Page 3—New Year’s Greeting Page 4—Ghana International Friendship and Peace Conference Page 7—Creating International Friendships Using Families, Communities and Nations
Advertisements Page 8—Set Times Website Page 12—StayNCommitted.com Page 13—First Fruit Offering Page 15—Stay Connected with SDMI
Page 9—Opening Address Presented by Mrs. Mfon Agnes Gowon
Page 21—2007 Breakthrough
Page 11—Friendship and Peace in the World Especially in Africa
Page 24—ICMF Revival
Page 22—ORU Concert
Page 14—New 9:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Service Page 16—Mexico: Mission Accomplished Page 23—Calendar of Events
Cover Page Art Credit: Gwendolyn Brown Content Page Photo Credit: www.istockphoto.com Page 2—The Set Times
THE SET TIMES
From Drs. Curt and Linda Stennis, Pastors and Overseers
NUMBER 6, VOLUME 1
Drs. Curtis and Linda Stennis Executive Editors Gwendolyn Brown Layout, Art Work and General Photography
Article Transcription Jully Reynolds Guest Columnist Mfon Agnes Gowon Ghana and Nigeria, West Africa Guest Photography Maria Mercado (Mexico) Agnes Gowon (Ghana) Donzell “Puney” Collier (Bilingual Service) Dontrell “Big Guy” Collier (Bilingual Service) Cover Art Work Gwendolyn Brown
IStockphoto.com Supplemental Images Published 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
Salvation and Deliverance Ministries International In Covenant Ministries Fellowship
Happy New Year! Doors for the Gospel of Jesus Christ continue to open throughout the nations. This expanded “new” edition will showcase ministry highlights locally and from around the world. Your faithful support is being used to transform lives in many ways. Our gifts of compassion to those in need fulfill Psalm 41 and opens their hearts to the Gospel. We assure you that the families in these regions are grateful. Words cannot express the amazing things God is doing. Through In Covenant Ministries Fellowship we are building and developing partnerships with key pastoral leaders and people of influence all over the world. We have been asked to start a Bible college for pastors in Kenya and to establish a resident mission facility in Ghana. We also adopted an orphanage with great need in Ghana. New opportunities are emerging to reach many with the compassionate hope of Jesus Christ. This year our itinerary includes travels to Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Venezuela, Spain, Guatemala and other areas for missions and crusades. Together, we can make a difference in 2007 for the Kingdom of God.
Page 3—The Set Times
Friendship
Foundation
International
and
Women in the Lord’s Vineyard hosted their first International
Friendship
and
Peace
Conference – NGOs “A Tool In God’s Hand” on November 28 – 30, 2006.
Founder and
CEO Mrs. Mfon Agnes Gowon (a Salvation and Deliverance member since 1999) hosted this event along with Mr. George Eric Okyere at the Earl Beam Hotel in Accra, Ghana. Ghana (West Africa), with its year round tropical climate, is known for its cultural, historical, business and convention tourism.
Accra is the
beautiful capital city which rests on the Atlantic coast. freedom
The official language is English and of
religion
is
guaranteed
by
the
constitution.
and charities play a very important role to the poor and indigent in Africa and other countries. Many of them gather and distribute emergency relief supplies during wars and crisis, distribute medical supplies in rural villages and provide shelter for the homeless. Others provide care for children with AIDS, dig wells for water; the list is almost endless. During the conference Drs. Curt and Linda were interviewed by the Sun Newspaper of Nigeria and they were featured in The Encourager Magazine, an international magazine published by Friendship Foundation.
Chicago’s renowned
philanthropist and television talk show host Oprah Winfrey consented and endorsed The Encourager
Magazine by autographing the
Drs. Curt and Linda Stennis were invited as the
cover of the first launch edition. She also shared
distinguished guest speakers to minister in this
her
conference with delegates from Ghana, Nigeria,
magazine.
the United Kingdom and the United States. Drs. Stennis shared ideas, concepts, and insights to strengthen
the
Organizations
many
Non-Governmental
(NGOs) charities, ministries,
and businesses that were in attendance. NGO’s
personal
testimony
of
success
in
the
The conference concluded with a powerful time of
intercessory
prayer,
prophetic
ministry,
healing and edification. In 2007 the conference will be in Lagos, Nigeria.
