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It’s Still the Year of Glory! Drs. Stennis give hope and share promises to claim for the remainder of this special year. They also encourage everyone that nothing can change or alter what God said He will perform.
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We Are Ambassadors Drs. Curt and Linda define the specific nature, character and role of those who travel the world representing Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of Heaven.
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Dios Siempre Cumple Sus Promesas Caracas Venezuela Crusade Drs. Stennis and Dr. Nathan Mercado travel to Caracas with a team of twenty to conduct missions, outreach and crusade services.
10 Highlights of Caracas Venezuela Crusade 18 Youth on a Mission John-Paul Stennis challenges the Body of Christ to train youth for world missions. He also shares the benefit young people receive when they “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel. 22 Another Perspective In this personal account of the Caracas trip, Psalmist Karl Adair describes his life changing missions experiences that everyone encounters. 24 East Africa Champions of Destiny Conference Bishop George Odhiambo and staff make preparation to host Drs. Stennis and the In Covenant Ministries Fellowship team. 27 Announcements
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Content Page Photo Credit: www.istockphoto.com
THE SET TIMES NUMBER 6, VOLUME 2
Drs. Curtis and Linda Stennis Editors and Publishers Gwendolyn Brown Layout, Art Work and General Photography Article Transcription Jully Reynolds Staff Writers Karl Adair Kim Franklin Adrianne Grainger Adrienne Greene Calvin Hogan John Paul Stennis Media Resources Jully Reynolds Photographers Dontrell “Big Guy” Collier Donzell “Puny” Collier Contributing Photography John Paul Stennis, Venezuela Crusade Kim Franklin, Venezuela Crusade Nikki Clark, Venezuela Crusade Fred Caldwell, Venezuela Crusade George Odhiambo, Kenya IStockphoto.com Supplemental Images Printed by EHP Creations Hillside, Illinois 708-547-5182 The Set Times is a quarterly publication of Salvation and Deliverance Ministries International, Chicago, Illinois, PO Box 51550, 1540 N. Spaulding Avenue 60651. Email: settimes@promise7.org. General Email Address: salvation@promise7.org. Website: www.promise7.org. ©2007, God Always Keeps His Promises Media Ministries. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. The Set Times has no subscription rate and is supported by our Promise Partners and Members. All donations are tax deductible. This publication is unable to accept unsolicited manuscripts. www.settimes.org editor@settimes.org
IT’S STILL THE YEAR OF GLORY! Dear Friends and Partners 2007 is still the Year of Glory! That’s what the Lord told us to proclaim and what we could expect for this year. We have made our proclamation each month and now we have arrived at the halfway point of the calendar year. There has been some awesome manifestations and impartations thus far. We are sure some of you have faced some challenges in various areas of your life, business and ministry. It’s great if you haven’t experienced any challenges. Some of you are probably wondering “what should I expect for the next six months?” Be assured the promise is still good! There isn’t anything you are facing or will face that can change or alter what God has said or will perform. Shortly, we will experience JULY 7, 2007 (07-07-07). God’s perfect number or number of completion will be highlighted around the globe the same month, the same day, and the same year. Hallelujah! We should all GET READY AND CELEBRATE that day in the YEAR OF GLORY. This alignment of 07-07-07 represents a divine, prophetic, and apostolic shift in the Body of Christ. This is a very significant time and season for the church. It’s the time and season for performance, release, manifestation, breakthrough, fulfillment, change, restoration and TOTAL VICTORY! So we seize, hold fast and retain without wavering the hope that we cherish and confess. Our acknowledgement and declaration of faith in God is reliable (sure) and He is faithful to His Word. God Always Keeps His Promises! Drs. Curt and Linda Stennis
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By Drs. Curt and Linda Stennis
Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20
The Apostle Paul, one of the greatest preacher, missionary, and soul winner in the scriptures, describes us as ambassadors for Jesus Christ. Yes, we are ambassadors for Jesus Christ to the entire world. This job and calling of the ambassador is the greatest calling in the universe and the greatest chief executive officer (CEO) in the whole world, Jesus Christ, employs us. Our employment description can be defined as:
an envoy sent to represent nations and foreign lands.
a diplomatic agent of the highest rank accredited to a foreign government or king.
a representative temporarily sent to act on behalf of the king or country that sent him.
an official representative who is authorized to speak on behalf of the one who sent them with delegated powers to make decisions.
When we travel to the nations we recognize in the realm of the Spirit that we go as ambassadors. We are sent on a mission with specific objectives to be accomplished. We are apostolic in nature and character.
