Alabama Update November 2012

ALABAMA

UPDATE

THE CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY

NOVEMBER 2012

A Vision of Revival

By Bryan Baysinger, State Evangelist

In Ezekiel the 37 th chapter we see one of the most beautiful restoration and revival promises in the Bible. This prophecy was given by Ezekiel concerning the House of Israel (37:11). The House of Israel was the Northern Kingdom or the 10-tribed Kingdom. This Kingdom was destroyed by the Assyrians and never returned, as a whole, to the land. However, the prophet is shown a vision of hope for this people.

Even though this prophecy is concerning the House of Israel, which is still to have completion in the future, we can learn much and apply it to our day and hour.

“The hand of the Lord was upon me “(37:1) O, to have the favor and sanctioning of God that His hand is upon you. His signature of approval! W e are chosen by God to fulfill His purpose in the Kingdom, just like Ezekiel. To be chosen by God means to have the favor of God. His called out ones! If we are going to have revival we must operate in the will of God. He must have His hand upon us, anointing us and guiding our paths.

Ezekiel goes on to say that, “He brought me out by the Spirit”. Yahweh had something of importance to show to this prophet. This was a spiritual bringing out; not a physical bringing out. W e should desire to be transported into the realm of the supernatural. W e must see with spiritual sight and understanding. The Apostle Paul relates to having seen the third heaven, in the Spirit. W e must get to the place in God where we are able to discern things in the Spirit. This type of supernatural power is what will set us apart from the world. God will still lead and show us the way if we are willing vessels; having our lives consecrated to Him. W e were created by God to see and experience the dimensions of the supernatural.

W e must be led by the Roach Hakodesh (Holy Spirit). W ithout Him we cannot peer into the realm of spiritual things. The natural man is not allowed on this journey because he cannot see and understand the operation of the Sprit. Many things in life come only through spiritual discernment.

If there has ever been a time in the history of Christianity that we need to see through the eyes and mind of the Spirit it is now. W hat an awesome privilege to see through the eyes of God. To see through His eyes means that we must take on a whole new perspective.

The Lord wanted Ezekiel to have a new outlook and vision for the House of Israel instead of the one that was true for the day in which he lived. He wanted him to know what the future held in store. The proper vision is important. If we are going to have true revival we m ust have enlightenment. W e cannot look at the way things seem to be (valley of dry bones) but we must see the potential with God. “He caused me to pass by them all around” (37:2) Have you ever been to a large graveyard? W hat kind of thoughts would run through your mind as you walked around in the city of the dead? My mind often wonders about the lives of the people who once lived. Likewise, Ezekiel’s mind was wondering who these people had been. God made Ezekiel pass back and forth amongst them. God wanted him to see the full scope of what was going on in this vision of death.

Ezekiel would eventually find out who these dry bones represented and how significant they were to the Lord; although at first he could only see death with no hope of life. This vision had more to do with a spiritual death than with physical death. The House of Israel still lived, scattered by captivity, but it had fallen into a deep, deep spiritual death when it chose idol worship over the worship of the one true God. W hen we look around our world do we see this spiritual death surrounding us? W e should! In the natural, mankind appears to be somewhat ok. Yet, from a spiritual perspective dry bones are everywhere. If we cann o t se e the se d ry b ones surrounding us then something is wrong with our spiritual eyesight.

As we view our world from the spiritual prospective it may look very grim. No doubt things looked pretty grim to Ezekiel in his valley. On the other hand can we respond to God the way that Ezekiel did when asked, “Can these bones live?” His

response was, “O sovereign Lord, You alone know.” Mankind may look pretty desperate but our God is still a miracle working God. He can still make dry bones live, even in this day and hour.

Then Ezekiel was told to speak to the bones so that they would live. He was to speak the W ord of the Lord over them.

Have you ever heard of having a conversation with the dead? If not, then you should try it sometimes. W e need to recognize the power of the spoken W ord.

In order to have revival we must choose to speak in the power of the W ord. His W ord still brings conviction to the life of the spiritually dead. It still brings life! W e must make a declaration over those who need reviving. W e need to speak life to a dying and lost world on a daily basis.

Notice that the dry bones in Ezekiel’s vision was to the House of Israel. It was not to a pagan nation that had never heard of Yahweh before. How many of our brothers and sisters in the Lord have wondered away from the sheepfold and need someone to speak life over them and bring them back to the ways of the Lord?

