Vol. 77, No. 2 October 2015

VO I C E O F T H E A PPA L AC H I A N C O N FER EN C E O F T H E I PH C

2015 Fall District MeetingsTheme: “It Takes a Church to Raise a Disciple”

Sunday, November 8, 6 p.m. – Bluefield/McDowell DistrictsBluewell – Voice of Praise – N. R. Taylor, Pastor

Monday, November 9, 7 p.m. – Central Virginia/Shenandoah Valley DistrictsChurch of the Upper Room – Elkton – Barbara Hensley, Pastor

Tuesday, November 10, 7 p.m. – Roanoke/New River Valley DistrictsHarbor of Hope – Richard Kingrea, Pastor

Wednesday, November 11, 7 p.m. – East Tennessee DistrictThrive Ministry – Rick Becker, Pastor

Thursday, November 12, 7 p.m. – Southwest Virginia DistrictWord of Life – Wytheville – Jason Greene, Pastor

Friday, November 13, 7 p.m. – Central West Virginia DistrictBeckley Praise – Paul Chapman, Pastor

Saturday, November 14, 6 p.m. – Greenbrier DistrictCovington Solid Rock Ministries – Pam Irvine, Pastor

Everyone is welcome!

VOICE OF THE APPALACHIAN CONFERENCE OF THE IPHC

Bishop’s PagePRESTON MATHENA

ORGAN CAVE (BETHEL) PHC CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF MINISTRY

As prayers and plans began being made for a centennial celebration, the Lord immediately gave us the vision for a series of tent revival meetings. We knew in our heart this type of event was the perfect celebration needed to honor the heritage of our past, offer a community environment, and above all else, create an atmosphere where Almighty God could be praised and glorified as the One who made one hundred years of ministry a reality.

With the vision set before us, the pieces began to come together. With precision that only heaven could have supplied, every needed component to ensure a smooth-running celebration event fell into place. Some would question, why all the trouble for a tent revival? Little did they understand the eternal value that eight days of tent revival would contain for 35 precious souls, for during this centennial celebration, there were 18 who came into right relationship with Him under the tent, along with 17 young people who made a decision for Jesus Christ during children’s church that was offered during the revival.

However, the flow of divine blessing wasn’t limited to only sins being washed away. There were baptisms in the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues. There were addictions and strongholds broken from people’s lives. But not only did we see a great period of spiritual renewal, we also saw friendships made and relationships strengthened during times of community following service each night. From hot dogs, nachos & cheese, and a coke in the fellowship hall to singing, music and laughter around the bonfire, God moved among His people. Our centennial celebration was truly a time of joy in the Holy Ghost.

I cannot end without first giving my greatest appreciation to the mighty men and women of God, whose names are too numerous to mention, who gave and contributed to make this 100-year celebration a great success and one to be remembered. May God richly bless your time here on earth, and may your eternal reward for Kingdom service be great!

–Pastor Wes Comer

RENOVATION & MIRACLES AT RODERFIELD Driving along Route 52 in McDowell County, West Virginia, you can see that

God has showed up and showed off! There is a beautiful little country church nestled between the mountains. Five years ago, Cathy Stone and her husband were appointed pastors of the Roderfield P. H. Church. The facility was in dire need of a miracle, and that’s just what it got. During those first days, there were only a handful of people, but the pastor had a vision, and that vision was conceived in the hearts of the congregation. In the beginning, there were not enough finances to do the repairs

that were needed, but God always provided. It seemed as if when we spoke of a need, God provided for it.

Coal has taken a hit in the coalfields, and there were two operators who had promised finances for our project, but less than a month later, the economy here further weakened and we lost our resources. Some thought it was the end of our vision, but we were reminded often that God would make a way. Now it was up to God and the few of us who had the heart to build a house unto the Lord. We had a saying in the beginning, and we still hear it throughout the church: this is God’s house and it should be the best that we can offer up to him. The roof was literally caving in and the main joists were rotten due to water damage. We didn’t just want a new building––we needed it! In July of 2013, construction began on the “new” church. Flooding has ravaged our county over the past several years, so we decided to build on the same foundation to keep costs to a minimum. The design team (Pastor Cathy and her family) quickly agreed on a floor plan and added 682 additional square feet to the building, giving us a beautiful facility with more than 4,000 square feet of space. We arranged a makeshift sanctuary to be able to continue having church, and we only missed one service during the building process. Several people came during the time we were working and gave their hearts to the Lord in a little ole country church with plywood and sawdust on the floor. This encouraged us along the way, as days were long and at times discouraging, but we kept the faith and God has blessed above and beyond. Looking on the outside, you would never expect the beauty on the inside. You can just go in and sit quietly and reflect on the goodness of God, as you look around and see the baptistry, the beautiful hardwood floors, and all of the other miracles that took place during the building process. You can’t help but to be in awe of God when you know our story. If you are looking for a miracle––here’s one! And to God, and God alone, be all the glory!