Erik George Okyere of Ghana introducing Drs. Stennis for an afternoon session.
Drs. Stennis with the sisters of Mrs. Mfon Agnes Gowon.
Conference attendees enjoying praise and worship.
Special session to introduce The Encourager magazine.
Drs. Curt and Linda being interviewed by The Sun Newspaper of Nigeria.
By Dr. Linda Stennis It is a fact we are responsible spiritually to God for other people. We are our brother’s keeper. Ephesians 2:5 – 6: Even when we were dead in sins (God) hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved). And God hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. I Corinthians 12:25 – That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it, or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.
Pictured Above: Dr. Linda Stennis with Friendship Foundation CEO Mrs. Agnes Mfon Gowon
A world wide trend has emerged in our day that has radically changed the way business, politics and information services operate. Explosive advances are being made because people are connecting to
increase benefits for everyone. The “Key” word to international friendships and NGOs is “connecting.” The trend is called “networking” and we can all agree that it is the wave of the future because it is so effective. The world is advancing throu gh the int ernet and international friendship shall advance through what we will call N o n - G o v e r n m e n t a l Organizations (NGOs) Kingdom Net! Through the power of networking, families, communities, and nations can help each other. Networking is simply enhancing life by sharing resources through relationships and connections. The Kingdom Net (NGOs) depend on these relationships and connections as the “core” of its power. Kingdom Networking has (Continued on page 8)
(Continued from page 7)
the unlimited potential to bring the downtrodden, poor, the sick, and the lost into the Kingdom of God. Like so many successes in our day, networking succeeds because God invented it. Networking is a reflection of the divine pattern of interdependence and unity God has ordained for the church. The Body of Christ is in essence, the greatest network ever invented. We must view the NGOs as a network. When we read Ephesians 4:16 “From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.” The early church networked to share resources so effectively that not one among many thousands lacked for anything (Acts 4:34). Jesus declared a powerful reality. In Matthew 13:47, He said “the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto a net.” When Jesus spoke to the people who were gathered on the shores of Galilee, He
skillfully painted a picture in their minds of a huge fishing net. Thousands of connecting knots held the net together and made it an amazing fishing tool. We need to use the same picture in our minds. We must view NGOs as a grand net stretched all the way from the United States of America to Africa, Central America, Asia, the United Kingdom, South America, China, and Russia and so on. The NGOs are joined together like the interconnecting cords of a net. As we link international relationships and share our resources, we become a powerful tool for catching lost souls and helping the less fortunate. NGOs are a network of strategy, vision, methods, teaching and training. Relationships (not politics) are the main source of strength in NGOs networking. Without a vision, people perish (Proverbs 29:18). Purpose is essential to Kingdom Networking and a clear and compelling mission is vital to creating international friendship. Dr. Linda delivered this address at the Ghana International Peace Conference, November, 2006.
SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW Question: Did you misplace your Set Times? Answer: Don’t worry! Question: Did you share it with a friend who has not returned it? Answer: Relax, let them keep it! You can now visit our Media Ministry Website at www.settimes.org to view the current and back issues of The Set Times Add us to your list of favorite websites!
OPENING ADDRESS PRESENTED BY MRS. MFON GOWON, PRESIDENT OF FFI 2006 INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP AND PEACE CONFERENCE Today governments are preoccupied with provision of basic amenities. Try as they could the fact remains that the efforts fall short due to competing needs of the people. The national income is sometimes incapable of meeting the ever increasing social economic needs of the population. While national income stagnate or increase arithmetically, the contending needs rise geometrically. In Nigeria, the most populous black nation in the world, the population is in the excess of 150 million. This figure alone with wide land mass and scattered citizens and immigrants make nonsense of the budget of N1.5 trillion. Hence, it is unable to take care of health, good road network, portable water, security and other basic amenities. Like in Ghana and the demand and funds are almost demand are the disasters, ethnic, clashes.
