Alabama Update January 2016

ALABAMA

UPDATE THE CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY

JANUARY 2016

In Matthew chapter 18, Jesus reminds us of the power of united prayer when he says, "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."

This January, the global family of the Church of God of Prophecy will once again start the New Year with a season of prayer and fasting. We recognize that prayer is our first core value and the foundation for all our ministry efforts.

Once again this year, we are calling on our churches and members to mobilize their efforts and join us in a concentrated time, seeking God's direction for our ministries locally, nationally, and globally.

I believe even greater things are ahead for the Church of God of Prophecy, but they will only be obtained through prayer and fasting. Thank you for your plans and efforts to unite with me in this year's 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting.

To learn more about the 21 Days of Prayer Initiative, please visit www.cogop.org/prayer.

Additional Prayer Events

THE GREAT NEED FOR SPIRITUAL EMPOWERMENT

Prayer and Fasting There are basically three types of fasts. A Normal Fast is abstaining from all food, solid or liquid, but not from water. A Partial Fast is abstaining from certain types of foods. Daniel did not eat the “king’s food.” He had only water and vegetables. Some may drink fruit and vegetable juices. An Absolute Fast is abstaining from water and food for one to three days. A person can go about forty days without food but only about three days (unless God intervenes) without water (Esther 4:16).] “Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: HERE AM I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend [devote] yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then YOUR LIGHT WILL RISE IN THE DARKNESS, And YOUR NIGHT WILL BECOME LIKE THE NOONDAY.” (Isa. 58:9-10) [Fasting reveals the things that control us. We camouflage what is inside of us with food and other good things. When these securities are removed and our attention is focused on God, the junk in our life will surface and we can deal with all those unwanted items.] “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, WITH PRAYER AND FASTING, COMMITTED THEM TO THE LORD, in whom they had put their trust.” (Acts 14:22-23) [When Jesus confronted the father of a demon possessed child (who the disciples unsuccessfully tried to cast out), He said to the father:] “How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.” (Mark 9:21-22) [Jesus taught the father and His disciples a great lesson:] “And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; HELP THOU MINE UNBELIEF. And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by PRAYER AND FASTING.” (Mark 9:24, 28-29) [It is unfortunate that most people do not fast because it’s to “uncomfortable” for them, but as we OUGHT TO CLEARLY SEE fasting should be a NORMAL PART of a Christian’s life!]

Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that COMMIT YOUR LIFE TO THE LORD WITH PRAYER AND FASTING TODAY! -Bill Stockham

By Pastor Danny R. Whitaker, Cunningham Bridge What is the great need in the world today? Is the greatest need information? We're drowning in a sea of information.

If information had been the need, God would have sent us an educator. Is it technology? We're often afraid of our technology today. If technology had been the need, God would have sent a scientist. Is it money? Do you think that your problems would be solved if you had more money? If money had been the need, God would have sent an economist.

Do you think the need is more leisure? Maybe God should have sent an entertainer. Is it peace? Well, if that was true, God would have sent a diplomat.

No. Jesus came not as an educator, not as a scientist, not as an economist, entertainer, philosopher, nor a social worker. Our greatest need is salvation, and so God sent a Savior--Adrian Rodgers from PROCLAMATION Ornaments Devotional.

We are living in a world that is in a world of hurt. Indeed, we are living in perilous times; for when, people look upon their neighbors wondering if they may become radicalized through extremist ideology and take up a weapon and do bodily harm...we are living in very dangerous times. One need only listen to the news to understand that there is a major problem in our society. People have lost their moral compass and are losing their way in the labyrinth of situational ethics and common decency. No longer can man be depended on to make the common sense decision of right and wrong.

Where there is no standard for truth, there is no standards at all.

The evidence is before us: Economic instability, political ineptitude, educational errors, religious bigotry and hypocrisy, social imbalance, leadership corruption, and journalistic biases that is steeped in fear and hatred that keep the people in a state of great anxiety for their future.

The list can go on and on. The woes of society's problems are so many that societies’ back is being broken by the load it is bearing. Social evils are cropping up daily and the harvest is upon us. What will we reap as society as a whole?