–Pastor Cathy Stone

OCTOBER 2015

MESSENGER(USPS 621-580)

Vol. 77 — October 2015 — No. 2

EXECUTIVE EDITOR – Preston Mathena

STAFFPhone 540-674-41315847 Oak Grove AvenueDublin, VA 24084

EVANGELISM & WORLD MISSIONS MINISTRIESLarry Meadors5847 Oak Grove AvenueDublin, VA 24084

DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRIESRon Fredericks5847 Oak Grove AvenueDublin, VA 24084

WOMEN’S MINISTRIESKathy Mathena103 Windsor CircleBluefield, VA 24605Phone: 276-326-3000

WINDonna Hankla139 Ridgeway DriveBland, VA 24315Phone: 276-688-3709

MEN’S MINISTRIESQuent Baria1712 Vineyard StreetBluefield, WV 24701304-952-9227

Deadline for all script to reach the office:1st of each month for the next month’s issueEmail to shwood7@yahoo.com.

CONFERENCE BOARDSuperintendent – Preston MathenaAssistant Superintendent – Mike DodsonSecretary – Frank NeffTreasurer – Gary CopeBoard Member – Larry MeadorsBoard Member – Wanda MyersBoard Member – Jim Tunnell

MESSENGER (USPS 621-580) is published monthly by LifeSprings Resources, 2425 W. Main St., Franklin Springs, GA 30639, for the Appalachian Conference. Subscription price $2.00 per year. Periodicals Postage Paid at Franklin Springs, GA 30639.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MESSENGER, 5847 Oak Grove Avenue, Dublin, VA 24084.

WEBSITE: www.appconf.org

CREDIT GRAPHICS: Thinkstock.com

NOVEMBER RETIRED MINISTERS’ BIRTHDAYSNovember 6 November 9Rev. Jerry Sloss Rev. Mrs. Phyllis Jones35 Cullen Court 2840 Horton RoadChristiansburg, VA 24073 Bluefield, WV 24701

November 12 November 12Rev. Delbert Belcher Rev. Kenneth Fogus1307 Miller Drive 4647 Newbern Heights Dr.Okmulgee, OK 74447 Pulaski, VA 24301

November 18 November 21Rev. Everette Rogers Rev. Mrs. Nina Bays255 Royce Road Box 182Troutville, VA 24175 Coal City, WV 25823

November 24 November 25Rev. R. C. Turner Rev. Curtis Ratcliffe1232 Augusta Street 7187 Meadowview DriveBluefield, WV 24701 Radford, VA 24141

November 30Rev. Phillip Martin1443 Oilwell RoadBlacksburg, VA 24060

November Events

November Events 6 Prayer & Fasting for Our Nation 6 W.M. Fall Retreat 6-7 24 to Double Meetings 8 Fall Youth Rally 10 Capitol Hill Phone Prayer Partners 11 Veterans Day 8-14 Fall District Meetings 20 Global Offering Deadline 24 Harvest Train 26-27 Office Closed for Thanksgiving 29 First Sunday of Advent

VOICE OF THE APPALACHIAN CONFERENCE OF THE IPHC

World Missions & Evangelism LARRY MEADORS

Thanks for giving your Global Outreach offering by November 20!

World Missions Is Part of Churches’ DNA

Pastor Bobby and Pam Clark

Crossroads Church and its daughter church, Life Church, have missions as part of their DNA. Pastors Travis Lowe and Brandon Hay have cast a vision that not only will they reach their communities, but they also will at the same time reach out in another country. A total of 30 team members have traveled to Honduras on two trips to minister in this country. The mother church and the new church combined have raised $20,000 for the project, plus team expenses. This has resulted in a church being built, land being purchased for a parsonage and the parsonage being completed. This construction and other outreach ministry has been done in conjunction with IPHC missionary Daniel Pippi.

