Alabama Update December 2013

ALABAMA

UPDATE THE CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY

DECEMBER 2013

January 5–25, 2014

A Season of Seeking If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways: Then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

As we prepare our hearts for 2014 and another 21 days of seeking, the question asked by David when the army of Israel was being challenged by the Philistines and the giant Goliath in 1 Samuel 17:29, “Is there not a cause?” is appropriate now. Let us join as a global family to seek God on behalf of our churches, our families, our cities and communities and our nations. Yes, there is a cause to pray. Everyone, young and old, is encouraged to join in these 21 days of praying and seeking for the divine direction of the Holy Spirit as we move forward in areas we have never traveled before.

Link up with the Global Prayer Network at www.facebook.com/cogopprayernetwork

cogop.org

Brief History of The Church That is Now Recognized as The Church of God The Last Great Conflict by A. J. Tomlinson About the year 1884, a spirit of dissatisfaction and unrest began to work in the mind of a licensed minister of the Missionary Baptist Church by the name of Richard G. Spurling, then living in Monroe County, Tennessee. The dissatisfaction arose because of certain traditions and creeds which were burdensome and exceedingly binding on the members.

This humble and sincere servant of God, who was also a faithful servant of the church of which he was a member and licensed minister, began a more careful study of the Bible, and for two years or more spent much time in searching the Scriptures and church history, with a view to a reformation.

After two years or more of careful searching, praying and weeping, and pleading with his church for reform to no avail, he, with others, began to arrange for an independent meeting for a conference and a more careful consideration of religious matters.

The result of the prayers and research on the part of Mr. Spurling and his companions proved three things to their entire satisfaction.

In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, when the noble and illustrious reformers were throwing off and breaking out from under the galling yoke of Romanism, and launched and inaugurated what is commonly known as Protestantism, they failed to reform from creeds; they adopted the law of faith when they should have adopted the law of love; and third, they failed to reserve a right of way for the leadership of the Holy Ghost and conscience.

Besides the aforesaid points, they were awakened to the fact that God’s church only existed where His law and government was observed by His children.

After having taken plenty of time for consideration, the time and place for the meeting was arranged and announced. That day is worthy of remembrance–Thursday, August 19, 1886.

The small company of humble, faithful, conscientious pilgrims met at Barney Creek meeting house, Monroe County, Tennessee. AFTER prayer, a strong discourse was delivered by Richard G. Spurling, emphasizing the need of a reformation. The arguments were full of force and proved effective, and were endorsed by the hearers, so that when the time came for action there was free and earnest response.

The proposition and obligation was simple. W e give it below: “As many Christians as are here present that are desirous to be free from all men made creeds and traditions, and are willing to take the New Testament, or law of Christ, for your only rule of faith and practice; giving each other equal rights and privileges to read and interpret for yourselves as your conscience may dictate, and are willing to sit together as the Church of God to transact business at the same, come forward.”

In response to this proposition eight persons, whose names are given below, presented themselves and gave each other the right hands of fellowship: Richard Spurling, John Plemons, Sr. Polly Plemons, Barbara Spurling, Margaret Lauftus, Melinda Plemons, John Plemons, Jr., Adeline Lauftus.

After having joined themselves together under the above obligation they decided to name the baby organization “Christian Union.” They then decided to receive persons into membership who were possessed with a good Christian character, and that ordained and licensed ministers from other churches could retain their same position or office without being re-ordained.

By virtue of the office he had held as a faithful ordained minister in the Missionary Baptist Church for a number of years, Elder Richard Spurling was duly acknowledged and recognized as their minister, to do all the business devolved on him as such in the new order. He then having been placed in authority by the body, took his seat as moderator, and by prayer dedicated the infant church to God, imploring His guidance and blessings for it, and that it might grow and prosper, and accomplish great good.

An invitation was then given for the reception of members, and they received Richard G. Spurling, Jr. who was then a licensed minister....The church chose him as their pastor, and had him ordained the next month, September 26, 1886.

Soon after this, Elder Richard Spurling died, at the advanced age of about seventy-four years. Although he was honored with being the first ordained minister, yet he did not live to see the results of his prayers, tears, and labors of love in assisting to launch this last great reformation, that is now assuming such vast proportions as it is spreading over the world.

