Thank you for signing up to receive Connections, an e-newsletter from the Church of God of Prophecy International Offices. Here you will find the latest news and information on upcoming ministry events. We hope you enjoy all that you will read here. Send us your comments and thoughts by emailing connections@cogop.org.
In this E-Mail. . .
1. 100 Days of Prayer Update
2. Mission News: Out of Court with Victory in Guinea Bissau
3. Youth Conference Cancellation: A Message from Youth Ministries Director Palma Hutchinson
4. January is Stewardship Emphasis Month
5. Tomlinson Center Online Begins Third Semester
6. News From North America
7. Transitions at the International Offices
8. Upcoming Events
9. To Unsubscribe
100 Days of Prayer Update
In our Upper Room devotion at the International Offices a week ago we prayed for the leaders of the church all around the world. The Spirit entered that prayer time and quickened a divine moment of fervent prayer for these wonderful men and women.
Cathy Payne of Womens Ministries was inspired to send a brief email out letting them know that they were in our prayers in a season of intercession visited by God. We were all so blessed to hear responses flowing back of how encouraging prayer connecting can be. We can only imagine the actual infusions of grace as prayers are flowing from all involved in the 100 Days of Prayer. Here are some of the responses:
Thank you for standing with Kenya and your prayers. - Cyril Odendo, Kenya
Greetings, I am well and the whole body of Christ in Cameroon is progressing. I want to thank you for sending a prayer for me and Cameroon. I am expecting a Great move of God. God bless you. - Your brother James Mayeke, Cameroon
Thanks so much for the precious prayers by you and the international staff. I am presently in Azerbaijan. This is a Muslim country and life for Christians has its challenges. But thank God his people remain faithful. - John Doroshuk, CIS
Thank you for the word of encouragement that prayer is going on for those of us who have spent most of our lives on the field. Blessings from the Lone Star State of Texas. - Hector Ortiz, Texas
Thank you for words of encouragement. It certainly is refreshing and exciting to know that we serve a God that knows how to use the members of the Body of Christ to minister to His body, His people and His church. Your prayers are what help all of us to keep on keeping on. God bless you and have a great day! - Raul Torres, Colorado
Your message today has touched me deeply and I am so grateful for all of you precious people who pray for us. We love you and Soula and I pray for you everyday. - Michael Charalambous, Cyprus
Thank you so much for this word of encouragement and faith. We are faced in this area with many challenges, one being finding pastors for our people. God is so faithful and this territory is excited about what God is doing. We have pastors now for all the churches except one. Praise the Lord and we love you so much. - Rick & Theresa Lee, Northwest Territory
Thank you for this encouraging word and the reminder of your prayers. I am often humbled by the knowledge that some of the most precious people ever created are holding Robin and I up in prayer. We feel those prayers and acknowledge our need of them. God bless you. - Ken Baker, South Carolina
Greetings in a wonderful name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Thank you for your prayer for us at the International Offices and thank you for words of encouragement. - God bless, Brother Zebua, Indonesia
Thanks for the thoughts and the email, but more importantly for your prayers. I leave early tomorrow to organize another new church in St. George (southern Utah) on Friday night. - Wallace Pratt. Idaho
100 Days of Prayer Directives for 11/12 – 11/25
Week Seven: Local Churches
11/12 Spiritual Growth
11/13 Body Ministry
11/14 Evangelism, Witness
11/15 Discipleship, Disciple Making
11/16 Community Service Ministries
11/17 Childrens Ministry and Outreach
11/18 Youth Ministry and Outreach
Week Eight: Pastors
11/19 Energized in Grace
11/20 Inspired in the Word
11/21 Empowered by the Spirit
11/22 Activated in Leadership
11/23 Endued with Vision
11/24 Anointing Stirred
11/25 Support from Flock
For more information, contact: Shaun McKinley, Administrative Liaison to the General Overseer by e-mailing shaun@cogop.org or call (423) 559-5209
Out of Court with Victory in Guinea Bissau
A pastor hears the Macedonian call and leaves his church in the impoverished nation of Liberia, West Africa, uproots his family, and plants the first Church of God of Prophecy in the neighboring country of Guinea Conakry.
