In Defense of Biblical Marriage | NAM Offerings | Freedom to Worship and Fellowship | Missionary Gaps to Fill
The Official Magazine of the Oregon District UPCI
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March 2014
Oregon District Apostolic Accent Volume 50, Number 3
www.ORUPC.com Editor……………………..........…………….Kassie Meyer kassiemeyer@hotmail.com (503) 689-3589 District Officials Superintendent……………......……………Ted Graves Secretary/Treasurer……..........……..Dan Sargeant Presbyters Section 1…………………......…..…………Gary Gleason Section 2……………………........…M. Dennis Johnson Section 3………………………......……..Kevin Goodwin Section 4…………………………......Steven L. Johnson Honorary Board Member M. David Johnson North American Missions Director…………………………….......…..Steve Hanson Secretary…………………….……….....…Virgil Alldritt Global Missions Director…………………………….......David Reynolds Apostolic Man Director……………………………..……......Mark Edday Ladies Ministries Director…………………………......….Geanice Langley Secretary…………………...…….....…….Rachel Sparks Sunday School Director………………………….…......…Darrell Sparks Secretary…………....………………….....…..Joe Higgins Oregon Youth President………………………….......…Shane Graves Secretary………………………………......……Kevin Neu Spanish Ministries Director……………………………………......Fito Avenia Life in Focus Coordinator…...........Bill Tittsworth Prison Ministry Coordinator….....….Doug Lethin Media Missions Director……......David P. Johnson A.C.T.S. President………...….......M. Dennis Johnson Senior Quiz Coordinator.…......…..Brian Huffman Junior Quiz Coordinator.…......…Jonathan Toews
Editors Note Every season of our lives bring with it many opportunities to mature and grow if we allow. Before we had kids (as I’m chuckling), my husband and I couldn’t understand why people couldn’t make it to every church event, district event, wedding, etc. Okay, I may be exaggerating a little but I hope you get the point. We couldn’t relate to them. We couldn’t understand. We learned later on that it wasn’t about wanting to or not. We had kids and began to understand quite well as to why parents were not at every possible event. There are times when kids have school, they are sick, you are worn out and take a much needed rest, and the list goes on...but when changes happen in your life, or you go through an illness, or even work full time, got to school and have a family, you learn through these seasons and grow from them. I have compassion now for parents...especially those with busy kids!! If we never had kids, there is so much we would have missed out on and we would have never really understood what it truly was like to be a parent. We would have never related. That goes with anything though. You never fully understand something until you, yourself, have gone through the season. You never fully understand what it’s like to go through cancer, diabetes, divorce, breaking an addiction, losing a loved one, having children, never being able to have children, etc. until you have gone through it. Sure we can understand to some small extent but never fully until we are there in the midst of it going through it. And in those times we can grow, flourish and become better people because of it. Those seasons will help shape and mold us. And seasons will change. That is the beauty of it… you will never have to stay in that season forever. There will be good seasons and there will be bad season but through it all, God remains faithful and will see you through each season of life. Kassie Meyer
Ecc 3:1-8 1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: 2 A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; 3 A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance;
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5 A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; 7 A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; 8 A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.
Inside this Issue Articles/Columns 2 Editors Note KASSIE MEYER 4 In Defense of Biblical Marriage M. Dennis JOHNSON 8 Freedom to Worship and Fellowship KATHLEEN VANDEVENDER 11 What can You do to Encourage a Home Missionary? STEVE JOHNSON 12 I Know Abraham for He Will Command His Children DAVID REYNOLDS
Promotions
6 Fill in the Missionary Gaps GLOBAL MISSIONS
10 NAM Giving
NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS
14 emPOWERed
A.C.T.S. MINISTRIES
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In Defense of Biblical Marriage By M. Dennis. Johnson
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T
he historical model of Christian marriage-defined as one man and one woman in lifelong partnership—is presently collapsing. “The scale of marital breakdown in the west since 1960 has no historical precedent and seems unique. There has been nothing like it for the past 2000 years, and probably much longer” (Lawrence Stone). As Christians we need to do all we can to resist this trend and to uphold the sacredness of marriage, and by extension the family. The family is foundational to every area of successful human enterprise. Also, it is God’s desire that marriage would help us understand His desired relationship with the church. The institution of marriage as presented in the Bible was and continues to be integral and foundational to God’s plan and purpose for creating man. Our world increasingly holds personal perspective, personal experience, and personal fulfillment in higher regard than spiritual values and truths handed down from past generations through the As Christians we Bible and need to do all C h r i s t i a n we can to resist t r a d i t i o n . this trend and This is a tragic mistake, for to uphold the ever ything sacredness of God has marriage, and done and by extension the said in the past has extreme significance! He set up human institutions in Genesis (beginning with the family), placing Adam in a position of responsibility for his own destiny, and creating Eve from Adam’s rib to complete and complement Adam and also to make visible His plan for the bride which would someday be taken from His pierced side. God has ordained that the visible world, including the family, should reflect spiritual realities of the unseen world. When man allows the physical world to deviate from
