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TRANSCRIPT
God Given Great Goals
M E S S E N G E RSPRING 2013
Southern Missouri District
Items of InterestLAKE FRONT HOME FOR SALE: On Cross Pointe
Camp and Retreat Center. 3 bedroom, two full baths, fireplace insert, 14’x 12’ aluminum screened in porch and deck, two lake front lots and 3 second tier lots, garage and shop with two efficiency apartments and 12 x 16’ metal storage building. 24 x 32’ two well dock, two lifts and a 2005 Odyssey Pontoon/ Will divide to sell. Roger Perkin 417-833-9543 or cell 417-830-1287
NEEDED: Part-time Children’s Pastor at Faith A/G in Springfield. Interested parties should call (417) 865-2126 or email [email protected]
NEEDED: Miller Assembly of God is in need of an organ and a white board.
New Pastors:
Washburn, OK A/G . . . . . . . . . . Karty Burbridge
Iberia, First A/G . . . . . . . . . . . Charles J. Sanders
Campbell, First A/G . . . . . . . . . . . . Danny Floyd
Carl Junction, First A/G . . . . . . . . . . John L. Pigg
Mountain Grove, Living Stones . . Kevin Johnson
Transfers In:
Scott Bailey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nebraska
Christopher Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kansas
Stephen Benintendi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Oregon
Danny Floyd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nebraska
Jasmine Floyd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nebraska
Loren Huie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tennessee
Kevin Johnson . . . . . . . . . N. California/Nevada
Will Klass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kansas
Jennifer Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oklahoma
Timothy Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oklahoma
Arthur Maddock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kansas
Andrew Muilenburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Northwest
Vernon Porter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N. Missouri
Philip Vincent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . South Texas
Transfers Out:
Richard Bennett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Iowa
Ted Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Iowa
Clayton Helling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Montana
Kenneth Kinnamon . . Wisconsin/N. Michigan
Elissa Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Penn-Del
Judith Myrick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Oregon
J. Charles Pickett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . North Texas
Thomas Pool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Iowa
Eric Porter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N. Texas
Trisha Porter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . N. Texas
Louie Salazar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Arizona
Todd Sitcler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Indiana
Michael Spalla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .New York
Steven Welch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Northwest
Olric Wilkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Potomac
In MemoriamKenneth E. Doyle . . . . . . . 10/27/2012
Dollie M. Rogers . . . . . . . 11/04/2012
Juanita F. Stetz . . . . . . . . . 12/13/2012
Bonnie J. Todd . . . . . . . . . .01/05/2013
Executive PresbytersSuperintendent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Don MillerAssistant Superintendent . . . .Lowell PerkinsSecretary-Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . Stan WelchS. E. Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . Darrel LoughridgeN. E. Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack HembreeS. W. Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alvin BlackardN. W. Region . . . . . . . . . . .George Westlake III
District MinistriesAdmin./Stewardship . . . . . . . . . Rhonda AmerMissions/Men’s . . . . . . . . . .James G. McHaffieWomen’s Ministries . . . . . . . . . . Sherry WelchChurch Growth & Ed. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jim CalvinYouth Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Darin PoeRoyal Rangers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jerry MillhouserGirls Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sherry WelchFifty Plus Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . .John HeideCross Pointe Camp . . Curtis & Cindy Washam
Sectional PresbytersCape Girardeau . . . . . . . . . . . . .John ChamnessClinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Eugene EkstrandJoplin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ken RobinsonKansas City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason St. JohnKennett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Charles ClarkPark Hills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dwight JonesSaint Louis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joel OliverSedalia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trevor HayesSpringfield North . . . . . . . . . . . . Gary AnkromSpringfield South . . . . . . . . . . Ted CederblomSullivan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Danny KempVan Buren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michael EvansWest Plains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tom FortnerEthnic Fellowship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keith Kisart
AvAILAbLE FOR MINISTRy
MINISTERIAL UPDATES
EDITORSDon Miller, Executive Editor Rhonda Amer, Managing Editor
The Assembly Messenger is the official publication of the Southern Missouri District Council of the Assemblies of God. It is published bimonthly by the Southern Missouri District Council. Products and/or services advertised in the MESSENGER are not necessarily endorsed by the Southern Missouri District Council.
