Alabama Update December 2012

ALABAMA

UPDATE THE CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY

DECEMBER 2012

Merry Christmas

Empowered For Service!

W hite W ing Messenger 2010 Daryl Paul Lobban–Brooklyn, New York

Acts 1:8 records, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnessess in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (ESV). This statement given by Jesus to His disciples, just before He ascended, is a clarion call, proclaiming to the young church–full of then emerging leaders–that the fruit of empowered living is missional living. The apostles did not hesitate in this call, but took the message of Christ all over the world, b eginning with their local comm unity in Jerusa le m a nd the s u r r o u n d i n g a r e a s .

The call of Christ to empowered missional living that was instituted at the beginning of the church is still relevant today. W e must be reminded that we are not to only be evangelistic witnesses of salvation, but also to be witnesses of His power, His grace, His mercy, and His love.

W hen this world sees us, they ought to see Christ’s power, grace, love, and mercy be extended to them, thereby producing a platform to extend salvation to this world.

The harvest is still great, and the time is now in which this emerging generation must be released to work in the vineyard of the Lord. The vineyard of the Lord is not exclusive to the church walls, but it extends to schools, hospitals, local food pantries, and workplaces.

There are wonderful opportunities in which emerging leaders can serve in their schools. One idea includes forming a Christian Bible study club by gathering some fellow Christians in one’s high school or college who will meet around lunchtime to discuss the Bible and pray maybe once or twice a week. This can prove to be an effective evangelism tool in spreading the Gospel since many skeptics might walk in or show up by invitation, and this would provide a platform to introduce them to Jesus by the W ord of God. Many colleges also have Christian clubs on campus, such as Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, which can be a great asset to network with other Christians.

This generation is very musically influenced; therefore, another great idea is to form a Christian band or choir in one’s school. This would attract both

Christians and non-Christians alike as well as provide another great platform to i n t r o d u c e J e s u s .

Hospitals and nursing homes are a great place for emerging leaders to extend Christ’s love and power. Typically, hospitals and nursing homes are lonely places, where patients tend to be more or less hopeless and in despair due to their medical situation. Consequently, when a patient receives a visit from a person— and even more so from a young person— the patient is overwhelmed with joy and hope.AY 2010 15 Most patients tend to be open and receptive and are quite eager to be prayed for and hear about the Good News of Jesus. Hospital and nursing home administrations are usually quite receptive in allowing young people to visit their institutions, which can easily be arranged by calling and scheduling a visit or getting in contact with the local hospital or nursing home chaplain.

Food pantries are another great opportunity to fulfill the call of Christ to serve the world through empowered living. An emerging leader must have a commitment to serve the needy. If there is no passion for this, then one m u s t b e d e v e l o p e d .

It is the poor and hopeless with whom Christ had a strong dedication and connection. In Luke 4:18 (NKJV), Jesus, in His first recorded sermon, declared, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. . . .” There is a strong connection in that passage to the Spirit and the poor; Jesus was empowered to preach and give the G o s p e l t o t h e p o o r .

A Christ-centered leader must be missionally focused to helping those in need. Food pantries and clothing drives are great resources in developing this commitment. Partnering with local food pantries will help to build the character of Christ in a person. There is a phenomenal, intrinsic transformation that occurs in a person’s life when he or she begins to serve and help others; it teaches humility and patience, which are character traits essential to being a fruitful worker in the Lord’s vineyard.

Mission trips, both local and international, are transformative service opportunities. Habitat for Humanity, a Christian service organization, is always looking for volunteers in their many service projects, which revolve around building homes for people in need.

In 2004, at the age of 16, I was privileged to go on a mission trip to Nigeria with the International Youth Ministries Department to serve in a youth camp. This trip changed my life by releasing me into ministry, and I have never been the same since. Subsequently, it led me to have a passion for souls and Christ’s Kingdom. The International Youth Ministries Office/Operation Omega has launched Y.M.I.A., which is the mission arm of the Youth Ministries Department, to engage student-leaders and release them into a plethora of international mission p r o j e c t s .

“W hen the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me’” (Matthew 25:31–40 ESV).

Empowered living means empowered service!

America Needs Revival

By Bryan Baysinger, State Evangelist

God in His infinite grace and mercy allows men and nations to make their own choices whether to serve or reject Him. Our God is not a harsh dictator that demands submission. In fact, we are free moral agents before Him. We are instructed to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.

