apostolic accent july 2013

A Battle with the Super�cial | NAYC | A Tale from my Rearview Mirror | The Divorce was my Idea | SFC O�ering Date

The O�cial Magazine of the Oregon District UPCI July 2013

accent

Editors NoteKASSIE MEYER

Watch out, your calling may not be what you expect…

As a young person , I had many dreams about where my life was headed. When I was 13 years old, I had decided I was going to Bible College in Stockton , CA. My friends and I would discuss going, talk about who was going what year and when the next would arrive, etc. It was a great dream and surprisingly one that came true for me in a sense . The rest did not make it there but I did. My dream came true!

Along the way I did get a little side-tracked if you will . At one time I decided, no, I wasn’t going to go to Bible college; I would just go and help around the state at other churches and see what God had in store for me. However, between my junior and senior year of high school I went to youth camp (which I did every year) and something happened. This year was different, this year was truly life changing. It is where I actually got the call to go to Bible College . I was praying at the altar and it was confirmed in my heart to go. It was undeniable!

So, I applied for scholarships and determined in my heart that I was going. It was exciting! I really didn’t know how long I was going, I figured I’ll try it one year, see how I like it and go from there . Well , 4 years later, I graduated and married my wonderful husband. We stayed in Stockton for 2 more years working with the youth and then went to Ohio to work with my father-in-law where we ended up staying for 5 years.

Throughout all these years, I felt a call to Bible College, I felt a call to youth , I felt a call to North American Missions, I felt a call to be a pastor ’s wife, I felt the call to go on missions trips…there have been so many callings and many still to come yet many have unfolded in a way I would have never expected. I never imagined that my call to North American Missions and my call to be a pastor ’s wife would bring my family to Portland, Oregon to plant a church in one of the greatest cities in America. Actually, planting a church never even crossed my mind once.

Oregon District Apostolic AccentVolume 48, Number 1

www.ORUPC.com

Editor……………………..........…………….Kassie [email protected]

(503) 689-3589

District OfficialsSuperintendent……………......……………Ted GravesSecretary/Treasurer……..........……..Dan Sargeant

PresbytersSection 1…………………......…..…………Gary GleasonSection 2……………………........…M. Dennis JohnsonSection 3………………………......……..Kevin GoodwinSection 4…………………………......Steven L. Johnson

Honorary Board MemberM. David Johnson

North American MissionsDirector…………………………….......…..Steve HansonSecretary…………………….……….....…Virgil Alldritt

Global MissionsDirector……………………………….......James Bigelow

Apostolic ManDirector……………………………..……......Mark Edday

Ladies MinistriesDirector…………………………......….Geanice LangleySecretary…………………...…….....…….Rachel Sparks

Sunday School Director………………………….…......…Darrell SparksSecretary…………....………………….....…..Joe Higgins

Oregon YouthPresident…………………………….......…Stan GleasonSecretary………………………………......……Kevin Neu

Spanish MinistriesDirector……………………………………......Fito Avenia

Life in Focus Coordinator…...........Bill TittsworthPrison Ministry Coordinator….....….Doug LethinMedia Missions Director……......David P. JohnsonA.C.T.S. President………...….......M. Dennis JohnsonSenior Quiz Coordinator.…......…..Brian HuffmanJunior Quiz Coordinator.…......…Jonathan Toews

(Continue on pg. 7)

2 APOSTOLIC ACCENT July 2013

Editors NoteKASSIE MEYER

Inside this IssueArticles/Columns2 Editors Note KASSIE MEYER

4 ABattlewiththeSuperficial PHILIP HARRELSON

6 A Tale from my Rearview Mirror LAWNA GOODWIN

10 The Divorce was my Idea DAVID REYNOLDS

Promotions 8 August Missionaries in OR FOREIGN MISSIONS

12 NAYC YOUTH DIVISION

July 2013 APOSTOLIC ACCENT 3


A Battle with

A recent conversation with an evangelist friend of mine has left me greatly grieved at the state of the American church. So harrowing was his account that last evening I was troubled to an extent that it gave me a bit of insomnia. He opened up his soul to me as he told me of the superficial spirituality that marks many of our churches these days. This superficiality is marked with a “hurry up and let’s get this over with” mentality. Worship is rushed and has little depth because of the desire to hurry and get to the next thing. There is pressure to hurry and get to the restaurants, the game on television, the shopping excursion or some other endeavor that seeks to satiate the entertainment factor in our soul.

