OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 1
OKLAHOMA
OUTLOOK SEPTEMBER
Publisher H. Franklin Cargill
Girls’ Ministries Week September 8-14 Daughter’s Conference September 13-14 OCM Conference September 20-21 Main Event Men’s Conference September 26-28 Fall Ministry Tour: Section 4 (AM) Section 5E (PM) Section 9S (PM) Section 11 (PM) Section 8 (AM) Section 9N (PM) Section 12 (AM) Section 7 (PM) Section 10 (AM) Section 5W (PM) Section 2 (AM) Section 3 (PM) Section 1 (PM) Section 6 (AM)
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)
September 3 September 3 September 5 September 9 September 10 September 10 September 12 September 12 September 13 September 16 September 17 September 17 September 23 September 24
October 4–6 October 5 October 5 October 7-9 October 6-12 October 12 October 18-19
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 P.O. Box 13179 Oklahoma City, OK 73113 405.475.1100 www.okag.org @OKDCofAG OklahomaDistrictCouncil 2 | OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK
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 L Duane Elmore Section 9S Don Barnes Section 10 Ric Freeman Section 11 Arlis Moon Section 12
SUPERINTENDENT
THE
ABYSS THE ABYSS – what an interesting word! By definition, it is
described as a deep fissure in the earth; a bottomless gulf; a chasm. Other ways of defining it might be as anything too deep for measurement; profound depth; or the ocean depths. Theological terminology would interpret the word as meaning the primeval void or chaos before the Creation. My personal definition is “the home of the lost.” I am quick to admit that I am guilty of sending many items to “MY ABYSS.” My wife helped me understand this fault many years ago and yet “MY ABYSS” continues to grow. I tend to “misplace” things – OK, I tend to “lose things!” It hurts but it’s true. How many times have I asked, “Where is that book – where are my keys – where is that piece of paper – where are my glasses – where is my phone?” And she quickly replies, “It’s in YOUR ABYSS!” But – she has saved me time and time again. How she finds thing that I lost is still a mystery. (Can I get a witness?) The 15th chapter of Luke is filled with rich preaching material. The lost coin, the lost sheep, the lost son are all examples of what I would label as THE ABYSS. There are many parallels that might be worth considering as it impacts our ministry: • • • • • • • • • •
Where is that person? I haven’t seen them in a long time. Why did he leave? Perhaps he was offended by me or a friend. Why is she responding in such a manner? There could be trouble at home, or in the work place, or some other hidden reason. Why has my first love grown cold? Maybe I need to go back and discover the joy I once possessed. Where are our young couples? They may have been ignored for so long that they got lost in the midst of our ministry. Do students and children get lost in our world? We focus on priorities that often ignore our mission. Does the altar have relevance? Probably not, if the fire has died. Why are we losing people? Perhaps the “food on the table” is stale, left-overs, or the work of another’s labor. How many times must I repeat the same thing? Maybe the perfunctory duty has become irrelevant or non-creative. How can I stop losing? May I recommend, it is time to “CLEAN THE ABYSS.”
Linda and I have once again had the privilege of loving on a group of PK’s (preacher’s kids). We never cease to be amazed at the valuable resource that God has placed within our homes! The Psalmist spoke prophetically when he said, “Children are a heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.”
