International and served communities in need through Convoy of Hope, as well as continuing to support our Oklahoma missionaries. Today I want to take the time to express my gratitude for all of our churches who decided, that even in the midst of a pandemic, they would be faithful in their giving to Speed the Light.

Here are the churches who gave $1,000 or more: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Bartlesville Spirit Church Broken Bow First Claremore First Verdigris Assembly Cordell New Beginnings Cushing Lifeline North Church Elk City First Fairland First Guymon First Muskogee New Hope Mustang The Bridge Noble Assembly OKC Bethesda Assembly OKC Christ’s Legacy OKC Crossroads Church Oolagah Assembly Owasso First Poteau Covenant Purcell Memorial Skiatook Assembly Tahlequah 29Eleven Thomas Freedom Worship Center Tulsa Carbondale Tulsa Woodlake Weatherford Life Fellowship Woodward First Yukon Discovery

Thank you all for your generosity! Today I want to challenge all of churches and youth ministries with a “floor goal” of $1,000. What I mean by “floor goal” is let that be the foundation not the ceiling... if you believe you can do more, then, of course , do more! Again, because of your faithful giving we have a list of projects that we are able to pay for and I would love to start a brand new list for 2021. “We over Me” is the vision we have for everything that we do for OYM. Let’s continue working together and do more for our missionaries and our world through the life changing ministry of Speed The Light. I’m excited for the future Oklahoma! It’s an honor be called your DYD. Heath

Heath Corrales Youth Ministries heath.corrales@okag.org

It’s Time for Kids Camp! It’s hard to believe that just a little shy of two years ago, kids from all over Oklahoma left Sparks with the fire of God and the passion to serve Jesus for the rest of our lives. We packed up our gear, made a final look around, and left with the anticipation of the great things that God was going to do at Kids Camp 2020! And then BAM!!! IT seemed like the whole world shut down in March of 2020 and ultimately Kids Camp was not able to happen. Fast forward to now. We are just a few weeks away from the 2021 Kids Camp season. I would have to say that after 12 summers of directing camps, this is probably the one that I have most looked forward to. Our theme this year is Kids Camp Summer Games and we are planning to “Go for The Gold” in all that God has for us! Our evangelists are very excited and have already started praying for a great camp. Joy and I have also been praying for God to do some amazing things as well. We also have some of the greatest young people across the state serving as our 2021 Summer Interns. To say that they are excited and can’t wait for Kids Camp would be an understatement!

Pastors, Children’s Pastor/Leaders, Moms and Dads–would you join us in praying that this summer’s Kids Camp would be like no other? Would you pray that God would bless each kid from the time they set foot on our campgrounds until they load up to go home on Friday? Thanks in advance for standing in the gap for our campers and supporting Oklahoma Children’s Ministries. We could not do what we do without your prayers and support. Here’s to a great Summer! See you at Camp!

Welcome Our New Team Member Since last July, here at the OCM office, we have had someone “temporarily” filling in as administrative assistant. That someone has been my wonderful wife, Joy. Thank you so much for temporarily filling in until we found someone to fill the position. (I am sorry it took almost a year!) With that being said, we are pleased to announce that we have found a new administrative assistant for the OCM Office. Debora Wilson has joined the OCM

Dean Guthrie Children’s Ministries dean.guthrie@okag.org

team and will be working full-time here at the District Office. Debora is a seasoned veteran when it comes to children’s ministries. She has served as children’s pastor at Chandler Assembly of God, as well as serving as both Girls Ministries and Children’s Ministries Rep. Her and her husband Don have been married 30 years this November and have four children, all of whom have served as kids camp interns! Please stop by the OCM office or drop Debora a note and welcome her to the team!

Missions

SCHEDULE AN OKAG AMBASSADOR “our hands extended to a hurting world” World Missions * Meredith Bagby South Africa, Africa DB **Sensitive Country * WB **Sensitive Country Mike & Debbie Caldwell Latin America Caribbean * Jordan & Shea Campbell Germany, Europe MC ** Sensitive Country KC **Sensitive Country Darin & Dianna Clements Asia Pacific Blake & Katy Edgmon Ireland/Europe Kirk & Karla Ford IMM, Spain SG **Sensitive Country Chris & Amy Hales Czech Republic/Europe TH **Sensitive Country Tim & Lynley Hatcher Wycliffe Bible Translation Daniel & Janene Hazelrigg Mexico, Latin America Caribbean Ted & Carolyn Heaston Global University * Bethany Hines M.A. Columbia, Latin America Caribbean Cory & Angela Hogan Mexico, Latin America Caribbean JJ **Sensitive Country Bill & Barbara Kuert Kenya, Africa * Tim & Jennifer Land Cameroon, Africa SL **Sensitive Country Jimmy & Cynthia Lemons Togo, Africa Madison McClure MA Peru, Latin America Caribbean * MM **Sensitive Country Quentin & Elizabeth McGhee Latin America Caribbean * Stephen & Kristen McKnight Philippines, Asia Pacific