SUbSCRIPTION RATE: Individual - $7.00/yearChurch Bundles of 5 - $30.00/yearSingle copy - $1.35/each
CONTACT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT: Phone: 417-881-1316Fax: [email protected]
Julie Perkin (Stout) Davenport is available for ser-vices, women’s ministry meetings, etc. Grow-ing up in a pastor’s home, a pastor’s wife for many years, and now a licensed minister, Julie ministers to the broken and hurting. Contact information: Julie Davenport: 816-304-6244 or [email protected]
Rev. Thomas Canter: fill-in ministry ..... (314) 550-2222 Rev. James Bentley: Part-time or pulpit supply
pastor ......................................................(417) 350-9590 Kevin Boggs: fill-in ministry ........................(417) 380-1149 [email protected] Darden: weekends ....................... 918-946-6550 [email protected] Rev. Dennis DeLine: .............................(816) 524-7543Michael Dobony: fill-in ministry ................417-429-1841 safety & child protection trainingRonald Duncan: fill-in ministry, revivals, interim ...................................................636-586-8151Jim Ellis: fill-in ministry .................................928-303-9553 [email protected] Furry: revitalization ministry .............417-227-2953 [email protected] Garcia: Hispanic or English Ministry:
Women, Marriage Enrichment. ........417-881-1919Rick Ianniello: interim, fill-in min. ..........816-322-6825 [email protected] Ingram: fill-in ministry ................. 856-577-1227Richard Johnson: pulpit ministry, weekends or interim ..............................................417-719-2826Rev. Mearl (Eddie) Kendall: ......................(916) 413-8309
[email protected] Rev. Jim Maddox: fill-in ministry ............. 870-577-7970Kirk Metzger: fill-in ministry, weekly evenings, Sundays .................................................. 417-207-1543Bill McGarity: fill-in ministry .......................583-392-1316 emphasis on miraclesJohn W Medlin: Fill-in or Interim .......... (417) 678-4509 Vincent M. Newfield:. ....................................314-225-5887 www.preparethewaytoday.orgCrystal Nickel: fill-in ministry ..................469-237-6101 [email protected] John Piraino, Jr.: fill-in ministry, weekly evenings, Sundays ................................................. 417-280-6352Kelly Pryor: fill-in ministry .................... 573-626-4657 573-366-3219 / [email protected] Rattenne: fill-in ministry ..........913-764-6509Jack Robinson - fill-in, interim ................. 417-885-0050 Gerald Stewart: fill-in ministry ...............417-593-6086Chris Tankersley: fill-in ministry .............. 417-576-2377
[email protected] Tanner fill-in ministry ...........................573-429-7866 Matthew Thomas: fill-in ministry ..............618-401-1014H. Gene Thrasher: fill-in ministry, weekend revivals ................................. 573-265-1937Rev. L. Dianne Weber: .................................508-818-0043
[email protected] Winters: fill-in ministry ..................... 417-485-3079 618-967-0055 / [email protected] Woodroof: fill-in ministry .....828-332-1008 [email protected]
DISTRICT LEADERSHIP
New & Noteworthy
Spring 2013 • Assembly Messenger2
What’s Your Goal?.........Vicki Miller
One hundred thousand people attending AG churches by 2020? According to our cur-rent statistics, then we need to reach more than forty-thousand individuals for Christ. Where do you fit into the 4G? Where do I fit into this picture?, I have been asking myself. What will I do to help accomplish this goal? Women, we have many tools in our hands to reach the lost. Recently, a friend shared how that she and her husband look for ways to be a witness in their
neighborhood. Sometimes they distribute a smoke alarm battery to each neighbor for backup for those inopportune
times theirs should decide to expire. Other times it might be a lightbulb, each time accompanied with a card including their name and number. The gesture is intentional, pondered, and planned. Just as a district goal has been set, we need to set goals that align with the 4G to better utilize our tools. If every person attending an AG church would just reach one person, our goal would be met. How about one each year? That’s seven persons per 60,000 individuals now attend-ing AG churches, which equates to 420,000 new believers. Wow! So what do you think, ladies? Will you ask the Holy Spirit to make you His witness and strategically plan to bring someone to Christ? That’s my goal!