Preachers, I plead with you. Don’t let your kids slip into “YOUR ABYSS.” It is so easy to devote attention to other’s kids to whom we minister and overlook our own children who are seeking for approval and self-worth. Our children see the ministry in a much different light than the rest of the world. They know “the preacher” at home. They observe the tension in the family that puts on a different face in public. Words are important but actions speak louder than words! We must not allow the enemy to steal the most important item that we have – our next generation. Make parenting more important than preaching. Demonstrate that no one is held in higher esteem than those who carry your last name. They must not get lost in the clutter of life! Furthermore, allow me to address another very personal arena of life. How is your marriage? Do you still open the car door? Is your wife the most beautiful lady not only in your church but in the world? Does she feel valued and esteemed by her husband? I know there are those who may call me old-fashioned, but for many years I have sat in a role where I have seen first-hand the devastation of the home. I am more convinced than ever, that if you lose your marriage – you lose your ministry! A minister’s marriage MUST NOT fall in THE ABYSS! If the ministry demands a higher priority than the marriage, something is wrong. That is not the plan of God! Don’t use the excuse, “But I am called to minister.” No, your first calling is to LOVE YOUR WIFE. If that requires a change of vocation – make the change. I would rather see an individual teach school, sell cars, work in construction, or earn a living “by the sweat of the brow” than to remain “a preacher” and allow your marriage to fail and become lost in THE ABYSS. THE ABYSS FILLS UP VERY QUICKLY! It’s the little foxes that spoil the vine. Honored to Serve, Frank and Linda Cargill
FRANK CARGILL DISTRICT SUPE RINTE NDE NT FRANK .CARG ILL@O K AG .O RG
OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 3
MISSIONS
WHY
M I SS I O NS ? My family and I had the privilege of attending the AGWM
Commissioning Service at General Council in Orlando on August 4, 2019. There were 108 new missionaries commissioned, going to 48 nations of the world. We have attended many of these commissioning services. This one, however, was a history-making event, with those 108 missionary candidates being the very first class of world missionaries to be commissioned at a General Council. After attending an event like this with thousands of voices raised in praise and prayer, it doesn’t take long to figure out why the Assemblies of God is committed to world evangelization. The word that came to my mind is partnership. The speaker for the evening was General Superintendent Doug Clay. His remarks addressed the question, “Why Missions?” Here were his four reasons: because Christ died for everyone; because there are people everywhere that need Jesus; because one day soon eternity will begin; because we want the next generation of our church family to catch the missions passion. It is estimated that there are more than 7,000 unreached people groups around the world. And, over 42% of the world’s population lives among these unreached peoples. The work is far from finished. We need more missionaries. We need more prayer for workers. And, we need the presentation of the Great Commission heard again and again. In light of Superintendent Clay’s reasons for why missions, I can’t help but think about what it means to pastor the local church. Shepherding a local body of believers is where the missions passion is fleshed out the most. Many times, this is where the call is heard and, always, it’s where the call is cultivated. The local church is also where we pass that passion for missions down to the next generation. Through preaching, fundraising, giving, going on missions trips and hearing regularly from our missionaries, the local church continues to be the global vehicle for evangelism and discipleship. Thank you, pastor, for being a strategic answer to why missions. Your spirit-led leadership is what our communities and, ultimately, our world needs. And, our partnership in promoting missions among our great state will keep us on the cutting edge of what God is doing around the world. Let’s together, preach missions and share the missions passion more than ever…until He comes!
DARREN PILCHER M IS S IO NS DIR EC T O R EX EC U T IV E P A S T O R DA R R EN. P ILC H E R @ O K AG .O RG @ DA R R ENP ILC H ER
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RECOMMENDED READING
Why Some Churches are Blessed by Dan Betzer
Live/Dead Together: A Practice in Group Abiding
by Boots on the Ground Missionaries along the Silk Road
FINANCE
BE H IND T H E
SCENES Over time I have found two particular things to be true. First,
people who work behind the scenes are the reason a great deal of work gets done. Second, people who work behind the scenes often do so without many people ever knowing who they are. Much of the time, these people prefer to be out of the spotlight. Their preference does not negate the importance of shining a light on their good work and letting people know a little bit about them. This month, I have decided to do a short interview with one of long-term, behind the scenes, people; Barbara Miller. Barbara is the Administrative Assistant to Superintendent Frank Cargill. She has been working full time with Oklahoma District for over 30 years. She is an invaluable part of the team. She is a familiar face and voice around the District Office, not to mention she is one of the best laughers you will ever hear. Q. How long have you worked in the District Office, and in what roles? In August 1989, I quit a full-time job thinking I wanted to be a stay at home mom. My sister Beverly was working in the Youth Department at the time and was getting ready for the big Oklahoma Youth Convention. Beverly asked if I would like to help her get ready for this event. After the Youth Convention was over, Rosie Yandell asked if I would like to do some work for the Women’s Ministries Department. I, of course, said yes, and a few months later began working full-time in the Women’s Ministries Department. In July 1998 the position of Superintendent’s Administrative Assistant came open, and Reverend Armon Newburn asked if I would be willing to fill that position, I was humbled and honored that he had faith in me. Q. What are some of your favorite memories of your time at the District? Being able to work alongside individuals that I consider Heroes of the Faith; Rosie and Charlie Yandell, Armon and JoAnn Newburn and Frank and Linda Cargill. Q. What do you love most about your job?