In the 33rd chapter of II Chronicles we are told the story of King Manasseh. Here is a King of Judah that has this legacy according to scripture; “So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to err, and to do worse than the heathen, whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel.” This King went down in history as a king who made the people of Judah sin. Even though he later repented of his sins before the Lord, he had still caused “gross darkness and sin” to cover the land.

keeping the land’ of promise was to be careful to do everything He commanded; concerning the laws, decrees, and ordinances given through Moses. While this seemed to be a tall order to fill considering the wickedness into which the land had fallen, God has never spoken words that could not be accomplished. So it is with you and me today. We can fulfill what our God has outlined for us to accomplish.

However, even with strong admonition to remember, repent, and return, Manasseh fell prey to his own wicked devices. He was taken captive by the Assyrians and was punished by God. Like Manasseh and the land of Israel, our leaders and country have fallen prey to wicked living. We have chosen our own path. The Word says that there is a way that seems good to a man yet the end is destruction. (death)

Manasseh had a great example of how to lead a nation, in a godly manner, by the former king, his father, King Hezekiah. Yet, we see that Manasseh did not walk according to the ways of the Lord or his father. During the early reign of Manasseh the nation of Israel fell into spiritual collapse. Leadership is vital to have success in a nation. There is a quote that says, “Everything rises and falls on leadership”. If there has ever been a time in America when we need to pray for revival, it is now. We need to pray for our leadership.

When we look at the US and research the history of our nation it is evident that we have been a nation that has been blessed by God. How long these blessings will continue depends on the path that we continue to choose. While I love our country, we can see how America has fallen into spiritual collapse. Furthermore, we should be able to see how America and her leaders parallel the account in scripture of the beginning reign of Manasseh and the nation of Judah. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. (II Chronicles 33:2)

Manasseh committed gross idolatry and taught the nation to do so, also. He erected altars to Baal, worshipped the sun, stars and planets, set-up Asherah poles and even sacrificed his sons in the fire. He practiced sorcery, divination and witchcraft. He had many altars and images erected to the pagan gods which were worshiped by the nations surrounding them. In all of this, God still said that His name would remain in Jerusalem forever. Although men and women, throughout history, have practiced every kind of evil and have practiced every abominable thing imaginable, God has a plan for His people. His plan is to restore them to Himself again.

However, it is great to know that God forgives those individuals or nations that turn to Him and repent of their wicked ways. Regardless of how far down this country and her people have gone, God can still revive her, if she is willing. Pray for America and her leaders!

The tribe of Judah was chosen by God to complete a special work. When our God sets nations in order, His purposes for that nation will be brought to pass. God begins the process of restoring his people by reminding them that His name will remain in Jerusalem forever. He goes on further in II Chornicles 33:8 by sending strong admonition, and reminding them of the promise to keep them in the land of their forefathers. The prerequisite to

If you would like for me to speak at your church or event, I may be reached at 601-679-1381 or 601-6040438

November 15, 2012 Greetings International Presbytery of the Church of God of Prophecy: I just wrote this post to Facebook and I thought I would share it with you as well.

Season of Seeking: In 45 days we will begin a new Season of Seeking in the Church of God of Prophecy. This will be year number seven for our church all around the world to unite together to start the New Year with prayer and fasting. To express our commitment to this important Core Value, thousands in many nations are joining together to fast and pray for some part, or all, of this 21 day period. As I reflect on our six years of ‘seeking’ I realize that God has honored us with so many blessings of grace as we prayed. Just this week I heard a new testimony which is obviously a God/grace thing. For the first time since the International Office has used budgets the International Assembly expenses were on budget. To God be the glory, with thanks to Bishop Paul Holt and his Assembly Task Force for leading the way in this. In the next 45 days I will share some other awesome ways God has poured out His grace as we have committed to ‘SEEK HIM.’ This note is to let you know that once more we will be turning our eyes toward the heavens as we begin this New Year. I invite you to consider how you can join this prayer season. I also invite you to pass the word along to your pastors and churches. Our International Office Facebook page already has the first post and will have a new post each week as we approach this season, as well as many posts during the season. Of course our web site will have information also.

