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The Bible says through Isaiah the prophet: “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20). “Man without God is a contradiction, a paradox, a monstrosity. He sees evil as good and good as evil. Woe to them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet… Isaiah 5:20 “The real horror of this passage consists in the fact that we have here one of the greatest sins that can be conceived, and, at the same time, one of the most common. To call evil good is practical atheism. To call good evil is practical blasphemy. The words of the passage supply a certain vision of the order of the process. 1. To "call evil good" is the sin especially of the young and careless — the giddy and reckless in their way. 2. The calling good evil is the sin especially of the earnest and professedly religious —like the great crime of the Pharisees against Christ. 3. Before our eyes the evil and the good are mingled, in characters and acts and institutions. So, what are we to do? Let us call on the name of the Lord Let the Church take a look from within, seeking the resources of the heavenly grace to replenish her heart with charity — its native and original virtue. Let her turn from all the tumult without to Him who is "the glory in the midst of her." Let her learn from spending time at the feet of Jesus, to know the things that to Christ is detected and abhorred. "WOE" to the people and nations that calls evil actions good,
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those who exchange light for dark and those who exchange sweet for bitter. Those who are wise in their own eyes, those whose finite minds are puffed up with a high opinion of their own wisdom and despise the counsel and instructions of God. Are we at this place in America in our relationship with God? "WOE" to us if we are. The time to come back to Jesus is now! We are being called to no longer live in a state of a hardened heart and willful sin and rebellion against God. America, no more living according to what is right in our own eyes for now is the time to live our lives according to God's truth that is written in His Word. God is wanting and willing to remove our stony heart and give us a new heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:27-28 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. 28 Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God. America, God is calling us back to Him and His way of life and living. Today is another opportunity for "decision making" concerning God's truth versus your own. Because He is, I am, Tim R. Barker
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his is NOT a time to shrink back in fear and discouragement due to the seemingly insurmountable challenges engulfing today’s society, but it is a time to rise in faith and obedience, hearing the voice of the precious Holy Spirit and move forward with the message of power and hope. The Holy Spirit will lead and guide you into what needs to be done, ministry strategies for your area of responsibility (and they will be different from ministry to ministry). Don’t feel bad or intimidated if your “pandemic ministry and protocols” are different from your peers! The Apostle Paul was frustrated with the rhetoric of his day, hearing message after message but not seeing anyone’s life change. The wise men of his day would gather to debate one another but no one willing to feed the hungry or care for the down trodden. No demonstration of power. No miracles. No one encouraged. No practical ministry. They would hear good speech after good speech but with nothing happening. (postings after postings from so called “experts”) And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom,but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:4, 5 NKJV So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For, “In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.” “But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.” Hebrews 10:35-38 NIV There is nothing more frustrating than not having the right tool for the job, or having the right tool for the job but not knowing how to use it. During my lifetime I’ve done different jobs in order to pay bills and put food on the table; yard work, electrical construction helper, grocery store worker, clothing factory worker and school teacher. In each of these jobs there were skills that needed to be learned in order to make the job easier and more productive. Whether it was unloading a truck with a fork lift, bending conduit for a commercial electrical job or learning how to play and teach all of the band instruments, each learned skill made the job easier and more productive. The Apostle Paul says that our battle (our daily struggle) is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly realms and that we need special tools in order to successfully live life. (Ephesians 6) The good news is Jesus purchased the tools we need and He is willing to equip us with them. His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. 2 Peter 1:3, 4 NIV When I was hired as an electricians helper my grandmother in West Texas gave me access to my late grandfather’s tool shed and then she wrote a check to help purchase the tools that she didn’t have. So very kind. This is what the Lord did for us. The Risen Lord has provided every tool we need for life and godliness! You have to put yourself in the right place to get the tools from the