Good growth and developing leadership put the work in this nation on an excellent path. Peter Koyea, the Liberian church-planter, felt that gospel-launching call again and went into Guinea Bissau to pioneer another church in virgin territory. The unrelenting focus on reaching people, amazing sacrifice, and the incredible results are evident in one of Brother Peters recent communications: Even though I am presently in Bissau planting our first church as by the grace of God, yet, He is doing more in our work in Conakry with our churches experiencing revivals, growth...with some having space problems at the moment. Little did I know that the Lord was so real while I was in Liberia. But He has made Himself known to me more and has made me to know better why He called me when I ventured out into missions.
In recent days this courageous church planter has shared the intense attack coming against him in Guinea Bissau because of the life-changing power of the gospel. His note has a New Testament flavor in exemplifying the tremendous work of the Spirit in delivering those in spiritual darkness and the resulting counterattack from the enemy of Gods kingdom. Brother Koyea writes: It all started when a boy 19 years of age by the name Constatinho gave his life to Christ through one of our house evangelisms. We did not know by then that the house we went to preach to belong to the Djambacus, a tribal priest. We were not properly received but were able to preach Jesus with many interruptions from the inhabitants of the house and at last we were asked to leave. After some time Constatinho visited one of our weekly services and gave his life to Christ. His uncle, the Djambacus, got to know and every time the boy came to church, he would come and ask him to come out of the church. Yesterday the boy was in our baptism class and cut the juju rope from his waist and gave it to be burnt after the teachings. The uncle beat him and threatened to make him mad by means of juju [witchcraft] and the boy fled. The uncle then took us to the court alleging that we have kidnapped his son after he came to our house this morning, raining insults and curses on us. We spent the whole day at the court until Brother Julio, one of our members, a member of the military personnel came and signed for us and we are to reappear in court on Monday, November 6, 2006.
Brother Peter wrote to ask us to join him in persistent prayer. The court had his passport, residency permit and other documents, the loss of which would be catastrophic since he is not a native of Guinea.
Two days after getting Brother Peters plea for prayer we received another email from him that outlined the scope of Gods deliverance. When he appeared in court the judge ruled in Brother Koyeas favor dismissing the charges against him, fined the juju man 100,000 Cfa (about $200), and warned him not to attack the church since he would be held responsible for any action taken against the church in the future. Brother Peters praise is contagious, We thank the Lord for taking control and putting a stop to what the enemy intended...praise God we are only fighting from victory to victory.
How You Can Help
- Pray for young Brother Constatinho who will probably have to go to live with another relative in Gambia since he has stirred the animosity of the town by breaking with the rules of their tradition
- Pray for Brother Koyea and the church in Guinea Bissau that they will be bold to declare the testimony of Jesus
- Pray for wisdom as Brother Koyea disciples new believers, develops leaders and establishes the work
- Share this testimony with your church on Sunday, November 12th, which is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, and pray for these courageous believers around the world
For more information, contact: Retha Frankland, Global Outreach Ministries by e-mailing retha@cogop.org or call (423) 559-5203
Youth Conference Cancellation: A Message from Youth Ministries Director Palma Hutchinson
By now youve received the notice that our 2007 Youth Conference has been cancelled. I have received e-mails and phone calls expressing disappointment and sorrow of this news. I know how disappointing it is. I feel the same way. Youth Conference is the only opportunity that I have to connect with youth and youth leaders on a broad scale. So, I tried very hard with many tears, prayers and persuasion not to have to make the decision to cancel. Obviously to no avail. To go ahead with a youth conference in 2007 would conflict with and perhaps negatively impact another ministry here at the International Offices. Even if the possibility of impact is slim, the perception remains and I dont want that.
The Youth Conference ministry has been a blessing in this Church for many years. God gave then International Director, Billy Wilson, the vision for mobilizing young people and youth leaders for a time of inspirational worship and training. This ministry has touched many lives; reached many nations; brought the love of Jesus to communities through compassion ministries; equipped and released leaders into the work of the ministry and continues to have an impact in many other ways.