I sat with a leader recently and we reflected on the six years that have just passed. There were numerous situations that ‘could have’ brought distraction or disruption to our Gospel work, but they did not. We both breathed a sigh of relief, said ‘thank God,’ and agreed that prayer has covered us with grace to this point. When God’s people pray, God often answers their prayers, and then God always goes the extra mile to pour grace on them beyond their prayers. I believe that is the testimony we have in the Church of God of Prophecy as we look to our seventh annual ‘Season of Seeking’ to start the New Year with God. Help me invite our people to join this journey.

Glorifying God Through Prayer and Leadership Development, All for the Harvest!

R. E. Howard General Overseer

REH/djs

A lexa n d e r C ity : F o r Pastor’s Appreciation, we honored our pastor and family with lunch and a very nice love offering. W e appreciate Brother Jeremy and Sister B ecky for everything they do for the church.

W e also, appreciate their children, Jeremiah and Isabella for being such a blessing in the Children’s Church Ministry.

Altoone: Our church had a special day for Brother and Sister Taylor.

We showered them with gifts and a special offering followed with a nice dinner. Everyone enjoyed the day.

Alton: W e began October with a new purpose: The purpose of “Loving, Growing, Going.” As Pastor Jeremy Hitt preaches and teaches “Jesus’ Intent For The Church”, we are reaching out to the community with: A new Emergency Food Pantry has been built (by Roger Johns) and approved by the Community Food Bank of Central AL. W e plan to begin this ministry in November or December. W e had a fun night of fellowship at our Community Fall Festival. A number of visitors from the community attended.

Boldo church joined us Sunday evening, for a very special Communion and Baptismal Service. W hat an outstanding October!

Anniston-Praise and W orship: Around 45 showed up at the Saks High School for a marvelous event filled with the Holy Spirit. It was an exciting event with both fun and a variety of musical artists ministering to the students. After a powerfully, anointed sermon by Tim Beck, 315 kids stood up and stepped up to the altar to accept Christ. It was an awesome experience to watch and listen as Brother Beck led those kids in a simple but effective prayer for salvation. From the PW C booth, our volunteers distributed 1,750 tract, plus, one to two hundred New Testament booklets and lots of candy.

One of our volunteers also prayed with a young lady who stopped by our table at the end of the event. W e are excited about what God is doing here. And, we are looking forward to ministering to these new babes in the Lord. W e appreciate Tim Beck and the whole Hydrate Team for coming to both the W eaver and Saks high schools and ministering to our kids. Praise

God for what He is doing among the youth here! Now we must do something too.

W e had a great time with our trunk n treat this year. W e had about 350 children and parents come for the hayride, hot dogs and candy.

Browntown: W e had a wonderful and busy October. W e kicked off the first Sunday with a Pastor’s Appreciation Lunch. Each Sunday in October the congregation presented a gift to Brother Butch and Sister Chris Tanner. W e could never thank them for all they do for us. W e had perfect weather when a few folks from church met at Guntersville State Park for a hike. For the harvest festival it was a lot of fun even though it was chilly outside. The Duncan Family came for a musical worship time that was enjoyable to everyone.

Thanks, GOD, YOU provided a great month for our church family.

Calera: The month of October was a beautiful beginning, with all the brilliant fall colors coming forth. God certainly is an awesome artist. W e were so blessed to have Donna Howard and Clint Knowles for revival.

Sister Howard preached on Sunday and Monday and Pastor Knowles was there on Tuesday and W ednesday.

W hat powerful W ord preached, and mighty presence of the Lord along with the healing power of God. The church, under the direction of Kay Jones, mailed a large box of goodies and necessities, to Karl Martin and his guys in Afghanistan. It was a time of giving. Thank you Church for your love and compassion. Our children’s church under the leadership of Sabrina Johnson, took the children on the Pumpkin Patch Train ride and the kids got to get off the train and pick out their special pumpkin.

That was a very good time enjoyed by all.

C h i c k a s a w : W onderful month! It started with our Pastor A p p r e c ia tio n Celebration. Brenda Blaylock honored the P igorsch with a special program of poems and letters fr o m fa m ily a n d frie nd s.

S e ve ra l expressed their love for them. The youth put a meaning of appreciate to each letter of PASTOR. The they sung “Pastor W e Love You! An offering and gifts were given with a wonderful lunch and cake.

W hat a blessing it was. On youth night we played a Bible game of Tic-Tac-Toe, it was so much fun. Some of our youth went to Luredale, Mississippi for “Praise In The Park.” Each local service one of our youth gives a devotion before worship. They are coming up with wonderful topics. W e thank God for the prayer request He has answered. Good reports and praise are coming in with healings. Our God is so good!