To the sleepless nights of prayer and labors of love by this remarkable old saint and his son, Richard G. Spurling, who is still living, we attribute must of the success and advancement of later years. No doubt they only saw the light as through a glass-darkly, but the rays of the early dawn pierced through the darkness until they were made able to at least declare independence and freedom from creeds and sing “Hosannah to the Son of David” for liberty. Great praises be to our God. The little church grew very slow. But few cared anything about the infant organization. The pastor, R.G. Spurling, continued his preaching, not only at the church, but wherever he was granted the liberty. In this way the minds of the people were continually agitated, and gradually prepared for the work of the Spirit that was to follow. For ten years this servant of God prayed, wept and continued his ministry against much opposition and under peculiar difficulties, before seeing much fruits of his labor.

In the year 1896 three men, who lived in the same county and locality, became much enthused religiously, and were powerfully wrought on by the Spirit of God. These men whose names were W illiam Martin, Joe M. Tipton and Milton McNabb, went

over into Cherokee county, North Carolina , and commenced a meeting at the Schearer school house. They preached a clean gospel, and urged the people to seek and obtain sanctification subsequent to justification. The prayed, fasted and wept before the Lord until a great revival was the result. People became interested, and were stirred for miles around. Quite a large number professed salvation and sanctification through the blood of Christ. The Baptist and Methodist churches became antagonistic to the wonderful revival that was spreading, and about thirty were excluded from the Baptist church at one time because they professed to live a holy life, which the church denounced as heresy.

After the close of the series of meetings, and the three evangelists were gone, the people commenced a Sunday School, and regular prayer meetings were conducted, usually by W illiam F. Bryant, a leading man of the community. The people earnestly sought God, and the interest increased until it unexpectedly, like a cloud from a clear sky, the Holy Ghost began to fall on the honest, humble, sincere seekers after God. W hile the meetings were in progress one after another fell under the power of God, and soon quite a number were speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. The influence and excitement then spread like wildfire, and people came for many miles to investigate, hear and see the manifestations of the presence of God. Men, women and children received the Holy Ghost and spoke in other tongues under the power of the mighty Spirit of God. The power of healing was soon realized, and a number of miraculous cases of healing were wrought by the power of God. The people knew but little about the Bible, but they prayed, and shouted and exhorted until hundreds of hard sinners were converted.

The influence grew and spread until it extended into three or four adjoining counties. Persecutions arose, and four or five houses were burned where these earnest, humble people met for worship.

At the time the storm of persecution broke in with such fury that one hundred and six men, composed of Methodist and Baptist ministers, stewards and deacons, one justice of the peace and one sheriff, banded themselves together to put down the revival, even by violence, if that was the only way it could be accomplished. They deliberately tore down and burned the house, where sinners were getting saved in nearly every service, in open daylight. But the greater the persecution the more the revival spread.

The meetings were moved to the home of W . F. Bryant, and the power and glory increased. It was while they were in progress there that seven men banded themselves together to stop the work, and one day rode to the home of Mr. Bryant and demanded him to stop the meetings, and also forbad him to have prayers with his family; but like Daniel of old, he purposed in his heart to obey God rather then man, and the meetings were continued, amid threats, showers of stones and rains of the lead.

During these years of revivals and persecutions, Mr. Spurling often came in their midst, and in vain tried to show the precious people the need of God’s law and government. Everything moved on smoothly among themselves for several months, even years, and they were able to endure all the persecutions heaped upon them with grace and love. But in the absence of the government and authority, false teachers crept in and led many humble, sincere, unwary souls into error. Factions began to show themselves, and fanaticism took possession of some who were more easily duped by Satan then others.

About that time Mr. Bryant and a few others began to see the mistake in being without government and authority, but as they were unable to accomplish anything on that line the work was allowed to drift. It is estimated that more than one hundred person really received the baptism with the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues as the evidence during the revival.

It was not until May 15, 1902, that any plan for government was adopted. On that day a number of humble people met at the home of Mr. Bryant, Cherokee county, N. C., and under the instructions and supervision of Mr. Spurling, an organization was effected.

W hile this was a continuation of the same organization that was started sixteen years before, yet it was not given the same name, and it was in a different locality. It was called “The Holiness Church at Camp Creek,” in the Cherokee county, N. C.. One of the officers, W . F. Bryant, was set forth by the church and ordained, which made the church permanent.

R. G. Spurling was chosen pastor, and they continued their meetings; yet the work was rather slow to develop, as so many had been led into error by the false teaching referred to above, but a sufficient number remained true to keep the work alive. For a year it was a real struggle to hold the organization against much unbelief and criticism, and there were no additions.