Over the past years the Youth Conference ministry has refocused its vision and goals to provide forums for authentic worship, effective spiritual formation, vulnerable sharing, mutual encouragement, open-minded dialogue, deeper learning, endless diversity, boundless creativity, unbridled passion for Christ, and unselfish giving. This ministry will continue to re-focus, re-imagine the possibilities, and remain relevant, vibrant and effective.
Id like to encourage everyone to look at this disappointing time as a blessing in disguise. This will give my Youth Council an opportunity to come together for prayer and planning. We will revisit the vision, goals and objectives of the Youth Conference Ministry. We will hold up the conference in light of the needs of youth, youth leaders, local churches and communities. We will examine Gods heart to see where He is working in ministry to youth. We will look to the future in light of the transition that our Church is in at the moment and we will follow Christ as He leads. We will keep you updated with news of upcoming youth conferences.
This will also give us an opportunity to concentrate fully on the Youth Leadership Training Conference and Retreat scheduled for September 25-30, 2007 in Kingsport, Tennessee. This is the first of this type of week-long intensive youth leadership training. This Training Conference and Retreat is being planned to meet the two top needs of youth leaders in the Church of God of Prophecy: (a) leadership training, equipping and resourcing; and (b) accountability and rest.
The conference has another underlying purpose. We are working hard to make this an international gathering of youth leaders and workers. We are sponsoring leaders from as many nations of the world as possible to attend this training conference. Theres a deep desire in my heart to see this generation and the ones emerging to connect in meaningful ways to the Church of God of Prophecy. I want to communicate to young people and youth leaders that the Church of God of Prophecy has many great things to offer in terms of ministry, relationships, and fellowship as well as a strong desire to please God. This is not an exclusivist statement. I am proud of my church. Im happy to be a part of this church - to be a leader in this church. I choose to be a part of this movement and I want youth and young leaders to know that, in spite of obvious flaws, there are still worthwhile reasons to be loyal to, serve in and be a part of this movement.
My hope and desire is that by connecting youth leaders globally, we will put a face to our ethnic, racial and cultural diversity; our vast array of gifts and talents; the many and diverse ministries that God is raising up; and to experience the unique fellowship that is a God-given gift to this Church. This time will also be a unifier as we work together with God and each other to fulfill our mandate in the earth.
Id like to invite you to do several things: (1) join us in prayer that God will miraculously provide the finances we need to sponsor most of the International Leaders; (2) encourage your local church to send their youth leaders (as well as senior pastors, parents, emerging leaders, adult volunteers) to this training conference and retreat; and (3) please share with me any thoughts or observations you might have.
God bless you as we serve Christ by serving others.
Palma R. Hutchinson, International Youth Ministries Director
For more information, contact: Palma Hutchinson, International Youth Ministries by e-mailing yvonne@cogop.org or call (423) 559-5304
January is Stewardship Emphasis Month
Since 1998, Stewardship Ministries has promoted stewardship during the month of January. For seven years we wrote and produced a stewardship manual consisting of four sermons, four adult, youth, and children lessons.
At the General Assembly this year, we introduced a DVD series instead of a manual. These work especially well for bible studies, small groups, and Sunday school classes. The DVD includes thirty minutes of teaching by Jan Couch, Stewardship Ministries Director. A CD includes the handout materials and facilitators questions. The series includes Tithing (Part I and II), The Spending Plan, Living Debt Free, Saving for Retirement, Why Have a Will, and The Financial Structure of the Church (for new membership classes). All seven are available from the Stewardship Department for $50. Another great resource is www.generousgiving.com.
Begin now to develop a stewardship emphasis month for your church. When stewardship is taught two or more consecutive times, giving increases 20% or more. People are blessed and the harvest is funded.
For more information, contact: Liz Walters, Stewardship Ministries by e-mailing liz@cogop.org or call (423) 559-5109
Tomlinson Center Online Begins Third Semester
On January 10, 2007, the third semester of the Tomlinson Center continues online, offering three classes: Wisdom Literature taught by Jack Anderson, Jr., Gospel of John taught by Dr. H. E. Cardin and Minor Prophets taught by Tim Harper
These classes fit the special Certificate of Ministry that will be awarded as one pursues the SACS accredited Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts (6 hours of intermediate foreign languages) in Christian Ministries, with emphasis in the Bible, awarded by Lee University. COGOP students received an initial discount/scholarship award through the CAPS (Center for Adult and Professional Studies) program of Lee University. In addition, an appointed COGOP pastor or leader will qualify for another 50% tuition scholarship which will be awarded after the student has successfully completed a semesters studies. That is, a COGOP member will pay $131 per credit hour, instead of the $412 per credit hour if that same class were taken on Lee University campus.
