OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 1
OKLAHOMA
OUTLOOK OCTOBER
Chi Alpha Breakaway School of Ministry Gameday (OKC) Credential Seminar - Entry Level (OKC) District Ministers Retreat (Branson, MO) National Royal Rangers’ Week School of Ministry Gameday (Muskogee) District Youth Convention (Convergence)
Light for the Lost Tour: Section 3 October 14 Section 7 October 15 Section 12 October 17 Section 11 October 21 Section 10 October 22 Section 9 October 24 Section 1 October 28 Section 5 November 4 Section 8 November 5 Section 2 November 7 Section 4 November 11 Section 6 November 12
NOVEMBER
Youth Pastors Retreat School of Ministry Gameday (OKC) School of Ministry Gameday (Muskogee) Credential Celebration Century Leadership Roundtable OCM - P B & J Retreat
DECEMBER
School of Ministry Gameday (OKC) Senior Heritage Christmas School of Ministry Gameday (Muskogee) Missions Faith Promises Due Ministerial Credentials Renewal Deadline
P.O. Box 13179 Oklahoma City, OK 73113 405.475.1100
Publisher H. Franklin Cargill
October 4–6 October 5 October 5 October 7-9 October 6-12 October 12 October 18-19
November 1-2 November 2 November 9 November 16 November 21 November 22-23
December 7 December 7 December 14 December 15 December 31
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
www.okag.org @OKDCofAG OklahomaDistrictCouncil
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 L Duane Elmore Section 9S Don Barnes Section 10 Ric Freeman Section 11 Arlis Moon Section 12
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SUPERINTENDENT
M ATT ER THE H E ART OF T H E
This is a very special time of year! I love the signs that
autumn may well be approaching; leaves are starting to turn colors; schools are active in every community; and people are settling in by staying closer to home. It is also one of the most fruitful and productive seasons for the church. Community activities are flooding family event calendars. Football games and school activities are happening weekly, and in some cases seemingly daily. The family has to work together if they plan to stay together. That is not a bad omen. While we seem to be pushing the calendar, the church stands as a unifying factor when we honor our students, promote family interaction, and launch into outreach.
WOULD HE DESCRIBE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM AS A MAN OR A WOMAN AFTER HIS OWN HEART? Once again, the Oklahoma Assemblies of God Ministries Team cover our state by offering connection through the Oklahoma School of Ministry (OSOM). This ministry, directed by Chad and Nyree Brodrick, equips individuals by assistance with meeting the educational requirements for credentials. It promotes excellence through practical training and Biblical studies. It offers training for many facets of ministry that can enhance the local church. One class is devoted to Ministerial Internship. While it does not immediately tackle the day-to-day activities of ministerial service, it provides a foundation necessary for a healthy and effective ministry. Without the preparation of “the heart,” leadership skills and pulpit ministry will be ineffective and quickly lead to disappointment and ultimately, failure.
This chain of leadership was witnessed by the first generation of the nation of Israel. However, the testimony of God’s involvement is clearly announced and even affirmed years later in the New Testament. Many years after Saul was forced into handing the kingship to David, Acts 13:22 records these words, “And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill all my will.” That action and God’s own statement often challenges my daily quest. What would he say of “my life” – what would he say of our Oklahoma Fellowship leaders – what would he say about our pastors, youth pastors, missionaries, credentialed ministers? Let me state it personally. If God were introducing me – yes – me, would He say, “I have found Frank Cargill, a man after mine own heart?” Now remove my name from the above sentence and insert yours. Would He describe your relationship with Him as a man or a woman AFTER HIS OWN HEART? Life is complex. There are so many things that demand our time and attention. Schedule this; reserve tomorrow night; hold a date next week; commit to great things – family time, study, and even just the work of the ministry. BUT THE MAIN THING REMAINS THE MAIN THING! The minister will never attain enough education; the sermons will never reach their potential; the leadership learned through practical experience – will ultimately turn into disappointment and eventually into failure UNLESS… WE BECOME FLESH AND BLOOD THAT OUR MASTER WOULD CLAIM AS “A MAN AFTER MY OWN HEART”.
As I reviewed the curriculum during my preparation for teaching, I was reminded of a few basic items that are required not only for those planning to enter the ministry, but should become cornerstones to which we recommit, even after decades of full-time ministry. When Israel required a king, God “sought for” a man after His own heart. I Samuel 13 describes the selection process that produced the leadership of Saul but history is not kind toward Saul’s leadership. He had the outward appearance but there remained a problem with the integrity of his heart. He possessed all the abilities and the personality that the nation of Israel needed to positively emerge with a new form of governance; however, it became evident the he was unqualified and eventually discarded for one primary reason – he lacked a right heart.