As ambassadors we have been trained to conduct ourselves in a manner of the highest royalty and loyalty. When ambassadors speak they share wisdom and knowledge that bring an end to conflict. They bring solutions that establish peace accords and unity. Ambassadors are sensitive in discerning the shift of times and seasons. As ambassadors of Jesus Christ (The King) and the Kingdom of Heaven, we are endowed with power and authorized to speak in the name of Jesus. The King has delegated our power to us. We have no fear to operate in this power, which redeems, reconciles, and restores those we are sent to help. We do not speak our own words but the words of Him who sent us. As ambassadors of the Kingdom of Heaven we are fully backed, financed, defended and given complete authority. We have the best support team any representative could ever possess. Our support team is the Host of Heaven, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and Ministering Angels. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. So as representatives of the Kingdom, let us be diligent about our Father’s business. “For the king’s business requires haste.”
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The Caracas, Venezuela Crusade was held March 26-April 1, 2007. Drs. Curtis and Linda Stennis traveled to Caracas to conduct this joint evangelism campaign with Dr. Nathan Mercado of Dallas, Texas. This crusade was our largest overseas venture with a team of twenty. The host was Apostle Raphael Moro of Centro Cristiano Nosotros Unidos Fundación of Caracas. Apostle Moro has a unique ministry known as The Mercy Center. It is a resident rehabilitation facility on a 4 acre compound in Caracas. There is a volunteer staff of over 60 people that provide care for the 400 residents. Many of these residents are previous drug addicts, homeless, orphaned children, HIV/AIDS patients, and ex-convicts. The compound includes men, women, and children dormitories, kitchen, dining hall, clinic, bakery, candy store, and a 2,000 seat auditorium. Many people attend the church who are not residents of the program. Apostle Moro, his family, and staff have operated this facility by faith since 1999. Our busy week began Tuesday with a tour of the Mercy Center, a meeting with the crusade staff, and a tour of the city. Caracas is the beautiful capitol city of Venezuela with 11 million people. Wednesday through Friday morning revival services were held at the Mercy Center auditorium tent. The outdoor city wide “Dios Siempre Cumple Sus Promesas Crusade” was launched on Wednesday night at the Caracas Plaza in downtown Caracas and concluded on Saturday night. The evening began with corporate intercessory prayer conducted by the Youth Ministry. Praise and worship resonated throughout the downtown area. The atmosphere was charged with singing, dancing, powerful preaching, and the manifestations of
signs, wonders, and miracles! Thousands were saved and healed. Our mission and outreach activities were held on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. Three teams conducted a massive distribution of children’s clothing, candy, and hearty bags of food to the poor who reside in the surrounding mountains in Caracas. This distribution followed preaching, evangelism, and performances by John-Paul Stennis and The God Always Keeps His Promises Praise Dancers. They ministered in dancing three times daily. Dr. Linda Stennis Women’s Conference The Mercy Center. throughout the city powerful session.
conducted a on Friday at Women from attended this
A special Pastors Conference was held on Saturday at the Paseo del Mercedes Hotel. There were two sessions with Dr. Curt and Dr. Nathan ministering and encouraging the leaders of the city. The closing session included a time of consecration and ordination for apostles, pastors, evangelists, teachers, and prophets. The week long campaign concluded with morning and evening services on Sunday. Hundreds received salvation, restoration, hope, encouragement, and healing. We give thanks to our Heavenly Father who made it all possible.
¡Dios Siempre Cumple Sus Promesas! Mission Accomplished!
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Dr. Linda preaches while Raquel interprets the Friday Women’s Conference.
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Deacon Sherman (left bottom) and Minister Fred Caldwell (right bottom) preach and share personal testimonies while Pastor Abraham Orlang (Orlando, Florida) interprets.
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Dr. Linda with a group of children receiving clothes and candy. A crusade worker taking follow-up information from a new convert. Page 14—The Set Times
Drs. Nathan and Curt prepare food for distribution. Mercy Center residents await start of day service. Inside photo of children’s dormitories at the Mercy Center. Page 15—The Set Times Page
Kim Franklin shares hope and encouragement during outreach and clothing distribution.
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By John-Paul Stennis My entire life I have watched my parents dedicate themselves to the work of the ministry and fulfill the call Jesus commanded to “go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). I admired their passion and diligence for helping and serving others, but I had no idea that one day I would also be a part of international missions. The word had been spoken over my life that I would go to the nations, but I had many doubts and reservations about traveling to other countries that I knew nothing about.
Above: John Paul Stennis among many of the attendants of an outdoor rally in Caracas, Venezuela.