Ezekiel prophesied as commanded and by the time his vision had ended, the whole valley of dry bones had become a mighty army. Many times God’s people get to the threshold of breakthrough and they stop.

W e cannot and must not give up, give out, or give in to the enemy. Our mighty army may be just over the horizon.

Can you see the dry bones? Speak the W ords of life! Press On! A mighty army is coming!

If you would like for me to speak at your church or event, I may be reached at 601679-1381 or 601-604-0438.

Church Ministry W hat is Church Ministry and the purpose of Church Ministry?

Christian ministry is the activity and responsibility of the local church in the fulfillment of its biblically defined mandate in the world. The ministry of the church can be defined in several ways: 1. The Great Commandment says “You should love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind. And, you should love your neighbour as yourself” (Matt. 22:37, 39).

2. And in the Great Commission Jesus told us to “go into all the world and make disciples, teaching them the ways of God” (Matt. 28:19-20).

The early church was a model of Church Ministry: teaching the apostles’ doctrine, engaging in fellowship, commemorating the breaking of bread, praying together, caring for one another, worshiping God, and actively evangelizing the community (Acts 2:42-47). This continues to be the standard for a biblical, balanced ministry today.

From these scriptures, it is evident that Christian/Church Ministry has as its priority the worship of God, followed by service for God in declaring the Gospel and edifying the Saints. God has laid out for us in Scripture what the ministry of the church is. W e don’t decide why the church exits (its purpose) nor what it is supposed to do (its mission). God has already done that because the church is His institution on earth not ours! Our responsibility is to determine how to most effectively and appropriately achieve our biblical “Great Commission” in our local community at our time in history.

The early church knew exactly why they existed and where they were going and all their activity was focused on achieving those ends. Ministry is a vocation in which it is very easy to get caught up with activities that are not necessary or part of the church’s program (Commission) on earth. W e need to keep on course in our own ministry, doing what God has called us and directed us to do. Below are some areas of Church Ministry: The foundation for Church Ministry is the accurate and relevant teaching and preaching of God’s Word. It is the responsibility of the pastor to instruct God’s people in the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). This provides God’s people with the spiritual nourishment that they need to “grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord; equips the saints for the work of the ministry and builds up the body of Christ to come into the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ ((Eph. 4:7-16). It is also done by small groups, individual mentoring and discipleship and pulpit ministry. The most supreme importance is that the W ord is preached and taught accurately and relevantly. The Bible truths are Spirit-empowered proclaiming of God’s W ord, accurately, clearly, authoritatively and practically, with the Spirit transforming a response in the listeners.

Church Ministry in Prayer. An active and powerful prayer

ministry is necessary for sustaining and growth of believers.

Prayer should be part of the life of the church on a consistent basis and must begin with the example of the church leaders.

Prayer Ministry is in the forms of small groups, prayer teams, prayer partners, corporate prayer, and individual prayer.

Prayer is survival to a church.

Church Ministry has to been empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, “after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and “ye shall be witnesses....”. The Holy Spirit can and does make the ministry of the church effective and powerful. He alone convicts sinners and changes (transforms) people’s lives so they can walk in the will of God and in the image of God’s Son. The Holy Spirit gives us power to live holy, godly lives, and above sin. He helps minister God’s W ord with power and shines light to us that we might understand God’s W ord.

Church Ministry is made up of United Believers. W hen believers are interconnected through authentic, loving relationships, they form a unity that provides strength and stability to the church. This is shown by caring for each other physically, emotionally, economically, and spiritually. These believers support each other in various tasks, in prayer, and love.

An expression of Church Ministry is passionate worship.

W orship is showing honor and great worth to our Creator.

Vibrant and dynamic worship is necessary to the life and health of a church as a body and its members personally. It must be a daily practice for all believers individually in order for corporate worship to be effective and meaningful. Besides our private worship, our public worship includes singing praises to God, reading Scripture, praying together, and preaching God’s W ord. W e worship from our heart because of the gratitude of who God is and what God has done for us.

Church Ministry cares for the Lost. Church Ministries care for their own believers but they reach out to the unbelievers. It proclaims the goodness of God in the gospel to reach lost people. The gospel (good news) should be preached and the people should be trained and motivated to tell others the way of salvation. Thus, they become a light for God in their community. It is the job of church leaders to train members in personal outreach, and motivate participation in world outreach.