Lord; His Word, His Body, fellowship, prayer, obedience. It won’t just happen, we must step out in obedience! When we begin to fight our battles in the natural we lose and the enemy of our soul laughs at us. Nothing gets solved, we get frustrated and we do not overcome our situation. When we blame others for our situation instead of taking personal responsibility then we get frustrated and do not overcome. It’s like fighting a massive brush fire with a water pistol. But when we begin to pray, fast, repent, take personal responsibility and begin to do the things God wants us to do then we overcome and we have peace in our heart. Victory is ours, we see lives changed and we lay the foundation for lasting change within our culture. God’s power and strategy is like fighting a candle fire with a fire extinguisher. The Lord puts everything back into perspective. There is the demonstration of power and life change. And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. Mark 9:28, 29 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 “Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. As the Aramean army advanced toward him, Elisha prayed, 2 Kings 6:17-20 NLT “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:10-12 NLT When I don’t know what to pray with my mind the Lord has given us a powerful tool in praying with my spirit, praying in an unknown tongue. A powerful prayer weapon! Our battles are won in prayer. Our battles are won when we worship the Lord. Our battles are won when we have a heart of thanksgiving. Our battles are won when we bless those who persecute us and say evil against us. Our battles are won in the spirit. Our battles are won when we give our minds, bodies and spirit to the Lord. Our battles are won we we become doers of God’s Word. Our battles are won when we renew our minds according the God’s Word. “Lord, my body is your temple, the temple of the Holy Spirit. It does not belong to me. My spirit and soul are Yours. This battle is Yours O Lord! Amen.” Don Wiehe
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Ministers & Churches Changes and Updates New Certified Misty Burnes Juan Chavez Justin Coates
New License Cody Miller
Upgraded to License Robert Burkhalter
Upgraded to Ordainded Connie Behrend Theodore Burnett Kellen Catlin Julia “Judy” Clark Stephen “Steve” Emerson Jeremy Errickson Davida Freeze Joel Garza Jason Goldsberry Justin Griffin
Reinstated
Janice Earl Ronald Pady
Juana Danford Rebecca Hammond Emily Malone
Janet Teague Stephanie Thirtle
Robert Dale Wommack Stephen Pridemore Gregory Harvey William Horton Esteban Lopez William McNeil Shawn Monclova Vicente Montelongo Samuel Placette Matthew Powell Samuel Reynolds Cynthia Richey
Daryl “Dean” Richey Paul Riley John Schmidt Taylor Simmons Isaiah Struve David Summerlin Michaela Waters Sean Waters Collin Weiser
Robby Rich Jr. Israel Soto
Kristen Vorster Tonya Warden
Transfers in
Michael Green – N. California & Nevada District
Transfers Out
Christopher “Chip” Borden – North Texas District Adam Fithen – North Texas District Rebecca Fithen – North Texas District Reese Hallmark – North Texas District
Alex Mahala – South Carolina District Rayven Hallmark – North Texas District Milton Lima Jr. – New York District Robert Dale Wommack – North Texas District Ryota Yogo – North Texas District
New Pastors Jacob Mathews – Emmanuel Assembly of God, Houston
New Church Rio City Church – San Antonio | Senior Pastor: Chris Myers
Church Name Change The Father’s House, Conroe - NOW Capstone International, Conroe New Life Assembly of God, Orangefield - NOW Encounter Church – Orange County Campus, Orangefield
General Council Affiliated First Assembly of God - Raymondville 10
Dear South Texas Ministers, Our 2020 Accelerated Ministers Training is right around the corner. These AMT sessions are offered FREE OF CHARGE. 12 hours of sessions are required for those pursuing credentials with the Assemblies of God, who have not graduated from an Assemblies of God four year college or university. AMT is a wonderful opportunity for continuing education for those who already hold credentials and a time of learning and encouragement for church leaders who are not working toward ministerial credentials. Due to the challenges of the pandemic this year’s AMT will be a virtual meeting You will need to submit a one page summary to my office of each session in order to receive AMT credit. Please pass the word at your church and fellowship meetings.