Fayette-North Pointe: W e welcomed a no the r a d d itio n to o ur churc h family....Mr. Dakoda Nelson was born October 17 th, weighing 6 lbs. W e were blessed to have former pastor, Brother and Sister James W allace as our guest minister for homecoming. The message, “A New and Living W ay” ministered to us and the presence of the Lord was felt by all. Our drama and praise and worship teams ministered with several in the altar praying. The men held their annual skeet shoot and cookout. They enjoyed the time of fellowship, food, and relaxation.

Goodwater-Joyful Praise: Pastor Jimmy Scales held an evening program for his 1 st Pastor Appreciation. It was a great success.

October 31 st, we had an Hallelujah Fest in which the city of Goodwater joined together with us for this outreach ministry. Five churches joined and we had over 250 attending. It was remarkable.

Green Pond: W hat a mighty God we serve. His blessings are abundant in every thing that we do. Shirley Hosmer, speaker for Ladies Day, blessed us with the topic “Falling In Love W ith Jesus.

The manifestation of the Holy Ghost was awesome when we had communion and

feet washing. Thirty seven participated, with it being the first time for some.

Pastor Noe and Sister Noe were honored with a love offering and gift cards for Pastor Appreciation. Their leadership in our church and community is to be commended. W e love and appreciate them. Pat and John Chase hosted a cookout for the Junior Sunday School class. It was a great evening of fun and games. Our fall festival was a success over five hundred in attendance. It gets bigger and better each year. There were three moonwalks for the children. W e had five hundred hot dogs, fourteen thousand pieces of candy, six hundred bags of popcorn and fifty cakes that were given away. W OW ! A “Meet and Greet” has been started for the new people attending our church. This is a great way for the new people to meet everyone and the current members to meet the new people.

A busy church is a growing church. W e are growing!

Grove Hill: Our youth held a fall festival on Saturday, October 20. This was the first one for Grove Hill. It was a great success in reaching out to the community.

Thanks to those who organized and made it happen.

Haleyville-Pathway: Thank you all that came to help make our homecoming successful.

Harris Chapel: Praising God for a wonderful revival with Evangelist Nicholas McSpadden and his family. God blessed us every service with His presence and manifestation.

Five testified to receiving Holy Spirit baptism and three received physical healing.

W e were visited by a new family looking for a home church. God is doing a great work among His people and we give Him all praise.

W e are so glad to be a part of what HE is doing!

Hazel Green: Excitement and praise is in the air for all God’s blessings. W e were recently honored to have Brother and Sister Johnnie Carver in a Sunday morning and night services. God’s anointing was

upon him in a special way and many were touched by the Lord. W e had a wonderful Sunday School picnic at Sharon Johnson Park with about fifty in attendance. There were games and plenty of food and fellowship.

For our W orld M ission Offering, we had a beans and greens meal one Sunday night. The month of October was Pastor Appreciation month. On the first Sunday the St. Clair’s were given a nice grocery pounding.

The second Sunday, the pastor’s wife was honored with a love offering and roses. Also, Sister Deena St. Clair received roses as she is the Assistance Pastor’s wife.

The third Sunday, the pastor’s family was presented with a meat pounding. W e also gave them a lunching in their honor and the last Sunday, some of the members took them out to lunch. On Halloween we had a trunk or treat with about 400 people to come through. Soup, chili and hotdogs were served to our workers. The drama team is doing great! They presented several skits lately and we thank Sisters Deena St. Clair and Nancy Smith for the wonderful job of working with the teens.

Leesburg: W e had 45 people that made a bus trip to Fields of the W ood. W e had a great time and enjoyed the beautiful day and scenery! W e had a free harvest festival for the community with approximately 185 in attendance. It was a fun-filled Saturday with inflatable, food, puppets, skits, and lots of giveaway prizes. On the following Sunday, we had Children’s Day. W e’ve had several people that came to the festival attend our regular services. W e recently had a baptismal service with four people getting baptized.

Pinson Vally: By invitation of Bishop Benjamin Aldana, National Overseer of Colombia, a team of four members of Pinson Parkway participated in “Mission 7" a 7 day, multi-faceted mission endeavor in Bogota, Colombia.