Church Ministry is not to “do” church but we are to “be” the church. It is not a ritual religion but a living relationship with God. It is not altogether about numbers but spiritual growth.

Not about programs, but about people focused on God, powerfully filled with the Spirit, that exalt Christ, openly perform works of faith, teach the truth, boldly declare the gospel and depends on prayer.

Excerpts from Dr. Roger Pascoe, President -The Institute for Biblical Preaching ; “What is Church Ministry”

SOPAS 2012 Report

Alabama CGP Sept. 12-15, 2012

There is something enriching about family getting together for any reason. Isaiah 52:7 states it perfectly: How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (NIV). Of course when “family” has like-minded faith and purpose, a transcending element of love and spirit-bonding occurs that isn’t evident anywhere in secular events. Such love and spirit was the hallmark of the September 2012 SOPAS classes in Alabama.

with the Spirit.

From the moment attendees entered Camp Boothe’s gate, there was a sense of “something special” in the air. We could all feel it, but not necessarily explain this anticipation. We were sure that we would not be disappointed here and as we fellowshipped together, our confidence increased.

Attitudes were positive as we connected with each other and

Then we entered the Chapel and class began. The Holy Spirit’s anointing was evident upon our State Overseer and the CBL staff who superbly challenged us with knowledge and understanding. Bishop Dr. Hector Ortiz, Bishop Mark Menke and Bishop Adrian L. Varlack submitted themselves to the Spirit and we were challenged to climb to a higher level of leadership excellence.

Despite important family and CGP responsibilities, Bishop L. V. Jones did a superb job of directing this crucial training school for members, ministers, and pastors. We, the ministers and members of the Church of God of Prophecy in Alabama, sincerely esteem him highly and respect his leadership example.

In his Theology Perspectives class, Dr. Ortiz took us out in the depths of theological waters; beyond the ankles, beyond the knees, beyond the waist; out where swimming is necessary. And in some cases, that is exactly what our heads were doing – swimming – because the concepts are so profoundly precious they must be meditated upon at length in an unhurried manner. Dr. Ortiz unveiled the hermeneutical circle, which finds its center in the Triune God. Then he highlighted the differences between the Kingdom of God and the Church. Since Dr. Ortiz had to leave early, Bishop Menke finished his class for him, instructing us to be more discerning in our ministries.

Bishop Menke’s class on Ministerial Formation built on the sound footing Dr. Ortiz had laid. He highlighted the various aspects of pastoral mentoring. This class superbly supported the Alabama CGP’s current effort to implement the internship program. Once or twice Bishop Menke eased over into the preaching mode and the Spirit of God moved across the congregation of students in waves of glory. He did a spectacular job of unpacking the concepts of Ministerial Formation, Discipleship and Mentoring.

Like Dr. Ortiz, he took us to depths of consideration that require careful meditation and reflection in order to synthesize it with our ministry.

Finally, but with just as much anointed gusto, Bishop Varlack taught and preached on the subject of Ecclesial Formation, delving into the underlying spiritual and historical contexts of the Church. He

SOPAS 2012 Report

Alabama CGP Sept. 12-15, 2012

inspired us with our mission as he deftly explained the practical operations of the Church in its “catholic” context. He challenged us to climb to a higher level of understanding as he described the Church of God of Prophecy’s place in that wider context. He issued a challenge for us – the CGP – “to recover our mission” in the world. Bishop Varlack also encouraged us to guard ourselves and those we serve “against being sucked into the vortex of this world’s tornadic deterioration.” He properly asserted that in the contemporary atmosphere of increasing anti-Christ sentiment, we need “the strength of Bible-believing, Christ-honoring churches.” He ended his class with the exhortation to be loyal and faithful to the Church of God of Prophecy because she is “Christ-centered, biblically-based, depending on God and proclaims the Gospel.”

The school wasn’t all serious study. We had fun too! (Not to infer that the study wasn’t fun).

Our State Bishop’s humor always came at the right moment to accentuate the serious points we were considering in class. The “humor” he shared was usually at the beginning of a “break” or just after we had finished one. But the levity was always refreshing. Thank God for a leader who can laugh with us and instigate fun.

It was a great honor and pleasure to have the CGP Overseer of Arizona-Nevada, Bishop Jose Rivera visiting with us. We were blessed by his wise comments at appropriate moments in the classes. His insight and examples provided a real hands-on flavor to the discussion.