FRANK CARGILL DISTR ICT SUPE R INTE NDE NT F R ANK . CAR G IL L @O K AG . O R G
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MISSIONS
LEADER T H E S E C U RE
The last time I really tried to be somebody, I ended
up washing dishes in the “unair-conditioned” back sink area of a weeklong blistering hot summer youth camp. Well, that’s a long story…but, suffice to say, it doesn’t pay to act important. And, you never win when you want others to think that you are superior. English writer and theologian G. K. Chesterton wrote, “It is always the secure who are humble.” That’s just it: being secure is not evidenced in the desire for title or position, but rather is comfortable no matter what the title or position might be. Proving ourselves at the expense of losing ourselves will never get us in the right place for God to use us. He wants to use the person He created with all of the gifts and strengths that our personality reflects. If we lose ourselves in the self-destructive game of comparison, we can’t be that person He wants to use. On the flip side, it’s self-aware people who are secure people. Secure leaders understand where their strengths end and where the strengths of others are needed and necessary. When leaders take time to know themselves, they come to appreciate the value of a team. According to Sam Chand, in his book New Thinking, New Future, secure leaders ask the question, “If each person doesn’t do his or her job, what will not get done?” Insecure leaders are only concerned about what they can get done. On the contrary, secure leaders say who cares who gets the credit, let’s get it done! Secure leaders are attractive to sharp, competent team members. There is nothing that empowers a dream team more than a secure leader. Those who are insecure, however, are hard-pressed to keep the best. Sam Chand writes, “Insecure leaders…don’t affirm creativity and boldness, are threatened when others receive praise, cut others off in meetings, claim others’ ideas as their own, and patronize people, treating them like children.” And, in this environment, morale and relevance are short-lived. Those leaders who are secure show immense respect, kindness, and generosity to the level of enabling the gifts of others around them. Finally, the very foundation of being a secure leader is the spiritual. Becoming a secure person and maintaining that essence of security is found in our relationship with Christ. Abiding in Him, according to John 15, establishes our identity. And, that identity shapes security.
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
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Thinking deeply about ourselves and our relationship to Christ are inextricably tied to our response in every single area of our lives, including how we lead. Leading others well begins with leading ourselves well and, most importantly, allowing Him to lead us. Christ, who said that He did not come to be served but to serve, is the defining factor in being a secure person and leader. Yes, the secure leader is the servant leader! Let’s lead like Jesus!
RECOMMENDED READING
New Thinking, New Future by Samuel R. Chand
FINANCE
PAY RULES NE W OVE RT IME
On September 24, 2019, the Department of Labor issued new
regulations that will affect an estimated one-million plus workers. Under the new rules, these affected employees who are currently exempt from mandatory overtime pay will no longer be exempt. This rule change means your church may be required to pay overtime to certain employees who work more than 40 hours in a workweek beginning January 1, 2020, which you are currently not required to pay.
THIS RULE CHANGE MEANS YOUR CHURCH MAY BE REQUIRED TO PAY OVERTIME TO CERTAIN EMPLOYEES The primary change under the new regulation affects the minimum salary threshold. Currently, the minimum salary threshold for executive, administrative, and professional exemption is $23,660 (or $455 per week). The new threshold will increase to $35,568 (or $684 per week). Beginning January 1, 2020, for an employee to be exempt from overtime requirements the employer must determine if each employee is exempt under one of three exemptions; the executive exemption, the administrative exemption, or the professional exemption. Churches must perform a duties test to determine if an employee qualifies for any of these exemptions. If it is determined, based on an evaluation of duties, an employee is exempt; the employee must be paid a minimum salary of $35,568 (or $684) per week as well. If not, the employee will be eligible for overtime for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek, regardless of whether they pass the duties test or not. Generally speaking employees that fall under the ministerial exception are exempt from overtime pay, regardless of salary. You can learn more about how to perform the duties test and more about this change on the website of the Department of Labor (www. dol.gov). This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax, legal, or otherwise professional advice. Always seek the advice of a tax or legal professional before implementing payroll policies.