The team was composed of Pastor Phil Pruitt, Diana Pruitt, Matt Denard and Chris Denard.

“M ission 7" was a very well planned program for evangelism, church growth and discipleship. The local churches in Bogota followed a 70-day program of fasting and prayer.

Each member invited 7 unconverted friends and acquaintances.

The publicity team created a website, Facebook account, a Youtube video, and radio spots. Flyers and posters were also printed and distributed. A sports stadium was rented for the main event–an evangelistic crusade.

More than 800 people attended the crusade, 40% of which

were unconverted. Direct Contact, a CGP Colombian praise and worship band provided the opening music and led in worship.

M att Denard was the evangelist(interpreted by Pastor Pruitt).

Matt preached a powerful message, and hundreds responded to the invitation (including a security officer)! Local pastors reported new people in their churches the following Sunday. Matt had also preached in a pre-event unity service for the church in Colombia, in which the Holy Spirit poured out His blessings.

Other facets of “Mission 7" included a children’s crusade (with 250 children in attendance), conducted by Diana Pruitt and Chris Denard, in which many children were saved, or received blessings. The children’s crusade was followed by a children’s workers workshop. Diana and Chris also taught Sunday School at a local church. Pastor Pruitt preached in two local services, and conducted a 5-session pastors and leaders conference on various themes requested by the National Overseer.

Bishop Aldana said that “Mission 7" made history for the church in Colombia, which was the largest and most comprehensive event ever planned. He and other ministers commented that the Pinson Parkway team had greatly impacted the church in Colombia. Pinson Parkway is blessed to have had the opportunity to participate in “Mission 7.”

Short Creek: W e had a wonderful homecoming on the third Sunday with plenty of food and was blessed with anointed singing by the “Paige Trio.” It was a joy to have several visiting pastors and former members.

The children enjoyed a fall harvest party and dressed up in costumes, played games, and decorated pumpkins. The seniors met for a meal together and we ended the month with a night of trunk n treat for the children of the community.

Summerbrook: Our youth did a drama based on September 11 and did a wonderful job. W e have a great group of youth. Brother Jim Carr came and held us a revival. It was a refreshing from God! May God bless him for coming. W e are so blessed to have our pastor and wife.

They do so much for us. May God bless them over and over again.

Tarrant: October, what a beautiful month.

The leaves on the trees turning different colors, what a lovely picture displayed by the hand of the Lord. The residents at the Manor enjoy seeing our ladies each Continued on next page— News------

ANNOUNCEM ENTS

Prayer Line with Dr. W essly Saturdays 9:00 - 10:00 AM Dial 712-432-1690

SPEAKING AND SPECIAL PROGRAM S: Anita Falkner, 3615 Moody Pkwy, Moody, AL 35004. Telephone (205) 640-6207.

Brenda Kay Pate, P O Box 30; Cordova, AL, 35550; 205-388-1087 or 388-3129.

Access Code: 650786# W EDDINGS SINGING/DRAM A M INISTRIES Sterrett: “The Howards” a Southern Gospel group is open for bookings. P O B 75 Sterrett, AL 35147. Call Glynda Howard: 2 0 5 -6 7 2 -2 6 3 4 /2 0 5 -2 2 9 -5 0 4 2 . E m a il: jhowardsingers@yahoo.com www.thejhowards.com.

STATE W EB SITES A la b a m a U p d a te B lo g : W W W .alabamaupd ate.blogspot.com Alabama W eb Site: alcogop.org

Alton: Jenna W illiams and Blake Johns were married October 13 th.

M oody-Trinity W orship Center: Ashley Batten and John Moody were married October 20 th.

BABIES Fayette-North Pointe: October 17 th was the birthday for Dakoda. Parents are Tonia and Jason Nelson.

Anniston-Praise and W orship: Gage Anthony was born to Tony and Brittany Rivera on October 11 th.

College and Career web: www.ccmgroup.blogspot.com Full Cup Cafe for information contact Liz Knowles at knowles510@gmail.com

Tarrant: October was the month for Mia Richardson to be dedicated to the Lord.

Y ou th -T im B e ck W eb: www.experiencehydrate.com& NEW !! www.hydrateministries.com

DEATHS

BABIES’ DEDICATIONS

Carbon Hill: Mabeth Mullins passed from this life October 26 th.

AVAILABLE FOR REVIVALS James Adkins, P O Box 921, Collinsville, AL 35961-0920, Telephone (256) 5243130.

