Alabama Update February 2014

ALABAMA

UPDATE THE CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY

FEBRUARY 2014

Looking Forward The Last Great Conflict–A. J. Tomlinson Within the nature and makeup of man there is a tendency to look back and recount the things of the past. This may not be wrong, however, as in many cases one is better able to see what is come by a careful study of the things of the past; but there have been many backward glances which have proved detrimental to the progress of the traveler, and in some instances even fatal.

When Lot and his wife and two daughters were leaving the city of Sodom, hurried away by the two angels and commanded by them not to look back, Mrs. Lot failed to take heed to the command, and turned her head and looked behind, and immediately she was turned into a pillar of salt, and Jesus said, “Remember Lot’s wife.”

When Israel was marching from Egypt to the promised land, not a few longed to turn back to the flesh-pots and other things they had left behind; and with Korah at the head as leader of quite a number, they were about to start back when the earth opened and swallowed them up.

General Gideon started out to battle with thirty-two thousand soldiers, but twenty-two thousand turned back because they were fearful and fainthearted. Soon nine thousand and seven hundred more went back because they proved themselves unfit for service. There were only three hundred of that large army of men that were so zealous and occupied with the laurels of conquest and victory ahead, that proved themselves fit and able for the required service.

Multitudes had been following Jesus, but when He began to teach them the great and deep spiritual truths they pronounced them “hard sayings,” became offended in Him and went back and never followed Him any more. At that time only the twelve were left with Him. After His resurrection, Paul states that He was seen by about five hundred brethren at one time, but about one hundred and twenty were noted as being in the upper room on the day of Pentecost.

At the time of the rapture a multitude (represented by the five foolish virgins of Matt. 25) will be left behind because of the looking backward tendency in their lives, until they have made the final fatal mistake because of not pressing forward.

Jesus said, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” The writer of Hebrews says, “If any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Paul said, “This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded...Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.”

“Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying.” “But avoid foolish questions and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.”

I was once running from a vicious animal, and I never looked back to see if the animal was following until I reached a place of safety. Had I looked back I might have stumbled and fallen and been overtaken. A story is told of a little fellow who had fallen and bruised himself; on being asked how it happened he said, “I was arunnin’ and looking back, and come to a high place in the ground I fell.”

We are indeed running a race, and the prize is at the end of the race. To look back and cavil over Old Testament Scriptures, or to stop and cavil over anything, endangers us so we may fall in the race. Indeed, we should study the Scriptures, but to take time to go back and try to decipher some of the mysteries that belonged to the past ages, and thus raise an argument and wound the feelings of precious souls, instead of edifying and blessing them, is a loss of time, to say nothing of how we ourselves might fall in the race while looking back.

The prophets of old were looking forward. The reason they saw far ahead was because they were looking in that direction. “Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you; Searching what or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified before hand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.” (I Peter 1: 10, 11). And as they searched, the truth of the matter was revealed unto them. They were looking forward, and the revelation was given unto them.

A true prophet is looking ahead, and if he is looking forward he will have enough to engage him without striving or debating about things of the past. As I write and become inspired with the subject, and my mind goes leaping and bounding over the hills and plains of the future, a faint voice seems to be heard in the distance, which most startling, “Look ahead, and not behind.”

It has been estimated that one hundred thousand persons have received the baptism with the Holy Ghost, evidenced by the speaking in tongues as the Spirit gave utterance, in the last four years. We hear of many apparently wearying in the race and drawing back, but hundreds are pressing on after the gifts, power and glory, realizing that there is a great plenty before to interest and occupy them without spending too much time in looking back.

Men are searching and counting and spending their time with prophecies and figures trying to ascertain about the

time of the end of the age, the catching away of the saints to meet the Lord in the air, and the revelation of the anti-Christ, etc., etc. They are making chronology a special study and producing drawings and figures and fixing dates and times for the transpiring of certain events, merely from the study of the Scriptures books. I do not say this is wrong, but probably in connection, with the searching a nearer and better way to ascertain this knowledge would be to court the favor of God and the fellowship of the mystery (Eph. 3:9), and the deeper spiritual experiences that are obtainable through Christ until, like the prophets of old, it will be revealed.

“Surely the Lord will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7). He would not destroy Sodom without talking to Abraham about it. “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day; We are not of the night nor of darkness.” (I Thess. 5: 1-5).

Again I say, we have plenty to occupy us without caviling or disputing over things of the past. These are tremendous days. Days of great privilege: days of conquest. Our time should be spent in forming a closer fellowship with God and the Celestial beings. There is a realm in which we can remain similar to that in which Enoch and Elijah dwelt. Experience and revelation are far better than mere intellectual knowledge. The prophets searched, but by and by the revelation was given them.