Pastor Brandon Hay describes this year’s trip: “We arrived in Honduras on Tuesday, August 4, 2015. We began work the next day on the construction site for the church building and the parsonage for Pastor Jonher and his family. We had begun construction on this site in August of 2014, as Pastor Travis Lowe led a missions team to Yoro, Honduras, beginning this mission God had given us to serve in this area of Honduras, to be a part of God’s plan to expand His Kingdom! The mission team this year was made up of members of Life Church, Crossroads Church, and Voice of Praise. By God’s grace through Christ, with funds given by Crossroads Church and Life Church, the church building was completed, and the parsonage will be ready for Pastor Jonher and his family to move into. They will be able to begin having services for this church family in the new church building, as well! We also sent a medical team out to give out medical supplies as needed. God provided open doors along the way to help meet these physical needs for the people of Yoro. Vacation Bible School was another ministry that we were a part of at two different churches in Yoro, as kids were ministered to with the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was amazing to be a part of this missions trip!”

Pastor Travis Lowe adds that he is excited for the church in Honduras because they are poised for growth now by being positioned in the growing area of their city. Back home, he reports that this missions vision has birthed a heart for missions in both congregations and resulted in changed lives in the churches.

THEY ENTERED HEAVEN TOGETHER

Pastor Robert “Bobby” Clark and his wife Pam of Floyd, Virginia, went to be with our Lord on August 22, 2015. Bobby had served as the associate pastor of Abundant Life Fellowship and Pam as the Women’s Ministries director in the 1990s. The Clarks also went as IPHC missionaries to China from 2000-2002. Prior to their homegoing, they were relaunching the PH church in Floyd. They had changed the location and the name from Victory Chapel to One Accord Biker Church.

They will be remembered as humble servants of the Lord who had a heart to give and help people in need. They saw needy people that others often overlooked. They will be deeply missed by their family and many friends.

OCTOBER 2015

Discipleship MinistriesRON FREDERICKS www.appconf.org

DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRIES CELEBRATES THE SUMMER OF 2015

Camp Maranatha 2015: EQUIPPED: Laying a Sure Foundation. We celebrate what God is doing across the Appalachian Conference through the youth of our churches. This summer we had 416 students and approximately 150 staff members participate in 4 weeks of youth camp. Through exciting activities, awesome worship and anointed preaching of the Word, we are proud to report the following statistics from our summer camp program: 105 Salvation experiences, 120 Rededications, 92 Sanctifications, and 62 Baptisms in the Holy Spirit and 23 with a Call to ministry. There is an excitement that cannot be described as you watch young people gather around altars in passionate pursuit of a closer relationship and deeper experience with God, as they pray for and stand with one another, believing in the power of God to minister to and transform. Camp Maranatha continues to be a life-changing experience… for those who come as campers and for those who come to help. Let me encourage you to plan now to be with us in 2016. Dates are Extreme Teen: June 20-24; Destiny: June 27 – July 1; Adventure: July 3-7; and Kidz Quest: July 10-14. Also, next year we are excited to announce the addit ion of a weekend for YOUNG ADULTS, age 18-26, MAY 20-22, 2016! For more information, contact the Discipleship Ministries Department at 540-674-4131, ext. 206, or email rfredericks58@aol.com. NATIONAL FINE ARTS / YOUTH QUEST

Congratulations to all of the young people, coaches and churches who represented the Appalachian Conference at the National Fine Arts Festival in Daytona Beach, Florida, July 23-26. We are very proud of each of you. You have honored your God, your church and your family!