Another good question that needs to be answered is who is at fault for all these evils? Republicans blame the Democrats, the liberals blame the conservatives, the secular world blames the religious, and the educated blame the uneducated. Since the blame game has been around from the time of Adam and Eve there is no solution to society's problems in placing blame on individuals or a group of individuals. Matter of fact, there can be no human solution to any of the problems mankind faces in his day to day life. So, what is the answer to who is at fault? Satan is at fault. He deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden; which lead Adam to willfully disobey God's prohibition on eating of the fruit of the tree in the midst of the garden, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

Now, that the culprit has been identified we can conclude two facts: One, the woes, evils and problems are spiritual dilemmas plaguing mankind; two, spiritual dilemmas cannot be solved by natural solutions. Spiritual dilemmas need supernatural solutions.

What is meant by supernatural, anyways? In the secular world people use the term to describe paranormal events that writers, movie and television producers exploit to make shows to entertain the public...at a profit. In Christianity the term is used of the one and only true God, Jehovah, the one who puts the super in the supernatural. This is the Ephesians 3:20 God, who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think. The above all God who gave his only begotten son, Jesus, for the atonement of the sins of the world. That in itself should let us know what is meant by the term supernatural.

So, if the supernatural solution to the world's condition is the Love of the Almighty God, through his son, Jesus, who was born through a miraculous, virgin birth and lived the perfect, sinless life and died upon an old rugged cross at

Calvary, bearing the sins of the world upon himself, to make atonement and bring redemption through his blood, how can this solution be shared with the world?

Jesus arose from the dead and showed himself to his disciples before ascending to his rightful place at the right hand of his Father, where he makes intercession for all believers. Jesus, also, sent unto all believers the gift of the Holy Spirit, who was promised of God and delivered to believers on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). Now, the gift of the Holy Spirit was given for the empowerment of believers to do the work of God, the Father, through the direction of his son, Jesus, who is the Head of the Church. As head of the church he leads each part of his body to do the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:14-21) for which all have been called unto ambassadorship.

Let us sum up the situation thus far: One, the people groups of the world are in great need of deliverance from personal and corporate destruction; two, the solution to their problems is a supernatural, spiritual intervention of divine proportion; three, Jesus, God's only begotten son, is the solution to all problems; four, He is in heaven sitting at the right hand of the Father; five, we are here as ambassadors for Christ to reconcile the world unto God through Christ Jesus.

Thus, we can conclude from observing the condition of the present world, people are still in great need of deliverance.

Possibly, the need is greater today than it has ever been due to the rapid deterioration of morals around the world. The signs of the times are pointing to the conclusion of God's work of grace through his son, Jesus. We, the ambassadors of Christ, need to recognize the urgency of the times and redeem the time for the days are evil (Ephesians. 5:16).

The world in its fallen condition and prideful state has marginalized the Church of God to a place of irrelevancy.

People have little respect for the extraneous trappings of the Church with its historical baggage and inept self efforts that have distanced the Church even farther than ever before. So, the world is looking for answers in all the wrong places and missing the true answer that is right in front of them.

We, the Church of the living God, must come out of the marginal irrelevancy to which we have been placed by today's skeptical society.

The great need for today's hurting people is a Church that is empowered with the supernatural presence of God in their lives. People need to see believers who actually believe what they are testifying and have the power of God to back up their words and works. Without this anointing of the presence and power of God in the lives of believers the world is going to reject Christ as they did almost two thousand years ago.

The great need today is spiritual empowerment of believers. Yes, the great need of the world is for believers to have a legitimate and demonstrable faith in the All Mighty God in whom they claim to believe. People are waiting and wanting the real people of God to be sincere in their faith. Authenticity is the major virtue that this hurting world is looking for in the people of God. How can believers present Christ to this lost generation without a genuine relationship with Christ? Believers cannot be a true witness unless their lives support their claims. If the world sees only a mirror image of themselves, they can have no confidence in a believer that lives as they live. A believer must be above reproach before the world. This is a high expectation of a person who is trying to live righteously in this day and time. It is impossible in oneself, but in Christ all things are possible-this is the key to empowered Christian living: Thus, we can see spiritual empowerment is greatly needed in the lives of believers. How are believers to receive this empowerment? The Bible teaches that men and women of old received power from God to do mighty exploits when the Spirit of God came upon them (ex..Samson, Daniel, Elijah, Elisha, and Mary). Under this dispensation of grace we receive the Holy Spirit and become the children of God through faith in the sacrificial work of Jesus at Calvary. If we have the Spirit of God when we are born again into the family of God, why are so many believers living a life of defeat and bondage to sin?

The answer is this and it also can be summed up in a question: We say we have the Spirit of God, but does the Spirit of God have us? Here is the truth that sets free: Empowerment for victory over sin and service for God comes through complete surrender of one's self to God through Jesus and receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost. We are no longer our own for we belong to God and working to advance his kingdom through his son, Jesus.