the patterns of conduct God has established for humanity, there are results that are far reaching and devastating! The current trend to devalue marriage, devalue the importance of commitment to marriage vows, and even redefine what constitutes marriage is The violation of wreaking havoc God’s standard on humanity. of marriage is The violation of more serious God’s standard of than many marriage is more other present serious than many evils because to other present evils because to attack marriage is to attack attack marriage the veritable is to attack the veritable foundation of foundation of the the entire plan entire plan and and purpose of purpose of God’s God’s creation. creation. We should diligently and intentionally uphold and proclaim the biblical standard for marriage in order to bring a greater measure of God’s blessings on our families, our churches, and the lost that are coming in to our churches, and also to hold up a standard for a witness to this last generation. God’s plan is still best!◊ ______________________________________ M. Dennis Johnson is the pastor of United Pentecostal Church in Albany, Oregon. He also serves as the Section 2 Presbyter and A.C.T.S. Coordinator for the Oregon District.
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Please fill in the Gaps for these Missionaries... Ken & Kay Burgess El Salvador & Central America/ Caribbean Openings on Tuesday, May 20 and on Thursday, May 22.
J.R. & Janet Black ABC Islands, Central America/ Caribbean & Spanish Caribbean Opening on Thursday, September 18
Allan & Georgene Shalm Asia & Pakistan Opening on Tuesday, May 27
Chris & Paula Richardson Africa & Madagascar Openings on Tuesday September 23 and Thursday, September 25
Paul & Stephanie Rivero Costa Rica & Central America/ Caribbean Opening on Tuesday, June 17
Darry & Kathy Crossley South America Openings for Tuesday, November 4 and Thursday November 6
Lonnie & Damarys Burton Venezeula & South America Opening on Tuesday, July 15
Eugene & Sherri Domingues Peru & South America Opening on Sunday PM, November 23
Marcus & Renee Brainos Europe/Middle East & France Opening on Thursday, August 14
Michael & Dianna Tuttle Regional Director, Europe/Middle East Open November 22-27
Bob & Judy Addington Pacific & New Zealand Openings -- Thursday August 28, Sunday AM and Sunday PM
News! Parkers completed their PIM’s right here in Oregon and are going back to the field! Praise God!
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GLOBAL MISSIONS SERVICE InatOregon our churchApril on 22-27, 2014
fàxÑ{tÇ 9 WxuÜt fâÅÅxÜá i|vàÉÜ|t 9 _tâÜxÇ
Cyprus
Stephan and Debra Summers received full intermediate missionary appointment to Cyprus in March 2011 and are the only UPCI missionaries under appointment to that country. During their Cyprus AIM assignment, they taught Bible studies, established a church in the city of Larnaca as well as two preaching points on the island, and were involved in the translation of church materials into Arabic and Greek. Their plans while living in Cyprus are to study both Greek and Arabic, initiate Bible school programs for both international and national students in Cyprus, plant churches and work within the existing structure to promote leadership development for local ministry.
This poster and other info is available online at: www.globalmissions.com
April 2011
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Freedom to Worship And Fellowship
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By Kathleen Vandevender
W
hat a blessing to have fellowship with the saints of God! Recently Medford Life Church had a progressive dinner with those who wanted to participate. It was of course a success, or I would not be writing about it. I feel it is imperative to thank the participants, as they do not have to be a part, if they chose not to be. Therefore, this statement: “Thank you to all who participated in preparing food for our Progressive Dinner and all who participated by enjoying the food and fellowship! Thank you to our Hospitality Committee for planning this event for our enjoyment! How sweet it is for “brethren to dwell together” (Psalms 133:1). To an outsider, it may have looked like total chaos, but to the family of God – it was simply fun and fellowship”. The importance of appreciation is also imperative. While reading the Word of God, often the scripture opens a window into the daily lives of Christians. Windows of opportunity to see how they lived, how they fellowshipped, and how they struggled as they strived to draw closer to God. Instead of progressive dinners, they simply went to visit and “broke bread” together (Acts 2:46). Good fellowship and good conversation is always in order for the children of God. It’s our down fall when we falter and begin finding fault with those we love, those around us. We all have our faults and failures, and the Lord knows them. No sense in discussing them with others …… “take them to the Lord and leave them there”.