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
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CHURCH
RU RAL
COMPASSION
Twenty four rural Oklahoma pastors took part in our Annual
24 hour Rural Compassion Training held at First Assembly of God in Stroud! It was a tremendous opportunity for rural pastors to build relationships, share ideas, receive training, and dream about what God could do through the church in their community. Each couple went home resourced, excited and refreshed! Thank you to our host pastor, Jeromye Jackson, Rural Compassion, Convoy of Hope and the Oklahoma District Council for sponsoring this event. A special thanks to Pastor Cargill for his love and investment in the leadership of our rural pastors and communities! We are looking forward to our next event in 2020!! Go Oklahoma Rural Churches! Blessings, Chad and Nyree
CHAD BRODRICK C H UR C H M IN IST RIE S C H A D. B R O DRIC K @ O K AG. O R G
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WOMEN’S
U NLOCK YOU R S P IRIT UAL
GIFTS
LADIES, less than 15 Days until 2019 DAUGHTERS
•
CONFERENCE!
Unlocking Spiritual Gifts! “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” (1Cor. 12:7 NLT) Isn’t that beautiful? But many people in our churches today would argue that they don’t have ANY gifts and are sadly ignorant to the Spiritual Gifts given by the Holy Spirit to EVERY Person (see 1 Cor. 12:7 above) Many Churches aren’t teaching on this subject matter regularly or at all and are subsequently suffering from a lack of workers, a lack of growth and a lack of zeal! What are the Spiritual Gifts? • Is it just tongues, tongues and more tongues? • Is it coffee and donuts in the church foyer…just WHAT are the Spiritual Gifts anyway? We know from scripture, there are nine beautiful gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12, but beyond that, there are also 5-fold Ministry Gifts listed in Ephesians 4:11 – The Apostle, the Prophet, the Evangelist, the Pastor and the Teacher. • • • • •
Who are the modern-day Apostles? What does this term mean? Was that ministry office just for Bible times or are people walking in that mantle today? What about the Prophet? Are these just old men with long beards? Where did they go among our Fellowship? Can God use WOMEN in all of these Offices of the Church?
Of course, I’m being tongue-in-cheek here, but we will be asking these valid questions and MORE, in order to explore this subject matter fully and break it down. Lastly, Romans 12 teaches us there are at least five more “Gifts of Help” • Serving • Encouraging • Giving • Leading • Showing Mercy
• • • • • • • • • •
SHOP! Tons of Cute Clothing, Jewelry, Purses, Custom Totes and Bags, Bath bombs, hand-made Soaps, Leather and Acrylic accessories, Pampered Chef, Scentsy, Books and Cards, Disney and Sea World Travel and the Cutest Long, Flowy Conference t-shirt Ever (pictured below)! Darcy’s Homemade Cookies at our Sweets and Treats Booth Complimentary Eurasia Coffee! A Prize awarded for the church with the most Women ($100 Value) Grand Prize – Daughters Nook! ($500 Value) One Blessed Woman will win it!!! Every attendee will receive a Raffle Ticket for drawings in Each Service--huge Give-aways…Plus t-shirt throws! Selfie-Space with your Girlfriends Dynamic Praise and Worship with our Fabulous Daughters Conference Band Dove Dance Presentations Three power-packed, anointed Speakers and life-changing ALTARS! We are Hungry for a Move of the Holy Spirit again Girls! Come to 2019 Daughters Conference!
SCHEDULE Friday, September 13, 2019 12:30pm Registration/Vendor Shopping & Eurasia Café 2pm Opening Session - Susie Purkey, Speaker 5pm Dinner on your own 7pm Session 2 – Christa Smith, Speaker Saturday, September 14, 2019 9am Vendor Shopping & Eurasia Café Opens 10am Session 3 – Dr. Melissa Alfaro So, the goal is to teach and empower EVERY woman to go deeper in these ways. Please start praying! I hope to see you there!
Friends, we’ve got churches FULL of people who are not plugged-in anywhere and need to find their “niche in ministry.” We must teach on spiritual gifts AGAIN! • • •
Come learn what God-given gifts you possess inside of you. Come learn what the Bible says about Gifts, Mantles and Assignments. Come experience His Refreshing Wind and Fire!
SUSIE PURKEY WO ME N’ S DIR E CTO R SUSIE . PUR K E Y@O K AG . O R G
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YOUTH
U N T IL
ALL KNOW We did it! OYM just finished the 2019 Speed the Light Tour and
let me say, it was amazing! We had such a great response from every section in our district; from students making large individual pledges, to youth groups coming up with creative ideas on how they can meet those goals together. This year’s theme once again is “Until All Know” and it’s a very appropriate theme. Those three words embody the message of Speed the Light. At each rally, I had the opportunity to preach a message entitled “Others”. If we’re going to live out this theme of “Until All Know”, we have to be others-focused. What I love most about Speed the Light is it teaches students how to give sacrificially and live life selflessly.