What is meant by the baptism of the Holy Ghost? This baptism is a complete immersion into the Holy Spirit to the point that our body, soul, and spirit are totally under the control of God through his Spirit. We do the works of God effectively with signs following after (Mk. 16: 15-18). These signs are the confirmation of God's presence and power in the believer's life.

This is what the world needs today: A genuine man or woman of God who is living and working under the anointing of the Holy Ghost for the honor of God through the authority and direction of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is this demonstration of the power of God in the life of believers that will attract those seeking relief from their problems and release from the torments of the oppressor. Salvation from sin and Satan must be proclaimed by every believer with a powerful demonstration of the Spirit of God, approving their words and works. This Holy Spirit empowerment is the greatest need today. Believers must be seeking this empowerment and working from this empowerment daily. It is imperative that believers become who they claim to be, children of the All Mighty God. In summary, we, the children of the Most High God through faith in Jesus, must fast and pray for more empowerment to do the works for which we have been called. Without the anointing of God's presence and power on our lives we are powerless to help anyone, even ourselves. We must seek the Holy Ghost daily to be effectively empowered to do the ministry of Jesus Christ; otherwise, the needs of the people will not be met.

WHEN PRAYER MADE A DIFFERENCE IN MY LIFE By Pastor Annzella Abernathy, Fort Payne Psa. 27:13-14 I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage and He shall strengthen thine heart, wait I say, on the Lord.

What a wealth of information is contained in these two Scriptures. Some things in David's life was so troubling that he knew he could not handle them. Things that were so bad he said, "I would have fainted" had I not known about the goodness of God, who is aware of His children on this earth and His ears open to their cries.

We to face things in our life that are so troubling and heart breaking, like the death of a loved one, dreaded sickness, unsaved loved ones or friend. Without the knowledge of the goodness of the Lord in our lives we too might lose hope.

Phil. 4:6 Be careful (anxious) for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God. This wonderful scripture tells us that in "everything", no matter what it is, not to be anxious or worried but to "pray".

Being thankful for what God has already done in our lives and for believing Him for our need.

I have experienced this personally many times in my life. Many years ago, an x-ray showed my brother to have growths on his liver. When I received this news, I felt in my heart that it was a cancer. It would have done no good to let anxiety take my faith, or let worry destroy my hope. Prayer made the difference! When he went back for a follow up, there were no growths. God had removed them, and he was healed. I still praise the Lord today for this healing. It gave my brother life, and it also taught me so much about God and His wanting to help His children. It helped me in my understanding of healing and God hearing and answering our prayer.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE By Rev. Kenneth Donald, Cottondale Spiritual Warfare is the struggle to have life in this material world reflect as much as possible God’s loving governance.

It is very much like a war, there are those who are working to thwart what Got is doing. As we know God is in charge, but there are opponents who are in revolt.

The Bible speaks of spiritual warfare in several places. In Ephesians 6 verse 12, Paul says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms”. As we know the devil has already lost, but he is trying to take as many with him as he can.

As Christians, we are in a spiritual battle of some sort on a daily basis. Our spiritual battles and warfare are real, even though we cannot physically see the attacker. We need to educate ourselves on how these battles are fought and how they impact our lives on a daily basis.

I know in my personal life there have been many spiritual attacks. One attack stands out. It happened thirty years ago and it changed my life forever. Many attacks happen when we are on a spiritual high. Our son was about fourteen years old.

He needed a physical to try out for football. The physical was done. One of the tests showed a large knot on the side of his heart. He was sent to UAB in Birmingham, Alabama for more tests and to prepare for surgery. That night, I kneeled beside my bed and told God that I loved my son and wanted to see him grow up into manhood, but if He needed him more, it was O.K. This was a battle I could not fight so I turned it over to the one who could fight the battle. The next morning, they took our son down early for more tests, to determine exactly what needed to be done when they started the surgery. After about three of the longest hours of waiting, they brought our son back to his room. We were told the Doctor wanted to see us in his office. We walked down the long hall not knowing what to expect. We walked in and he was sitting at his desk. He had a funny look on his face. He told us after all the tests and x-rays were reviewed, the knot was gone. He said he could not explain it but it was gone. We were told to take our son home and enjoy his life. Before we left his office, I told the Doctor what had just happened. Our son was cured by the great Physician. God had won the battle. My son is now forty two years old and in great health.