It was in June, 1903, that the work revived and took upon it a new impetus. At a meeting held June 13, of the above named year, we made a more careful study of the New Testament order, and five more accepted the obligation and joined with the faithful little flock to push the work along. Another minister and two deacons were ordained by the church in proper order. The new minister was chosen for pastor, and that year there were fourteen more accessions, and the work went on smoothly and prospered amid some light persecutions. One among the number added that year was M. S. Lemons.

The next year one organization was effected in Georgia and two more in Tennessee. Then the workers had increased, and evangelism was encouraged, so the work grew and prospered under the blessings and approval of God. Near the close of 1905 the work had so prospered that there began to be a demand for a general gathering together of the members from all the churches to consider questions of importance and to search the Bible for additional light and knowledge.

Accordingly arrangements were made and the meeting called.

The First Assembly of the Churches of God, was held January 26 and 27, 1906, at the home of J. C. Murphy, Cherokee county, N. C. , about one-half mile from the schoolhouse where the great revival had broken out ten years before. Twenty-one members were in attendance as representatives from the different churches. Many important questions were discussed, and much added light obtained by those present.

The Second Annual Assembly was held at Union Grove, a meeting house in the country, ten miles from Cleveland, Tenn. Up to this time there had been but little said about the name of the church, except “The Church of God” had gradually come into use in conversation and preaching. But by this time we were getting thoroughly awakened on Scriptural themes and Apostolic teachings and practices regarding, the church. Subjects and questions were discussed freely, with a view to coming fully to the Bible standard and plan for the Bible church.

At a session held at 8:30 on Friday morning, January 11, 1907, the name “Church of God’ was adopted, with the addition of

the name of the place or locality where it existed. Examples: “The Church of God” at Cleveland, Tenn. “The Church of God” at London, KY. Etc. This such as: “The Church of God” at London, Ky., etc. This however, was not meant to debar the use of the other Scriptural names, such as: “The Church,” “Churches in Christ,” “Church...in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,” etc.

The Third Annual Assembly was held January 8-12, 1908, at Cleveland, Tenn., and they have been held at the same place each successive year since. Every year has been more and more prosperous. The number of churches and membership have increased until at the Eighth Annual Assembly, held January 7-12, 1913, there was reported 104 churches in ten different states, and the Bahama Islands, with a total membership of 3,056. The report also shows forty-six Bishops, one hundred and twelve Deacons and sixty-one Evangelists.

The obligation has gradually assumed a broader and more elaborate form, because of a demand for it, and the need for a fuller explanation, so as to protect the church against some who might not be sincere and thoroughly conscientious. Following is nearly the common form of explanation and obligations.

As Jesus Christ is the sole founder and originator of His Church, and still retains the position as head and only lawgiver, all who connect themselves with His Church will be expected to obey His laws and government, walking in the light as He is in the light, thus giving fellowship to each other and the assurance of the blood cleansing from all sin. (1 John 1:7).

The applicants for membership are expected to accept the teaching of repentance, water baptism (by immersion), sanctification subsequent to conversion, the baptism with the Holy Ghost on the sanctified life, evidenced by the speaking in tongues as the Spirit gives utterance, the Lord’s Supper, feet washing, eternal punishment for the wicked and eternal life for the righteous, divine healing, tithing and offerings, and the second pre-millennial coming of the Lord. Applicants must sever their connection with churches and lodges, if not already free from them.

Men having two or more wives, divorced or un-divorced, women having two or more husbands, divorced or un-divorced, should not publicly present themselves for membership, but if they wish to join the church they should apply to the pastor or church privately, and be examined as to reasons for being so situated. Those using tobacco in any form should not present themselves for membership.

The obligation is simple, and just what every true child of God desires to practice: “Will you sincerely promise before God and these witnesses that you will take the Bible as your guide, the New Testament as your rule of faith and practice, government and discipline, and walk in the light to the best of your knowledge and ability?”

Having accepted the above explanation and obligation the applicants are usually asked to kneel in holy reverence before God, while the minister engages in prayer and asks God’s guidance and blessings upon the new members, and to make them useful, and keep them true and faithful until Jesus comes or calls.

W hen the prayer is ended a song is usually sung by the congregation, and all the members give them a glad welcome by extending to them the right hands of fellowship.

The Church recognizes three orders of ministers at present, but two more orders were mentioned in the Seventh Annual Assembly. The three now recognized are first, Bishops, second, Deacons, and third, Evangelists.