Staying Fit Sessions
9:00AM 9:50AM 10:40AM 11:45AM 12:30PM 1:20PM 2:10PM
Mentally - Dr. Dolly Thomas Physically - Dr. Chidi Aniemeke Spiritually - Rev. Mike Allard Financially - Rev. David Summerlin Relationally - Dr. Richard Palazzolo Ministerially - Dr. Jim D. Rion Healthy Transition - Dr. Timothy R. Barker
We love and appreciate each of you! Thank you so very much for your ministry! Stay tuned for upcoming Advanced Leadership Sessions. Your Fellow Servant, Don K. Wiehe Executive Secretary Treasurer
COVID-19 Update Due to the current health crisis of COVID-19 all remaining DSOM classes for the year have been suspended. If you need to take a class please call the District Ministry Center at 713.455.1221 11
Don’t know about you, but my head is spinning, trying to wrap my brain around all that’s happening in our Nation. But, God is not confused, and we have a Captain who is still leading us and has promised never to leave us! Doing ministry for, to and with Seniors during these times has been challenging, to put it mildly. 2020 was forecast to be a year of launching several aspects of our STXAGM Seniors With Purpose ministry. But all those events were necessarily cancelled. In many ways it feels like we are back at the starting line, and not sure when the race will begin! But, in reality, that’s not true, even though it feels that way. I’ve discovered, that my personal disappointments are not always consistent with what He is doing! The only event we have on the calendar is the 2021 Senior Summit! And it will be a wonderful Summit. Alton Garrison will be our Speaker and the Browders are returning as our musical guests. The Browders will actually do two services, Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning. We have been doing SWP Singalong's on Tuesday and Friday since March. They are on FaceBook Live on our Seniors With Purpose page. We have actually sung over 300 different Hymns and Choruses. As long as the present circumstances persist, we will continue doing them. And, who knows what the future holds! The singalong may become a permanent SWP fixture. If you have not joined us for a “Singing With Purpose” singalong, they are every Tuesday and Friday at 2 PM, central time. They are live on our Seniors With Purpose FaceBook Page. We are also looking at an SWP, “read through the New Testament in a year” with perhaps Pastors and Church Seniors Leaders doing weekly commentary, again, on FaceBook! When things open up we will schedule events as appropriate. Please pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit and for wisdom and balance in all we do. One thing I do know is that the “GO” has not been removed from the Great Commission and the consequences of eternity have not changed! We must be engaged in the battle for souls, irregardless of circumstances. “No Coasting to the Finish Line!” Wayne and Judy Clark STXAGM, Seniors With Purpose
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Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. Psalms 96:3 In the midst of this world pandemic, one thing is certain, His marvelous deeds are still being declared throughout all the people! Our missionaries are continuing to share God’s glory and still answering the call to GO! And as we all know, everyone has had to make changes in the way things are done…including STX having our very first Virtual District Council! I hope you had a chance to watch it back in May, as it was a wonderful event, even though we weren’t able to have our missionaries present to have their wonderful parade or meet with them at their booths, but even so, they were watching with us all! One of the changes that has been affected by not having our District Council in person this year, was our “Final Push Offering”. This offering is used each year to help get our new S. Texas Candidate Missionaries “pushed” over the top to fulfill their budget when they are at 90%. We have already given some of these offerings to a few of our missionaries this year, yet we still have more that are soon to be in need. God is still calling, and we have new Candidate missionaries answering His call to serve on the Mission field who are in need of this “Final Push” help, however, this year this offering has suffered a bit. Would you or your church pray about how God would have you participate in this important partnership with missions for 2020? Please make your offerings to the S. Texas District Assemblies of God, and make it for “Final Push” offering when sending it in. You will be given missions giving credit for this also! Roger & Debbi Audorff STX District Missions Director
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STXAGM - CMD Church Ministries & Discipleship Department Directior: Rev. Tammy Calderon We are asking church and individuals to take part in a Special BGMC KIDS Digital Summer Camp Offering from now through Sept. 1. You do not have to partake in the KIDS Digital Summer Camp to participate in the offering! There are three ways you can give to this Special BGMC project: Text STXAG BGMC to 73256, Mail your special offering to the STXAGM CM Department: 14237 E. Sam Houston Pkwy N. Suite 200-314 Houston, TX 77044, Send your offering directly to the National BGMC Office (project number 920200).