Q. What are some of the most significant positive changes you have seen in your time at the District? All of the new technology and resources we have to assist our ministers and churches have successful ministries. I love that we still have an open door to personal relationships within the District. The size of our staff has grown over the years to facilitate the growth of the District as a whole. Q. You have worked closely with two different District Superintendents. What advice would you give to other people who work in your role for a high profile leader or lead pastor? Always respect your leader as a person not just their position. They deal with a lot of pressure so always remember your relationship with Christ is what will sustain you in every situation that you encounter. Do your part relieving any stress in facilitating the demands of the office.
Working with people that I consider friends and the love we have for one another. Also, the relationships I’ve built with ministers and their families across the state. I cherish these friendships.
KEVIN CONNER FINANCE & O PE RATIO NS K E VIN.CO NNE R@O K AG .O RG @K E VINSCO NNE R
OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 5
CHURCH
R UR AL
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 U R C H M IN IS T R IE S C H A D. B R O DR IC K @ O K A G.O RG
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WOMEN’S
UNLOCK YOUR S P IR IT 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 DIRE CTO R SUSIE .PURKE Y@O K AG .O RG
OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 7
YOUTH
UNT 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 Y O U T H M IN IS T R IES H EA T H . C O R R A LE S @ O K AG .O RG @ H EA T H C O R R A LES
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CHILDREN
LET T H E C H IL D RE N
COME TO ME It is no secret that I love the beginning of the fall season. Even
as a child, I always loved this time of year. I loved the changing of the seasons, going back to school, and just about everything else that has new beginnings around this time of year. I remember my parents telling me what school was like when they were kids and comparing it to my own experience. I can honestly say that I have never had the experience of walking to school in a foot of snow, uphill both ways, like the stories I have heard, but there is a definite difference in what the kids today face each and every day compared to the things that I faced when I was in school. In these recent years it has become more and more apparent that our kids need to know who Jesus is and what he can do in their lives. The following is an insight of the importance of our kids needing a relationship with Jesus:
3. CHILDREN ARE A PART OF TODAY’S CHURCH, NOT MERELY THE CHURCH OF TOMORROW. They are just as much a part of the body as adults, if they know Jesus as their Savior. “The kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” As you look at the Greatest Commandments and the Great Commission and read passages about the church (Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4), no one is excluded. You will not find degrees to which this is to be happening based on age or any other criteria. 4. CHILDREN NEED A SAVIOR AND ARE AT A PRIME AGE TO TRUST IN HIM.
1. CHILDREN ARE PRECIOUS IN JESUS’ SIGHT. HE LOVES THEM! HE WANTS CHILDREN TO BE BROUGHT TO HIM.
Nearly half of all Americans who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior do so before reaching the age of 13 (43%), and two out of three born again Christians (64%) made that commitment to Christ before their 18th birthday.
Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Mark 10:14
Based on these findings, childhood is a critical time to reach people for Jesus. “Let the little children come!”
2. CHILDREN NEED HELP IN LEARNING HOW TO NAVIGATE IN TODAY’S WORLD, AND THEY HAVE SO MUCH OF LIFE AHEAD OF THEM.
Ministry to children is important. Whether you teach or help in any other capacity, you have a strategic role that goes beyond simply showing up and following a script. You have a vital job to make sure kids know about Jesus!
Faced with war, terrorism, divorce, crime and other anxieties, many children are feeling: • vulnerable – What if this happens to me? • frightened – Where can I go to be safe? • hopeless – Who is going to protect me? • helpless – There’s nothing I can do to keep it from happening. They need to feel the love of Jesus. They need His help to cope and deal just as we adults do. This is the reason that Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.”
DEAN GUTHRIE CHILDRE N’ S DIRE CTO R DE AN.G UTHRIE @O K AG .O RG @O CMDE AN
OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 9
IN MEMORY
Milton David Lewis
William Edwin Ikard
Reverend Milton David Lewis, 75, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, August 8, 2019 in Joplin, MO. He was born on September 29, 1943 in Broken Bow, OK to his parents, Wilson Lewis and Nora McGee-Lewis. Milton served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He married Karen Clark on April 7, 1970 in Grove, OK.