SuperintendentDon Miller
Vision- “seeing things as if they already are before they are!” That sounds a lot like the definition of faith from He-brews 11 doesn’t it: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” In both defini-tions, we through the Holy Spirit begin to imagine or even to see the way things can be before they occur. We catch a glimpse of what the future holds!
There are several important benefits of vision: It builds our faith. If it really is a God given vision, we
begin to believe for things that in the natural would be unthink-able. We move from a scarcity mentality to an abundance mentality as we grab hold of the fact that there is nothing too difficult for God. With faith, we move from the natural to the supernatural; from the ordinary to the extraordinary!
A clear vision helps us to focus our energies and resources for a specific purpose or cause. Rather than run-ning in a lot of different directions, we can keep our eyes on the goal and prioritize how to be good stewards of what God has given us to accomplish the dream.
As vision comes into focus, we can strategically plan how to get from where we are to where we are going. The longest journey begins with a single step. Through Spirit-led planning, we can determine what our next steps should be to see our vision become reality.
Vision unites! Everyone wants to be part of something bigger than they are. We want to be part of something sig-nificant for the kingdom. You can see vision in the eyes of those who catch it! In their eyes, you will see passion, fire, and life. As a group determines together to believe God for the fulfillment of the vision, teamwork and unified efforts become the order of the day!
In Habakkuk, the word of God says, “Write down the revelation (KJV-vision) and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it…though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.” (Hab. 2:2-3 NIV) As these verses direct, we have written down what we sense and believe is the vision of where God wants to take the Southern Missouri District in the next eight years! We call it the 4G- The God Given Great Goal! Let me recap that vision for you:
We are believing that by the end of the year 2020 we will see 100,000 in attendance in the A/G churches in the Southern Missouri District on any given Sunday. Right now that number is just under 60,000. Thus, we are trusting God to help us to grow by over 40,000 in the next eight years! There are three sub-goals which we believe will help us reach the 4G:
Recruiting 100 Prayer Intercessors by District Council 2013 to pray earnestly that God will move with a fresh wind of His Spirit in our District and bring a great season of harvest;
Seeing 100 new places of worship established in South-ern Missouri by the end of 2020; and
Seeing at least 60% of our churches growing (right now about 33% are growing)
I can tell you without a doubt that there is no human way possible to see these goals accomplished. If we truly see the 4G come about, it will be because we are walking in the power and the anointing of God to do mighty exploits in His name. And if this goal is accomplished, no man can take credit!
At District Council 2013, we will recap where we are on our journey to the 4G Vision. We will review 2012 and cast vision for 2013 and beyond. As you no doubt know by now, we will also present a proposal for District Restructuring which we believe is one more step in moving us toward the 4G. Plan
-Vision4G
(continued on page 9)
Spring 2013 • Assembly Messenger 3
ASSiStAnt SuperintendentLOwELL PERKINS
Since nearly the beginning of our movement, our theme verse as Assemblies of God preachers has been that
inspiring declaration from Zechariah 4:6: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.” That spiritual truth, spoken to one of God’s leaders at a critical juncture in history, leaps out of the Scriptures and encourages our hearts today. It reminds us that ordinary men and women, who feel keenly the limitations of their own strength, wisdom, talents, and resources, can step into a higher realm of purpose and productivity with the help of God. When we combine that truth with an unwavering confidence that nothing is too hard for God, our dreams get bigger and our doubts begin to fall by the wayside. We begin to believe God for great things. And we begin to obey his call and commission upon our lives in a brand new way. Faith always inspires obedience. And exceptional faith always inspires excellent and extraordinary obedience.