Kids Camp is one of the most exciting and life changes events in a child’s life. Even though we didn’t get to be together in Kerrville, over 1400 people across South Texas have been able to be together while apart with the KIDS Digital Summer Camp! The story of Jesus was spread through so many homes, communities, and churches! We can’t wait to hear more about what Jesus did through this digital camp!
The 2020/2021 JBQ Season will look a little different, but it will still be an opportunity for kids to learn the Bible in a fun and exciting way! September 12th there will be a virtual coaches and officials meeting to prepare us for the 2020/2021 season. Email stxkids@gmail.com for more information!
Extra precautions have been taken to ensure that Kids in Ministry is a safe and wonderful event for our South Texas Kids, so start practicing! We can’t wait to see the amazing gifts God has given our kids on display! Updates for this event will be delivered via email and can be seen on our STXAGMkids Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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Nationwide Event
Virtual Event
Day Event
Sleepover
September 25-26, 2020
Celebrate the God-given beauty in your girls! www.ngm.ag.org for event details, videos, skits, activities and products August Unconventional Giving Month Coins for Kids special offering Aug 22 Online Momentum Training 10AM-Noon Sticky Lesson-Learning that Lasts
check us out @ www.stxgm.org Facebook@STXGM Instagram: stxgirlsministries
Sept 13-19 Girls Ministries Week Sept 18-19 The Journey Leadership Retreat Coordinators, Teachers, & Helpers Sept 25-26 be-YOU-tiful nationwide event
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Questions/Information Contact Melissa LeClare mleclare@stxag.org or 713-455-1221
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SOUTH TEXAS DISTRICT ASSEMBLIES OF GOD MINISTRIES TOTAL MISSIONS GIVING CREDIT GUIDELINES The S. Texas District A/G Missions Department appreciates all that our churches do to support missions and therefore promotes financial support for Assemblies of God ministries, missionaries and projects through Missions Giving Credit. Contributions made by official Assemblies of God Churches in the S. Texas District for district sponsored ministries and mission’s projects can receive World Ministries credit for a given year. For your contributions to be credited, please fill out the Missions Giving Credit Form and send it to the S. Texas District Missions Department either quarterly or at the end of the year. For more detailed information on what you can and cannot get credit for, go to the STXAG.org website under the Missions page or contact the Missions Department at: raudorff.stxag@gmail.com “South Texas to the Nations!” Roger & Debbi Audorff S. Texas District Missions Director
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MISSIONS GIVING CREDIT FOR THE MONTHS OF: ___________-___________, 20____ Church Name:
Pastors Name:
Address:
City:
Phone #:
ZIP:
Email Address:
The following missions giving is above what has been credited to the A/G National office (STL, BGMC, LFTL, Women’s Ministries, AGWM/AGUSM missionaries, Convoy of Hope, Fire Bible, Teen Challenge, Pleasant Hills, EMERGE, General Council endorsed schools, colleges & universities, etc.) as these are reported directly to the National Office:
Date of Project:
Description of Project or Ministry:
Amount of Donation or Expense for Credit:
TOTAL MISSIONS GIVING TO BE CREDITED:
$
**Please email this form to raudorff.stxag@gmail.com by the following dates: 1st Qtr: April 10th 2nd Qtr: July 10th 3rd Qtr: October 10th 4th Qtr: January 10th (year-end) ================================================================================================== *For District Use Only: Approved by Missions Department: Yes___ No ___ Revised Amount $ DMD’s Signature: _________________________________ Date: ________________
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