Wisconsin District neWs April 2013
REMEMBER ME: The BRO. J. E. PUTNAM
WI District Superintendent
Wisconsin District News WDN EDITOR Craig Lundt PO Box 688 Beloit, WI 53512 wdn@wisconsinupci.org WDN SECTIONAL REPS Section 1: Loretta Lundt Section 2: Carole Keller Section 3: - Open Section 4: April Peckham Section 5: Kathy Fry WDN Proofreader: Dede Sharp DISTRICT OFFICERS Superintendent: Rev. John E. Putnam Secretary-Treasurer: Rev. E.A. Kaske Honorary Board Member: Rev. John Grant PRESBYTERS Section 1: Rev. Charles Welch Section 2: Rev. James Booker Section 3: Rev. Ed Herman Section 4: Rev. Rufus Parker Section 5: Rev. Paul Bennett DEPARTMENTS Foreign Missions: Rev. M.W. Rogers Home Missions: Rev. Rick Keilley Deaf Ministry: Renee Strand Ladies Ministries: Sis. Barb Hilderbrand Sunday School: Rev. Dale Pace Youth Ministries: Rev. Tim Vik Revival Commission: Rev. Michael Hook Multimedia Ministry: Rev. Scott Jacobs Men’s Ministry: Rev. Steve Rogers Music Ministry: Sis. Darlene Boyte Purpose Institute: Rev. J.D. Putnam Prayer Force: Rev. Don Rogers FUNDAMENTAL DOCTRINE The basic and fundamental doctrine of this organization shall be the Bible standard of full salvation, which is repentance, baptism in water by immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the initial sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. We shall endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit until we all come into the unity of the faith, at the same time admonishing all brethren that they shall not contend for their different views to the disunity of the body.
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LUKE 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. The sign nailed to the cross…over and above the Lord’s head, was written in letters in three languages. The statement written was…“THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Written in Latin, Greek and Hebrew… the statement was to be heralded throughout the world. There, hanging on the old rugged cross, was the Lamb of God; slain from the foundation of the world. The Word made flesh hung between the heaven and earth that He, and He alone, spoke into existence. The blood that flowed through His being was now being poured out upon a wooden altar, fulfilling what Moses penned centuries ago. Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. (KJV) To the common man this scene depicted judgment against a man by His own people for “blasphemy,” that is, making Himself a God. However, to those who heard Him speak and teach, to those who understood the scripture, they recognized that this was no common, ordinary man hanging on this cross.
Jesus was executed between two other individuals who were being judged for stealing. The one on His right chimed in with the voices standing around the cross shouting…Luke 23:35…He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. 36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, 37 And saying, if thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. Their crying out to Christ was the culmination of the statement…“If you are who you say you are, then come down from that cross and prove it!” However, the thief on the right side realized that he deserved to be judged, and that his execution was justified by the life that he had led. His cry was quite different than the others…Luke 23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. The cry of this sinner was “REMEMBER ME!” If it were possible to take a poll of those who will read this article, and you
e Cry of the Sinner were asked the question about eternal judgment, I wonder which thief you and I would identify with. Would you be one that is always asking God to prove Himself? Would it be you that is always questioning God’s whereabouts and His direction for you in life? Would it be you that would be crying out, “If you are the Christ, come down and fix my situation, fix my problems.”? Or would you identify with the thief on the right side that recognized that you’re not a victim, but that you have caused your own situations in life and recognize that without the help of a Savior, you’re hopeless? Would it be you that would be crying out, “REMEMBER ME!”? Perhaps the thief on the right had heard that Jesus was the son of a carpenter! Perhaps he recognized that this was a man that was educated in a profession that “fixed” things, and “made” things. And perhaps he had heard of the lives that Jesus “fixed” prior to this hour of pain and agony on this hilltop called “Calvary.” Evidently he had heard of the “kingdom” that Jesus was identified with. Thus he said…Luke 23:42…Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
Jesus Christ answered both of these thieves’ requests that day! He answered the one on His left by proving that He was the Christ by staying on the cross. For when His body was taken down from the cross…He was the lamb for sinners slain. Though lifeless in flesh, He had accomplished His mission in coming. He gave Himself a ransom for us all! As for the cry of the thief on the right, He did remember him…Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Jesus Christ has made the way for all sinners to cry out “remember me!” It doesn’t matter what situation you are experiencing right now, Jesus is able to “fix” it. You don’t have to worry if He will make it right. You don’t have to spend your breath asking Him to prove who He is. All you need to do is believe that HE IS and that HE…Ephesians 3:20…is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen Lord Jesus…“REMEMBER US ALL!”