As always the Camp Boothe cooks provided excellent food. They were jovial and kind, encouraging us to eat and be nourished. They were punctual with preparation and even ahead of schedule at times. Our heartfelt gratitude for their sacrificial service cannot be adequately expressed with words. We pray God’s reward will be great for each of them.

And of course our mutual fellowship . . . WOW! This aspect of the SOPAS school cannot be overstated. It is such an essential element of discipleship and spiritual maturity that we cannot afford to hold training classes bereft of fellowship. It was a great place and venue to share ourselves with one another.

We were all blessed! I spoke with several people personally and overheard other conversations and all the accolades were similar. In addition, I asked other members of the Leadership Development Committee for any student responses they had heard. Here is a common sampling of student remarks: “We learned a lot. The instructors were great. They stayed on point. Of course, the breaks could have been a little longer.”

Someone said, “the breaks could have come sooner because it is hard to concentrate when the backside or kidneys need a break.”

“I was blessed. It’s a lot to grasp in such a short time. Man, I have been challenged. It was great! I’ll be telling others to come next time.”

Looking forward to the Sept. 2013 class.

Respectfully, Sylvester Smith, DMin.

A lexander C ity : O ur annual church picnic for the church was held the 23 rd at W ind Creek State Park.

The men grilled hot dogs and hamburgers and afterwards Brother Jeremy spoke and three were baptized.

Fifth Sunday night, we joined other churches of the community for worship.

Brother Jeremy was the speaker.

Altoone: Altoone had a special dedication service for Nicholas Elijah Taylor on the 30 th. W e had a free clothing give away at the near by housing project. Many of the residents received items. This was a blessing to those. Several homes were visited and tracts were distributed. Pray for these people and our church.

Alton: September has been a month of changes at Alton. W e welcomed our new pastor, Jeremy Hitt and his family, First Lady, Pamela Hitt and their children Caleb, Zeke, Annsley and Madison. W e have moved our Sunday School classes and the W ednesday night classes to the Family Life Center.

W e’re looking forward to October and what it will bring.

Community Fall Festival and other community projects are being planned.

A nniston-P raise and W o r ship: CORRECTION: Last month the report that was printed in Alexander City was the report for Anniston. Sorry for this mix up.

Boldo: Our youth and some adults visited the Alton church. They all were blessed and enjoyed the fellowship. Jim and Margaret W ood were surprised by their family and church with a 50 th Anniversary party. Congratulations on a successful marriage. Our church had a game day dinner with everyone dressing in their favorite team’s colors. There were game day favorite foods also. The Children’s Church had a progressive breakfast. At each house we stopped at, a different food and a different kid said a prayer and another kid led a devotion.

After breakfast, we stopped at a yard sale and then to the church for sand art and other activities. Thank God for the children he has blessed our church with.

Browntown: Browntown had a soup lunch to raise funds for youth camp. W e thank God for making this event a success.

W e also had a bridal shower for Jessica Sparks.

Chickasaw: W e thank the Lord for His continued blessings in answering prayer for so many needs in our church family. It’s wonderful to hear the praise of testimonies as they come in. Is increases your faith to see what His is doing. Our pastor and wife attended SOPAS and came back with wonderful words how God blessed each session. W e are so blessed to be a part of these classes and the teachers are so anointed. W e honored our grandparents on “Grand Parents Day” with poems and a gift for each. They are examples of our past and they have helped mold our lives. The memories and stories they share are priceless. M ay God keep you safe as we move into the Fall Season as we work together for Him. Fayette-North Pointe: North Pointe welcomed Samuel Chambers to our church family. Sandy Chambers is the proud mom and Shannon and Juan Luzo are the grandparents. One hundred and twentythree people attended our first Friends and Family Day. Everyone enjoyed the praise and worship followed by the W ord and lunch. The praise and worship team traveled to Millport to minister at the street revival downtown.

Sister Anita also traveled to Haleyville to minister at the Ladies Night at Living W ater Assembly of God. Delisa Hindman and Kristin McCollum went with her to minister in song. W e received a letter from a woman who had visited our church. She said she was about to give up on God but heard about our church and came to see for herself. She felt the presence and love of God and knew that He still cared for her.

She praised God for the W ord she heard and the caring, loving people she met.

Thank you Jesus for helping us to be a

small light shining in the darkness for a lost and dying world.