I was appalled when he told me that several of the churches he went to, pastors had informed him before he ever started to preach that they did not care for any sermons on hell, judgment, or any kind of conviction. One pastor gave the recommendation that he ought to read three or four Scriptures and tell four or five stories and then conclude the sermon. Another place he went to, he found out that the pastor was opposed to altar services that brought people to the “mourner’s

bench” and was marked by tears and confession of sin. He was told that the people needed to be given a “joyful” and “exciting” worship experience so that they could go home “happy.” Music has also become a bit of a beast in that he noted that at multiple places, the music would get people whipped into a superficial, psychological frenzy. The music would go on for a lengthy period of time and the preaching of the Word would be limited to a fifteen to twenty minute time slot.

Although the church I pastor thankfully has not fallen into this sort of thing, there was something that rose up in me that determined not to fall into the trap of superficiality. In fact, I routinely tell our guests who come that my job is to preach “long sermons.” While I am smiling and lighthearted when I say it, I am dead serious about it. When we lose our ability to preach Word-centered, Word-forced, Word-provoking messages, we have entered into a phase of church death. It might take years for it to finally take place but at some point, the church that caves into superficiality will die.

After hearing this yesterday afternoon, I revolted last night in our church. One of the reasons

for my revolt was because I had to drive a little over two hours after this conversation with this

evangelist. Instead of praying for the situation he told me about, I prayed for myself. I prayed that I would be a man of God. I prayed that I would be a man of prayer. I pleaded with the Lord for Him to let me see the priority of prayer and preaching like I never have seen it before. As this was taking place, the Lord prompted multiple points from Scripture about what it meant to really be a clean, pure servant of the Lord. Much of this poured out of me last evening as I preached without notes. In fact, I rarely preach without notes because I place value on what

By Philip Harrelson

the Superficial


I dig out in the study during the week. However, on this night all of the study that had filled the reservoir in the past came roaring out with a vengeance.

If you are a pastor and you are reading this on Monday, you might give consideration to understanding that you are accomplishing far more than you might guess. The scary part is that if you are negligent but think all is well, you are adding to the lukewarmness that is gripping the American church. On the other hand, if you are faithfully expounding the Word (even in a Pentecostal setting), you are accomplishing far more than you can imagine.

I can tell you what superficiality does to churches. It allows the unconverted to remain in their unconverted state but really believe that all is well with their soul. It allows fleshly carnality to reign which will stifle any and all of the convicting work of the Spirit. Superficiality causes men to believe the lies that their heart continually tells them (Jer. 17:9). It will cause all men to flatter themselves concerning the true condition of their soul. Self-flattery is a high form of self-deception that has been mixed with self-worship. Superficiality causes men to buy into the idea that they are a “good person” and that the Lord will give them a pass at the judgment. When this kind of attitude sits in the pews and is never confronted, the power of the church slowly weakens.

Years ago, I was involved in the care of a woman who had been stricken by Gullian-Barre Syndrome. I have only seen

two cases of this in my almost 30 year medical career. It is one of the most chilling and scary medical conditions I have ever witnessed. It starts with a muscle weakness that soon turns into paralysis. It starts in the lower extremities and ascends up the body until the patient is totally paralyzed. There is no cure or medicine that has been found to stop it. Various treatments like high doses of steroids and occasionally plasmapheresis will be used to slow its upward progress. As it progresses upward over a period of about a week, the patient soon gets to a place that they cannot breathe and mechanical ventilation is required for survival. This one lady was in this state for 120 days before the paralysis began to recede downward. All-in-all the whole process of the sickness, recovery, and rehabilitation lasted about 18 months. Churches that allow superficiality to take hold rarely recovery from their spiritual paralysis.

I came to an understanding yesterday about standing against superficiality. If I am to win the battle against superficiality, then I will have to embrace the Cross. My life, my calling, my public ministry and my private devotion will have to be Cross-centered.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer—When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die. . . because only the man who is dead to his own will can follow Christ. In fact every command of Jesus is a call to die, with all our affections and lusts.

Thomas a’ Kempis—Christ’s whole life was a Cross and Martydom: and thou seek rest

and joy for thyself? Thou art deceived. . .”

A.W. Tozer—The cross will cut into our lives where it hurts worst, sparing neither us nor our carefully cultivated reputations.

Cecil B. Knight—Those looking for the deluxe brand of salvation without a Cross are more in search of salve than salvation. You can have a religion without crucifixion—but not Christianity. Life in Christ begins with the death of Self.

The Cross shoves superficiality out of your life. It pushes it from the ministry and it expels it from the church. However, when superficiality makes its exit there is an inherent and resident force of holy anointing like we long for.

We must take up our cross and follow the Lord no matter how difficult the path may seem to be. There are rewards awaiting those who are faithful to the calling! ◊____________________________Philip Harrelson is the Pastor of Apostolic Faith UPC in Dothan, Alabama. He also serves as a presbyter on the Alabama District Board.