Those individuals and groups placing at the National Fine Arts Festival: Samuel Deel: 1st Vocal Solo Male/Alpha; Matt Akers: 2nd Vocal Solo Male/Omega; Samuel Deel: 2nd Vocal/Instrumental/Alpha; Josh Tickle: 2nd Drum Solo; Jonah Cortez: 3rd Drum Solo; Samuel Deel: 1st Piano/Alpha; All to Jesus from French’s Chapel: 1st Instrumental Ensemble; Undefeated from BVPHC: 3rd Instrumental Ensemble; Savannah Willis: 1st Short Sermon/Alpha; Chesney Goad: 2nd Worship Dance/Alpha; Unleashed Praise from VHM: 3rd Worship Dance/Large Group; Awaken Dance Team from BVPHC: 3rd Modern Dance/Small Group; Unleashed Praise from VHM: 2nd Modern Dance/Large Group; Unleashed Praise from VHM: 2nd Creative Movement/Small Group; Haven Watson: 1st Painting/Alpha; Drew Perry: 3rd Painting/Omega; Sindie Hedge: 3rd Graphics/Omega; Bryanna Young: 3rd 3-D Art; Caleb Kipps: 1st Digital Photography/Alpha; Caleb Kipps: 3rd Traditional Photography/Alpha; Bryanna Young: 2nd Fabricated Art/Omega; Bryanna Young: 1st Website Design; Bo Smith: 3rd T-Shirt Design; Hannah Ingo: 1st Creative Writing Fiction/Omega; Caramel Ice from CLI: 1st Rap Group; Evangel from CLI: 2nd Acapella Group; and Let No Rock from BVPHC: 3rd Acapella Group.

Those groups and individuals also competing at Nationals include the following: Kylie Stoots, Katy Musick, Shannon White, Elijah Cortez, Abigail & Josh, Undefeated from BVPHC, Unleashed Praise from VHM, Jordan, Kylie & Lindsey from Baker’s Chapel, Matt & Emily from Baker’s Chapel, United from CLI, Youth of Clay from Baker’s Chapel, Outbreak Youth from Hillsville, Hannah Ingo, Jordan King, Corey Winsett, Ethan Blevins. Janney Meredith, Selah from CLI, Jenna Harrell, Grace Patterson and Brittany Semones.

GIRLS’ MINISTRIES: POWER CHICKS–RIDGECREST, NC The weekend of July 31–August 3, 630 girls and Girls’ Ministries leaders (77 from the Appalachian Conference) moved onto the Ridgecrest Campus for a weekend of passion and power, worship and sharing. Power Chicks is our National Girls’ Ministries event, held every four years. We want

to thank our National Girls’ Ministries director, Irvina Parker, and her board for planning this

tremendous event and Elaine Wood, our conference Girls’ Ministries director, and her board for promoting and participating in this awesome event for girls. Next summer, our Girls’ Ministries will return to the Appalachian Conference campgrounds for their Girls Only Weekend: VIRTUOUS , August 12-14, 2016, with guest speaker Rev. Beth Stephens-Johnson . You will not want to miss this awesome weekend. Make your plans now to attend!

IT’S STILL NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER FOR THE KIDSMIN TRAINING: OCTOBER 24, 2015, at

CHRISTIAN LIFE INTERNATIONAL and the YOUTH LEADERS TRAINING: NOVEMBER 7, 2015, at the CONFERENCE CAMPGROUNDS, DUBLIN. CALL THE CONFERENCE OFFICE AT 540-674-4131, EXT. 201, IMMEDIATELY TO REGISTER!

VOICE OF THE APPALACHIAN CONFERENCE OF THE IPHC

Women’s MinistriesKATHY MATHENA

Harvest Train Offering Due October 30NOTICE: If your church took commodities to Falcon last November, please notify Martha Hall immediately at 540-250-7761, so that she can include you in the announcement at our Fall Retreat.

Fall Retreat 2015When: Friday, November 6, 2015, at 7 p.m.Location: Harbor of Hope, Christiansburg, VirginiaGuest Speakers: Amy Lambert-Frowine & Donna HusbandPreregistration deadline: October 24, 2015 – $15 per personMail to: Martha Hall, 1240 Meadowlark Dr., Wytheville, VA 24382

Memoirs Report will be read at the Fall Retreat. If you have any names to be added, please send to Odessa Shupe, 617 Seventh St. NE, Pulaski, VA 24301, as soon as possible.