Apostolic Truth Church Appleton WI March 17
“7 baptized in the precious name of Jesus today! It was a great day” Sis. Heather Soto posted Sunday night. Awesome to see what God is doing at ATC and Life Point. Jacque
Righteous Alternative Youth Ministries (POFC) March 23
Congrats to Terrance, Fernando, Bridget Mendoza, Kaden. They got the HG last night at the rally. Many of you got a good refilling. Lets keep the momentum going. Proud of u all.
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38 April 2013
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BY LORETTA LUNDT District Conference: leaders gathering, ministers teaching, God moving, souls growing closer to God. Also, food, fellowship, and fun! The leadership of our state gathered again for their annual conference, March 19-21, at the beautiful Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake. Each congregation, with a minister present, will benefit from the teachings of Rev. Carlton Coon from St. Louis, MO, Rev. Ken Gurley from Pearland, TX, and Sis. Joanne Putnam. Rev. Coon taught on Pastoral Authority: what it is and what it is not. Rev. Gurley’s message was on Ministerial Ethics and Etiquette (Buddy the Bull). Sis. Putnam talked to the ladies about guarding our hearts. You can read more about this at her website: stressedorblessed. com. During the men’s morning session, Bro. Gurley talked about having true J.O.Y. ( Jesus, others and then, yourself ) and that 2013 is a revival of backsliders. A tongues and interpretation message stated that there will be a “Parade of Prodigals.” The conference ended with teaching on outreach by Rev. Coon, called Natural Kingdom Growth. Monies were raised for each guest missionary: Ray & Judy Nicholls from Poland - $8,800, Lenny & Kathy Smith from Antigua $15,250, Roger & Becky Buckland, Regional Field Directors of the Pacific Region - $9,200. During the daily business proceedings, the following department leaders were re-elected: Bro. Kaske – WI District Secretary, Bro. Albertson – Sunday School Secretary, Bro. Demos – Youth Ministries Secretary and Bro. Keilly – Home Missions Director. After many years of service, Sis. Aloma Turner stepped down as Ladies’ Ministries Secretary; replacing her is Sis. Pam Parker.
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Rev. Carlton Coon
Rev. Ken Gurley
Bro. E.A. Kaske
Bro. Rick Keilly Bro. Geoff Albertson
Sis. Pam Parker
Bro. Phil Demos
April 2013
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Saturday
BY MELISSA TAYLOR Hyphen Conference 2013 “Mission” was another spiritual-equipping time for Wisconsin young adults who are on their “missions.”
Friday
After a great time of worship, Bro. Joe Hanthorn spoke about “The Mission that Lies Beyond the Mess,” helping young adults understand how God will turn their mistakes into His mission for them. The Valley of Achor in Joshua 7:24-26 was a place of destruc-
tion, but God promises to turn this valley into a gateway of hope in Hosea 2:15. Bro. Adam Shaw, visiting minister for the conference, preached “Called in Crisis,” which revealed that young adults live in a time of great uncertainty: careers, relationships, health, etc. Today’s generation is jaded and disappointed. Bro. Shaw encouraged young adults to stop praying for answers and start praying for revelation, so that they can help their generation in crisis.