Last year at District Council, our Superintendent chal-lenged us as leaders to look forward with him and begin to stretch ourselves toward expanding our horizons in fulfilling the Lord’s Great Commission. As part of that challenge, he insisted that this fresh offensive be empow-ered by the Holy Spirit, and he declared again that truth spoken by the LORD to Governor Zerubbabel through Prophet Zechariah over 2,500 years ago. Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD. I can’t speak for all preachers, but I can tell you that I never get tired of hearing that Pentecostal rallying cry. Its truth has been validated and verified over this last century as the Spirit-filled Church has encompassed the globe. And its truth has been fresh to us again and again as God has helped us in ministry. If we will hear God and then be filled with the Spirit, cloaked with the Spirit, empowered by the Spirit, and directed by the Spirit, then we can move by God’s power into the fullness of his plan.
I believe God has charged our Superintendent with great vision for our District. The rubber will meet the road when we, as pastors and ministry leaders within the District jump into the flow and launch out into the deep. I’d like to leave you with a few practical encouragements to that end.
1. Get your own VISION from God. As our leader urges us forward, we need a personal sense of vision from the LORD about our own churches, our own ministries, and our own communities. Call upon the Lord with this cry, “Open my spiritual eyes, Lord! Show me what You want to do. Show me Your plan. Show me the next step I’m supposed to take. Give me vision!
2. Determine to hear the VOICE of God regularly as you step out toward your vision. A great vision will require continual encouragement, confirmation and affirmation from the Lord himself. He will speak as we listen. Say regularly to the Lord, “Speak, Lord, I am listening!”
3. Walk in the VIGOR and VITALITY of the Holy Spirit. The spiritual truth from Zechariah is amplified and electrified for us as New Testament believers by fact that the Holy Spirit, who was with us, is now in us. His power works mightily in us. And He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. Be filled with the Spirit, continually and to overflowing.
4. Live in a spirit of VICTORY. Believe God, praise God, boast about God, and know that God is your source of success. And know that, even when a vision starts out with something small, like just a little cloud the size of a man’s hand, that God is the great multiplier, the great amplifier, the great expander! He is the author and finisher of our faith. He is the author and finisher of vision! In Jesus’ Name. Amen!
By My Spirit!
Spring 2013 • Assembly Messenger4
SecretAry-treASurerStan welch
Phil 3:13. Brethren, I do not count myself to have ap-prehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Spirit Filled believers are noted for reaching for high goals. It was this excitement and passion to reach Great Goals that caused this Fellowship of the Assemblies of God to be formed. It was at our second General Council at the Stone Church in Chicago when we as a Fellowship declared; “We commit ourselves to the greatest evangelism that the world has ever seen.”
Let me share the statistics of that group of 300 and what God has brought to pass in 99 years.
The Assemblies of God World Family-Countries, territories, and provinces: 252 -AG constituents: 65,398,796-AG churches: 358,450-AG ministers: 371,427-Countries without AG: 5-Number AG Missionary Sending Countries: 69Here is what is happening today in the Assemblies of
God around the world because the founders of our move-ment set the high goal of the greatest evangelism the world has ever seen.
-1 new believer added every 16 seconds.-1 new church planted every 42 minutes.-1 new minister enlisted every 45 minutes.-Nearly 1% of the world population is a part of the AG.This is an example of what will happen when we as
stated in Phil 3:13 “reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
There is an old Ozark saying “If you shoot at the moon you won’t shoot yourself in the foot.” I believe we have spiritually shot ourselves in the foot because of setting our goals to low or setting no goals at all.
May God help us to embrace these great goals:-100,000 believers worshipping in our churches on any
given Sunday by 2020-100 new places of worship across our District by 2020 -60% of our churches growing by 2020-1,000’s of prayer partners agreeing together to see the
3.4 million unchurched people of Southern Missouri reached for Christ before they enter into eternity without God by 2020.
Many of our forefathers in the Assemblies of God were asked to leave the churches they were worshipping in because after being Baptized in the Holy Spirit they began to embrace goals that caused many of these churches to feel very uncomfortable. Our forefathers formed this Fellow-ship of the Assemblies of God to set high goals and then to go after them by the power of the Holy Spirit.
We today that are Baptized in the Holy Spirit do more than speak in tongues. We must press toward the goal of reaching the world with the message of Jesus Christ. Great goals will cause the apathetic to become very uncomfort-able, but great goals will drive those filled with the Spirit to do great things for Jesus Christ.