Planted It is hard to believe that it is already fall. As we look around us and see the beautiful colors of the season, we can’t help but admire the canvas that God has created for us to behold. We see the colors of the leaves: the red, yellow, brown, and orange colors that are so vibrant. As we drive along the highways, we see cars that have traveled far and wide to see the beautiful fall foliage. People are drawn to the beauty that God has painted. It makes me stop and think… Are people drawn to me? Do they see the beauty of my heavenly Father in me? The Bible tells us that the world will know we are Christians by our love for one another. Do I show grace and mercy? Or am I judgmental and unforgiving? These are questions that we should ask ourselves. We need to walk as Jesus walked, forgive as He forgave and strengthen those who are weak. My pastor told of the giant redwood trees, how the roots of the trees on the edge of the forest go deeper than those in the middle of the forest. The trees on the outer perimeter bear the winds and elements of the storms, shielding the trees in the center, whose roots are not as deep. As seasoned Christians, our roots should go deep, so that we can help those who are young in their faith. Our roots deepen as we read the Word, pray, and fellowship with other believers. They get stronger as we obey God.

“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him’” (Psalm 92:12, NIV). My prayer is that we, as women of God, allow the beauty of the Lord to be seen in us. Let’s stay planted.

OCTOBER 2015

World Intercession Network DONNA HANKLA

CONSIDER YOUR WAYSConsider your ways is a concept found five times in the prophecies of Haggai. The people were facing

financial problems; they earned wages, only to lose the wages as in a bag of holes (Haggai 1:6-9). The people also planted many crops, but did not have enough to eat. Neither did the people have enough to drink, or to clothe themselves.

Haggai gave the people the answer. This answer was a spiritual problem. The people were spending all their money on their own houses. The house of God was not being built or maintained. Neglect of God’s temple resulted in financial hardships for the people!

This prophet issues a prayer challenge for us: Do not neglect your spiritual temple! Do not neglect to pray!

CONSIDER THE TIMES

Prophecies are rapidly being fulfilled! The Shemitah year has come. The Year of Jubilee will follow. Four Blood Moons on Jewish feast days have occurred (9/28/2015). A great shaking is happening to the stock market and the financial systems. Lawlessness abounds across the land. Many wildfires light the skies in California. Even the Pope has decided to visit the White House. And Israel prepares for possible war on the horizon!

CONSIDER THE COMMAND

Just prior to the return of the Lord, we are commanded, “Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning” (Luke 12:35). The world needs to see the light of God during these prophetic days!

AS GOD TOLD JOB

Job’s suffering time came to an end when God showed up in a whirlwind. Out of the whirlwind the Lord spoke to Job: “Gird up your loins; for I will demand of you; and you will answer Me” (Job 38:1-5).

Job obeyed God. Three actions on the part of Job restored his wealth double, and his health:

1. Job girded up his loins. 2. Job repented before God.3. Job prayed for his friends.

IT IS TIME…

To consider your ways! To consider the time! To consider the command!

MESSENGER(USPS 621-580)5847 Oak Grove AvenueDublin, Virginia 24084

Address Service Requested

Periodicals Postage Paid at Franklin Springs, GA 30639

THE REEVESES: AVAILABLE FOR SERVICESReturning to the Appalachian Conference after almost ten years in the

Sonshine Network Ministries conference is the Rev. Ernest Reeves and his wife Pat. The couple recently retired from pastoral ministry at Bible Heritage Church in Waycross, Georgia. While they are no longer serving in a pastoral role, they are very much interested in continuing an active ministry.

Brother Reeves is a dynamic pulpit speaker whose vast knowledge of the Word is evident in each message. He also is dedicated to teaching biblical truths that will equip Christians to face the challenges of today’s world.

Pat has a strong teaching ministry, and she has served as a speaker for banquets and Women’s Ministries conferences in Virginia and Georgia.

They also have a ministry in music—sometimes as soloists and frequently as a duet. They would like to offer their services to come for revivals and/or weekend services. They have much to offer, and you will be blessed by their ministry.

Contact information: 1917 Shasta Road, Maryville, TN 37801, 865-310-8625 (cell), 865-233-4248 (home); Email: ereeves609@comcast.net

IVANHOE BREAKS GROUND ON NEW FELLOWSHIP HALL

Ivanhoe Pentecostal Holiness Church gathered for the groundbreaking on their new fellowship hall on Sunday, July 5, and they are continuing with the construction of the new facility.

“These are exciting days for our church,” Pastor Roy Burton said. “Our purpose is to better serve our community. We have a unique community that continues to support us as we grow and build. Ivanhoe is a giving community that loves and cares about one another, and we are excited as a church to be able to give back to them. We hope to have the building completed by next spring, allowing us to use the new fellowship hall for upcoming events already planned for the spring and summer.”

–Submitted by Valerie Burton, pastor’s wife