If we’re going to live out this theme of “Until All Know”, we have to be othersfocused. At Youth Convention in October 2018 we profiled Michelle Castle, Oklahoma’s first missionary to the Arab world. The students of OYM banded together, committing to raise the funds needed to purchase Michelle a Speed the Light vehicle, so that when she finally makes it to Jordan she will not need to worry about transportation. I am proud to say we met that goal and Michelle will be able to get her car! Why? Because, students chose to give sacrificially and live life selflessly. We are living out the “We over Me” motto. Youth Pastor, thank you for getting your students to one of our rallies this year, and for making generosity through Speed the Light a priority in your already busy schedules! We are excited for the future of Speed the Light in Oklahoma! Be blessed Oklahoma! Heath and Alisha Corrales
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
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CHILDREN
D RIV E N C ON FE RE N C E
WRAP UP
A tremendous thank you to all those that attended the 2019 OCM Driven Conference. To say that all had a good time would be an understatement! From the incredible Friday night service and the Saturday panel discussions, our National Children’s Ministries Director, Mark Entsminger, and his team did a phenomenal job ministering to our children’s pastors across Oklahoma!
Mark also followed up with me a day or two after our conference and wanted to extend a few more points and thank you to all who attended:
3. Start JBQ - Steve Grisham is the Oklahoma District JBQ Coordinator and he would love to help you start a quizzing ministry in your church. You can get a hold of Steve at his email. grisham. gang@sbcglobal.net 4. AG Kidmin Blog - Read articles from children’s ministry leaders around the nation on nearly every topic or question related to children’s ministry. Download the most recent safety checklist from AG Legal Counsel to help your church protect children. Friends, On behalf of Patti, John, Sam and Jamie, I would like to say thanks for investing time in growing as a children’s leader. Your time at the Driven Conference last weekend is proof of your desire to be the best you can be in discipling children.
5. Connect with leaders - Check out Hydrate if you want to join a year-long journey of growth in the context of community. Join the Assemblies of God Kids Ministers Facebook Group for real-time discussion on topics of interest to you. 6. AG Kidmin Conference - We know you loved Driven which is why we know you’ll also love the AG Kidmin Conference in Dallas, TX, March 11-13, 2020. Plan to attend with the group from Oklahoma or, better yet, bring a group from your church. kidmin.ag.org/ events/conference/AGKidmin2020 RECOMMENDED READING: • A Practical Guide to Culture - Stonestreet and Kunkle • The Collapse of Parenting - Leonard Sax • Strong Enough to Last (Learn more about the 8 Goals)
During some of our sessions we mentioned a few items that I wanted to make sure you didn’t miss. Please find these web links below as a handy reminder of ministry tools you may have wanted to learn more about. 1. The Bible Master Program - This is an individual achievementbased portion the Junior Bible Quiz ministry. Participants can be any age and do not need to be on a competitive quizzing team. You can find more details here. kidmin.ag.org/ministries/JBQ/ biblemaster 2. The Bible Fact Pak Fun Day - To help your church get started in learning the content of the Bible Fact Pak, download this free event guide which comes with a skit script, games, and a devotional. It’s fun for the whole family. kidmin.ag.org/ministries/JBQ/overview
Our heart is to serve you with excellence. Please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time. Mark Entzminger Assemblies of God Children’s Ministries
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
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IN MEMORY
Brenda Kay Mathews 6/8/1953 - 9/3/2019
Reverend Brenda Kay (Linker) Mathews passed away September 3, 2019 at her home in Yanush, Ok, while surrounded by loved ones. Brenda was born June 8, 1953 in Yanush, OK, to the late Kenneth and Lenora Linker. Brenda fell in love with and married her soul mate, Edward Glenn Mathews, on June 22, 1968. Brenda’s earliest ambition was to be a “mommy,” a goal she succeeded at, with ten children of her own, and countless others she took under her wing and into her heart. Brenda began her family at an early age, but her loving spirit and the desire to make a change in the lives of children gave Brenda a new goal, which she achieved by getting her GED and becoming the first member of her family to attend college, completing a Bachelor of Social Work Degree. Never one to be average, Brenda continued on to earn a Master’s Degree in Social Work, eventually settling into her lifelong dream of connecting children with their new, adoptive families. Brenda developed a strong relationship with Jesus Christ at an early age, a relationship that only grew stronger through the ups and downs of her life. Brenda began to feel the calling God had placed on her heart to become a minister. Over the last several years, she has worked tirelessly through her church, The Yanush Assembly of God, and the Assemblies of God Association to fulfill the requirements for ordination. This final goal was completed, September 3, 2019, shortly before Reverend Brenda Kay Mathews went on to be with her Lord.