Classes Required for Certificate Program:
- Intro to the OT - BIB 101
- Intro to the NT - BIB 102
- Methods of Bible Study - BIB 261
- The Gospel of John - BIB 204
- The Synoptic Gospels - BIB 312
- The Pastoral Epistles - BIB 304
- Minor Prophets - BIB 313
- Wisdom Literature - BIB 303
Eight courses, three hours for each course, 24 hours for the certificate program. Fifty-percent of the hours must be earned by way of the Tomlinson Center in order to receive the Certificate of Ministry. The balance of the hours must be accepted by Lee and the director ensuring satisfaction of certificate requirements.
To register or for more information, contact: Dr. H. E. Cardin, Tomlinson Center Director by emailing tccogop@aol.com or call (423) 559-5324. Application and more may be found at www.TomlinsonCenter.Com.
News from North America
The following new churches have been organized in North America since the 2006 General Assembly. We welcome these congregations to our fellowship and pray for their continued growth.
Beaver Dam, KY - Southeast Spanish Overseer, Bishop Ben Feliz reports this church was organized by Aparicio David with twenty-six members.
Wilsonville, OR - A new Spanish church was organized by Overseer Wallace Pratt with twenty members. Raul Lazaro is the appointed pastor.
St. Catherine, Ontario - The national overseer of Eastern Canada, Bishop Levi Clarke organized a church in St. Catherine with nineteen members. The Pastor is Bishop Albert Dawkins.
Tulare, CA - California Overseer Bishop Jeffery Davis has organized a Spanish church in Tulare with forty-six members. The appointed pastor is Felipe Angulo.
Madison, AL - Bishop L. V. Jones, State Overseer of Alabama has organized a church in Madison with nine members. John George is appointed as pastor.
Also, a praise report gleaned from the North Carolina Knee-Mail states, The Lord is still moving might at Franklinton. We are in our 8th week of revival. Over eighty people have received salvation and many have testified of sanctification and being filled with the Holy Ghost and being physically healed. Many people have returned home.
For more information, contact: Melva Pohlner, North American Presbyters Office by e-mailing mpohlner@cogop.org or call (423) 559-5256
Transitions at the International Offices
The International Offices announces the following transitions in the month of October:
Judith Diaz, retiring from Spanish Voice of Salvation in Puerto Rico
Shaun McKinley, to Administrative Liaison to the General Overseer from Associate Pastor at Peerless Road Church (Cleveland, TN)
Ada Millie Medina, leaving World Language Department to be a stay at home mom
Darren Schalk, to Sunday School Curriculum Editor from White Wing Director of Marketing
Michael Schalk, to White Wing Director of Marketing
Upcoming Events
November
Fort Walton Beach, FL – Gulf Shores Ladies Retreat, November 17-19, 2006
February
Salisbury, MD - East Coast School of Ministry, February 1-2, 2007
March
Warda, TX - Texas Relational Ministry Conference, March 16-17, 2007
Newark, NJ – Atlantic Northeast Ladies Retreat, March 30 – April 1, 2007
April
Murphy, NC – Easter Program, April 7, 2007
England – European Ladies Retreat, April 13-15, 2007
Cleveland, TN - Leadership Development Institute, April 17-21, 2007
Alix, Alberta - Western Canada Center for Biblical Leadership Conference, April 23-27, 2007
Toronto, Ontario - East Canada Leadership Development Institute, April 30-May 4, 2007
May
Des Moines, IA - Great Plains Ladies Retreat, May 4-6, 2007
Cleveland, TN - Institute of Childrens Ministry, May 23-26, 2007
Greeley, CO - Colorado Relational Ministry Conference, May 11-12, 2007
Murphy, NC - Gospel Concert at Fields of the Wood, May 26, 2007
For more information, contact: Shaun McKinley, Administrative Liaison to the General Overseer by e-mailing shaun@cogop.org or call (423) 559-5209
If You Enjoyed Connections. . .