Applicants for the ministry are carefully and prayerfully examined as to their qualifications. It is expected that every examination conform strictly to the New Testament, and that all applicants measure to the requirements given therein before ordination.

Paul’s instructions to Timothy and Titus are strictly observed. It is against the rules of the Church to ordain or license any one who is a member of any lodge or society outside of the Church of God. The use of tobacco is forbidden, and under no circumstances can one be placed in the ministry who is addicted to its use.

There is also a strictness on the part of the Church about men or women having two or more living wives or husbands, divorced or un-divorced. Under no circumstances is it allowable to place one in the ministry who has more than one living wife, divorced or undivorced, if he pretends to live with either one; and no one can be ordained Bishop or Deacon who has a wife and does not live with her for any cause.

“Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:25-27).

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and Kings to the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee.” (Isa. 60:1-4).

“Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.” (Isa.51:11).

“Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion.” (Isa. 52:8).

“Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thy habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; for thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.” (Isa.54:2, 3).

“In righteousness shalt thou be established:....whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake...no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper, and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.” (Isa. 54:14-17).

Alexander City: The Children’s Church was treated to a “Hillbilly Hayride” for their fall fest this year. From the pictures shown on the screen at church, it looked like everyone had a wonderful time.

There was also a bonfire for roasting marshmallows, as well as, staying warm.

Many thanks to Amy and Niki Peters for hosting the event at their place.

Altoona: The church at Altoona had a special day for Brother Taylor and his wife Kathy. We taped $5.00

bills and $1.00 bills on them and had a large collection of quarters that we hung around her neck and shoulders.

They received several gift cards to local restaurants.

Browns Chapel: We enjoyed a great spiritual revival with Brother Baysinger. There were two that received Christ in Children’s Church.

Browntown: We enjoyed a Harvest Festival and our couples hiked at Bucks Pocket State Park. Our pastor and wife were honored with a Pastor Appreciation Lunch and gifts were presented to both.

We had an awesome month!

Chickasaw: Our youth have been involved on Sunday afternoons with “Ultimore Frizbee Games”. Several churches from town have been doing this. Our youth won last Sunday and lost by 1 point this Sunday. They have their bandana’s with 2 inch monogram letter: COGOP. So much fun for them. Pastor’s Appreciation was celebrated with a beautiful oil painting of a farm scene with our pastor riding a John Deere, plowing a field. Charles Tadlock painted this. Those who know our pastor-knows his favorite color is green and yellow. Also, Matt Tadlock showed a 10 minute John Deer Tractor parade. A love offering and Cracker Barrel gift card were given too. A luncheon was given in their honor. We had Old Fashion Day where everyone dressed up in old clothes. Our pastor had his overalls. Thank the Lord for His blessings.

Collinsville-Harvest Center: We have been focusing the last several weeks on what it means to be a “comeback church”.

Please pray for us as we endeavor to see what we can

do to make Harvest Center a “comeback church”.

Fayette-North Pointe: Sister Debbie Green went home to with the Lord. She was so humble and precious.

She had nothing but was so content. She was rejected by other churches because of her past but she gave her heart to the Lord, was baptized and delivered from drugs. She loved church but most of all she loved the Lord. Isn’t this what the Gospel is all about and the Church’s role is to preach and love people to Jesus.

Our attendance was 121 for Homecoming and Pastor Appreciation.

Phil and Diana Pruitt blessed us.

Gadsden-Living Waters: Praise the Lord for a great time at Gadsden. We had 75 in attendance for our baptismal service. Three were baptized and following the morning service the ladies of the church provided a great Thanksgiving lunch.

Excitement is growing and we praise God for His direction. God is building this house.

Goodwater-Joyful Praise: We did an Outreach

Ministry downtown Goodwater for Halloween.

Gordo: Gordo has been busy during the month of October. We had an appreciation drive to give gifts to the faculty at Gordo Elementary.

The gifts included a ream of copy paper, pens, higher lighters, markers, note pads, etc.

Second Sunday, was our homecoming with Brother Wallace as the guest speaker. Third Sunday night we had an enjoyable round table Bible study in our activities building with refreshments provided. On the fourth Sunday night we gave Sister Rose, our Pastor’s wife, a surprise party to honor her as the “wife of a pastor.”

For our next project, we will participate in the Franklin Graham “Christmas Shoe Boxes” for needy children.

Greenpond: Honor to the King of Kings. This month has been outstanding. His blessings in our church are abundant. The ladies were blessed with the ministry of Patsy Hunnicutt. The topic, “Will Thou Follow This Man” was truly wonderful.