Joey Dobbs: Member of Sterrett Church of God of Prophecy. Telephone (205)7463017.

Earlean Emerson, P O box 1863, Hamilton, AL 35570. Telephone (205) 9215637.

Christine & Curtis Englebert, 111 W oodland Road, D ora, AL 35062 Telephone (205) 648-2871 or cell # 205275-1199. cenglebert2871@charter.net.

Fill in for pastors also.

Avvis M otes, P O Box 272, W arrior, AL 35180. Telephone (205) 647-4819.

Brenda Kay Pate, P O Box 30 Cordova, AL 35550; 205-388-1087 or 388-3129. Fill in for pastors also.

Kevin Rhodes, member at Red Bay, AL Phone # 256-460-8105 home: 256-3564997, rhodeskevin@ymail.com .

Kenneth W ilkins, is available for week-end revivals and filling in for pastors and special services. Telephone: (205)-763-7101.

Email: wilkins.kenneth@gmail.com.

Fort Payne: Barbara Stanley went to her final home on October 8 th.

Happy Hill: W ilma Miller left us this month. She was a faithful warrior over fifty years. She will be greatly missed.

M oody-Trinity W orship Center: Lanny Henderson was called home on October 23 th.

PASTORS/W IVES BIRTHDAYS James Caples Angela Fell Jeremy Hitt Gerome Key Betty Oliver James Oliver Connie Patterson Paulette Ramsey ANNIVERSARIES Elmer and Susan Atchley Morris and Linda Bates Leland and Gail Lowery Joey and Lisa Mojica Shane and Tamera Pate Terry and Kathy Taylor Kelly and Robin W illiams

News continued-------------month as we celebrate their birthdays Pastor Judy and Robert attended a conference in Cleveland, Tennessee, “Hearing God’s Voice” with guest speaker Bishop Randall Howard, General Overseer.

W orship W ith Shoes On went to the nursing home to treat all the seniors with candy.

Candy was given out on Halloween to the kids in the neighborhood. W e had Pastor Appreciation Day and dedicated Mia Richardson to the Lord.

Twillytown: God is certainly blessing us.

One service, Pastor Don said here is my message and laid it down. It was not what God wanted. Instead he asked several to pray. One for the church, one for the families, one for healing, Missions and so on. Then the whole church prayed. W e had our first Fashioned By The Master Designer by the ladies ministry. As the people started arriving we gathered together in prayer groups, ministering to one another, praying and fellow-shipping for 30 minutes. Sister Kim Dunn led us in worship and Sister Pat Green under the anointing brought the W ord, “Going To The Potter’s House.”

Several seeking God for direction in their lives. Every Thursday, we are still having our prayer gatherings and seeing new people come. The presence of God is so real and we just bask in His love. Also, we are praying Sunday mornings at 9:30. The Lord is soon to come back and He is calling us to move up higher.

W infield City Family: W e had a great fall festival/chili cook-off with over $700 raised for building fund. Thank you to Beth Smith and Johnny Faucett for organizing the festival with W es Hallman and Amanda Seals over youth/children’s programs.

LOOKING AHEAD AWAKEN TOUR-BELIEVE November Awaken Tour PREPARE 2013 March–April–May TBA December 29-Jan 1 Winter Conference “Collision” Camp Boothe 2013 January 18-19 Pastors & Wives Retreat April 25-28 Gordon Conwell Camp Boothe August 1-4 State Convention Embassy Hotel–Hoover 2014 July 30-Aug 3 International Assembly Rosen Shingle Creek Resort and Convention Center

Prescription for Anxiety Elizabeth Knowles Co-Pastor Hackleburg Community Church

Often our physician will give us a prescription or instruction on how to combat a sickness or disease. I am amazed at how we as believers have conditioned ourselves to hang on the very words and instructions earthly doctors give us. Of course I'm not against the medical field by any means, me, my family and those I love dearly have been spared and brought back to health because of the God given wisdom imparted to the medical field. Yet we often forget where the wisdom that our doctors and surgeons possess comes from.

In fact all of our gifts, knowledge and experiences come from the Creator, He is the Great Physician, every cell in our body was designed by Him. Most often we become perplexed by the sickness and diseases of this earth. The cycle of Galatians 6 continues to unwind due to the seeds of corruption that have been sown in the earth. Yet we do have hope. And my purpose through this small reading is to remind us of that hope. W e don't want to be entangled by the chains of corruption that brings upon us disease and anxiety.