Grant: I’m excited about what God is doing at Grant. W e have been running 20 in attendance for a while and needed to fill in the age gap.

Saturday the 8 th we kicked off our Kid’s Fest with an afternoon o f a c tivitie s a n d games. God has sent an anointed children’s ministry team to come and minister. Sister Jenny and the ministry team came with their games, large slide and moon bounce, and live characters for the kick off. They are leading and ministering to the church with children’s worship, Bible lessons, puppet shows, object lessons, and prayer. W e had 38 in attendance for the kick off with some regulars out. There were 43-50 recently but the gain is not only children but their parents and the siblings of the children have been attending. Praise the Lord!

Greenpond: Praise the name of Jesus.

Our homecoming was outstanding with the presence of the Lord being manifested.

There were one hundred and forty-four in attendance to hear the Samaritans, our guest singers, sing. A delicious lunch was enjoyed. Everyone worked hard to make the day a success. A surprise party was planned for our Pastor and wife’s birthday.

W e love and appreciate the Noes. Our church is a growing church. To God all praise is given.

Hackleburg: Prayer is the key to rebuilding the city of Hackleburg on a Godly foundation.

W e have weekly Intercessory Prayer Meetings, as well as, monthly Midnight Prayer W atch every first Friday nigh. God is tearing down religious walls and uniting our community for a mighty harvest of souls and miracles!

The Children’s M inistry Department celebrated “back-to-school” with their annual “Super Cool Sunday” event. More than 300 people participated in a full day of Olympic-based games, cookout, ministry and competition. The Youth Department packed the gym the 26 th with a night time version of “See You At The Pole” called “Saw You At The Pole” community youth service with more than 100 teenagers attending. God swept

through the room bringing youth of all denominations into might praise. The altar filled with commitments and recommitments.

H artselle: For our Ladies Day, we had Erica Ball from Cullman come and preach for us. Also, W alking by Faith came from Scottsboro for a singing. Guest speaker, Chris Crowell delivered the message for us on the 30 th. Keep Hartselle on your prayer list.

Leesburg: W e were blessed to have the Daryl Cook family from Mississippi for a weekend revival who ministered to us in W ord and song. Our choir and children’s ministries participated with area churches in a W ednesday night singing held at our townhall.

Parrish: W e had a great time at our homecoming. W e were blessed to have Brother and Sister Jones. Brother Jones brught a powerful message. Some of our fomer pastors were able to come, as well as, we were very glad to see them and missed those who could not come. The MaHarry Family was wonderful, we enjoyed them very much. They will bless your congregation as well.

Robertsdale: W e welcome James and Gwen Caples to our church as pastor. W e are looking forward to some exciting times in the Lord. W e thank Sister Jeanette Hadley for her wonderful service as our pastor for the last three years. She has been the glue that held us together and we love and thank her.

Russellville-Living W ord: Our youth went into their schools and gave out “Life Books”. These had scriptures and notes from students about everyday life. Thank God for these youth that want to make a difference in this generation. Several went to SOPAS and what a blessing it was! W e have remodeled our bathrooms with new floors, new vanities and painted.

Thanks to all who helped!

Short Creek: Our children’s ministry went to Roller Motion for a night of skating. Our congregation was blessed as our children led worship 1 st. Sunday. A cake auction, dinner and benefit singing, raised $500 for our building fund. Sister Judy Pate was recommended for Lay Minister’s license. She is a blessing to our church women’s ministry. Sister July Lyles was the guest speaker at our last Ladies’ Night and her ladies from Tarrant came and blessed us with their singing.

W hat a fun night with food, fellowship and door prizes.

Summerbrook: W e had a Luau with 44 in

attendance. The youth enjoyed games and everyone enjoyed the bar-b-que and hotdogs. Remember Sister Burns in the death of her brother.

Tarrant: Fall is in the air and everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather. Our youth have settled in their classrooms at school, meeting with old friends and making new ones. Treon Jackson moved to Huntsville where he is attending A&M University and playing in the band. The kitchen area is coming along nicely and should be completed in a few weeks. The monthly birthday party at the Presbyterian Manor once again has proven to be a blessing to everyone. Looking forward to another month in the Lord.

W infield City Family: W e welcome Johnny and Brandi Faucett into our local fellowship. God is moving greatly at W infield City Family Church. W e had a great homecoming service. Our altars filled up with people praying and seeking God. Praise the Lord!