Being part of or in the Ministry for over 35 years and being raised by a Pentecostal Preacher gave me a little insight into what people will allow themselves to carry and what they refuse to take on. You can watch people and see whether they left their burdens at the alter or at the door, or whether they decided to hang on to them and bring them on in and set them on the pew next to them. Often the folks who make the decision to lay their troubles on the alter; leave rejoicing, free from those burdens of life that want to drag us down spiritually. What an awesome difference when we believe that the Lord is still in control and will take care of our burdens. The difference in hanging on to those burdens or issues is the freedom felt in the presence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We cheat ourselves when we do not “give them all to Jesus”. It remains a choice of the heart. I for one am tired of “hanging on” to issues that I cannot change. And if I can change them – I know I have to get it done! We are only stifling your walk and relationship with God and the people of God. When Paul stated in Philippians 3:13-14: 13 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” These verses of scripture are quite straight forward and yet only demand common sense on
our part, as it did on Paul’s. We can choose to press forward in Jesus and grow in Him. We can choose to be an encourager. We can choose to believe that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. We can choose to be as close to God as we want to be. Ephesians 4:3; Philippians 2:2; 1 Peter 3:8 talk about unity of the body of Christ. Let us choose to be part of the solution and not part of the issue. Let us all become in unity; showing love one for another; drawing closer to the Lord and becoming the true body of Christ. Unity and fellowship are main ingredients for the children of God. There are things of this world that only come to pass when the children of God are unified – moving forward in one accord! Let us enjoy the ability and freedom to worship and fellowship together while we still have the opportunity to do so. God bless you – the Children of the Most High God – Joint Heirs with Him – the Bride of Christ – Privileged People! Wow we are truly a blessed people!◊ ____________________________ K a t h l e e n Vandevender is a pastor’s wife in Medford, Oregon. She holds her Master’s of Science in Management as well as her Master’s of Business Administration. She enjoys writing encouraging notes, singing, and has years of experience teaching adults, ladies, youth, and children the encouraging truths of God’s Word. March 2014 APOSTOLIC ACCENT 9
North American Missions Giving for February Apostolic Worship Center $50.00 Apostolics of Portland - Alldritt $50.00 Bend, True Gospel U.P.C. $90.00 Corvallis, United Pentecostal Church $50.00 Florence, Apostolic UPC $30.00 Grace Point Ministries $25.00 Hillsboro, Bethel U.P.C. $50.00 Klamath Falls, United Pentecostal Church $50.00 Oregon City, United Pentecostal Church $565.00 Redmond, Heights Pentecostals $50.00 Springfield, United Pentecostal Church $20.00 Total $1,030.00
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This message is to inform you that CHRISTMAS FOR CHRIST officially broke the $3 million goal today, Thursday, March 6th. On behalf of North American Missionaries of Oregon, we thank you for your giving that has pushed us over the top in world-wide giving! We know that saints sacrificed, pastors pushed and together we made it happen. Because of your all-out effort, more missionaries will be blessed, more churches planted and together we will rejoice in Advancing the Kingdom. We also had an UP year financially in the state of Oregon. This will enable us to continue ministering to our North American Missionaries in an effective manner. Steve Hanson Oregon NAM Director
What can you do to encourage a Home Missionary? By Steve Johnson With your time else is needed to help carry the load. -Above all else, pray for them. With your resources -Babysit their children to give them a date -Get them an occasional gift card to eat out or night. have coffee. -Consistently help with the physical needs -Cover their expenses for some time to relax of the church, such as setting up and taking out of town such as time at a campground, a down what is needed for the church services, trip to the beach, or elsewhere. cleaning the facilities, snow removal, etc. -Provide what is necessary for a special speaker -Faithfully assist with outreach. bless them. -Stay in touch, be a friend. -Surprise them with a bag of groceries. -Give both the husband and wife some “Crazy With your talents Money� to spend on whatever they want -Repair/maintain their vehicle and any church without feeling guilty for doing so. vehicle as needed. ___________________________________________ Steve Johnson is the pastor of True Gospel UPC in Bend, -Provide meals when sickness strikes the family. Oregon. He also serves as the section 4 presbyter and -Assist with the sound equipment, section 4 NAM director for the Oregon District. bookkeeping, teaching classes, and whatever March 2014 APOSTOLIC ACCENT 11
I Know Abraham for HE WILL COMMAND HIS CHILDREN By David Reynolds
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“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” Genesis. 18:19