Sandra Guides blessed us with her singing. Food and fellowship followed the service. The youth and not so young, enjoyed a Walk to Calvary. It was a seven mile walk carrying the cross and proclaiming the light of Jesus to the world. Many waved, honked and pictures were taken. An old fashion bazaar, yard sale and rock-atho was a very successful fundraiser. A lot of hard work, but results were

$3,000.00. Money is being

raised for a new carpet. Fall Festival was a huge success.

It gets bigger and better each year. A thousand plus were in attendance.

Seven hundred and fifty hot dogs, drinks, hot chocolate, coffee, cotton candy, popcorn, cakes and tons of candy were given away. There were moon walks for the children to enjoy and the drama team performed.

It’s a great outreach for our church.

Pastor Appreciation was observed. The Noe’s are a special blessing to our church.

We love and appreciate them.

Hackleburg: October was Pastor Appreciation Month.

Thirty-one families volunteered to “bless and honor” our pastoral family with food and gifts each day of the month. We witnessed many healings, salvations and in-filling with the Holy Spirit as God poured out His glory during four revival s e r vi c e s wit h Gl en n Bleakney.

We cover everything in prayer and God has been so faithful to us. Our Annual Fall Festival drew over 700 people to our church for Trunk and Treat, games, food and door prizes.

This is our biggest outreach of the year and God continues to multiply our church family every year.

Haleyville-Pathway: Homecoming was a success with over 100 in attendance.

We had to fix extra tables for the food, and the singing afterwards was a blessing to everyone. The work on the old building is going well and the youth and Power Kids love their new space.

God is truly blessing. We joined with some of the area churches for Fall Festival with candy, games, super blowups, food and costumes contest. There were dramas by the churches and our own little ones did theirs also.

There was a bug turn out and fun for everyone. We took in four new members this month! Thank the Lord!

Happy Hill: We took in two new members by covenant and two new ones by transfer. We are thanking God for these.

Harris Chapel: We were priviledged to have our State Overseer, Brother L. V. Jones, Jr. And his lovely wife, Sister Billie Ruth with us on October 20th for our homecoming services.

Brother Jones spoke to us about the need to hunger for more of God. We had around 85 present for the worship service and ample meal afterward. At 1:30 P.M. we were blessed with singing by the Williams Sisters.

Hartselle: October 26th, we had our 1st Fall Festival.

There were approximately 100 people to come through and we had a great time.

There were pony rides, jump house, fish pond, football throw, cake walk, bean bag throw and even a hearse.

The next morning, Brother Chris said if we had 40 there he would go in the dunking booth but since we didn’t have but 31, we still received cake. Continue to

pray for us to grow and be a light.

Hazel Green: October was a good month for us. The first Sunday we honored our pastor with a appreciation lunch and a nice offering.

Wednesday night, the ladies Missionary Department had a beans and greens Dinner, the offering was received for World Missions.

Third Sunday, we began a revival with Bishop James Wallace as the evangelist. Our souls were blessed with God’s presence.

The anointed messages and singing each service left us still feeling the revival spirit of love.

We ended the month with a “trunk or treat” at the church with more than 250 in attendance. Chili and hot dogs were prepared for all who set up booths with the treats. We had to bring the treats inside due to the weather but it did not affect the attendance.

Jasper: We are praising the Lord for our continued growth. The presence of God is felt in each service with people seeking God in our altars!

Leesburg: The Leesburg church held their Annual Free to the Community Outreach Harvest Festival, the 2nd Saturday in October, with 225+ people participating.

The Lord provided a beautiful day for everyone to enjoy food, inflatables, drama team, puppets, music, singing, hayride, and prizes.

Odenville: We had a Children’ Dedication Day. Families came up to the wash bowl at the altar and parents and children washed their hands showing that they were giving each child

to God to be used as He sees fit. Grown children and teens were among those that were dedicated to the Lord that day. It was a very sacred time of worship and dedication.

Short Creek: October, is the month for Missions and Pastor Appreciation. We begin by giving Brother and Sister Green a special cup for each of them. Then everyone came around and filled their cups with a special love offering along with hugs and words of appreciation. The next week we gave each of them a big batch of their favorite snack, parched peanuts.

Wednesday night, we had a “Kitchen/Bath Shower” for them along with finger foods, cake and punch. The Women’s Ministry presented them with a personalized plaque which read, “The Green Family established 1961" on the last Sunday of the month. We boosted missions each Sunday with a special bulletin insert from Global Missions Department.