Harvest Partners Belarus Let me share with you our news.

On September 20, 2012 we held quarterly interchurch conference in Berezino city.

That conference was attended by people from five different churches. The main

planted there a church.

On the next week we continued to celebrate at our Minsk church. 8 years ago in the same time of the year we planted a church in Minsk. My family and I moved from Berezino to that city with the vision to work with students. It was a great Sunday service! After that the whole church had a lunch together and everybody was served with free cup of cappuccino.

Starting from October our church started Bible Reading plan. I was surprised by the responses in the home groups and Friday night prayers. People everywhere share their revelations from Genesis. It inspired me to share about this with other churches.

I really believe that the church and especially new believers should learn to read the Bible every day.

In the next two weeks we plan to hold two special services: for youth and families.

The church make all what we can to invite non believers. W e use Facebook, personal invitation and cards. Because the main purpose of these events is to evangelize our community.

Please pray for our city that the people be open to receive Jesus Christ into their lives.

W ith love, Gena

purpose of this event was to bring people closer to God. And we all had real encounter with God! There were different speakers and two worship teams. And of course we all had very good fellowship time. I understand that is very important that people from many churches can get together and encourage one another. Also this conference was dedicated to celebrate 19 years of our ministry. 19 years ago me with my wife came to unknown to us city and

ANNOUNCEM ENTS

Grant: Tina Henson departed from this life September 26 th.

Hackleburg: Bobbie Humphrey, a member, was called home August 21 st.

Summerbrook: Othar Denard, Vetres Burns’ brother, was called home September 28 th.

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

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 lab a m a U p d a te B lo g : W W W.alabamaupd ate.blogspot.com Alabama W eb Site: alcogop.org College and Career web: www .ccmgroup.blogspot.com Full Cup Cafe for information contact Liz Knowles at knowles510@gmail.com Y outh-T im B e c k W e b : www.experiencehydrate.com& NEW !! www.hydrateministries.com 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.

E m a il: w ilk in s .k e n n e th @ g m a il.c o m .

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.

W EDDINGS Hackleburg: Halie Lacey and Chantry Hagood celebrated and were united in marriage September 15 th.

BABIES Bessemer-W oodland Hills: Caleb Ryan Beck was born to Tim and Bethany Beck October 19 th. Tim is the State Youth M in iste r D ire c to r fo r A la b a m a .

Congratulations!!

Cordova: Luke James was born to Josh and Rene Sloan. His grandparents are Debbie and David Sloan.

Cordova: Ella Rae Brown was born to her parents T iffany and M att B ro wn.

Grandparents are Lynn and Randy Dill.

Fayette-North Pointe: Samuel was born to his mother, Sandy Chambers on September 12 th.

BABIES DEDICATIONS Altoone: Nicholas Elizah Taylor, son of Joseph and Andrea Taylor was dedicated September 30 th.

Huntsville-M astin Lake: Parents Joshua and Crissy Lynn presented their daughter, Heidi, before the Lord to be dedicated.

B ishop Paul H olt from Cleveland, Tennessee officiated.

DEATHS Carbon Hill: Eunice Marie Pendley went to her eternal home September 21 st.

Fort Payne: Barbara Stanley, a long time member, went to be with the Lord October 8 th.

Grant: Bobbie Mason, a charter member, went to be with the Lord September 24 th.

PASTORS/W IVES NOVEM BER BIRTHDAYS Morris Bates Charles Boyd John Billy Butler Dian Elmore Tamera Pate Vickie Pigorsch Bobbie Smith Lloyd Smith Johnnie Ruth Stanton James W allace ANNIVERSARIES Kenneth and Dian Elmore Lynn and Kim Hitt Ernest and Vickie Pigorsch James and Paulette Ramsey Curtis and Joyce Sutton

LOOKING AHEAD AW AKEN TOUR-BELIEVE November 8 Saks High School BIRM INGHAM REVIVAL GATHERINGS Nov 11 Liberty C hurch B irmingham 6pm Dec & Jan TBA November 1- 4 Gordon-Conwell 9-11 Ladies Regional Retreat, Kentucky December 29-Jan 1 W inter Conference “Collision” Camp Boothe 2013 January 18-19 Pastors & W ives Retreat August 1-4 State Convention Embassy Hotel–Hoover 2014 July 30-Aug 3 International Assembly Rosen Shingle Creek Resort and Convention Center

