STAR Spring 21 by South Texas Assemblies of God

The song writer said… I started out travellin' for the Lord many years ago I've had a lot of heartache and I met a lot of grief and woe But when I would stumble then I would humble down And there I'd say, I wouldn't take nothin' for my journey now We’ve been on quite a journey the past years in preparation for our new South Texas Assemblies of God Ministries Center. However, this journey began many years prior as Texas was a hotbed of Pentecostal revival in the early years of the twentieth century. Just months after the January 1901 outpouring experienced by the students of Charles Parham’s Bible school in Topeka, Kansas, the revival moved south through Missouri, Arkansas, and into South Texas. In 1905 Parham moved his Bible school to the east end of Houston. The original location is now where the parking garage for the Harris County Court House stands. Among the students present at those classes was a lone, black preacher, William Seymore. He had been invited to pastor a black Holiness Church in Houston. Sitting remotely outside the classroom, Seymore heard the fundamentals of Pentecost and the then new doctrine of “initial evidence” from Parham. In 1906, Seymore received an invitation to Los Angeles where his meetings on Azuza Street drew people from more than 50 nations and spread Pentecost around the world – with Houston (South Texas) roots.

The Texas impact on twentieth-century Pentecost can be measured by the great men and women from Texas who helped provide leadership to the revival and to the Assemblies of God. Rev. E. N. Bell, who would become the first general superintendent, was a Texas pastor. Rev. M.B. Netzel, who would serve as Texas District Superintendent and general treasurer of the Assemblies of God, received his Pentecostal baptism as a teenager in an early, San Antonio revival that would give birth to Glad Tidings and First Assembly of God – San Antonio. Later, Rev. M.B. and Josie Mae Netzel would pastor the Assembly in Texas City. Another South Texas preacher, Rev. H. C. Ball received his ordination in 1915 in San Antonio. His wife, Sunshine, served as the first secretary-treasurer for the old Texico District. They would later go on to serve as missionaries to Latin-America, and later became the foreign missions director at our headquarters in Springfield, Missouri. In the first half of the twentieth century, no name was more influential than “Richey”. E. N. & Raymond T. Richey conducted crusades in almost every city up and down the Texas Gulf Coast. The results were sign, wonders, healing miracles, and dozens of new churches, mostly new Assembly of God churches. Soon the Richeys were as well-known across America as any preachers of their time. In almost every city where they conducted crusades, newspapers sent reporters and photographers to record the countless healing miracles that were certain in a Richey crusade. Their church, Evangelistic Temple in Houston, would become the spiritual home of thousands of Pentecostal believers. In the early 1940s, the coming of World War II, industrial

development, and the oil and chemical industry had brought millions of inhabitants to South Texas. Houston, along with San Antonio, the Golden Triangle, and the Coastal Bend Region were some of the fastest growing population centers of Texas and the nation. Houston and the Gulf Coast Region began competing with Dallas and Fort Worth for national recognition. Preachers and church leaders in South Texas also began to feel the effects of that same competition – within the fellowship of the Texas District of the Assemblies of God. By the 1950s, sentiment among pastors in the south was growing for a separation from the Texas District and the drawing of a Pentecostal “Mason-Dixon” line across the state. By late 1952 the winds of change could no longer be ignored. Several prominent pastors from the south had spoken openly about the need to secede. To measure this sentiment, a meeting of South Texas pastors and ministers was called in Victoria, prior to the 1953 District Council. Several men would be influential during the meeting and helped persuade pastors to support a move to seek separation. Some of these were: J.B. Brumbelow, Lonnie Bowlen, O.L. Davidson, C.L. Musgrove, and Jimmy McClelland. M.B. Netzel, superintendent of the Texas District at that time, sought a compromise measure. He proposed that the district remain intact with four full-time assistant superintendents who would serve different geographic zones and report to the superintendent. With this alternative proposal in mind, the ministers of South Texas met in Victoria and agreed to ask the district council in session to consider their request for secession. Kermit Reneau, of San Antonio, asked the delegates that