If you enjoyed reading Connections, please take a moment to forward it to your friends and church family.
In this E-Mail. . .
1. 100 Days of Prayer Update
2. Mission News: Out of Court with Victory in Guinea Bissau
3. Youth Conference Cancellation: A Message from Youth Ministries Director Palma Hutchinson
4. January is Stewardship Emphasis Month
5. Tomlinson Center Online Begins Third Semester
6. News From North America
7. Transitions at the International Offices
8. Upcoming Events
9. To Unsubscribe
100 Days of Prayer Update
In our Upper Room devotion at the International Offices a week ago we prayed for the leaders of the church all around the world. The Spirit entered that prayer time and quickened a divine moment of fervent prayer for these wonderful men and women.
Cathy Payne of Womens Ministries was inspired to send a brief email out letting them know that they were in our prayers in a season of intercession visited by God. We were all so blessed to hear responses flowing back of how encouraging prayer connecting can be. We can only imagine the actual infusions of grace as prayers are flowing from all involved in the 100 Days of Prayer. Here are some of the responses:
Thank you for standing with Kenya and your prayers. - Cyril Odendo, Kenya
Greetings, I am well and the whole body of Christ in Cameroon is progressing. I want to thank you for sending a prayer for me and Cameroon. I am expecting a Great move of God. God bless you. - Your brother James Mayeke, Cameroon
Thanks so much for the precious prayers by you and the international staff. I am presently in Azerbaijan. This is a Muslim country and life for Christians has its challenges. But thank God his people remain faithful. - John Doroshuk, CIS
Thank you for the word of encouragement that prayer is going on for those of us who have spent most of our lives on the field. Blessings from the Lone Star State of Texas. - Hector Ortiz, Texas
Thank you for words of encouragement. It certainly is refreshing and exciting to know that we serve a God that knows how to use the members of the Body of Christ to minister to His body, His people and His church. Your prayers are what help all of us to keep on keeping on. God bless you and have a great day! - Raul Torres, Colorado
Your message today has touched me deeply and I am so grateful for all of you precious people who pray for us. We love you and Soula and I pray for you everyday. - Michael Charalambous, Cyprus
Thank you so much for this word of encouragement and faith. We are faced in this area with many challenges, one being finding pastors for our people. God is so faithful and this territory is excited about what God is doing. We have pastors now for all the churches except one. Praise the Lord and we love you so much. - Rick & Theresa Lee, Northwest Territory
Thank you for this encouraging word and the reminder of your prayers. I am often humbled by the knowledge that some of the most precious people ever created are holding Robin and I up in prayer. We feel those prayers and acknowledge our need of them. God bless you. - Ken Baker, South Carolina
Greetings in a wonderful name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Thank you for your prayer for us at the International Offices and thank you for words of encouragement. - God bless, Brother Zebua, Indonesia
Thanks for the thoughts and the email, but more importantly for your prayers. I leave early tomorrow to organize another new church in St. George (southern Utah) on Friday night. - Wallace Pratt. Idaho
100 Days of Prayer Directives for 11/12 – 11/25
Week Seven: Local Churches
11/12 Spiritual Growth
11/13 Body Ministry
11/14 Evangelism, Witness
11/15 Discipleship, Disciple Making
11/16 Community Service Ministries
11/17 Childrens Ministry and Outreach
11/18 Youth Ministry and Outreach
Week Eight: Pastors
11/19 Energized in Grace
11/20 Inspired in the Word
11/21 Empowered by the Spirit
11/22 Activated in Leadership
11/23 Endued with Vision
11/24 Anointing Stirred
11/25 Support from Flock
For more information, contact: Shaun McKinley, Administrative Liaison to the General Overseer by e-mailing shaun@cogop.org or call (423) 559-5209
Out of Court with Victory in Guinea Bissau
A pastor hears the Macedonian call and leaves his church in the impoverished nation of Liberia, West Africa, uproots his family, and plants the first Church of God of Prophecy in the neighboring country of Guinea Conakry.