A Tale from my Rear View Mirror

My first glimpse of her was from my rear view mirror. The little girl skipping. Her long, blonde hair was swinging wildly from side to side as she nimbly skipped, oblivious to the world happening around her. The image made me smile in spite of myself. I couldn’t help but remember my own carefree days as a child. I skipped often back in the day. Running, jumping, and climbing trees were all activities that I enjoyed. My tomboy ways surely caused my Mom distress. She worked tirelessly to instill in me the qualities of a lady. It was no easy task since I grew up with an older brother and a Dad who loved sports. I was also the only girl in a neighborhood full of boys. I could box and play base ball with the best of them. But somewhere along the way, I lost that carefree attitude. I am a wife and Mom now. I am also a Pastor’s wife, music director and I work a secular job. I am busy, too busy. I don’t have time to skip! I watched the little girl until she was completely out of sight. I couldn’t keep my eyes off of her. I soaked in her every movement. It was as if watching her renewed something within me. Her youth,

her happiness, her complete lack of caring what anyone thought of her were so poignant. Her vibrancy was contagious. For a brief second I was tempted to get out of my car and start skipping myself. At that moment my junior high aged son opened the car door and the spell was broken. I figured my son would never survive the embarrassment of his mother skipping in the school parking lot. And yet, something of that little girl remains with me. She had a look of pure joy on her face. She was really living the moment. She was enjoying life. Her Mom was holding on to her arm, tugging her along like adults tend to do sometimes. We are often in a big hurry. We have lost the innocence of childhood. We have places to go and people to see. I am convinced that we rob ourselves of some great joys because we won’t slow down. I am trying to make a conscious effort to change my ways. To become a little more like the girl that I viewed in my rear view mirror. I am trying to stop being consumed with the seemingly endless tasks that can make life mundane and ordinary. I am

trying to live in the moment. Breathe in the fresh air. Count my blessings. Appreciate the beauty around me. Forget my cares for a few minutes. Live, really live. And for good measure, I just might start skipping again. The exercise would do me good!◊____________________________

Lawna Goodwin is a pastor’s wife in North Bend, Oregon. She also serves as the section 3 ladies director for the Oregon District.

Photo from: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=39152

By Lawna Goodwin

The reason I share this is because some people have callings and they think it will all pan out a certain way in their head but sometimes God has other plans. Sometimes we have many callings or callings don’t come until later in life . We never know where the Lord may take us or what we may doing in a year or two or ten . Being in the will of God however, is the most wonderful place a person can ever be . When you are in His will , it will strengthen you on days when you didn’t know if you could go on but He gently reminds you that He placed you there .

How do you find His will or the calling He has for you? Find an altar and don’t stop praying! Seek Him and He will answer! You never know what He may have in store for you until you surrender to Him and humble yourself and pray.

For my life…the rest is yet to be told…who knows what calling will come to pass next!◊

Editors Note Continued...


Offering Date: September 8th, 2012


Did you know you can keep up with your missionaries, leave encouraging words or join in prayer for needs around the world on Facebook, Global Missions UPCI?

August 13-18

Crossroads Church in Athens and have helped establish and adminstrate a Christian school on the Crossroads campus. Jonathan served on the regional youth commission as youth secretary, helping to create and administrate a more cohesive effort among the youth ministries of Europe. Upon their return to Greece, they hope to continue to lead the Crossroads Church and the national churches into greater revival.

Compiled July 2012

Jonathan and Maria Strickland Ashley and Siena

Career Missionaries to Greece

Missionary # 107

Transportation: Car

Who Is Traveling: Entire family

Jonathan was born on October 19, 1969. He speaks English only. His missionary

involvement includes:

• preaching

• teaching

• leadership training

• youth ministry

• experience conducting Faith Promise services

Maria was born on December 14, 1974. She speaks English, Italian and Sicilian. Her

missionary involvement includes:

• prayer support

Daughter Ashley, born March 24, 2006, speaks English, Italian and Greek.

Daughter Siena was born April 14, 2010.