GREAT GOALS
INSTALLATIONOn January 6, Secretary-Treasurer Stan and Sherry Welch installed Rev. Robert and Debra Chastain as Senior Pastors
in Alton, Missouri. The board and congregation welcome the Chastain’s and
look forward to the future as they work together in building the Kingdom of God.
Spring 2013 • Assembly Messenger 5
$AdminiStrAtion/StewArdShipRhonda Amer [email protected]
I like Dave Ramsey because he’s practical, easy to understand, and uses Biblical principles as the basis for his financial teachings. It’s never too early to teach your kids how to handle money. Check out the resources below and go to www.daveramsey.com for more information.
The 50 Plus department has some GREAT goals for 2013 including: A great Super Camp Meeting May 16-18: A Great Lakes fall trip to see three Great Lakes and Mackinaw Island in September. We encourage every pastor and church to give serious prayer and planning to reach out to their community/cities Second Half population. We have resources that can help!
Fun and entertaining – the stuff you need to teach your kids to handle money.
Giving teens a strong biblical foundation for life and money.
Resource Your
GOALS
50 pluS miniStrieSJohn [email protected]
Great Goals to Reach America’s
Greatest Generation!
Spring 2013 • Assembly Messenger6
$ youthDarin Poe
www.smymonline.org [email protected]
Texting.....• According to estimates, text messaging earns about $60-$70 billion every year for
phone companies• More than 72% of cell phone users send and receive text messages• 95% of all 18-29 year olds text message• If you text while driving you are 23 times more likely to get into an accident• According to Nielsen, the average teen sends about 10 texts per hour - over 3,000 a month
Statistics from www.dougfields.com/posts/texting
Healthy leaders produce healthy ministries. Given the right environment, growth is a natural byproduct of time. I desire for Southern Missouri Youth Ministries to provide the right environment for our Youth Pastors and Students to grow. A major part of our SMYM culture is to build healthy relationships with each other and grow together in life and ministry.
Leadership events and programs like the PATH help create that environment. Other opportunities include events like Camp and Convention, as well as programs like Fine Arts and Speed the Light. SMYM provides both opportunities for quick growth and a sustainable future. I hope you will join us this year in fulfilling what God wants for all of us - health and growth!
99 Thoughts on Raising Your Parentsby Liesl and Max Oestreicher
99 Thoughts on Raising Your Parents is filled with ideas from this sister-and-brother duo on having fun as a family, appreciating why moms and dads do what they do, and finding the best ways to handle arguments and disagreements with your parents. (They’ll also divulge a few secrets about rules, independence, and getting permission!) R
esou
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Sta
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4G Vision
Spring 2013 • Assembly Messenger 7
miSSionSJames G. [email protected]
Dear Pastor: Are you aware that I brag on you wherever I go, and with whomsoever I speak? Well, I do! You are a great Pastor and a great
preacher. THAT’S the MAIN reason we attend our church. I like the unusual and interesting way you have of introducing a guest speaker, — especially missionaries.
But I’m writing to report a robbery that occurred at church tonight in the service. WHAT A MISSIONARY PRESENTATION! It is exciting to hear of ANY headway toward revival in the foreign country. I have heard how hard it is to infiltrate that culture with the gospel. Just to know that it is happening is thrilling.
But the CONGREGATION was robbed of the opportunity to invest in that ministry. Oh, at the end ... sort of an afterthought... if you want to give... But what could have happened if the ushers had been called and the offering containers had been passed in front of every person. It would not have hindered what the missionaries were doing at the altar at all.
The MISSIONARIES were robbed. Undoubtedly your honorarium was generous. At least I hope so ... but it could have been much better, and people would have FELT like they had a part in what God is doing in other nations.
Our church’s MISSIONARY FUND was robbed. Although we make Faith Promises, and probably most people keep theirs, the annual giving could be much better if we were CHALLENGED to invest additionally in every missionary.
I guess that’s the only “gripe” I have about our church — but I’m complaining loud and clear about that one. I sincerely hope the next time I hear a missionary at our church, that I will be given the opportunity to invest in that ministry ... on the spot.