MINISTERS’ SPOUSES Bonnie M. Dryden Spouse of the Late Levurn L. Dryden 10/1/1920 – 8/22/2019 Dorine White Spouse of Gary White 4/4/1956 – 9/8/2019 Modene Smith Spouse of the Late Floyd Smith 10/24/1934 – 9/10/2019 Carolyn Brown Spouse of the Late Louis Brown 2/22/1947 - 9/27/2019 10 | OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK
Calvin Lee Seaton
7/15/1947 - 9/15/2019 Reverend Calvin “Fuzz” Lee Seaton, age 72, a longtime Atoka, OK resident, formerly of Noble, OK was born on Tuesday, July 15, 1947, to Orvil “Dutch” and Nellie Mae (Fowler) Seaton, at Hughes, AR. He passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2019 at Tulsa, OK. Cal attended Noble High School and graduated in 1965. He later attended University of New Orleans, Dodge City Community College, received an Associate’s Degree from Pike’s Peak Community College in Horse Science, and Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Cal was retired from the Army and became Pastor of First Assembly of God in Atoka in 2014. Cal’s service to his country included two tours in Vietnam and many other posts across the world. He married Lucian “Kay” (Glover) on Thursday, November 9, 1967 at New Orleans, LA. They have celebrated 51 years of marriage together. Fuzz was the Pastor of First Assembly of God in Atoka. He enjoyed deer hunting, camping, Westerns, and building things.
James L. Dodd, Jr.
4/4/1932 - 9/17/2019 Reverend James Luther Dodd, Jr. was born April 4, 1932 in Antlers, Oklahoma as first son of James Luther Dodd, Sr. and Ethel Viola (Reed) Dodd. Rev. Dodd passed to his heavenly award on September 17, 2019 in Heavener, Oklahoma. He married Juanita Louise Holmes Dodd on September 21, 1948, in Morris, Oklahoma. His celebration service will be exactly 71 years after his marriage. He is predeceased by his wife, parents, brothers Grady Clarence Reed, Virgil Willie Dodd; sisters Loretta & Rachel, and grandchildren Jill Lynae Dodd, Melodee Faith Ping, and Madison Baily Hilborn Holmes Dodd. Brother Dodd lived in Broken Bow, OK for 25 years where he pastored Lighthouse Christian Center. He loved visiting and helping his Church people and spending time with his grandchildren. An animal lover, he had horses, chickens, donkeys and emus at one time or another. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, taking walks, reading and making people laugh with his cut-up personality. Brother Dodd was Ordained as an Assemblies of God minister on March 4, 1958 while pastoring Hilltop AG church, Bakersfield, CA. He pastored churches in California, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Louisiana, North Carolina Teen Challenge and Broken Bow, OK from 1990.
OKLAHOMA
DISTRICT NEWS PRAYER REQUESTS
PASTORS’ REPORTS
Clint Gray - new church building provision and church property to sell. John Vaughan - Jeremy, young father of two needs new heart and Joanna needs new liver and kidneys. Travis for his recovery. Fred and Jan Ticeahkie - good reports from cancer center.
John Vaughan, Lamont, reports one saved. Keith Ayers, Eagletown, reports five baptized. Jerry Yoder, Thomas, reports one filled with the Holy Ghost and five healed in regular services. John Newland, Newkirk, reports one saved in Sunday School and two healed in worship service.
INFORMATION
EVANGELISTS’ REPORTS
Help for Pastors call (918) 758-4147 or visit www.pastoralcareinc.com.
FOR SALE 3200 sq. ft. building in Arpelar. Location is 12 miles west of McAlester with one acre on Hwy 270. 3.5 acres of commercial land near turnpike and 270 intersection. Contact Pastor Clint at (918) 470-9512.
Dale Floyd reports 124 men and women saved. Robert and Jan Teel reports 95 saved, eight filled with the Holy Ghost and several healed including one man’s back from a car accident. Alex Hanna reports they prayed over 5,900 prayer requests from Arabs and Muslims from the USA, Middle East, and world thru satellite tv and social media. Received thousands of salvation and healing reports thru outreaches in California including healings from metastasized liver and lung cancer. Another healed of disc problems, confirmed on MRI, surgery was cancelled. Monroe Lowrimore reports one saved in a nursing home.
NEW PASTORS
Your story.
Minco First Tyler Ryals Buffalo First Shannon Clark Henryetta New Life Allen Lewis Konawa Bryan Forman
Our service.
TRANSFERS
His purpose. Welcome Robert Gillen, Jr. Joseph Kellogg James Beasley
From PennDel North Texas Arizona
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