In a Christian life we must always remember God fights our battles. When we finally realize who has all the strength and power, it makes our lives so much easier. Is God fighting your battles? If not start turning them over to Him and watch your life change.

In closing, James 4:7-8 gives the best advice on how to wage spiritual warfare. “Submit yourselves to God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you.”

NOTICE!!!!!!!!!!

Global Prayer Chain (NEW)—Bishop Clements has asked that we form a 24-hour global prayer chain to insure that our intercessors are mobilized to offer continuous prayer during the 21 Days of Prayer. He has assigned each state or nation a particular time segment to pray during the prayer chain.

Your area has been assigned the following time slot, in your time zone: 7-8 PM Please encourage your pastors, churches, and ministries to help us continue the prayer chain by praying during this hour, each day, beginning January 5, 2016 and ending on January 25, 2016.

REPORT:

Converge 2015: Nepal

We were able to be a part of a history-making endeavor in the 10/40 window in November 2015. I was one of seven crusaders that connected with John & Martine Smithwick (Global Ventures) and together we covered the Hindu land of Nepal with the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thousands were saved, hundreds were healed, and the Kingdom of Heaven was established in a land that has only known darkness and hopelessness its entire life. Jesus is and forever will be the Desire of all nations!

Nepal has a population of 31 million people and is the second poorest country in all of Asia. There were 328 unreached people groups and only 0.6% of the population is Christian. When we say unreached… we mean unreached. Many in Nepal have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ one time. We changed those numbers!

Glory to God! Oswald J. Smith said, “No one has the right to hear the gospel twice, while there remains someone who has not heard it once.” Church, this is on our watch. We must go/give and not only go/give, but also go/give to those who need us the most.

All crusaders were encouraged to build a team around them to make maximum impact. Because we would be targeting 8 different regions all over the nation, we needed manpower like never before. I immediately went to work praying and asking the Father whom I needed to recruit for this historic mission. By the help of the Lord and the convincing of the Holy Spirit, we (Chris Pilkerton and I) were able to build a team of 26 to travel to Nepal with us. There were 6 licensed COGOP ministers that joined us, along with many other COGOP members. In all we had twenty-nine people: twenty-four from the state of Alabama, two from the state of North Carolina, and three from Global Ventures that focused on the region/city of Gaighat, Nepal.

Each day we ministered (open-air preaching) in schools, markets, villages, and anywhere else we could gather a crowd. Every night we held large festivals, inviting everyone to come for music, dancing, and fun. Little did the precious Nepali people know that they would encounter Heaven face to face! We preached Jesus Christ and Him crucified! We celebrated the empty tomb and declared the victory of our Lord! We preached a surrendered life and the forsaking of all other gods! Thousands called upon the name of the Lord. We witnessed with our own eyes over 15,395 salvations with 95 healings. Deaf ears were opened, cancer disappeared, bodies restored, and so much more. One lady who suffered a stoke three years ago and suffered damage to the right side of her body was completely made whole. A twelve-year-old girl who battled epilepsy her entire life was delivered in a moment.

One forty-five year old man who had lost hearing in both ears at age seven, was touched by the power of God and for the first time in thirty-eight years he was able to hear clearly and completely. After the Lord opened his ears, the man opened his mouth and made Jesus Lord of his life.

In addition to all of the Gospel ministry, we were able to hold a pastor’s conference for over fifty pastors. It was incredible and much was accomplished as we encouraged them to unite and build upon the success of the Converge 2015 campaign. They all cut covenant together and everyday we are receiving reports of the efforts that are continuing. We also trained and provided clean water filtration systems to the local churches of each region.

These are being used as a great evangelism tool because many do not have clean drinking water, but they can now go to the churches for clean water and Living Water. We also trained the local churches on how to minister the Gospel with power and provided all the same tools we used to continue advancing the Kingdom of Heaven all over Nepal!

For those who prayed, gave, and went… Thank you! Together we made history! This has never been attempted in Nepal and we were able to be used by God to make it happen. Alabama was the largest single group outside of the Global Ventures crew. Alabama and COGOP represented well! FYI- There will be more endeavors and I pray that Alabama COGOP can and will rise to the occasion! We are reaching and changing nations!