Joni Middleton France, Europe Project Rescue * Bill & Reita Moore Africa Tabernacle Evangelism Lauren Morgan MA Indonesia, Asia Pacific * Trent & Tina Morrow Uruguay, Latin America Caribbean * Garo & Jordania Nargiz Brazil, Latin America Caribbean * Ryan & Lauren Plute International Ministries Adam & Sarah Quinn Costa Rica, Latin America Caribbean * ZR **Sensitive Country Fari Rider Taiwan, Asia Pacific Kristie Ridge MA Botswana, Africa * MR **Sensitive Country DR **MA Sensitive Country David & Carol Schmidt Cameroon, Africa Josh & Lisa Sears Brazil, Latin America Caribbean TS **Sensitive Country Jared & Kaila Shoultz Mozambique, Africa Grady & Janet Smalling Belgium, Europe * LS **Sensitive Country JS **Sensitive Country * AS MA - Sensitive Country Steven & Kimberly Snow Chile, Latin America Todd & Leslie Stamps Portugal, Europe Charles & Linda Stewart Latin America Media, Latin America Caribbean David & Shirley Swafford Latin America Caribbean * Adam & Bethany Weatherly Spain, Europe Bob & Karen Welch Continental Theological Seminary, Europe Loretta Wideman Kenya, Africa

U.S. Missions * Brian & Mariah Abraham Finlea Baxter Leo & Rebecca Belovoskey Winston & Kim Bui Airika Williams Garrett Boren Charlie & Dona Bunn Deborah Burke Vickie Cone Karen Coon Michael & Candice Coppock John & Kathy Deisher Destry & Cynthia Dobbs John & Erika Fields Mark & Nancy Fitzgerald Dale & Virginia Floyd * Brandon & Stacy Garrett Wayne & Mischa Gray

Langston University XA - MA OU XA - MAC OSU XA - MA Chi Alpha Campus Ministries Backyard Orphans - Orphan Care TU XA - MA UCO XA OKC Inner City Church CMIT XA Prison Ministry Church Planting & Development - MA OSU XA CMIT Directors TU Chi Alpha CMIT XA Intercultural Hispanic Ministries Chaplain- Prison Ministry OSU XA - MAC Teen Challenge Ministries

Jonathan & Melissa King JoLeta Nash Dacia Perkins James Scott Michael & Jaylynn Sperry Baxter & Shayla Stewart Vanessa Taylor Greg & Susan Tiffany Jasen & Alyssa Waterson

OU XA - MAC Widows Link - MA TU XA - MA Intercultural Native American Ministries OSU XA - MA NSU XA - MAC TU XA - MA Oklahoma XA Director NSU XA - MA

Out of State Honorary Oklahoma Misisonaries Shane & Treva Adams Chi Alpha Campus Ministries Mike & Nancy Ferguson Missionary Church Planters & Developers Joseph & Patricia Habibi Intercultural Ministries Alex & Samia Hanna Intercultural Ministries Tracy & Pamela Hodges Missionary Church Planters & Developers to Alaska Kathryn Pierce Native American, Intercultural Ministries Vernon & Geraldine Poncho Native American, Intercultural Ministries

*Itinerating Missionaries Contact information for each name listed above may be obtained by calling the Oklahoma District Missions Office: 405.475.1100

In Memory Elisha William Brown 1/15/1922 – 3/5/2021

Reverend Elisha William Brown went to be with the Lord on March 5, 2021 at the age of 99. He had said he wanted to live to be 100 but grew weary and decided he wanted to be with his beloved wife, Gwen; daughter, Patricia, and son, Roy Lee. Elisha, more commonly known, as Son Brown or Brother Brown, was born on January 15, 1922 in Quinton, OK to Maudie Bell Freeman Brown and William Franklin Brown. He was 18 years old and engaged when he saw “The most beautiful girl I have ever seen” standing in the kitchen door of a house with the light shining on her, in a house in Quinton. He didn’t even know who she was at the time but said he knew he was supposed to marry her and that night he broke up with his fiance and pursued the love of his life, Gwendolyn Rush. God had a plan! Brother Brown was saved at a revival and recounted that he prayed “God, if you will give me a Godly wife and home I will serve you till I die.” When he opened his eyes Gwen was on her knees at the altar. And he did just that. He and Gwen stood together in their faith and were never apart for the next 77 years until her death in 2017. He began his ministry at a young age and traveled from church to church as he felt led by the Lord and finally settled at the Yanush Assembly of God church in 1987 where he served for 20 years until retirement in 2007.