need than God’s Word and God’s would be sitting up front or with plan for the family? my parents. I had no problems In holding with Bible Principles with talking or ‘gum chewing’ in the man is to protect and provide church --my father saw to that. for his wife and children. This God Even today I have no problem given role is being challenged and determining where I will be on any turned upside down. Men today given Sunday --I will be in church. do not know how they are to Dad commanded then and I still act, they are uncertain as to their hear his marching orders. function as well as their role; this 2. ”To do Justice and Judgment” has lead to inaction and a vacuum There should be no question as The family, under God, is not a democracy! We are all equal in has developed in place of family what principles will be followed in your home. worth but have been assigned leadership. There should be no n y All justice and definite and differing roles within A question as what institution judgment the family structure. Contrary to principles will be followed must be modern day thinking there is a that has no based upon line of delegated authority and leadership this authority is mandated by soon flounders. Any vacuum does God’s Word, but, all judgment not so remain for long, so the must also have an enforcer for God Almighty. “ But I would have you know, wife or even the children are in there to be justice. Men -- God has made you the enforcer. that the head of every man is command in our homes today. Men, God expects you to be in Men, your children will never Christ; and the head of the woman command in your own family. To learn justice and judgment is the man; and the head of Christ be a dictator? No! To take assertive unless they see it modeled and is God” I Cor. 11:3 This scripture plainly shows leadership? Yes! Especially in enforced. Men, God will hold you that the family, as in the church, spiritual things. God knew that responsible for commanding your is designed to be a “Theocracy”. Abraham would “Command his children and your household. God is the head of the family and children and his household after You need no other authority than God’s Word. Use your authority He has delegated this ‘head ship’ him.” How? 1. ”They shall keep the way of wisely, lovingly and prayerfully to the man within the family. the Lord” --but assertively assume your With this responsibility comes the There was no question or debate command. authority to command his own “In matters of taste, float with household. God expects him to in my home, growing up, as to the provide benevolent leadership for principles we were following or the waves. In matters of principle, his family in the major decisions. to the priorities within my family. stand like a rock.” Thomas Man is the manager of the family. God’s ways and God’s house took Jefferson◊ Good managers always ask for president. My father ‘commanded’ ____________________________ David Reynolds has impute before making a decision, it so. There was no discussion as to been the Minister of where I would Discipleship at Portland but the decision Pentecostals since is made and the Men today are uncertain be at church 2007. He is a graduate of Conquerors Bible responsibility as to their authority, time --I was to College, Cascade College, assumed; by thus they are not taking be in church. Portland State University No high School and post graduate work the manager. the lead. at the University of He served as function ever a teacher, assistant Oregon. Men today are Principle & Principle. took me out of Since retiring from public education he has uncertain as to their authority, traveled extensively to over 37 countries thus they are not taking the lead. church. There was no negotiation preaching & teaching in Bible Schools and What greater authority do you as to where I was to sit in church --I has written several books on Education, The Family & Parenting.
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Everyone welcome!!! West Coast ACTS Student Convention April 30 - May 2, 2014 Palace of Praise 6750 SW 198th Ave Aloha, OR
Special Guest: Evangelist Chris Green
May 2, 2014 5:00 p.m. ACTS Business Mtg before rallyACCENT at PalaceMarch of Praise 14 evening APOSTOLIC 2014
Wednesday, April 30 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Track Competition held at Hare Field*, 1151 NE Grant St, Hillsboro, OR (Directions to Hare Field are on the website) 2:00 p.m. BBQ at Palace of Praise 3:00 p.m. Orientation at Palace of Praise 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Volleyball and Basketball Pre-finals Competition held at South Meadows Middle School*, 4690 SE Davis Rd, Hillsboro, OR (Directions on website) *Competition locations tentative, watch for updates. Thursday, May 1 8:30 a.m. Prayer 9:00 a.m. Devotion/Judges Meeting 9:30 a.m. Jr. Performance events & other activities 12:00 noon Pizza and Soda available for $5 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Evening Rally, Evang. Chris Green 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Junior Awards 8:30 - 9:30 p.m. Top Ten Junior performances. Basketball/Volleyball Finals following the service. Snack bar will be open after service. Friday, May 2 8:30 a.m. Prayer 9:00 a.m. Devotion 9:30 a.m. Sr. Performance events & other activities 12:00 noon Lunch at reasonable cost will be available on campus 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Evening Rally, Evang. Chris Green 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Senior Awards 8:30 - 9:30 p.m. Top Ten Senior performances (Rally, Awards & Top Ten will be streamed live both nights at www.oregonacts.org )