Until the kingdoms of the world becomes the Kingdom of our God, Tim & Bethany Beck

November Statistics

2015

CHURCH

SM

TITHES

CHURCH

SM

Alexander City Aliceville Alton Altoona Anniston Praise Worship Bayou La Batre Bessemer Hopewell Rd Woodland Hills Boaz Boldo Brown’s Chapel Browntown Calera Harvest Chapel Carbon Hill Chickasaw Citronelle Clanton Collinsville Harvest Center Cordova Cottondale Cunningham Bridge Decatur Dothan Dry Valley East Lake Highlands Elba Elkmont Eoline Fayette-North Pointe Fort Payne Gadsden Living Waters Goodwater Joyful Praise Gordo Grant-Sanctuary Greenpond Grove Hill Hackleburg Haleyville Pathway Hamilton New Heights Happy Hill Harris Chapel Hartselle Hazel Green

28 10 45 37

3681.00 2796.04 5558.18 1652.00

41 7

5963.27 250.00

Huntsville Mastin Lake Bell Road Jasper Leesburg Lincoln Mentone Montgomery Moulton Munford Silver Run Odenville Parrish Pelham Pinson Parkway Poarch Red Bay Robertsdale Rock Cliff Sheffield Cliff Haven Short Creek Sterrett Summerbrook Tannehill Mission Tarrant City Trinity Worship Twilleytown West Blocton Winfield Family World Outreach

No Report 15 30 116 19 22 11 23 22 66 7 27 36 6 23 19 No Report 125 40 95 42 No Report 48 65 50 No Report 57 ---

74 81 10 No Report No Report 38

10150.00 12002.02 857.00

69 99 24 16 11

--13720.63 2165.00 2830.90 ---

3274.30

55 No Report 90 14 33 7 10 46 6 No Report 23 70 6

5121.50

49

4938.80

15 41 No Report 83 7 154 69

1727.50 8124.00 9021.16 893.96 29643.54 5967.38

79 56 12 53

11269.43 7483.81 -----

--1330.00 3541.35 --1990.22 2966.05 566.00 3626.00 3351.00 743.59

TITHES

2026.00 5061.00 9675.20 1041.30 2478.50 1469.00 2820.30 1631.00 --1000.00 4058.17 2336.00 807.32 3947.35 1433.15 23489.00 3537.00 7022.95 4289.61 3024.91 9718.50 4690.00 3890.51

THE ABOVE STATISTICS WERE TAKEN FROM TREASURERS’ REPORTS RECEIVED IN STATE OFFICE AS OF DECEMBER 2015

Alexander City: On November 1 st , the church was blessed by Angelina McKeithen ministering to us through songs.

Altoone: W e broke our record attendance in November with a new record of 42. W e have several new families attending and we thank the Lord for them.

Anniston-Praise and W orship: W e thank God for a new member, Jimmy Barclay, this month.

Chickasaw: W e have enjoyed our services and fellowship with our Brother and Sisters in the Lord. God has truly blessed us all this Thanksgiving. Our pastor dedicated Harley Cross and it was a beautiful ceremony as her parents, Zachary and Brandy, gave her back to the Lord.

W hat a blessing for us to have a new church baby. W e look forward and feel blessed having this little one in service with us.

Collinsville-H arvest Center: Harvest Center church hosted the Collinsville Community Christmas service. W e always look forward to worshiping with the community. Our choir opened the service followed by several of the other churches offering songs and readings that told the Christmas story. W e concluded with a candle lighting service singing the Lord’s Prayer. Our youth and adults performed Lights...Camera...Christmas! December 13th. This was an original play written by our youth pastor Hannah Rackard. W e had close to 200 guest in attendance. W hat a delightful evening of joy and laughter as the birth of our Lord was told in a most unusual way. Seeing all the talent that the Lord has added to our church was such a blessing for us all. W e wish all our sisters and brothers in Alabama a prosperous and Christ centered New Year!

Gadsden: W e are thanking God for the great move of His Spirit we are experiencing here at Gadsden. W e began the month with a Staff Appreciation Dinner sponsored by the pastor’s office. On the 2 nd Sunday the church gathered for our annual

church Thanksgiving Dinner. There was great fellowship and wonderful food. W e are honored to announce the engagement of Sister Ashley Smith to Brother Jeremiah Strawderman.

Gordo: W e had “Fall Festival” at the Gordo church with friends and family. W e enjoyed games, visiting with one another and lots of good food to eat. God is blessing the Gordo church. W e love and appreciate our church family.

Greenpond: W e entered into His gates with thanksgiving, prayer and praise. It has been a beautiful Thanksgiving Season. The manifestation of His Spirit has been in our midst in a powerful way. To God, all glory is given. A complete Thanksgiving meal was provided for several families in the community. God’s blessings will grow when they are shared. He is blessing our church.