Walter Selby McMurtrey 4/22/1923 – 3/30/2021

Reverend Walter Selby McMurtrey, son of the late Jake J. and Luci Ann Townsend McMurtrey, Walter was born April 22, 1923 in Albany, OK and passed from this life to his eternal life on March 30, 2021 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He and the former Genola Jo Crabtree were married December 31, 1944, and she preceded him in death July 21, 2014. He was also preceded in death his daughter, Marie Severa; granddaughter, Stacey McMurtrey Scott; brothers, Homer, Leonard and Pete and sisters, Decie and Yvonne. They moved to Lone Grove in 1964. Walter’s calling in life was ministry and he served as minister for several Assemblies of God churches. He served at Wilson, Lone Grove and Marietta. Walter loved to read his Bible and pray, work his farm and spend time with his grandchildren.

Virgil L. Martin

1/07/1944 - 4/05/2021 Reverend Virgil L. Martin, 77 years old passed away on Monday, April 5, 2021 in Eufaula, OK. Virgil was born on January 7, 1944 in Tulsa, OK to Robert Lee Martin and Ida Pearline (Neal) Martin. Virgil married Jo Lee Bryant on September 3, 1967 in Stringtown, OK. Together they have one son Frank and 3 daughters Lauren, Robin and Sheri. Virgil is an Ordained minister and member of the Assemblies of God. Survivors: Wife, Jo Lee Martin of the home in Kiowa, OK; Son, Frank Martin and wife, Rae of Carnegie, OK; Daughters, Lauren Lytle and husband, Lynn of Atoka, OK; Robin Lewis and husband, Jeffrey of Wilburton, OK; Sheri Martin of the home in Kiowa, OK; 13 Grandchildren, 10 Great-grandchildren; Brother, Robert (Bobby) Martin of Blackwell, OK; Sister, Peggy Corley and husband, Dale of Eufaula, OK; Motherin-law, Virginia Spears of Atoka, OK; Also numerous nieces, nephews and a host of dear friends. Preceded in death by: Parents, Robert Lee and Ida Pearline Martin; Grandchildren, George Allen Teague Jr., Levi Allen Teague, Riley James Martin, Great-grandson, Wyatt Martin; Sisters, Elizabeth Wright, Virginia Grider; Father-in-Law, Frank R. (Kink) Bryant.

Lorraine S. Fish

2/27/1944 – 10/1/2020 Reverend Lorraine S. Fish was born on February 27, 1944 to Noah K. Fish and Elizabeth Fish (Coker) of Wewoka, OK. She is the granddaughter of first Seminole Light-horseman and Chief, Chili Fish, and wife Ellen Fish (Thompson). She departed this earth on October 1, 2020 and we rejoice as she was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven. She is awaited by her brother, Noah Fish, and sister, Shirley Fish. Exie was a minister, Ordained with the Assemblies of God, evangelist, and for a period of time, pastored the North Rock Creek Assembly of God. She was just a child when she received her calling from the Lord and dedicated her entire life, heart and soul to serving him and spreading His Word. She started traveling to revivals as a teenager and decades, she traveled all over the country participating and preaching in revivals. Within the past decade, Exie dedicated her time to preaching, playing and teaching piano, singing, substitute teaching, tutoring and as a fluent speaker of the Muscogee Creek language, she helped jumpstart the Seminole Nation immersion school, Pumvhakv.

District News Pastors Reports • • •

John Newland, Newkirk, reports one saved. Oren D. Jackson, Watonga, reports two saved in February. Gary Mullen, Sallisaw, reports seven saved in regular services, three re-dedicated, and three saved outside the church.

Evangelists Reports • •

•

Bobby Wingo reports two saved in May while filling in at Savanna. Alex Hanna reports 286 Arabs and Muslims requested prayer for salvation and for baptism of the Holy Ghost. Jesus revealed himself in dreams and visions. Widows of AG Pastor received financial support through missions on Mother’s Day. After prayer 28 Iraqi received Canadian citizenship after waiting seven years. Ten prodigal sons and daughters returned home. Thru social media and TV, 487 were saved. A barren woman in Australia received a child, after waiting 10 years as a result of salvation and healing. Marna Hillard ministering over phone, many have been saved.

Prayer Requests • •

Fred Ticeahkie – health and ministry. John Vaughan – needs volunteer to help with Sunday School children and needs duct work replaced in the attic.

Needed •

Morris Assembly needs a Children’s Pastor and Worship Pastor. Contact Stephen Mixon (918) 246-9800 or skmixon@yahoo. com.

Ministers’ Spouses Betty (Jeannie) J. DeShane Spouse of Marvin Randall DeShane 5/10/1948 – 4/11/2021

Transfers Michael Coppock Tyler Ryals Jeffrey Pershing

Welcome David Kelly Brenda Kelly Randell Corley Jeffrey McPhail Bonnie McPhail

Northwest Network Alabama Wisconsin From South Texas South Texas New Mexico Northern New England Northern New England

New Pastors Drumright Michael Branum Hobart Calvary Life Clyde Frizzelle Mustang The Bridge Robert McClure Prue Curtis Pettyjohn

Information Help for Pastors call (918) 758-4147 or visit www.pastoralcareinc.com.