Biography Jonathan and Maria were appointed missionaries in 1999 after serving as AIMers in Greece for three years. As AIMers, they founded the youth ministries for the national churches, sponsoring conferences and training. They pastor the international

missionary profile


Information on each missionary and country, plus many helps, can be viewed or downloaded at www.globalmissions.com Pastors can place their request for specific missionaries to visit their church by contacting James Bigelow at:

541.756.7141 or 541.217.4310 [email protected]

Compiled November 2010

John and Sherri Hemus Intermediate Missionaries to United Kingdom

Missionary # 855

Transportation: Fifth wheel

Who Is Traveling: John and Sherri

John was born on July 5, 1961. He speaks English only. His missionary involvement

includes:

• evangelism

• Bible school teaching

• Bible study seminars

• has a little experience conducting Faith Promise services

Sherri was born on February 20, 1963. She speaks English only. Her missionary

involvement includes:

• prayer ministry

• administration

Biography The Hemuses arrived in the U.K. in 2001 as AIMers and received their missionary appointment in 2005. In 2008, they built the first new UPC church in the UK along with a youth center for the local neighborhood. In 2009 Bro. Hemus was elected the UK Central District Superintendent and serves on the national general board. Sister Hemus is involved with the district and national ladies departments and has spoken at the national ladies retreat. They are preparing to convert their old church building in to a community and business center for the local community.

missionary profile

August 20-25


“The Divorce was my Idea”

By David Reynolds

“For the Lord God of Israel says, that He hates divorce, for it covers one’s garment with violence.” Says the Lord of hosts, “Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.” [Malachi 2:16, NKJ]Baby, I Can Wash My Own Car“The divorce was my idea. After years of working on our marriage despite our differences, I felt at 34, it was time to let go despite the awful real-estate market, my lack of steady employment and the fact that there are certain things I have no idea how to do without my husbands help.” --How sad.

-It was Not God’s


“Baby, I Can Wash My Own Car”, was the title of an essay in the ‘My Turn’ column of Newsweek 29, 2007, authored by Rebecca Lovoie. This article deeply disturbed me for it is an accurate reflection of how our society sees marriage and families. Her essay is not vindictive—just matter-of-fact.

This lady seems to still have a fond affection for her husband and has an appreciation for all the things he has done for her. In this essay there is no mention of a violation of marriage vows—in fact, no mention of vows at all. In this article there is no claim that the husband was untrue to her. There is no mention that the husband has been violent or ever misused her—only an indication of boredom and fatigue. She seems to feel that at age 34, it is time to make a change.

Her… “husband agreed that divorce was inevitable”.

Divorce is not inevitable. I want to take strong exception with this thinking and with the values of our society today.

1. Vows are sacred and should never be broken without just cause.

In most marriage ceremonies there are definite promises made and there are vows witnessed by God and friends. These vows state that this union is for life. Over one-half of all couples today are breaking their word—lying, and not taking marriage seriously. In fact, a high percentage of these violators claim to be evangelical, ‘Born again Christians’.

2. No couple should ever get married as a temporary solution to loneliness or to legalize physical

passion. God sees marriage as a union for life. A marriage that is entered into with the idea that it can easily be dissolved—will be.

3. No couple is truly compatible. “The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for just any reason?” [Matthew 19:3 NKJ] One can always find a reason.

Differences will always be there. Men and women are different in every cell of their body. Differences in family values and backgrounds set the stage for differences in every marriage. Differences will be there for a lifetime and must continually be faced and worked on.

4. Children need the security of their own mother and father married and living with them. I have heard couples complain that the only reason they stay married is for the children. Children are reason enough to work through the differences and stay married.

The author mentioned the “awful real-estate market” and a concern for “full time employment”, but no concern about what this breakup will do to her two little boys. The only question the boys had was whether they would have Legos and peanut butter in their new home. Little did these little boys know the major changes which were coming into their lives.

Divorce at 34 years of age usually does not mean a single life for either of the two partners. Loneliness and passion usually bring another coupling—with the same problems and differences to work out. Another solemn marriage ceremony is conducted. New vows ‘for life’ are exchanged,

another blended family is formed. Blended families are not a

solution—they are just the foundation for another tragedy. Who is hurt the most? The children are. The parents work out visiting rights and the children become pawns carried and sent back and forth. Every time I get on a plane I see two or three little children placed in the hands of the airlines—given into the care of strangers to shuttle them to the non-custodial parent.

I have walked and talked to these little tragedies as their parents are ‘breaking up’. I remember well the little kindergarten girl who was speaking into the toy phone. She said, “No! You can’t have the kids. -I said NO!—you had them last week!!”

I hate divorce because God hates divorce. No-fault divorce is America’s greatest tragedy. It is destroying our children, it is destroying our churches, it is destroying our schools and it is destroying America. Evangelicals stop putting away your wives—“from the beginning it was not so”! ◊____________________________

David Reynolds has been the Minister of Discipleship at Portland Pentecostals since 2007. He is a graduate of Conquerors Bible College, Cascade College, Portland State University and post

graduate work at the University of Oregon. He served as a teacher, assistant Principle & Principle. Since retiring from public education he has traveled extensively to over 37 countries preaching & teaching in Bible Schools and has written several books on Education, The Family & Parenting.

apostolic accent july 2013

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