Grove Hill: W e celebrated November birthdays with food and fellowship.

Haleyville-Pathway: This the season to remember why we celebrate Christ.

Hazel Green: The month of November was a b lessed tim e.

W e celeb ra te d Thanksgiving with testimonies and praise.

Sunday evening we had a great meal together. W e thank God for four new members joining the church and one joined in October. W e have so much to be thankful for. Pray for the church at Hazel Green as we move forward.

Leesburg: The month of November began with our annual Harvest Festival with games, food, prizes and special guest band and singers. Although it was rainy and we had to move the festival indoors, we had a good turnout with lots of visitors. The next day we began a revival with Brother Harold Parker from Cleveland, The Spirit of the

Lord moved mightily with people in the altar every night. W e celebrated the homegoing fo r R eba Decker, former Pastor Artis Decker’s wife.

The month ended with the church providing Thanksgiving meals for 40+ families and also a clothes closet for them to visit.

M oulton: W e had a special Thanksgiving service on November 22. A drama was presented by Pastor Croyle’s family with forty in attendance and a delicious meal was enjoyed following the service. W e are happy and thankful to have the Croyles with us.

Short Creek: W e have so much to be thankful for. W e were blessed by Bishop John Butler with a Spirit-filled revival resulting in many renewals, one filled with the Holy Ghost, and several other experiences.

Powerful worship and messages each night and new people attending.

The Family Thanksgiving service had good attendance. Let us be a blessing to others.

Tarrant: Thanksgiving is in the air! The Ladies’ Ministry hosted the dinner party for Mayor Tuck as the city honored David Lee for his win of the Ultimate Elvis Award.

At our Thanksgiving Community Service, what a joy it was for our choir to perform.

The offering in this service went for Toys for Tarrant so no child will be without Christmas. One service, the Holy Spirit moved mightily as our guest speaker, Beverly Langford, a Birmingham detective, was our guest speaker brought an anointing message.

She has now joined our congregation. Praise the Lord.

W infield City Family: Thank God for two souls being saved this month. Also, the next step in our new building is putting the heat ducts and sheet rock in. God is a miracle worker! Keep praying for us.

Birmingham District The district came together for our Kids Christmas Celebration with Alton as the host church.

W e had about 200 in attendance. All the children received a present from Santa. The kids played games, enjoyed a bouncing in the BIG blown up bouncer and the adults enjoyed one another’s fellowship. To God be the glory.

ANNOUNCEM ENT Prayer Line with Dr. W essly Saturdays 9:00 - 10:00 AM Dial 712-432-1690 Access Code: 650786#

Leesburg: Jeremiah was born to Jared and Katie Griffin in November.

BABY DEDICATION Chickasaw: Harley Cross was dedicated back to God this month by his parents Zachary and Brandy Cross.

DEATHS

ATTENTION!!!

Alton COGOP is interviewing for a Youth Pastor. “W e are looking for someone called by God to the Youth Ministry”.

Contact: Pastor, Daniel Stronge, Alton C hurch, 2 3 0 5 O ld A lto n R o a d , Birmingham, AL 35210, 205-233-0013, blendedminstries@yahoo.com

Leesburg: Reba Decker went to her final resting place November 15 th.

M entone: Death came and took our long time member, Sister Margie Coots in November.

Summerbrook: Harold Engle, member 38 years, passed away December 27 th.

STATE W EB SITES

Trinity: Janet Partain departed this life on November 5 th.

Alabama Update Blog: W W W .alabamaupdate.blogspot.com

W infield City Family: W e loss Travis Ray Carter, a W W II Veteran on November 13 th.

Alabama W eb Site: alcogop.org YouthTim Beck W eb: www.experiencehydrate.com www.hydrateministries.com AVAILABLE FOR REVIVALS Joey Dobbs: Member of Sterrett Church of God of Prophecy. Telephone (205)7463017.

Earlean Emerson, P O Box 1863, Hamilton, AL 35570. Telephone (205) 921-5637.

Brenda Kay Pate, P O Box 156 W oodstock, AL 35188; 205-388-1087 or 388-3129. Fill in for pastors also.

Steve Puckett, 471 Co Rd 275, Arley, Al, 35541, Home: 205-295-5117; cell 864385-0626.

SPEAK ING PROGRAM S:

AND

SPECIAL

Anita Falkner Parker, 3615 M oody Pkwy, Moody, AL 35004. Telephone (205) 640-6207.