the proposal of superintendent be considered first and that the resolution calling for secession be withheld until the council in session had voted on his proposal. This motion prevailed with the understanding that should the council not approve the superintendent’s proposal, the request for separation would then be brought to the floor. J. B. Brumbelow and Lonnie Bowlen were elected to present the results of the Victoria meeting to the executive leadership in Springfield, Missouri. The 1953 Texas District Council convened in Houston in June. Preachers and delegates came from the Rio Grande Valley and deep East Texas; from Witchita Falls and Electra and Orange and Beaumont. They arrived at the old Music Hall from across Texas driving their Packards, Studebakers, DeSotos, Hudsons, Kaisers and Oldsmobiles; they came to confront the geography and changing culture of this great state. The reorganization proposal of Superintendent Netzel was presented to the council and defeated. Then the resolution of the South Texas preachers was presented. South Texas delegates requested the privilege of a caucus where pastors and delegates of the region could be polled on the issue of secession. In that caucus down in the basement of the Music Hall, the motion to secede was overwhelmingly approved. The report was then carried back to the council floor, received by the chairman, and presented to the body. Gayle F. Lewis, general superintendent, assumed the chair and conducted the vote on separation which was approved by the body. The South Texas caucus convened once again to select officers to lead the new district. In that caucus, Kermit Reneau was elected to serve as the first superintendent, Worth Williams was elected assistant superintendent, and Willis Berry as secretary/treasurer. With this first election, a new district was born. (Continued on next page)

Sentiment seemed to be strong for district offices to be located in San Antonio. Office space on Presa Street in San Antonio was rented and the fledgling district began operations. Within months, however, leaders recognized the importance of locating operations in Houston, the population center of the new district. A vacant office was founded in the downtown area and purchased. However, deed restrictions would prevent use of this building, and another property had to be selected. The East Freeway property was found, purchased and the district headquarters were moved and remained there until 2019. In these 69 years, South Texas has become one of the leading districts of the Assemblies of God. Our South Texas family has grown to more than 300 churches, nearly 1000 credentialed ministers and reportedly 95,000 adherents worshipping in a STXAGM Church each week. To God be the glory! South Texas leads the nation in sending missionaries, both U.S. & foreign. Faithful giving is being felt around the world. With the many accomplishments of these nearly 70 years, it would be tempting to rest on past laurels. Still, the Lord’s greatest mandate is unfinished, and we must keep reaching the lost and equipping the found with this great gospel. We are not winding up; we are ramping up for the incredible possibilities that await us. Today the world is coming to our doorstep. South Texas has become a magnet for the world’s people and cultures. We have Nigerian, European and Chinese ball players, Arab and Asian entrepreneurs, expatriates from dictators and despots, doctors and nurses from the east and the Pacific Rim, and students from every corner of the globe. God is still in control of the ebb and flow of people and history, and He has placed us at the very gate of human

enterprise. It has been said that the past is prelude, and that the best is yet to come. God’s prophetic purpose has not changed. And it shall come to pass in the last days, said God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: The evidence is clear, the enterprise of the Holy Spirit is not in decline. We are much closer to the Lord’s coming now than when we began, but are nowhere near being through with Kingdom work! A new fervor of church planting is evident in our ranks. Young men and women are visionary, elders are seeing dreams fulfilled, and prophetic leadership is re-emerging. Our STXAGM is still being quickened for the last-day work. Our fore fathers and mothers set the pace, and the work is going forward. Their dream of an Assembly in every community has been expanded, but we’ve still work to do. Now, we covet every tribe, tongue, and ethnic group in our midst. Like the Apostle Peter in the house of Cornelius (Acts 10:34-25) we have learned – Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. With sincere regard for my predecessors, Kermit Reneau, Willis Berry, W. S. Graham, Howard Burroughs and Joseph P. Granberry – I still believe the best is yet to come for South Texas Assemblies of God Ministries! Let’s leave nothing on the table and may we complete our mission with excellence and anointing, passing this on to the next generation greater than we ever received it. Because He is, I am, Tim R. Barker *A special thank you to Rev. J. Sidney Watson for the historical information.

Many times the answers to life’s challenges and problems come down to fulfilling the basics. I can’t just walk on the battlefield and fight for my country but must go through basic training. My doctor and dentist talk to me, frequently, about doing the basics of diet, exercise, health and hygiene in order to stay and remain healthy. It’s usually not the “big” things, but the basics that keep me healthy. My accountant, financial advisor and others professionals speak regularly about doing the basics . . . . consistently. Consider cleaning and hygiene. The soldier must consistently clean his or her rifle so it will be ready when needed. Cleaning and flossing your teeth is so important. Successful athletic prowess (of which I have NO experience) begins and continues by practicing the basics. The difference between a polished musician and those who don’t excel is a mastery of practicing the basics. Beginning a savings plan and starting small is so needed. Ongoing investment of time and presence with our significant relationships such as marriage and family will keep these relationships vibrant for a lifetime. Being on time for work and being willing to stay a little late will go a long way for advancement. If you master the basics and are willing to grow then you will excel in any of life’s endeavors. The basics are so necessary with our spiritual life. Jesus reminds us of the basics in his sermon on the mount. - Matthew 5 & 6 is the basic training manual for Christ followers. Having an humble attitude, being willing to be lowly before God and before each other, hungering for God and righteousness, faithfulness during persecution, being salt and light, being a person of your word, truths about the root of anger, adultery, divorce, prayer, offerings etc. Paul reminds, reprimands and exhorts the early church over and over about the basics of a healthy walk with God and of a healthy church. - Romans 12 Living as a sacrifice, humble thinking, the necessity of the Body of Christ, God’s gifts, sincerely loving one another, prayer, loving one another, loving your enemies, not taking revenge etc. Dr. Luke reminds us of the 4 basic activities of the early church in Acts 2:42-47 NIV. Because the basics were practiced in v42 look at the results in v43-47. 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44All the