Depression, hopelessness and anxiety are the rotten fruits of sin that come from Satan's tree of disobedience. Anxiety is a curse that has been loosed on the earth to bind God's people.

It is a fruit that contains a poisonous venom which causes a paralyses that traps it's prey in a death grip, causing the believer to feel entangled and unable to function in freedom. For the most part, I believe that the pressure of materialism in our world, pressures us to be burdened with worry and fear. But, there is so much more good news than all of the tactics that the enemy uses to control us. W e find the good news in Matthew 6.

Matthew 6:25-34 25 “This is why I tell you: Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life m ore than food and the body m ore than clothing?

26 Look at the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them . Aren’t you worth m ore than they?

27 Can any of you add a single cubit to his height by worrying?

28 And why do you worry about clothes? Learn how the wildflowers of the field grow: they don’t labor or spin thread.

29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was adorned like one of these!

30 If that’s how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and thrown into the furnace tom orrow, won’t He do m uch m ore for you — you of little faith?

31 So don’t worry, saying, ‘What will we eat? ’ or ‘What will we drink? ’ or ‘What will we wear? ’ 32 For the idolaters eagerly seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them .

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.

34 Therefore don’t worry about tom orrow, because tom orrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

After the tornado disaster in 2011, I understood the real value of not worrying, living free from anxiety. You would think with no home, cars or clothes, a person would have just a little anxiety. But the meaning of Matthew 6 took on a whole new shape and color. One day follow the disaster I was standing on the front lawn of the destroyed church, I looked across the highway to the parsonage. As I gazed upon the destroyed home the reality of what had happened in those four walls finally set in.

W ithin myself I prayed, "Lord, you saved our life, we could have lost our life in that storm." So as I looked around at our destroyed vehicles, borrowed clothes and the rationing of fuel and water, I realized that the sale at the Mall that weekend was futile and all of the other "things" in life that we often think are so important, well, they just were not as urgent as before. W hat was priority? Father God spared my life, so where do I go from here, what was my purpose? W hat is His plan?

As the scripture stated, there is no need to worry about tomorrow. If your life has been Saved, if you are marked by His cross, then tomorrow, whatever it holds, will take care of itself.

The King of Kings, our Heavenly Father loves us more than the birds and fish, He watches, guards and protects.

So the prescription to not being overcome with anxiety, depression, or worry? It is truly the simple belief or Faith in God who really cares about our every need. In my pre-storm mind I would have never walked in Faith, anxiety free, living like I did after the storm. It seemed like every minute of everyday God would supply every single need we had and we never had to worry longer than a few minutes. You learn when you are up against a wall physically, emotionally and financially, to just simply look up to Him and follow in Faith. I have applied that new found freedom of Simple Faith to my everyday post-storm life. All of us can recall the deep dark valley's of our past, and clearly see how God provided when we were in our bleakest hours. W hen there is no where to go, we go to Him. But, the everyday pressures of life, what about those things that are not classified as "crisis" yet are still just as huge to us? The prescription, well, it's still the same, just follow Him in Faith, tell Him what you need, ask Him for what you lack, call on Him for wisdom and strength. He loves us more than the birds and fish. He knows everything about our bodies. He understands our challenges and trials. He cares for us, we are His children! So let's follow Him with our whole hearts through the valleys and the hard times. Lets seek Him first before buckling under the pressures of the world. H is Word says it, and I believe it, He will provide EVERYTHING we have need of, Amen.

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Awaken Tour presents‌

PREPARE 2013

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April

~ May

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Evangelism October Church Statistics Taken from Church Reporters and Pastors Reports 1.Saved

2.Sanctified

CHURCH

PASTOR

Alton Anniston-Praise & Worship Bessemer-Hopewell Road Boldo Carbon Hill Dothan Fayette-North Pointe Greenpond Hamilton-New Heights Happy Hill Harris Chapel Leesburg Pelham Sheffield-Cliff Haven Summerbrook Moody-Trinity

Jeremy Hitt Sylvester Smith Joey Mojica Lynn Hitt John Butler Morris Bates Brent Smalley Bill Noe James Clanton Curtis Sutton Jim Ramsey Tim Douglas K. T. Martin Neal Wright Tony Burns A. L. Henderson

3.Holy Ghost

4.Baptized

EVANGELIST

5.Added to Church

1.