Brenda Kay Pate, P O Box 156; W oodstock, AL, 35188; 205-388-1087 or 388-3129.

M USICAL M INISTRY B reaking C h a ins, E llio t:2 5 1 -4 5 4 8946,breakingchainsworship@yahoo.com.

BIRTHS Aliceville: Layton Anthony Guthrie was born December 18 th to Megan and Aaron Pate Guthrie.

Chickasaw: Harley was born November 9 th to his parents Zachary and Brandy Cross.

Tips For Abundant Life Carolyn Guyton A New Year. The beginning of a new calendar year represents a fresh start.

The year 2015 is now in the past and you can’t change what occurred. W hether you feel good about the year or you were glad to see it end, it is done. Now we are in a brand new, barely used year. W hat are you going to do with yours? Allow me to offer three tips for making 2016 successful.

Live to win. Take the positive route. W e so often live from fear and feel that if we don’t lose, then we are successful. That is what the 10 spies did in Numbers Chapter 13. Their natural eyes saw the enemy and didn’t want to lose. But Caleb saw through his eyes of faith, knowing that God would bring the win. W hy not act from the foundation of faith and live to win? Don’t settle; go for the win!

One W ord. Choose a one word theme for 2016. Prayerfully select the one word that describes what you want to be by the end of the year. W rite this word on a piece of paper and place it where you will see it regularly. This will help keep you focused so you will work toward the goal.

Let the Truth set you free. I would like to share an excerpt from the devotion book

by Sarah Young, Jesus Calling: “I am the Truth: the One who came to set you free. As the Holy Spirit controls your mind and actions more fully, you become free in Me. You are increasingly released to

become the one I created you to be. This is a work that I do in you as you yield to My Spirit I can do My best handiwork when you sit in the stillness of My Presence, focusing your entire being on Me. Let My thoughts burst freely upon your consciousness, stimulating abundant Life.

I am the Way and the Truth and the Life.

As you follow Me, I lead you along paths of newness: ways you have never imagined. Don’t worry about what is on the road up ahead. I want you to find your security in knowing Me, the One who died to set you free.”

Allow the Holy Spirit to control your 2016 so you can be free. Seek every day for the abundant life that only comes from God. Subscribe to Live! mailing list at liveyourfullestlife.com and receive a free gift. faceb o o k.co m /liveyo urfullestlife; cguyton2@att.net

JANUARY PASTORS/W IVES BIRTHDAYS Freda Archie T. J. Armstrong Linda Bates W anda Cleveland W ayne Craig Bettie Croyle Donna Howard Jackie Logan Gail Lowery Ronald Martin James Oliver Thomas Shepherd Elaine W ilkins ANNIVERSARIES Clifton And W ilda Pate Damon and Teresa Rose

Future Events Hydrate Campus Tour January 10-23 D. Min School Gordon-Conwell Camp Boothe 18-22 Leaders of Leaders, Gordon-Conwell Camp Boothe M arch 17-20 Gordon-Conwell-History of COGOP----Camp Boothe 14-17 Leaders of Leaders Camp Boothe

3 Easy Ways to Register!

By Mail To register by mail, complete the form and send it with your payment to: Sandy Knowles 464 N. Clay Street Hackleburg, AL 35564 Checks should be made payable to: Church of God of Prophecy

By Phone Register by phone by calling: (910) 308-1746

Connect 2016 Registration Form Registration Fee: Registration includes training notebook and meals.

Payment must be received with completed registration form. $30.00 in advance (Individual) $25.00 in advance (groups of 5 or more) $35.00 at the door Registrants Individual Information ___________________________________________ Individual Name/Group Leader ___________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________ City, State, Zip

By E-mail sebknowles@gmail.com

For additional info or to contact us, you can also go to the Alabama Children’s Ministry Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/ALCOGOPCM We will post a conference schedule soon!