The conference broke into break-out sessions. Sis. Melissa Campbell spoke about essential relationships that young adults must have in their lives. Bro. Andy Alexander spoke about the importance of a campus ministry and how to start a campus ministry on a college campus. Bro. Ron Schuenke spoke about personal evangelism. After the break-out sessions, the conference featured three speakers that focused on different aspects of the “Mission” theme. Bro. Chris Jansen encouraged young adults to “be” in his message called, “The Seven Be’s.” Be a servant. Be you. Be a friend. Be thick-skinned. Be accountable. Be committed. Be humble and ready to move forward. Bro. Todd Trapani’s ses-
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15 sion, “Authentic Life Ministry,” inspired young adults to find unique ways to serve God and be a light to the world that fit their talents, personalities and even hobbies. Bro. Adam Shaw wrapped up the conference with a message entitled, “The Kingdom.” He urged young adults to realize that their own small lives are part of God’s grand narrative. Young adults who may feel insignificant are a part of something larger: God’s Kingdom.
Sis. Melissa Campbell speaking in her break-out session called “Essential Relationships”
Bro. Adam Shaw
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Bro. Andy Alexander
Bro. Tim Peters (Wisconsin District Hyphen Coordinator)
Bro. Joe Hanthorn
Bro. Todd Trapani
Hyphen Drop Cards for listening to audio of conference
Joseph and Melissa Campbell
Left to right: Armendina Vik, Melissa Campbell, Joseph Campbell (Section 2 Hyphen Reps), Tim Vik, and Bro. Adam Shaw.
Bro. and Sis. Ron Schuenke
Bro. Chris Jansen (and family)
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— The Word made flesh in a M BY DON ROGERS On Friday, March 15th, at Victory Christian Academy, twelve students were baptized in Jesus’ name. Four students came out of the water speaking with other tongues. The other eight had received the Holy Ghost already. This is the first time in the school’s history so many students were baptized at one time. Students received God’s Word made real in their flesh, as they became broken with repentance for New Tes-
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tament water baptism according to the apostles’ doctrine. The parents of many of these students are unchurched, but signed permission slips for their students to be baptized. At VCA, students experience morning devotions and weekly chapels from both the staff and area UPC pastors who come to minister to the children. Brethren such as Bro. Hanthorn, Bro. Newble, Bro. Steve Rogers, Bro. Tim Vik, Bro. Mike Brownie, and others too numerous to men-
tion have come to preach to the students. Over 92 students have received the Holy Ghost since the school opened in September of 1999. VCA is an accredited school through Marquette, serving grades K4 through 8th grade. Their staff is required to have degrees and certification. Its founder, Sis. Vyon Rogers, has labored for Christian education for 33 years. She has mentored many children who are now second generational Pentecostals and are
still serving in ministry. Some have even returned to work for VCA as teachers. VCA promotes multicultural education with an emphasis on life-long learning. VCA fosters a sexual abstinence program annually, called “Worth the Wait.” It has an 83% success rate for young men and women who choose to abstain from sex until marriage. VCA has a 75% rate for students attending college upon graduation. VCA is affiliated with a UPC church, The Pentecostals of Wisconsin.
Milwaukee apostolic school —
April 2013
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BY SIMON CHAPPELL Friday, March 15th saw over 350 youth gather at Abundant Life Apostolic Church in Oconomowoc. This was a combined sectional event with youth from Sections Two and Three invited. A few young people from Section One were also present because of the special guest speak-
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er, Pastor John D. Putnam, from Sheboygan Falls. Pastor Putnam preached a powerful message, drawing from the account of Esau selling his birthright to Jacob for the price of a bowl of soup. The altar was full afterwards, and then everyone enjoyed snacks and games in the fellowship room and the gym.
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BY DON ROGERS Bro. John E. Putnam ministered recently in Panama for a national conference of around 3,000 Panamanians. Despite the fact that his mother passed away while he was en route to Panama, Bro. Putnam allowed God to use him in a tremendous way. The people received three very powerful lessons on faith, ministerial ethics, and doctrine. He really made some grass roots connections with the leaders, as they showed a great unity
and respect for the visiting ministers. During the conference, one of Wisconsin’s own ministers, Bro. and Sis. Larry Decker, were newly appointed in Panama. The worship, prayer, and preaching were very intense, with a great hunger for the Word of God by the people of Panama. Please pray for the Deckers and revival in Panama, as this country is on the cutting edge of a great endtime move of God.
MOTHER’S MEMORIAL (AD) 12
April 2013