Have I told you lately that I love you? Well, I do! You and your family are prayed for daily. You are doing a wonderful work. KEEP IT UP.
Sincerely, Faithful Church Member
Dean and Peggy Galyen were first appointed to be missionaries in Africa in 1991, after pastoring for 25 years. After completing their first itineration period, they began serving in the country of Malawi. Their ministry included evangelism, both to children and adults, teaching in Bible Schools, in church seminars and ministering in local churches. The
Galyens also became very involved in church planting and helped to raise funds for land and tabernacle structures for churches. The Galyens have raised funds for more than 100 of these church structures. In 2001, the Galyens began to minister in Zimbabwe and have physically resided there for the past ten years. They have continued with evangelism, church planting and tabernacle construction. With the help of funds from supporting churches and teams coming with funds and help with the construction, they have added over 55 tabernacle churches in the country. In addition, the Bible School, Evangel Bible College, has undergone a complete renovation. A new chapel, new classrooms, a new principal’s house and a beautiful new library have been constructed at EBC.
Reporting a RobberyBy Owen C. Carr
Spring 2013 • Assembly Messenger8
men’S miniStrieSJames G. McHaffie
LFTL Tour 2013Cook Team
Monday, April 8 Tuesday, April 9 Thursday, April 11 Friday, April 12 Sunday, April 14 Speaker
Southeast
Cape Girardeau Section
Bethel AG, Cape
Cape Girardeau Section
First AG, Dexter
Kennett Section
First AG, Malden
Van Buren Section
First AG, Van Buren
James McHaffie
NorthwestClinton Section
First AG, Osceola
Sedalia Section
New Life AG, Barnett
Kansas City Section
AG, Grandview
Kansas City Section
Pebble Creek AG, KC
* Kansas City Section
First AG, Warrensburg
Bryan Webb
Southwest
West Plains Section
First AG, Mansfield
Joplin Section
Kessler Auditorium, Neosho
Springfield North Section
Highway AG, Brighton
Springfield South Section
Life 360 Calvary, Springfield
Dean Galyen
Northeast
Sullivan Section
Recklein Auditorium, Cuba
Park Hills Section
First AG, Potosi
St Louis Section
West County AG, Chesterfield
Jeff Dove
All banquets start at 7:00 PM sharp. * 6:00 PM sharp
now to be at this tremendously important Council! Please pray for the Council. Please pray that God will give leadership wisdom and that together we will walk into the greatest season of harvest this District has ever known!
We have written the vision down! We are pursuing God and His Vision with our whole hearts. Let’s see vision become reality!
(continued from page 3)
Spring 2013 • Assembly Messenger 9
Coming Soon!!! 2013 Fall Retreats
women’S miniStrieSSherry [email protected]
The women’s department is here to assist ministry to women in the local church. Together we can reach the 4G goals of this District by resource, relationship, and renewal.
ResourceBeing a resource is to supply support and aid to the local church. This office is here to supply you with resources, to give support to your local Women’s leaders, and be available to help ministry to women be successful. Our annual Spring Leadership Conference for all women is coming soon. We will conduct training sessions for the, “Six Core Training Units for Effective Ministry to Women.” Every woman who is in a place of leadership in the local church would benefit in attending this conference.
RelationshipHaving relationships is connecting emotionally with others. In every event that we conduct, connecting is one of our goals! The Bible tells us, “Two is better than one”. Women need to connect with other women. Attending Dis-trict and Sectional events builds relationships.
RenewalWomen’s events allow time and opportunity for each woman to leave renewed in body, mind, and soul. Fresh vision comes from renewal!
How Can The Women’s Department Help You?
Marigold Cheshier will conduct a book signing for the release of her new book on each Friday of our Fall Retreats.
You don’t want to miss it!
Special Guest Speaker Susanne Cox
Young Women’s Special Guest Speaker Hannah Griffin
Spring 2013 • Assembly Messenger10
What an honor to minister to the women of Malawi, Tanzania, and Zanzibar. Our team of 12 ministered in local churches, and held conferences throughout these three areas.
The leadership of Zanzibar said, “Thank you ladies of America for leaving your loved ones, for giving much money, and for traveling many days to minister to our women. Thank you for encouraging us in the Lord!