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Winter Conference

collision www.experiencehydrate.com

$

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Evangelism September Church Statistics Taken from Church Reporters and Pastors Reports

1.Saved

2.Sanctified

CHURCH

PASTOR

Bessemer-Hopewell Road Elba Fayette-North Pointe Gordo Hackleburg Hamilton-New Heights Happy Hill Huntsville-Mastin Lake Parrish Russellville-Living Word Sheffield-Cliff Haven Trinity Winfield City Family Church

Joey Mojica Avena Lewis Brent Smalley Damon Rose Clint Knowles James Clanton Curtis Sutton Joshua Lynn Cephus Prophitt Mark Fell Neal Wright A. L. Henderson Dewayne Smith

3.Holy Ghost

4.Baptized

EVANGELIST

5.Added to Church 1.

4 1 4 1 4 3 20 1 1 1 3 1 1

2.

3.

4.

1 1 3

3

3

10 2

MINISTERS NOT PASTORING James Austin Dorothy Clark Patricia Dill Anita Falkner Elizabeth Knowles

1 2 1 1 2

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

76 538 760 992

5.

1

September, 2012 Statistics ääää CHURCH Alexander City Aliceville Alton Altoona Anniston Praise Worship Arab 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/Tuscaloosa Fayette-North Pointe Fort Payne Gadsden Living Waters Goodwater Joyful Praise Gordo Grant Green Pond Grove Hill Hackleburg Haleyville Pathway Hamilton-New Heights Harris Chapel Happy Hill

SM 34 06 65 16 40 NO REPORT 08 NO REPORT 68 09 ---24 55 NO REPORT 146 26 NO REPORT 28 25 60 NO REPORT 04 39 13 ---NO REPORT 12 08 14 ---10

TITHES 3305.55 3800.64 4806.33 1970.69 5817.80 736.00 10,789.25 1126.11 2253.50 2499.61 5596.60 12,883.86 2425.00 4121.00 5879.30 6218.00 818.000 3020.50 3624.20 2054.46 220.00 630.00 1937.51 5007.00 757.31

50

5880.31

28 55 16 93 16 194

1759.56 6794.46 1063.35 9819.86 1992.60 27,565.88

22 NO REPORT 48 102

2147.00 6308.15 8155.80

CHURCH

SM

Hartselle 12 Hazel Green NO REPORT Huntsville Mastin Lake 84 Bell Road 12 Mission 32 Jasper 15 Leesburg 55 Lincoln 24 Mentone 27 Montgomery 21 Moulton NO REPORT Munford-Silver Run NO REPORT Odenville 59 Pelham 38 Parrish 35 Phil Campbell NO REPORT Pinson Parkway 33 Poarch 04 Red Bay 25 Robertsdale 18 Rock Cliff NO REPORT Russellville Living Word 34 Sheffield-Cliff Haven 135 Short Creek 40 Sterrett 130 Summerbrook 35 Sylacauga-Power of The Cross 10 Tannehill Comm. Mission 60 Tarrant City 46 Trinity Worship 60 Twilleytown ---West Blocton NO REPORT West Mobile 15 Winfield- Family Church 41 World Outreach Ministries NO REPORT

TITHES 1161.51 11,688.00 1621.70 -------3775.00 6383.70 2472.90 748.00 1340.00 3971.01 6084.00 1523.20 2390.00 531.60 4203.35 709.92 4209.97 21,332.32 4341.33 10,521.80 3921.80 270.50 ---3198.50 7431.33 3148.70 718.00 2925.59

THE ABOVE STATISTICS WERE TAKEN FROM REPORTS (FROM TREASURER’S ) RECEIVED IN STATE OFFICE AS OCTOBER, 2012 THE FOLLOWING REPORTS WERE RECEIVED IN THE STATE OFFICE FOR PREVIOUS MONTHS:

ALABAM A 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 BESSEM ER, AL ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Our Sympathy

to our Ministers Fam ilies

Ionee Haney

October 18, 2012 Retired m inister and wife of deceased minister Adril Haney

Lanny Henderson

October 23, 2012 A. L. (Carol) Henderson’s nephew

Naomi Garcia

October 19, 2012 Lydia (Lavell) Hawkins’ sister and Elizabeth (Clint) Knowles’ aunt

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.

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