2.

2 2 2 1

1

1 7

1 1 1

4

1 2

Nicholas McSpadden

5

1 Donna Howard/Clint Knowles 4 4 Jim Carr 1

1 3

65 380 719 1011

5.

Bryan Baysinger

MINISTERS REPORTS FOR OCTOBER Number Reports Sermons Church Homes Visited New Homes Visited

4.

4

1 5 1

MINISTERS NOT PASTORING Jason Cobb Anita Falkner

3.

1

4 4

October, 2012 Statistics

CHURCH

SM

Alexander City Aliceville Alton Altoona Anniston Praise & Worship Arab Bayou La Batre Bessemer Hopewell ` 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-Tuscaloosa Fayette-North Pointe Fort Payne Gadsden Living Waters Goodwater Joyful Praise Gordo Grant Green Pond Grove Hill Hackleburg Haleyville Pathway Hamilton-New Heights Happy Hill

39 06 54 19 34 NO REPORT 08

TITHES 3479.50 1835.64 4844.24 1375.96 3211.77 330.98

NO REPORT 72 11 ----30 53

9527.88 1124.91 2047.00 2066.10 3596.00

NO REPORT 92 23 12 25

10,713.97 1930.00 802.00 2558.00

25 59 NO REPORT 03 41 12 ---39 10 10 15 101 11

3748.70 5256.00 388.00 2781.55 1434.84 2149.57 3331.95 649.00 755.00 2140.37 4911.25 703.19

CHURCH Harris Chapel Hartselle Hazel Green Huntsville Bell Rd Mastin Lake Mission Jasper Leesburg Lincoln Mentone Montgomery Moulton Munford-Silver Run Odenville Pelham Parrish Phil Campbell Pinson Parkway Poarch Red Bay Robertsdale Rock Cliff Russellville Living Word Sheffield-Cliff Haven Short Creek Sterrett Summerbrook Sylacauga-Power of Cross Tannehill Mission Tarrant City Trinity Worship Twilley Town West Blocton West Mobile Winfield Family Church

SM 47 11 NO REPORT

TITHES 6116.84 1161.51

15 1703.73 78 7392.26 NO REPORT 16 2685.79 63 5729.00 27 2027.70 14 1418.08 19 1300.00 NO REPORT NO REPORT 50 2245.26 36 2856.10 27 1707.50 NO REPORT 36 1836.00 10 913.68 31 2882.00 22 801.92 NO REPORT 29 2303.61 126 12,480.05 40 3877.18 167 7425.68 40 3612.80 11 485.00 18 --------48 3142.29 62 8346.70 ---3940.70 ----647.50 NO REPORT 45 1857.81

NO REPORT 28 52 20 85 15 189 28 NO REPORT 80

867.81 5079.73 6950.81 6135.33 815.00 27,525.88 1829.60 8245.04

THE ABOVE STATISTICS W ERE TAKEN FROM REPORTS (FROM TREASURER’S ) RECEIVED IN STATE OFFICE AS OF NOVEM BER, 2012.

THE FOLLOW ING REPORTS W ERE RECEIVED IN THE STATE OFFICE FOR PREVIOUS M ONTHS: Eastlake Highlands-Sept Hazel Green - Sept Hazel Green - Aug.

42

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3492.95 3587.19 3896.19

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

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

Our Sympathy

to our Ministers Fam ilies

Kenny Belcher November 25, 2012 Pastor Dustin Atkins step-father

Marion Dewitt Caldwell Novem ber 13, 2012 Michael (Susie) and Adelle Caldwell’s father and husband

Deacon Dwane Falkner Novem ber 9, 2012 Anita Falkner’s husband

Pasty R. Flippo Novem ber 11, 2012 Deceased Minister Curtis Flippo’s wife

Deacon James Gunter Novem ber 30, 2012

Birdie Sims Novem ber 14, 2012 Former Pastor Steve Sim s wife

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

Bobby R. Snow

Billie Ruth Jones, Assistant Editor C ======================================-----=

Novem ber 14, 2012 Former Pastor, General Headquarters Official

Kay Webb Novem ber 25, 2012 Pastor Larry Webb’s wife

SUBSCRIPTION BLANK Enclosed is $ for a year subscription ($7.00 per year) to the Alabama Update.

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