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When the invitation came to our ministry to go to Caracas, I was excited. Little did I know our dance ministry would be included also. Although the invitation was appreciated, I was very hesitant about going based on some personal fears I had. After praying about the trip, I realized that I had to overcome those fears so I could do the work God had called me to do. John 9:4 says, “I must work the works of Him that sent me while it is day, for when night cometh no man can work”. I realized this trip would be a great ministry opportunity for me as a young adult and would open my eyes to new things. As a youth leader, I found the trip to be extremely rewarding; I experienced a great deal and learned a lot from being in another country. Here, in the United States, it is rare that you find young people traveling overseas for missions and ministry work. The focus on many ministries is to build the work of the Lord here within our country, but there is a greater work that must be done outside American soil as well. Acts 1:8 says, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth”. We as the Body of Christ should train more youth to be outreach and missions driven because of all the rewarding factors that come from it. We are in a day and time where Biblical prophecies are being fulfilled, one of which is when our young people rise to their calling and full potential in Christ. Joel 2:28 says, And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions”. We as youth need to get ready for the work God wants to use us for. In Venezuela, our daily regimen included morning worship service, missions and outreach work within the local neighborhoods, conferences, and evening service. For the majority of those activities, the dance team and I ministered. Every time we went forth before the people, they
were blessed by our ministry and it got them excited about what God was getting ready to do in the service. Everyone was so loving and welcoming and expressed their gratitude for us coming to their country. The host church of the week long revival and crusade also had a dance team. We were able to work with them and collaborate our dancing techniques and ideas for a final group performance that was powerful and exciting. A great feeling of joy and unity was shared among us all that was priceless. Together we were able to touch thousands of lives daily. Although we did not speak their Spanish language fluently, we were still able to bond and fellowship with each other. This is because the art of dance and music is universal and reach people all over the world while making a big impact. An important aspect of missions for youth is that you start new friendships with other believers who share the same common goal…spreading the gospel of Jesus to everyone. Matthew 24:14 says, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations”. International mission trips also provide other influential factors that young people can gain from this experience. It teaches you useful communication and organizational skills, punctuality, responsibility, and maturity. These trips also change your thinking and mind set by making you more open and aware to different cultures and lifestyles of other nations that may seem unusual to you. Young people should go on these trips girded up with the Word of God along with prayer and fasting to prepare them for whatever the trip may bring. Isaiah 58:6 says, “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?" Fasting prior to traveling allows the Holy Spirit to
move through you and leave an impact on the places you will visit. These trips are not all about having fun and spending your time sightseeing, young people need to be serious about it as you are going there to minister and do long hours of outreach work. Remember, these trips are about helping others and spreading the gospel to the nations. Often you will encounter opposition from Satan and his demons who try to hinder the flow of the Holy Spirit in the services. Do not be afraid of this; if you prepare yourself physically and mentally along with prayer and fasting before you go, you will have a great time and overcome any obstacle Satan may try to put in front of you and the missions team. Many young people in the church today feel that the work of ministry, outreach, or missions is only for adults but we as youth can get involved as well. You are never too young or too old to do the work of the Lord. There is a great need of assistance and witnessing in other countries that we can take part of by sharing with other young people our personal testimonies of what the Lord has done for us and encourage them to live for God. You will see that the people in other countries are looking for a great revival to sweep their nation; they come to the services thirsty for the Word of God and expecting Him to move on their behalf. As a result, souls will be saved, backsliders will return to Christ, deliverance will take place, and miraculous healing will change lives. Seeing others touched by your ministry and anointing will empower you and give you a greater desire to be an example to the world by living a holy lifestyle that can influence others to come to Christ. Prophet John-Paul Stennis is entering his sophomore year at Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois. He is the Youth Coordinator, sings on both SDMI Worship Teams, and is the Dance Coordinator of The God Always Keeps His Promises Praise Dancers. He is a multi-talented and gifted performer in the arts and dance. John-Paul is the founder of That’s Life Productions Inc, a dance theater and production company.
By Psalmist Karl Adair While riding on the plane to Caracas, Venezuela my first mission trip, I was not sure of what I would encounter. However, I knew the experience ahead would forever change me. Upon day one, I was right. I have always had a passion for worldwide ministry, but never knew how God would get me there. After arriving and touring the outreach facility called, "The Mercy Center,” I was taken away with the attitude of the people we met at the center and later in the villages. They had little or nothing and were under much oppression, but their joy in God remarkably overwhelmed their present circumstances. This experience that I saw enhanced a very key point in a message I delivered while there. I stated that, “your present condition does not determine your position in God.” I really learned this true statement from watching the appreciation these people had for God. These were poor and sick individuals and families and yet they were full of joy and tremendously happy in the Lord. I often think how we in the United States have so much but yet we still complain so much.