Good growth and developing leadership put the work in this nation on an excellent path. Peter Koyea, the Liberian church-planter, felt that gospel-launching call again and went into Guinea Bissau to pioneer another church in virgin territory. The unrelenting focus on reaching people, amazing sacrifice, and the incredible results are evident in one of Brother Peters recent communications: Even though I am presently in Bissau planting our first church as by the grace of God, yet, He is doing more in our work in Conakry with our churches experiencing revivals, growth...with some having space problems at the moment. Little did I know that the Lord was so real while I was in Liberia. But He has made Himself known to me more and has made me to know better why He called me when I ventured out into missions.
In recent days this courageous church planter has shared the intense attack coming against him in Guinea Bissau because of the life-changing power of the gospel. His note has a New Testament flavor in exemplifying the tremendous work of the Spirit in delivering those in spiritual darkness and the resulting counterattack from the enemy of Gods kingdom. Brother Koyea writes: It all started when a boy 19 years of age by the name Constatinho gave his life to Christ through one of our house evangelisms. We did not know by then that the house we went to preach to belong to the Djambacus, a tribal priest. We were not properly received but were able to preach Jesus with many interruptions from the inhabitants of the house and at last we were asked to leave. After some time Constatinho visited one of our weekly services and gave his life to Christ. His uncle, the Djambacus, got to know and every time the boy came to church, he would come and ask him to come out of the church. Yesterday the boy was in our baptism class and cut the juju rope from his waist and gave it to be burnt after the teachings. The uncle beat him and threatened to make him mad by means of juju [witchcraft] and the boy fled. The uncle then took us to the court alleging that we have kidnapped his son after he came to our house this morning, raining insults and curses on us. We spent the whole day at the court until Brother Julio, one of our members, a member of the military personnel came and signed for us and we are to reappear in court on Monday, November 6, 2006.
Brother Peter wrote to ask us to join him in persistent prayer. The court had his passport, residency permit and other documents, the loss of which would be catastrophic since he is not a native of Guinea.
Two days after getting Brother Peters plea for prayer we received another email from him that outlined the scope of Gods deliverance. When he appeared in court the judge ruled in Brother Koyeas favor dismissing the charges against him, fined the juju man 100,000 Cfa (about $200), and warned him not to attack the church since he would be held responsible for any action taken against the church in the future. Brother Peters praise is contagious, We thank the Lord for taking control and putting a stop to what the enemy intended...praise God we are only fighting from victory to victory.
How You Can Help
- Pray for young Brother Constatinho who will probably have to go to live with another relative in Gambia since he has stirred the animosity of the town by breaking with the rules of their tradition
- Pray for Brother Koyea and the church in Guinea Bissau that they will be bold to declare the testimony of Jesus
- Pray for wisdom as Brother Koyea disciples new believers, develops leaders and establishes the work
- Share this testimony with your church on Sunday, November 12th, which is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, and pray for these courageous believers around the world
For more information, contact: Retha Frankland, Global Outreach Ministries by e-mailing retha@cogop.org or call (423) 559-5203
Youth Conference Cancellation: A Message from Youth Ministries Director Palma Hutchinson
By now youve received the notice that our 2007 Youth Conference has been cancelled. I have received e-mails and phone calls expressing disappointment and sorrow of this news. I know how disappointing it is. I feel the same way. Youth Conference is the only opportunity that I have to connect with youth and youth leaders on a broad scale. So, I tried very hard with many tears, prayers and persuasion not to have to make the decision to cancel. Obviously to no avail. To go ahead with a youth conference in 2007 would conflict with and perhaps negatively impact another ministry here at the International Offices. Even if the possibility of impact is slim, the perception remains and I dont want that.
The Youth Conference ministry has been a blessing in this Church for many years. God gave then International Director, Billy Wilson, the vision for mobilizing young people and youth leaders for a time of inspirational worship and training. This ministry has touched many lives; reached many nations; brought the love of Jesus to communities through compassion ministries; equipped and released leaders into the work of the ministry and continues to have an impact in many other ways.
Over the past years the Youth Conference ministry has refocused its vision and goals to provide forums for authentic worship, effective spiritual formation, vulnerable sharing, mutual encouragement, open-minded dialogue, deeper learning, endless diversity, boundless creativity, unbridled passion for Christ, and unselfish giving. This ministry will continue to re-focus, re-imagine the possibilities, and remain relevant, vibrant and effective.