A special offering was received on the 2nd Sunday.

Robertsdale: We took one new member in by covenant.

Thank God! Sterrett: God has given hope to a man that lost his.

After months of encouraging and prayer by the church family, he has peace in the Lord. He wanted to give his

testimony, but God gave him strength and he preached to the church! He said he is thankful for God allowing him to experience all he had gone through and was praising God. Summerbrook: Second Sunday night, we had a chili and soup night. Everything was so good. Third Sunday night, the youth had the service and did a great job.

Sister Kay and Sister Kim are doing a good job teaching them. May God bless our youth.

Tarrant: What an exciting month. We honored our Pastor and Associate Pastor Kevin, with a gift offering and a delicious lunch for Clergy Appreciation Month.

Wednesday nights we are studying the Book of Philippians. Several went to the Presbyterian Manor to celebrate birthdays. All the children came together in their costumes to celebrate Hallelujah Kidz Fest. We ended the month by treating our community with “Trunk and Treat”. Four hundred youth and children came onto our parking lot for this ministry.

Our Sunday services have been blessed with the presence of the Holy Spirit. “Come, O Holy Spirit, and continue to pour out your blessings.”

Trinity: We took time to celebrate our veterans, giving honor to them for their service to this country, and the children did the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the American Flag. There was worship with heart stirring presence of the Lord.

Many came for prayer in need of more joy and a more vivid walk with the Lord.

Another lady gave her heart

to the Lord. This is what it is all about.

Twilleytown: We had ‘Shower Our Pastor Day’ and the children marched in with cans of soup because Brother Stanton is a ‘super man’. We also showered them with gifts. There was a power point with pictures of the past, things what they do best... preaching, cooking listening and even climbing ‘blow ups at the fall festival’. God has given us the best pastor.

Winfield City Family: God is doing great things in Winfield. We thank Him for His marvelous works. Check o u t t h e blog@winfieldcitychurch.b logspot.com for the latest.

John 16:24, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”

We are asking for souls of the lost in Winfield, Alabama to be born again and set free from the bondage of Satan. A church full of born again believers in Jesus Christ’s name. We will rejoice! Praise God!

ÈÈÈ ALABAMA MINISTERS TEACHING IN OTHER COUNTRIES Venezuela and Colombia Just arrived back home from Venezuela and Colombia.

We had a wonderful SOPAS III in Venezuela, with about 200 students.

(There were

students as young as 14 who actively and attentively took part in the school.) The empowering presence of the Holy Spirit was with us in the most wonderful way.

The political and economic situation in Venezuela is very difficult at this time.

The average daily wage is currently $1.75, and there are shortages of food and other necessary items.

However, many of the people took 3 days of work to attend SOPAS. The school met under a tin roof, and the afternoons were hot and steamy. One afternoon, I intended to give the students a break from the heat after 1 and ½ hours of class, but they insisted that we continue for another hour.

In spite of the heat and long class period, no one slept!

There was such a hunger for the teaching of the Word of God! It was a very humbling experience.

Since Venezuela does not allow U. S. Planes to land (because of the government’s attitude toward the U. S.) Bishops Elias Rodriguez, Gabriel Vidal and I had to approach Venezuela by way of Colombia. Sunday night, on the return trip, I was privileged to attend one of the local churches in Bogota.

The service and fellowship were refreshing.

Thank you for approving my participation as adjunct instructor in SOPAS. I am grateful.

Blessings, Phil Pruitt

Canada East Bobbie and I have

just returned from Toronto, Ontario, Canada from teaching in the SOPAS III. The teaching team consisted of Bishops Mark Menke, Dr. Wallace Pratt, and myself. I estimate there were 175 students that participated in the SOPAS. These included several pastors, church members and visitors from other church organizations.

In addition, there was a broad range of age groups: senior adults, middle age and youth. Many of the youth came to Bishop Menke and myself and thanked us, telling us that they had not only been blessed but inspired. To God be all the Glory!

For this trip, I was blessed with the opportunity to take Bobbie with me.

You know that we lived in Canada East for 4 years and served in a French-speaking church in Granby, Quebec.

For the last two years, the saints of this region have said to me, “Don’t come back unless you bring Bobbie with you.”

Bishop and Sister Thompson, along with the entire Canada East team, made Bobbie and me feel special and treated us like royalty. It was a particular treat for Bobbie since she had not been back to Canada East in 22 years.

Thank you for your continued support in this ministry.