believers were together and had everything in common. 45They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. The writer of Hebrews rebukes the church for forgetting the basics and for having to be reminded of them over and over again. Hebrews 5 NIV 11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 6 1 Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And God permitting, we will do so. May it be said of us that we don’t ever forget to apply the basics of our spiritual walk with the Lord and that we move forward to teach others the basic principles of this wonderful relationship with the Lord. Freedom and joy awaits you and those under your influence. Good health, whether emotional, financial, physical or spiritual comes down to consistently doing the basics. No fly by night remedies, no quick fix schemes but just consistently doing the basics. We see the great army, the winning athlete or team, or the spiritually healthy individual or church. We don’t see them behind the scenes faithfully practicing the basics over and over again. God bless each of you! Pastor Don

In this edition we shine the spotlight on Rio City Church. Since its October 2020 launch, Rio City Church has seen four people make a decision to follow Jesus and be water baptized. In addition the church has impacted the community by providing local schools with at least $1,200 for back-to-school supplies, volunteering with two local organizations to help the poor and homeless, giving financial support to two single moms, and monthly supporting an Assemblies of God missionary from the South Texas District. A multiethnic, multigenerational congregation, Rio City Church is now meeting in person at Hilton Hill Country in San Antonio the first and third Sundays of each month as well as offering services online. Life Groups meet during the second and fourth weeks of every month at various locations.

Pastors Chris and Ashton Myers moved to San Antonio, Texas, in January 2020 with the goal to launch Rio City Church worship services by September 2020. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic. "We went back to the drawing table with our launch team of 28 people," Pastor Myers says. God was faithful to inspire with a new plan, and on October 4, 2020 Rio City Church launched with online services and Life Groups. Planting a church in the midst of a pandemic wasn't easy. But God helped Chris and Ashton and the team focus on connecting with God and with each other in community. "We believe God directed us to focus on Life Groups (small groups) first, and then the Sunday gathering," Chris says. "That step has forced us to be active participants (rather than consumers) of Christianity "Ashton and I want to say thank you to the AGTrust partners from who Love God, Love People, and Live on Mission." the depths of our hearts," says Pastor Chris, "for your generosity and vision to build the kingdom of God. We are direct benefactors of your efforts. Thank you!" "Thank you, AGTrust partners and The Church Multiplication Network! Rio City Church literally would not exist today if it wasn't for the Matching Funds support we received to help jumpstart this new church. We are thankful to be part of a Fellowship that lends support, prayer, and finances to achieve The Great Commission."

Ministers & Churches Changes and Updates New Certified

Carolyn Bass Michael Kersten Isaac McCoy Maximiliano Mendiola III

Paul Miller Janee Rogers Andrew Schafer

Elisabeth Schafer Marshall Van Winkle Alexandria Zahirniak

Patricia Foster

Michael Tillotson

New License Tony Nguyen

Upgraded to License Chance Abbott Austin Baughman

Transfers in

Craig Dockstader – Northwest Ministry Network Mark Quick – Texas Louisiana Hispanic District

Transfers Out

Kellen Catlin – North Texas District Adam Cheney – Louisiana District Joe Don Raiborn – North Texas District Alex Mahala – South Carolina District Janee Rogers – Alaska District

Allan Stone – Louisiana District Jenelle Valdez – Central District Steven Salazar – North Texas District Brandon Shirley – Alabama District Richard Tevis – Northern California & Nevada District David Wilson – Southern Missouri District

New PAC Church: High Waves Church – San Antonio, TX - Parent Church: Victory Assembly of God - Sugarland Pastor: Peter Adewole

General Council Affiliated Discover Church – Castroville, TX Pastor: Matthew Gutierrez Divine Mercy Assembly of God – Houston, TX Pastor: IsraelDivine O. Kuyinu