Id like to encourage everyone to look at this disappointing time as a blessing in disguise. This will give my Youth Council an opportunity to come together for prayer and planning. We will revisit the vision, goals and objectives of the Youth Conference Ministry. We will hold up the conference in light of the needs of youth, youth leaders, local churches and communities. We will examine Gods heart to see where He is working in ministry to youth. We will look to the future in light of the transition that our Church is in at the moment and we will follow Christ as He leads. We will keep you updated with news of upcoming youth conferences.
This will also give us an opportunity to concentrate fully on the Youth Leadership Training Conference and Retreat scheduled for September 25-30, 2007 in Kingsport, Tennessee. This is the first of this type of week-long intensive youth leadership training. This Training Conference and Retreat is being planned to meet the two top needs of youth leaders in the Church of God of Prophecy: (a) leadership training, equipping and resourcing; and (b) accountability and rest.
The conference has another underlying purpose. We are working hard to make this an international gathering of youth leaders and workers. We are sponsoring leaders from as many nations of the world as possible to attend this training conference. Theres a deep desire in my heart to see this generation and the ones emerging to connect in meaningful ways to the Church of God of Prophecy. I want to communicate to young people and youth leaders that the Church of God of Prophecy has many great things to offer in terms of ministry, relationships, and fellowship as well as a strong desire to please God. This is not an exclusivist statement. I am proud of my church. Im happy to be a part of this church - to be a leader in this church. I choose to be a part of this movement and I want youth and young leaders to know that, in spite of obvious flaws, there are still worthwhile reasons to be loyal to, serve in and be a part of this movement.
My hope and desire is that by connecting youth leaders globally, we will put a face to our ethnic, racial and cultural diversity; our vast array of gifts and talents; the many and diverse ministries that God is raising up; and to experience the unique fellowship that is a God-given gift to this Church. This time will also be a unifier as we work together with God and each other to fulfill our mandate in the earth.
Id like to invite you to do several things: (1) join us in prayer that God will miraculously provide the finances we need to sponsor most of the International Leaders; (2) encourage your local church to send their youth leaders (as well as senior pastors, parents, emerging leaders, adult volunteers) to this training conference and retreat; and (3) please share with me any thoughts or observations you might have.
God bless you as we serve Christ by serving others.
Palma R. Hutchinson, International Youth Ministries Director
For more information, contact: Palma Hutchinson, International Youth Ministries by e-mailing yvonne@cogop.org or call (423) 559-5304
January is Stewardship Emphasis Month
Since 1998, Stewardship Ministries has promoted stewardship during the month of January. For seven years we wrote and produced a stewardship manual consisting of four sermons, four adult, youth, and children lessons.
At the General Assembly this year, we introduced a DVD series instead of a manual. These work especially well for bible studies, small groups, and Sunday school classes. The DVD includes thirty minutes of teaching by Jan Couch, Stewardship Ministries Director. A CD includes the handout materials and facilitators questions. The series includes Tithing (Part I and II), The Spending Plan, Living Debt Free, Saving for Retirement, Why Have a Will, and The Financial Structure of the Church (for new membership classes). All seven are available from the Stewardship Department for $50. Another great resource is www.generousgiving.com.
Begin now to develop a stewardship emphasis month for your church. When stewardship is taught two or more consecutive times, giving increases 20% or more. People are blessed and the harvest is funded.
For more information, contact: Liz Walters, Stewardship Ministries by e-mailing liz@cogop.org or call (423) 559-5109
Tomlinson Center Online Begins Third Semester
On January 10, 2007, the third semester of the Tomlinson Center continues online, offering three classes: Wisdom Literature taught by Jack Anderson, Jr., Gospel of John taught by Dr. H. E. Cardin and Minor Prophets taught by Tim Harper
These classes fit the special Certificate of Ministry that will be awarded as one pursues the SACS accredited Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts (6 hours of intermediate foreign languages) in Christian Ministries, with emphasis in the Bible, awarded by Lee University. COGOP students received an initial discount/scholarship award through the CAPS (Center for Adult and Professional Studies) program of Lee University. In addition, an appointed COGOP pastor or leader will qualify for another 50% tuition scholarship which will be awarded after the student has successfully completed a semesters studies. That is, a COGOP member will pay $131 per credit hour, instead of the $412 per credit hour if that same class were taken on Lee University campus.