I personally appreciate your insight and missions concept that allows me to extend the mission efforts of the Praise and Worship Center through this teaching arm of the Church of God of Prophecy.

Respectfully, Sylvester Smith

Harvest Partners Belarus My dear father has passed way. He had stage 4 cancer. He did not survive the treatment from his first chemotherapy. He was great man of God! At the age of 25 he was imprisoned for 3.5 years for just having the church gathering in his house. In early 90's my father planted the church in the village and has build the church building for his own money. He always loved to serve to sick and disabled people. He was a very kind man. Please pray for our family in such a time like this.

I would like to update our news about our church project. I have some pictures, so you can see the progress. Now we are trying to cover the roof how soon is possible before the rainy season starts. The next step will be to provide a heating system before the winter begins. And then we plan to move in right after we install windows and doors. Because right now we gather in rented building and it is on sale now. Many guys from Mogilev rehab center helped us with construction. They work a lot. We are very glad that God gave us that building.

Please pray for us that we can be able to finish construction and move in soon.

Thank you.

With Love Gena

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

STATE WEB SITES Alabama Update Blog: WWW.al ab a ma u p d ate.blogspot.com Alabama Web Site: alcogop.org Youth-Tim Beck Web: www.experiencehydrate.com www.hydrateministries.com

AVAILABLE FOR REVIVALS James Adkins, P O Box 921, Collinsville, AL 35961-0920, Telephone (256) 524-3130.

Joey Dobbs: Member of Sterrett Church of God of Prophecy.

Telephone (205)746-3017.

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

Christine & Curtis Englebert, 111 Woodland Road, Dora, AL 35062 Telephone (205) 648-2871 or cell # 205-275-1199. cenglebert2871@charter.net. Fill in for pastors also.

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

Larry Webb and Nora Lutz, available for revivals and singings, 22060 Eastern Valley Road, McCalla, AL 35111, cell# (205) 413-5829; home # (205) 938-3404.

Kenneth Wilkins, is available for week-end revivals and filling in for pastors and special services.

Telephone: (205)-763-7101.

E m a i l : wilkins.kenneth@gmail.com.

SPEAKING AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS: 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.

LADIES’/SMALL GROUP EVENTS Carolyn Guyton, Women’s Ministries Director at Woodland Hills COGOP is available to speak at your ladies event or small group m e e t i n g.

C a r o l yn i s a motivational/inspirational speaker and life purpose coach. She blogs at liveyourfullestlife.com and posts weekday Live! Quotation for the Dayon her facebook page at facebook.com/liveyourfullestlife.

Carolyn currently has bimonthly workshops at the Gardendale Civic Center. She can be reached by email at cguyton2@att.net.

DECEMBER PASTORS/WIVES BIRTHDAYS James Caples Angela Fell Gerome Key Betty Oliver James Oliver Connie Patterson Paulette Ramsey Darlene Spears Laura Stronge Raymon Sutton ANNIVERSARIES Morris and Linda Bates Leland and Gail Lowery Shane and Tamera Pate Terry and Kathy Taylor

COMING EVENTS Hydrate Campus Tour

WEDDINGS Hackleburg: Jean Stults and John Hall were married October 26th.

BIRTHS Bayou La Batre: Zoey Grace was born to Pastor Walter and Sarah DeGeer on October 9th.

Chickasaw: Maci Marie Sasser was born October 22 to Ashley Honeycutt and Jesse Sasser.

DEATHS Fayette-North Point: Debbie Green went home to be with the Lord October 30th

January 15 Wenonah High School February 25 Huffman High School March 11 Jackson-Olin High School April 22 Boaz High School December 29-Jan 1Winter Conference Camp Boothe “Bravehearted” 2014 January Overseer/Pastors Meetings March 12-14 S.O.P.A.S. 4th Term April 24-27 Gordon-Conwell School Camp Boothe July 30-Aug 3 International Assembly Rosen Shingle Creek Resort and ConventionCenter Orlando, Florida

CAMP BOOTHE WEST BLOCTON, AL

$70 Per person

Winter Conference 12-29-13 – 1-1-14 www.hydrateministries.com

Winter Conference Sunday, December 29th, 2013 2:00 p.m. -

Registration

3:30 p.m. -

Orientation

4:00 p.m. -

Session 1: Teachers:

5:30 p.m. -

Dinner

7:00 p.m. -

Main Session: Sharron Farruggia- Knoxville, TN

10:00 p.m. -

Winter Games: Directors: Bryant & Jerrikka Garrison

11:00 p.m. -

Processing Session w/ Cabin Leader

11:45 p.m. -

Lights Out

The Resistance Jeremy Hitt (Guys) & Sharron Farruggia (Girls)

Monday, December 30th, 2013 8:00 a.m. -

Breakfast

8:45 a.m. -

Morning Worship & Seeking

9:30 a.m. -

Break

10:15 a.m. -

Session 2: Teacher:

11:30 a.m. -

Break

12:00 (noon) -

Lunch

1:15 p.m. -

Winter Games: Team Competition w/ Bryant & Jerrikka

2:45 p.m. -

Snack

Heavenly Minded: Eternal vs. Temporal Darren Schalk

3:15 p.m. -

Workshops  Apologetics and Today’s Culture Teacher: James Clanton  Intimacy: Continual Burning Teacher: Dustin Atkins  Creative Arts Ministry Teacher: Andrew High  Preaching/Teaching Ministry Teacher: Phil Pruitt  Missions Teacher: John & Felichia Douglas

4:15 p.m. -

Free Time

5:15 p.m. -

Dinner

6:30 p.m. -

Main Session: Darren Schalk- Cleveland, TN

10:30 p.m. -

Processing Session w/ Cabin Leader

11:30 a.m. -

Lights Out

Tuesday, December 31st, 2013 8:00 a.m. -

Breakfast

8:45 a.m. -

Morning Worship & Seeking

9:30 a.m. -

Break

10:15 a.m. -

Session 2: Teacher:

11:30 a.m. -

Break

12:00 (noon) -

Lunch

1:15 p.m. -

Winter Games: Team Competition w/ Bryant & Jerrikka

2:45 p.m. -

Snack

Supernatural: Faith, Healing, and Miracles Chris Pilkerton

3:15 p.m. -

Workshops  Apologetics and Today’s Culture Teacher: James Clanton  Intimacy: Continual Burning Teacher: Dustin Atkins  Creative Arts Ministry Teacher: Andrew High  Preaching/Teaching Ministry Teacher: Phil Pruitt  Missions Teacher: John & Felichia Douglas

4:15 p.m. -

Free Time

5:15 p.m. -

Dinner

6:30 p.m. -

Main Session: Nic Jackson- Rockingham, NC

1:30 a.m. -

Lights Out

Wednesday, January 1st, 2014 8:00 a.m. -

Breakfast

10:00 a.m. -

Main Session (Closing)

12:00 (noon) -

Lunch

1:00 p.m. -

Cabin Clean-Up

2:00 p.m. -

Pick-up & Departure

Winter Conference

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

2.Sanctified

3.Holy Ghost

4.Baptized

CHURCH

PASTOR

EVANGELIST

Browns Chapel Calera-Harvest Chapel Cottondale Community Cunningham Bridge

Kenneth Elmore James Simpson Ron Martin Carl Butler

Bryan Baysinger

Dothan Gadsden-Living Waters Greenpond Hackleburg Haleyville-Pathway Happy Hill Leesburg Munford-Silver Run Robertsdale Sheffield-Cliff Haven Trinity Winfield City Family

Morris Bates Shane Pate Bill Noe Clint Knowles Mark Fell Curtis Sutton Timothy Douglas Charles Boyd James Caples Neal Wright A. L. Henderson Dewayne Smith

5.Added to Church

1.

2.

2 8 1 1 1 Jason Hawkins, Wayne Craig, Stanley Reeves, Paul Talley 1 1 1 2 2

3.

1

2 4 2

1 1 1

1 200 1

69 349 996

9

1 3

MINISTERS REPORTS FOR OCTOBER Ministers Reports Sermons Homes Visited

5.

3

1 1

MINISTERS NOT PASTORING

James Austin Tim Beck James Wallace

4.

1

1

1 4

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 Families

Sue Alderete December 05, 2013

Pauline Alexander November 9, 2013 Hoyt (Virginia) Holcomb’s sister

Hazel Brewer December 04, 2013 Deacon Marion Brewer’s wife

Barbara Davis November 5, 2013 John Davis’ wife

David Eloff December 3, 2013 Brenda (Steve) Chance’s father

Wayne Pohlner November 29, 2013 Melva Pohlner’s ( Bishop Clements secretary) husband

Kevin Rhodes December 1, 2013 Amy Rhodes’s husband and Jerome (Sarah) Key’s sonin-law

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 Zip Code__________ Church_________________________________________