indeed most African countries, competition for government the same. But beyond the frequent cases of conflict, religious, communal or other
Sometimes, these leave us with serious refugee problems, orphans, widows and amputees as it is the case in some West African countries recently. At the national level, we have to contend with problems of internally displaced persons (IDPs). That is where the challenges fall on NonGovernmental Organizations (NGOs). A visit to some of these refugee camps will expose you to the pains and agony of the victims. Hungry, sickly faces stare at you, parents; especially women watch their kids sandwiched by flies as the kids lay for dead. Such camps in most cases lack basic provisions like water and toiletries. Even in the period of peace, no matter how fragile that is, one discovers at some villages portable water is a luxury; and access to medication is far from the residents. Villagers die at the least attack of mosquitoes and the like. Several organizations have responded and are still responding to these needs. RED CROSS or
(Continued from page 9)
RED CRESENT, UNICEF, FORD FOUNDATION, ROCHAS OKOROC HA FOUNDATION, SALVATION ARMY, BILL AND MELINDA GATES FOUNDATION, MOTHER AND CHILD FOUNDATION, and other God sent NGOs around the world have been visible in providing needed and at the expense of their lives, we see them drying tears from widows eyes, taking care of orphans and the million AIDS victims in Africa and the world over. This is a strong evidence of friendship - one that transcends borders, race and creed. If you ask me, I will say such love was epitomized by our Lord Jesus Christ. While we acknowledge the role of these donors without borders, we must recognize the fact that these humanitarian activities thrive on strong financial muzzle. The fund comes from donor agencies, grants, and “grant-in-aide.” That is why we at Friendship Foundation International (FFI) are fired by this the quintessential roles of these agencies and individuals, who make their funds available to put smiles on the faces of downtrodden people.
someday for our actions. Hence, I challenge NGOs in the continent to make judicious use of donor fund to alleviate poverty, thereby earning donor confidence. Governments should also step up their disaster control plans to enable them to respond promptly to cases of flood, fire, and the like which cause a lot of problems to the people. At the general level, I must speak on disaster mitigation and centrality of peaceful coexistence to conflict avoidance. The fact is that we have same root whether black or white we are God's creations and should exhibit his cardinal qualities - love, justice, power, and wisdom. Love and friendship eliminate hatred. That is where we avoid conflict, I don't want to leave you with a lengthy speech, but hope I have provoked your thought and set agenda for this August gathering though taking place in November. I welcome all of you from far and near. I wish you fruitful deliberation in our effort to continue to put smiles on the faces in the discharge of humanitarian services.
However, it has been observed that a measure of donor apathy or donor fatigue is common these days. In most cases the fatigue is not borne out of paucity of fund, but as a result of donor's displeasure over integrity of some NGOs. I strongly believe that the conference will address this. We strongly frown at diversion of donor funds. At FFI and indeed our NGOs, it is our conviction that donor funds should be utilized for purposes intended. That, to us, will encourage the donor and the beneficiaries of the fund. Rebuilding donors’ confidence, therefore, is pivotal to the heart of the convener of this conference. The strategies for achieving these, I hope, will be itemized by the various speakers. Noteworthy in this case is Godly fear and good conscience. The Big Father (God) is watching you and we shall be accountable
Dr. Linda Stennis ministering to conference host Mrs. Mfon Gowon.