Classes Required for Certificate Program:
- Intro to the OT - BIB 101
- Intro to the NT - BIB 102
- Methods of Bible Study - BIB 261
- The Gospel of John - BIB 204
- The Synoptic Gospels - BIB 312
- The Pastoral Epistles - BIB 304
- Minor Prophets - BIB 313
- Wisdom Literature - BIB 303
Eight courses, three hours for each course, 24 hours for the certificate program. Fifty-percent of the hours must be earned by way of the Tomlinson Center in order to receive the Certificate of Ministry. The balance of the hours must be accepted by Lee and the director ensuring satisfaction of certificate requirements.
To register or for more information, contact: Dr. H. E. Cardin, Tomlinson Center Director by emailing tccogop@aol.com or call (423) 559-5324. Application and more may be found at www.TomlinsonCenter.Com.
News from North America
The following new churches have been organized in North America since the 2006 General Assembly. We welcome these congregations to our fellowship and pray for their continued growth.
Beaver Dam, KY - Southeast Spanish Overseer, Bishop Ben Feliz reports this church was organized by Aparicio David with twenty-six members.
Wilsonville, OR - A new Spanish church was organized by Overseer Wallace Pratt with twenty members. Raul Lazaro is the appointed pastor.
St. Catherine, Ontario - The national overseer of Eastern Canada, Bishop Levi Clarke organized a church in St. Catherine with nineteen members. The Pastor is Bishop Albert Dawkins.
Tulare, CA - California Overseer Bishop Jeffery Davis has organized a Spanish church in Tulare with forty-six members. The appointed pastor is Felipe Angulo.
Madison, AL - Bishop L. V. Jones, State Overseer of Alabama has organized a church in Madison with nine members. John George is appointed as pastor.
Also, a praise report gleaned from the North Carolina Knee-Mail states, The Lord is still moving might at Franklinton. We are in our 8th week of revival. Over eighty people have received salvation and many have testified of sanctification and being filled with the Holy Ghost and being physically healed. Many people have returned home.
For more information, contact: Melva Pohlner, North American Presbyters Office by e-mailing mpohlner@cogop.org or call (423) 559-5256
Transitions at the International Offices
The International Offices announces the following transitions in the month of October:
Judith Diaz, retiring from Spanish Voice of Salvation in Puerto Rico
Shaun McKinley, to Administrative Liaison to the General Overseer from Associate Pastor at Peerless Road Church (Cleveland, TN)
Ada Millie Medina, leaving World Language Department to be a stay at home mom
Darren Schalk, to Sunday School Curriculum Editor from White Wing Director of Marketing
Michael Schalk, to White Wing Director of Marketing
Upcoming Events
November
Fort Walton Beach, FL – Gulf Shores Ladies Retreat, November 17-19, 2006
February
Salisbury, MD - East Coast School of Ministry, February 1-2, 2007
March
Warda, TX - Texas Relational Ministry Conference, March 16-17, 2007
Newark, NJ – Atlantic Northeast Ladies Retreat, March 30 – April 1, 2007
April
Murphy, NC – Easter Program, April 7, 2007
England – European Ladies Retreat, April 13-15, 2007
Cleveland, TN - Leadership Development Institute, April 17-21, 2007
Alix, Alberta - Western Canada Center for Biblical Leadership Conference, April 23-27, 2007
Toronto, Ontario - East Canada Leadership Development Institute, April 30-May 4, 2007
May
Des Moines, IA - Great Plains Ladies Retreat, May 4-6, 2007
Cleveland, TN - Institute of Childrens Ministry, May 23-26, 2007
Greeley, CO - Colorado Relational Ministry Conference, May 11-12, 2007
Murphy, NC - Gospel Concert at Fields of the Wood, May 26, 2007
For more information, contact: Shaun McKinley, Administrative Liaison to the General Overseer by e-mailing shaun@cogop.org or call (423) 559-5209
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