Above: Psalmist Karl Adair (with interpreter) exhorts the attendants of an outdoor rally in Caracas, Venezuela.
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Another “mind-boggling� experience was to watch and see how passionate the people were for the presence of God and the involvement they had in worship. I was granted the opportunity to minister individually in song, but also to share with the other team members in ministering some songs in Spanish (a first). Daily as the worship services began the people came ready, they came humble, they came broken, and they came with the mind to worship regardless of anything. To this result, the power of God hit the place so powerful every day that actual signs, wonders, and miraculous healings became amazing to see. Just to think that all this was taking place while simply singing songs in worship but totally surrendering to God. There were people present who were sick, some missing limbs, victims of hit men (assassins), and even those that were former assassins, yet they too were surrendering to God and experiencing miraculous change in their lives. I now know more than ever, what can happen when we as a people truly surrender all to God during our worship services. It does not matter what we have, or what we do not have. All that matters is that we come to God simply yielded and still, and He that will come, will come. The last thing I want to share is simply gratitude. We as Western Christians must begin to have gratitude for how God has blessed us. We must have gratitude for where God has placed us. We must have gratitude for what God has presently made us. Nevertheless, also have gratitude to where God is calling us. We are all called to missions in some way or another, in John 17:18 Jesus says, “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world". The mission fields are not easy. Those who feel called should pray about it, then pray about it, and finally pray about it. Make sure this is what God is really calling you to do. So now is the time, let us break beyond church walls and cultural stereotypes and begin to do what the Lord has called each us to do. Peace.
Drs. Curt and Linda Stennis and members of In Covenant Ministries Fellowship will travel to Kenya for the East Africa Champions of Destiny Conference August 12-20, 2007. The East Africa delegation of pastors, ministers, and churches are from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Republic of Congo, and Rwanda. Bishop George Odhiambo (Joint Outreach Evangelism Ministries) is the host of this week long conference that will be held on the grounds of The Christian Discipleship Center in Busia, Kenya. He is also the East Africa Coordinator for In Covenant Ministries Fellowship.
The pre-conference crusade begins a week prior with an outdoor campaign of outreach and evangelism that includes special activities for youth. The Conference begins August 12 and is structured to minister to the entire family. There are workshops and classes for all ages with three main worship services daily. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served to all who attend. Bishop George believes this will be the best conference ever and stated he expects the glory of the Lord in every service and 10,000 to be in attendance!
Pictured Above: Bishop George and Sis. Mary Odhiambo at Sepia Falls, Uganda.
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Our Promise Partners are an integral part of the ministry and your seed faith offering help us accomplish the following:
Send out local missions teams to minister weekly in Prison Boot camps, nursing homes, feed the homeless and participate in other outreach opportunities.
Enable Drs. Curt and Linda and their team to preach the Gospel in other cities and countries. This includes healing rallies, training local Pastors, hosting workshops to equip believers in their region, and build and feed orphans.
Continue to publish and send “The Set Times” magazine, books and media products across the globe.
As the Lord of the Harvest adds more partners to help us we are able to win more souls and encourage more believers.
Become a Promise Partner Today. Call 773-227-2500 or visit our website at www.promise7.org.
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Quarter 3 Events, 2007 International Missions West African Healing Crusade Festac Town, Nigeria October 2—10, 2007 Reverend Dr. V.U. Ihuoma, Host Pastor Senegal African Crusade and Medical Missions with Dr. Richard Roberts Oral Roberts University February 18—24, 2008 Dakar, Senegal
07-07-07 Celebration All Night Prayer and Praise Friday and Saturday, July 6-7, 2007 10:00 p.m.- Until Birthday Celebration Honoring Dr. Linda Stennis Sunday, August 12, 2007 11:00 a.m. Women Moving Forward for God Ministries Outdoor Praise and Worship Festival Saturday, August 25, 2007 Begins at 12 Noon Youth Explosion September 6—9, 2007
Missions Sunday Sunday, September 30, 2007 11:00 a.m. Women’s Fellowship Anniversary Service Saturday, October 13, 2007 5:00 p.m. Pastoral Appreciation Service Sunday, October 21, 2007 11:00 and 4:00 p.m. Pre-Thanksgiving Family Feast And Concert Sunday, November 11, 2007 11:00 a.m. Worship, 2:00 p.m. Feast 3:30 p.m. Concert
For these and other events, including information on our speakers, visit our website at www.promise7.org. Event times and dates are subject to change. Outside Events: Please call or visit the website of the sponsoring ministry for more information.
Drs. Curtis and Linda Stennis, Senior Pastors P.O. Box 51550 1540 N. Spaulding Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60651-2459 www.promise7.org 773-227-2500