By Dr. Curt Stennis Our NGOs are in the same position as a surfer waiting for a wave. God is preparing us now for an awesome movement of His Spirit that will include the nations of the earth. Our timing and posture are vital and our success d e p e n d s o n P o s it io n a n d Anticipation. The wave of God’s Spirit is arising and it is essential that we are fully positioned to catch it as it comes. At Pentecost (Book of Acts) the first wave spilled out into the streets, villages and nations, quickly overtaking the world. This next wave of the spirit will be likewise. It will be a wave of friendship, peace, power, love, miracles, signs and wonders that will overflow into our homes, our businesses and our communities. The overflow of the Spirit of God will be the essential element in
establishing peace and friendship in Africa and the world. Zechariah 4:6 “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts.” NGOs, like the church, is far more than an organization. It is an organism – living, changing and growing. Rather than being “frozen in time,” the church develops and adapts to changing circumstances while retaining its essential nature and mission. The believers at the Antioch church left the comforts of their own surroundings to travel and evangelize for the Lord (Acts 11:29). The church at Antioch was a church of diversity. Barnabas was a Jew and a Levite. Simeon (called Niger, literally “black” was likely a black man. Lucius, probably a Gentile was from the African colony of Cyrene. Manaen was from the privileged levels of (Continued on page 12)
Pictured Above: Dr. Curt Stennis praying for the prayer requests of the NGOs.
(Continued from page 11)
society, having a close childhood connection with Herod the Tetrarch. Saul was a former Jewish Pharisee who was highly educated, and who grew up in a strongly Gentile environment. Yet all of these men, who were radically and socially different from one another, were counted among the same company of prophets and teachers. There was no segregation or bigotry at Antioch. They all blended into a ministry team that changed the course of world history. You are changing history right now! This conference is history in the making. In the Book of Ezekiel 34th, chapter versus 22 – 31, God prophesized to the prophet Ezekiel concerning Israel. Verse 25: “And, I will make with them a covenant of peace.” The definition
of covenant is an agreement, a pact or a promise. The Living Bible says “I will make a “peace pact: with them. Verse 26 says “I will make my people and their homes around my hill a blessing and there shall be showers, showers of blessings for I will not shut off the rains but send them in their seasons.” Verse 27: Their fruit trees and fields will yield bumper crops, and everyone will live in safety. Webster’s New World Dictionary defines bumper crops as unusually abundant. Ezekiel’s 37th chapter is about the resurrection of the dry bones – the coming together of the whole house of Israel. This also represents the coming together of the Body of Christ from every nation and tongue.
Dr. Curtis delivered this address at the Ghana International Peace Conference, November, 2006.
Dear Partners and Friends,
We begin every New Year by honoring God first and setting aside a First Fruit Offering. It is our act of worship and giving of thanks for God’s grace given to us for another year. The New Year represents a new horizon, a new beginning, and another opportunity to serve God and make a difference in our world. The principle of putting God first runs throughout the Bible. Proverbs 3:9-10 says “Honor the Lord with thy substance and the first fruit of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Our New Year First Fruit Offering is one of the ways in which we reverence God. We set aside the first, the best for the Best! In Exodus 23:14-19 God required the children of Israel to come to Jerusalem three times a year. They were instructed to worship, bring an offering and come into the house of the Lord. None were to appear before Him empty-handed. Everyone was to bring a first fruit offering. Because they were obedient to keep this covenant, God sent an angel before them to keep them and lead them. God also promised to bless their daily provision, take sickness away from them and drive out their enemies. We encourage you to sow a First Fruit Offering with us in the first month (January) of 2007. Together, we will see the Glory of the Lord among us.
Honoring Him, Drs. Curtis and Linda Stennis Page 13—The Set Times
Our first Bilingual Service held on Christmas Eve Sunday December 25 at 9:00 a.m. was a success with many families from the community and area shelters in attendance. This bi-lingual service is a fulfillment of a prophetic word spoken to Drs. Curt and Linda regarding an early morning service that would reach the Hispanic residents of Humboldt Park, Logan Square and Wicker Park communities. The ministry’s recently purchased bus was in operation to provide transportation for those who came from the area shelters. Psalmist Martin Loredo, III (pictured above), his wife Joy and Promise 7 led the worship service providing a variety of Christmas songs in Spanish and English. Psalmist Martin shared an exciting sermon and Gina DeValle provided Spanish translation. A continental breakfast followed the service and all children ages 1 – 10 received a bag of toys and a bag of fruit, candy and other goodies. The service continues every Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. followed by Sunday School from 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. and our Sunday Celebration at 11:00 a.m.