Was it worth it? Yes it was. Our lives, and the lives of the women we ministered to are forever changed!
Southern Missouri Women Department, “Making a difference here at home and around the world!”
Your Director,
Sherry
“Women of Worth” 2013 Ministry Tour of Malawi, Tanzania, and Zanzibar
Zanzibar Ministry
Tanzania Ministry
Malawi Ministry
Relationships Formed
Spring 2013 • Assembly Messenger 11
Spring 2013 • Assembly Messenger12
croSS pointe cAmpCurtis & Cindy washam, Directors
The heart of God toward his creation has always been to desire a relationship with us. Of course we know that
sin disrupted this plan, but God through Jesus made the way for our restoration to him. Our first God-given goal then, is to come into relationship with God through Jesus. Not just any kind of relationship but a relationship char-acterized by intimacy. Jesus, in John 15, expressed this when he told His disciples, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. In-stead, I have called you friends.” The relationship offered to all Christ’s disciples, is friendship, and is characterized by the invitation to knowing the heart and thoughts of God. Understanding God’s desire toward us, transforms our lives and our view of life.
First we can expect to have joy in our communion with Him. Coming to Him in prayer is not a chore but a delight when we understand his desire for friendship with us. Our experience with him fulfills our deepest needs and desires in a way that no other relationship can do.
The nature of this relationship means that disciples know Jesus and his father’s plans. Therefore as followers, our function is not just working for God, but with Him. There is joy and strength in this that enables us to continue in the face of difficulties.
Our lives and ministries will be continually renewed and vibrant as we go deeper in Him. Psalms 16 says “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Join the Southern Missouri Prayer Network, to be a part of a mobilized prayer force, joining with others across the district on
a specific focus in prayer every month. We are excited about the response we have had, of people committing to pray with us. We know that our unified prayers will be powerful and effective. Our goal is to have representatives from every church and ministry,
to be a part of the Prayer Network. Contact us by email at [email protected] or call (573)365-0600.
Camp Intercession will be May 10 and 11th. This is a time when our churches come
together to pray and wait on God. Join us as we have focused prayer for our camps
and retreats here at Cross Pointe, and for the advancement of the kingdom through our churches in Southern Missouri. For more
information about Camp Intercession, go to our website, Crosspointecamp.com
Relationship With
Spring 2013 • Assembly Messenger 13
church Growth & educAtionJim [email protected]
Seven Benefits of Water Baptism for the Local Church:
1. Demonstrates obedience to God. Jesus set the example and commanded it (Mt. 3; Mt. 28)2. Water baptism allows the new convert to experience a tangible reminder of what Christ’s atonement has done for them.3. In the fact that water baptism is a public event, it hopefully creates a sense of Godly accountability for the one being baptized.4. Water baptism is, of course, a symbolic outward demonstration of an inward change to those in the church and community.5. Instills a sense of unity to the rest of the congregation as they encourage their new “brothers and sisters in Christ” during and after the baptismal service.6. For those being baptized, a water baptismal service will often bring in to the church, supportive unchurched family and friends.7. Water baptism brings an excitement to the congregation in that they see their church is doing it’s part in fulfilling the “Great Commission” and reaching the lost.
Finals Central Assembly of God
March 14-16
Barna Research Group in Ventura, CA (Barna.org) did a research study in 2011 on America’s spiritual condition. Part of that study dealt with the Midwest Region (including Missouri) of the U.S. Note these alarming stats regarding Mid-Westerners-
1991 2011 Average weekly church attendance 55% 40%Ratio of unchurched adults 24% 36%Adults describing themselves as Christian 88% 81%Sunday School attendance 20% 13%Strongly believe the Bible is accurate in all
of its teachings 45% 38%“God is the all-knowing, all-powerful and
perfect Creator of the universe who stills rules the world today” 65% 52%
(Reprinted with permission – Enrichment Journal)
If ever we needed the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and empowerment to reach the lost of our state, it is NOW!