CONNECT 2016

___________________________________________ Name of Local Church ___________________________________________ Contact Phone ___________________________________________ Email Names of those attending in your group (Please print) ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY TRAINING -sponsored byState of Alabama AdmINISTRATIVE offIce Church of god of prophecy

FEbruary 5-7, 2016

Connect 2016 is a training intensive that will…

Connect 2016 offers workshops and special events presented by experienced leaders in Children’s Ministry. A wide range of topics will be covered, including:

Provide you with a biblical perspective of children’s ministry



Connecting Kids to the Bible

Teach you to win and disciple kids for Christ



Connecting to Kids Creatively

Help you develop relationships with other children’s minsters



Connecting with Kids through Worship

Train you in ministry skills



Connecting through Effective Discipline

Ignite you with a greater passion for the children of your church



Connecting to Kids with Special Needs

Renew you with a fresh vision for ministry to children



Connecting through Structure



Connecting with One Another (Dinner/Q&A with CM Council)



Creative Ministry Presentations by hccKids! and Creative Arts Store



Connecting Kids to Christ (Keynote)



Connecting With Your Calling (Keynote and Commissioning Service)

What is Connect 2016?

Who should attend?

Everyone who ministers to children, from nursery through sixth grade, including… 

Children’s Ministers



Ministry Leaders



Senior Pastors



Christian Education Directors



Sunday School Teachers



Volunteers

Your entire team will benefit from this event! Whether you are a novice or veteran of children’s ministry — you will take away valuable tools, ideas, skills and a renewed passion for ministering to children.

Registration will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 5th. The opening session will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Keynote Speakers

Connect 2016 * February 5-7, 2016 * Hosted by

9700 State Hwy 172 Hackleburg, AL 35564 205-935-3549

Area Hotels

Best Western Hotel & Suites 13770 Hwy 43 Russellville, AL 35653 Phone: 256-332-1002 (mention the training to receive a 20% discount) Key West Inn of Hamilton 224 River Rd Drive Hamilton, AL 35570 Phone: 205-921-3333

Dan Nixon Creative Arts Store Birmingham AL

Bishop L.V. Jones Church of God of Prophecy Alabama State Overseer

Resources, ministry supplies, and other materials will be available for purchase and as giveaways during the Connect 2016 event.

Attorney David Gibbs III

Church Leadership Legal Seminar Saturday, February 27, 2016 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Woodland Hills Church of God of Prophecy 673 Memorial Drive Bessemer, AL 35022

Cost: $50 per person Sponsored by the Alabama Church of God of Prophecy & NCLL Bishop L. V. Jones, State Overseer For more info: (205) 425-1905 or (205) 344-3045 Email: ronmartin1025@att.net

Church Leadership Legal Conference

Saturday, February 27, 2016, at Woodland Hills COGOP 673 Memorial Drive Bessemer, AL 35022

REGISTRATION FORM CONTACT INFORMATION Name ____________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip Code ________________________________________________

Phone _____________________ Email _________________________________ Church ____________________________________________________________ Number of Additional Individuals in Group ____________ REGISTRATION FEE - $50

PER PERSON

PAYMENT INFORMATION Please select one of the following options: Cash

Check

Money Order

Total Payment ____________

NOTES:  Receipts will be issued on request and be provided on the conference registration day.  The Registration Form should be accompanied by the appropriate payment for the registration fee.

Conference Fees (The conference fee includes conference materials, participation to all sessions, coffee breaks, and snacks).

Registration Cancellation Policy No refunds are available on or after February 1, 2016.

NOTES:  Receipts will be issued on request and be provided on the conference registration day.  The Registration Form should be accompanied by the appropriate payment for the registration fee.  Make checks payable to: Church of God of Prophecy  Mail to: P. O. Box 707

Bessemer, AL 35021 (205) 425-1905 or (205) 344-3045 Email: ronmartin1025@att.net

ALABAMA UPDATE Church of God of Prophecy P.O. Box 707 Bessemer, Alabama 35021-0707

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE A PAID Permit No.256 BESSEMER, AL ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Our Sympathy to our Ministers Families

Deacon “Doc” Gillespie December 23, 2015

Dennis Inman December 22, 2015

Sara Ponder November 1, 2015 Deceased Deacon, Ray Ponder’s wife

Donny Vickery December 24, 2015 Virginia (deceased Royce) Washburn’s brother

The Alabama Update is the official monthly publication of the Church of God of Prophecy in Alabama. Yearly subscription rate is $7.00. Statements in this publication referring to the Church of God have reference to the Church of God of Prophecy. Articles and news briefs submitted for publication must be received by the fifth of the month for publication, and should be sent to: Alabama Update, PO Box 707, Bessemer, AL . 35021-0707.

L. V. Jones, Editor Billie Ruth Jones, Assistant Editor C ========================================= SUBSCRIPTION BLANK Enclosed is $ for a year subscription ($7.00 per year) to the Alabama Update.

Name (Please print)_______________________________ M ailing Address__________________________________ City________________________State________________ Church ________________________________________