Reverend W.E. Ikard went to be with the Lord on August 26, 2019 in Lawton. He was born March 10, 1937 in Cyril, Oklahoma to William Henry and Clara (Brewton) Ikard. “Ed” graduated from Lawton High School in 1955, and went on to graduate from Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas in 1961. On August 19, 1961, Ed married Debbie Plaskett in Guthrie, Oklahoma. They were blessed with two children, Todd and Tammie.
9/29/1943 - 8/8/2019
Milton attended college at OST in Okmulgee, OK. He then moved to Neosho, MO to attend Ozark Bible College. During his college years he received his calling into ministry. He moved to South Dakota where he completed his Ministry Degree. In 1983 he started his ministry as an Ordained Minister on the Standing Rock Reservation in Fort Yates, North Dakota. After 5 ½ years he was called to Tokio, ND from 1989-2004 as their Missionary Pastor. Later he pastored in Fort Totten, ND from 20042010. From 2010-2012 he moved to Wright City, OK and ministered the Choctaw Indian Church. Due to Milton’s health issues he decided to retire in 2012. During his retirement, he loved to spend time with his family and friends while continuing to share the Gospel Word.
3/10/1937 - 8/26/2019
Together Ed and Debbie built a life serving the Lord as pastors in Temple, Oklahoma; Byers, Texas; Quanah, Texas; Killeen, Texas; and then returned to retire in his hometown of Lawton. Ed also served as a bus driver for the Lawton Public School System, and bus driver and substitute teacher for the Quanah Independent School District. Ed is survived by his wife Debbie; a son and daughter-in-law, Todd & Tricia Ikard of Maypearl, Texas; a daughter and sonin-law, Tammie and Ken Griffith of Weatherford, Texas; three grandsons, Nick Ikard of Maypearl, William and Winston Griffith of Weatherford; and three granddaughters, Jessica Ikard of Austin, Alex Ikard of Ennis, and Willow Griffith of Weatherford. Ed was preceded in death by his parents.
Milton is preceded in death by his parents, Wilson and Nora Lewis; 5 sisters, Sarah, Vera, Marie, Isabel and Rose. Milton is survived by his wife of 49 ½ years, Karen Clark-Lewis of Grove, OK; 2 sons, Michael Lewis of Orlando, FL and Phillip (Phil) Lewis, Sr. of Durant, OK; 2 grandchildren, Phillip (Phil) Lewis, Jr. of Bismarck, ND and Marlana Lewis of Yuma, AZ; sister, Ella Going of Broken Bow, OK; brother, Emerson Lewis of Tulsa, OK; brother-inlaw, Dan Clark and wife Mary of Neosho, MO; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family and friends.
Your story. Our service. His purpose.
MINISTERS’ SPOUSES Shirley Maxine Wharton Spouse of Herbert Wharton 02/21/1940 – 08/13/2019
cepnet.com 10 | OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK
OKLAHOMA
DISTRICT NEWS PRAYER REQUESTS Clint Gray - new church building provision. Properties would be bought by the right owners.
PASTORS’ REPORTS Raymond Frizzelle, Miami First, reports one adult saved in regular service, one in jail, five kids saved in children’s church, five filled with the Holy Ghost, and three youth saved. Matt Stubblefield, Wewoka First, reports many saved and 18 baptized.
INFORMATION Help for Pastors call (918) 758-4147 or visit www.pastoralcareinc.com.
EVANGELISTS’ REPORTS Dale Floyd reports 123 men and women saved in July. Robert and Jan Teel reports 32 saved and four filled with the Holy Ghost in July.
NEEDED Vinita Family Praise Center is looking for a children’s pastor. Send resume to ben_coats@yahoo.com.
NEW PASTORS Holdenville First Wagoner First
Paul & Betty Ratliff Steve Ashe
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.
TRANSFERS Welcome Kellogg, Joseph
From North Texas
Farewell Hatcher, James Miller, Cody
To South Texas Arkansas
OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 11
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