Midwest Church Attendance Declines
14 Spring 2013 • Assembly Messenger
Twenty-nine young men in the District achieved the Gold Medal of Achievement in 2012. They are as follows: Moses Weiss from Outpost 29 - First Assembly in Independence; Matt Pace from Outpost 4 - Englewood Assembly in Independence: Samuel Hesman, Timothy Hesman & Tyler Fox from Outpost 88 – Crown Pointe in Lee’s Summit; Samuel Morton from Outpost 226 – First Assembly in Strafford; Joseph Persons from Outpost 320 – Victory Assembly in Neosho; Benjamin Gilliland, Joshua Gilliland & Jacob Moore from Outpost 156 – Blue Springs Assembly in Blue Springs; Benjamin Seigel & Jonathan Eldridge from Outpost 73 – Second Assembly in Joplin; Zachary Tipton from Outpost 101 - Praise Fellowship A/G in Des Peres; Dustin Hines, David
Millsap, Nathanael Quick, Edward Martinez & Thomas Carr III from Outpost 360 – Life 360 Church in Springfield; Kenneth Zimmerman III from Outpost 108 – Faith Community Church in House Springs; Nathan VanDevender & Tyler Green from Outpost 20 – Nixa Assembly; Jacob Lockhart from Outpost 128 – Pebble Creek in Kansas City; Rieder Sprague & Easton Sprague from Outpost 6 – Central Assembly in Springfield; Quinton Hildebrandt from Outpost 312 – Victory Church in St. Clair; Aaron Banks & Micah Cox from Outpost 269 – Church on the Rock in Lee’s Summit; Eulice Cluros & Andrew Campbell from Outpost 341 – Highway Assembly in Brighton. The Gold Medal of Achievement is the highest award that a boy can earn in the Royal Ranger Program.
April 12 - 13, 2013at Life 360 - (formerly Park Crest)
3581 S. Kansas Ave. Springfield, MO, 65807
for all Royal Ranger leaders and their spouse
Registration Fees: (Includes lunch on Sat.) $25.00 or $30.00 for non-chartered by March 30th. $35.00 or $40.00 for non-chartered after March 30th. $15.00 for the ladies activities (plus food & lodging)
Special Training on Friday: Rangers Basic Rangers Essentials First Aid/CPR
Plan to be a part of the eighteenth annual conference. The purpose of this conference is for the leaders to receive additional training, learn some new ideas, enjoy some good Christian fun and fellowship and above all receive a “Spiritual Uplift”. There will be lots of information to take home that will help the leader to be better organized and successful.
You will enjoy this conference and will go home encouraged to reach more boys for Christ. It will be worth your time and
money! The General Business Session on Saturday morning will be a time to discuss and make plans for the various activities held in the District like Pow Wow, FCF Outings, etc. This year there will not be a banquet on Saturday night. At lunch time on Saturday we will present the Commander Awards to the Royal Ranger leaders who achieved the award.
Free to Pastors: The Ranger Basics or the Rangers Essentials Training Course which is part of the Royal Ranger Leadership Training Course will be held all day on Friday.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULEFRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013 8:00am ------Ranger Basics & Ranger Essentials Courses begins 8:00am ------First Aid/CPR begins 3:00pm ------Registration Begins 6:00pm ------Workshops & LTA Training 7:00pm ------Rally 8:30pm ------Fellowship & Auction Time
SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2013 7:00am ------Registration/coffee & donuts 8:00am ------General Session & Council & ladies activities10:20am ------Workshops begin12:00 noon ---Lunch at church and presentation of Awards 1:00pm ------Workshops
royAl rAnGerSJerry [email protected]
2013 DISTRICT ROYAL RANGERS OUTPOST COMMANDER’S CONFERENCE
Spring 2013 • Assembly Messenger 15
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE PAID
REPUBLIC, MOPERMIT 99
SOUTHERN MISSOURI DISTRICT COUNCILOF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD528 WEST BATTLEFIELD ROADSPRINGFIELD, MO 65807
at James River Assembly West
April 22-24, 2013
Change that Moves Us Forward99th District Council99th District Council
Celebration Missions Ordination Womens Service Rally Service Luncheon
Doug Clay Dean Galyen Don Miller Debbie Lindell