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 7733-227-2500 or visit our website at www.promise7.org. Page 15—The Set Times
Page 16—The Set Times
Drs. Curt and Linda teamed with Pastor Nathan Mercado (Dallas, Texas) for crusade services and missions to underprivileged children in the Copper Canyon region of Chihuahua, San Juanito, and Creel Mexico on December 5 – 10, 2006. Chihuahua is a state in Mexico and its capital city bears the same name. Copper Canyon is a group of five major canyons which are four times the size of the United States’ Grand Canyon. The Tarahumara Indians live in the canyon caves and open sites. Equipped with new gym shoes, socks, Bibles, school supplies, toys, toiletries, candy and other assorted items, the team headed to the mountains of Creel (7,700 feet) each day to share the gospel and distribute gift bags to the poor. Despite the chilly temperatures (28º - 30º) in the Sierra Mountains, each day brought a harvest of souls and smiling faces as the children received salvation and many gifts. Each night there were crusade services in the mountain city of San Juanito with families accepting Jesus Christ and many receiving healing and deliverance. The many testimonies include a local pastor who was deaf in one ear but during the crusade the healing anointing brought restored hearing to her ear. A twenty one year old man, dumb since birth, heard and spoke words his family said were previously impossible. A young girl had suffered a crippling arthritic disease throughout her body was delivered and began doing various things in the service she had not been able to perform previously. The crusade moved to the city of Chihuahua for the final two days. A mighty explosion of the Holy Spirit took place at the Inglesia Dios Es Amor Church under the pastorate of Elias Valas. Pastor Valas, an anointed Psalmist, led worship and Drs. Curt and Linda along with Pastor Mercado preached the Word of God and ministered healing to those in attendance. We achieved our goal and mission was accomplished!
another The Tarahumara Indians receiving mission gifts in Creel..
A mother and daughter (who just received new shoes) share a picture with Dr. Linda.
Children receiving shoes on the streets of Creel.
Dr. Curt and Pastor Edgar Gonzalez ministering to husbands in San Juanito.
Families giving glory to God in the San Juanito Crusade.
Dr. Linda sharing a word of knowledge in the evening crusade while kids rejoice.
Drs. Stennis enjoying praise and worship.
Page 18—The Set Times
Door to door evangelism in the mountains of San Juanito.
Little girls pause for a picture with new socks and shoes.
A mother fitting shoes on her son in Creel.
A San Juanito residence shares his hospitality in his one room cabin home.
A San Juanito resident receiving prayer in her home.
Dr. Linda preaching and leading people to Jesus Christ in the Chihuahua crusade.
Dr. Curt preaching the Word of God in Chihuahua.
Families awaiting the distribution of gifts.
Pastor Nathan Mercado preaching to orphaned children in Chihuahua.
Closing service at Iglesia Dios Es Amor church in Chihuahua. Page 20—The Set Times
Pastor Nathan and wife Maria in Chihuahua.
Page 22—The Set Times
Quarter 1 Events, 2007 INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS Venezuela Crusade The Mercy Center Caracas, Venezuela March 25—31, 2007 Host Pastor: Raphael Moro
MINISTRY EVENTS Victory Sunday Sunday, January 7, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. Speakers: Drs. Curt and Linda Stennis January Breakthrough Sunday, January 21, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. Guest Speaker Prophet Kervin Smith Kervin J. Smith Ministries, Eden Prairie, MN Extraordinary Worship Concert Special Guest: Oral Roberts University Worship Team Guest Speaker: Pastor Edgar Gonzalez, Puerto Rico Thursday, February 1, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
February Breakthrough Sunday, February 18, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. Guest Speaker: Dr. Mildred Harris God First Ministries, Chicago, IL February Breakthrough Sunday, February 25, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. Guest Speaker: Pastor Don Clark The Eagle’s Nest Worship Center, Calumet City, IL
In Covenant Ministries Fellowship Spring Crusade and Revival March 15—16, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Nightly Guest Speaker: Pastor Nathan Mercado River of Compassion Ministries, Dallas, TX
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