2021 Schedule Date

Level 1 Courses

Level 2 Courses

Level 3 Courses

Leadership Exchange

March 1

BIB214 Old Testament Survey

MIN281 Effective Leadership

No Class

For: Lead Pastors The Post Quarantine Church By: Thom S. Rainer

April 5

BIB121 Introduction to Hermeneutics: How to Study the Bible

MIN223 MIN325 Introduction Homiletics Preaching in the Contemporary World

May 3

THE211 Introduction to Theology

THE245 Eschatology: A Study of Things to Come

June 5

MIN191 Beginning Internship

MIN291 MIN391 Intermediate Internship Advanced Internship

Discussion to be Announced

July & August

Summer Break

September 13

THE142 BIB115 AG History, Missions & Acts: The Holy Spirit at Governance Work in the Believers

THE311 Prayer & Worship

Discussion to be Announced

(Certified)

(License)

(Ordained)

Discussion to be Announced

MIN327 Discussion Church Administration, to be Announced Finance & Law

MIN171 Spirit Empowered Church

MIN261 Introduction to A/G Missions

October 4

MIN181 Relationships & Ethics in Ministry

MIN281 Conflict Management for Church Leaders

MIN381 Pastoral Ministry

Discussion to be Announced

November 1

BIB114 Christ in the Synoptic Gospels

MIN123 The Local Church in Evangelism

BIB313 Corinthian Correspondence

Discussion to be Announced

December

Christmas Break

Hosted at the South Texas Assemblies of God Ministries Center, 12106 East Sam Houston Pkwy N, Houston, TX 77044 All students must RSVP 2 weeks prior to each class. Classes start at 7pm. 10

MARCH 14

National BGMC Day is the second Sunday in March. This day falls on Sunday, March 14, 2021. The purpose of National BGMC Day is to involve the entire church in BGMC. It is also a time to expose the adults to what BGMC does, the purpose of BGMC, and to take up an adult oﬀering for BGMC. Many times the adults in the church do not know about all the great things BGMC does and how much BGMC helps our missionaries. This day is a great time to show a video about BGMC and encourage the entire church to participate in the BGMC oﬀering. For more inforamtion about BGMC check out bgmc.ag.org!

MARCH 14

With Junior Bible Quiz, there is no reason to choose between kids having a blast and a robust Bible-based program. Don’t spend another moment wondering if the Word of God is geeng into the hearts and heads of the children in your ministry. Take a few minutes today to become familiar with the Bible Fact Pak and how it can increase the fun and Bible knowledge at the same me.

JBQ Meets are hosted around the South Texas District each month. Quizzers compete in teams of 2-6 members across 3 levels (B - beginners and young team, A - novice, AA - advanced) . South Texas JBQ Seasons run from September-March. New teams can ssll join for the 2020/2021 Season! For more informaaon email our District JBQ Coordinator at stxkids@gmail.com. Guidlines and general info can be found at www.stxagchurchministries.org/junior-bible-quiz

South Texas District Church Ministries and Discipleship Department 2021 Calendar of Events January 1 New Year’s Holiday - D.O. Closed 9 JBQ League Meet 17 Cradle Roll Day 18 Martin Luther King Day - D.O Closed 30 JBQ League Meet February 20 JBQ League Meet

July 4 9-12 14-17 19-22

Independence Day - D.O. Closed Kids Camp #1 – HCC Kerrville Kids Camp #2 – HCC Kerrville Kids Camp #3 – HCC Kerrville

August 3-6 General Council – Orlando, FL

March 14 BGMC Day 27 JBQ District Finals

September 6 Labor Day - D.O. Closed 11 JBQ Coaches & Officials Training 26 National Sunday School and Teacher Recognition Day

April 2 Good Friday – D.O. Closed 4 Easter 23-24 JBQ Regional Finals

October 2 Kids In Ministry – Humble, First 16 JBQ Practice Meet

May 2-8 National Family Week 11-13 District Council 31 Memorial Day-D.O. Closed

November 6 JBQ Practice Meet 7 National Singles Adult Day 24-26 Thanksgiving Day- D.O. Closed

June 10-12 JBQ Nationals

December 20-24 Christmas – D.O Closed 31 BGMC offering deadline to Springfield, MO

For more Information regarding any of these events please visit our website at www.stxagchurchministries.org or email stxkids@gmail.com

Girls Camp Andrew & Kallie Kirkpatrick

The 3 Emigos Matt & Sara Neie

April 30 - May 2, 2021 $85 until April 23rd $95 after April 23rd

Download camp packet @ www.stxgm.org Melissa LeClare - Girls Ministries Director mleclare@stxag.org 713.455.1221 Are you looking for new ways to reach the girls in your church and community? We can help! We are a mentoring and discipleship program that can assist you. Our heart’s desire is for every girl to have a personal relationship with Jesus and to know they have a God-given purpose for their life. Check us out at www.stxgm.org

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