The tree wise men saw the star and thus traveled together until they actually saw the Christ. If we keep our eyes and mind fixed on the Ideal Life (Jesus), we can certainly travel together, and will be so occupied with what the future will disclose that there will be no time for looking back and caviling over things of the past. Paul said, “Forgetting the things behind” because the things before are more inspiring and interesting, Hallelujah! We have had the past, we now enjoy the present, but the future, Oh how glorious! And it is so near at hand: within our reach.

We have had sermonizing and great preaching but that is so common. We have the experience of justification, sanctification and the baptism with the Holy Ghost. We have the tongues (not the gift) given by the Spirit. We must not and do not depreciate the value of preaching nor of the tongues, but the gifts and great power that are obtainable are yet to come.

Peter went throughout all quarters, and when he came to the house of Aeneas where he lay sick, a few words from Peter and sickness vanished, and Aeneas was well. When he entered the place where Dorcas lay a corpse, a short prayer and a few words from Peter, and she was alive....The signs and wonders were so numerous, producing such a sensation that the multitudes were stirred and agitated continually, but in power and demonstration of the Spirit. It was sensational but glorious results followed.

They are trying to hold us down with what little we now have, but the future, what will it descry? What will it reveal? What running to and fro carrying the sick, halt and lame, and all will be healed! Who are going to be the manifest sons of God for which the whole creation is waiting? This is just ahead. See them as they walk triumphantly amid demons, contagious diseases and persecutions. Look at them as they walk victoriously into the insane asylums and drive out the legions of demons and set the captives free. See them as they enter the hospitals, infirmaries, deaf and dumb asylums and pest houses and so relieve the inmates that these homes for the afflicted will be turned into Pentecostal chambers and the superintendents and overseers will stand and look on with amazement and wonder.

Look into the future! What does it mean to you? Have you any time to draw back? Have you the time to even look back? Can you afford to take your eyes and mind off the future glory and triumphant, overwhelming, stupendous conquests and victories long enough to parley, debate and cavil over things of the past? Have you any time to hold a grudge, malice, envy or hatred? Do you have time to backbite, brothers and sisters in the church? Are you willing for others to get ahead of you in spirituality and spiritual things?

Do you want to stop and cavil over some theories and petty notions, and by doing this let others get so far ahead of you in the race that they will enter the land of visions and revelations, and converse with angels, principalities and other celestial beings while you are left behind to grope your way with the multitudes who are in the dark?

Just a little space, and somebody is going to pass over into 2 Cor. 12: 12—“Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and might deeds. “Do you have any inspiration to attain to such a height of glory and power? IF so you are one that is looking forward, and not behind. If you aspire to these tremendous realms of grace, glory and power you are so occupied and interested that you have no time to spend in the out of date things of the past, only as you use them as stepping stones to higher heights, thus putting them beneath your feet, and as Paul said, “Forgetting those things which are behind,” and busy yourself with “reaching forth unto those things which are before.”

Oh, glorious achievement! Oh, magazine of power! Oh, humility and love! Oh, great arm of the Lord! We bid you welcome to step in and take control and begin to perform the exploits due to our generation.

Can Your Church Make a Comeback?

Complied by Steven Spears The thoughts offered and page numbers referenced in this essay come from: Comeback Churches by Ed Stetzer and Mike Dodson, B&H Publishing Group.

If your church is one of the 70% of the churches in America that has either plateaued or is in decline this is a very important question. Many pastors and lay leaders have been ministering under such a paradigm for so long that they cannot imagine anything beyond where they live now. There are many reasons why churches become stagnate in their growth and mission. My concern in this essay is to stimulate our thinking beyond the status quo and see if there is room in our hearts for real change.

I am not an expert on church growth or social trends. I do have a heart for the church. I believe it is the vessel that God has instituted to offer life through the Lord Jesus to a lost and dying world. If the church is unhealthy it cannot be the means of health that sin-sick souls need. The church is the only institution that the Lord has promised to build and bless (p. 32). As pastors and lay leaders it is our responsibility to make every effort to see that the church functions in all the glory and divine unction promised her.

So, can your church become a comeback church? Well, that depends. The first step is to recognize where we are and decide if we have the where-with-all to make the necessary changes needed. Yes, there are those who want to drift along and just get by. I cannot help but believe the greater majority of our leaders serve because they want to see souls added to the church and God glorified. However, we must come to grips with the fact that many, dare I say, most of our churches in Alabama have plateaued or are in decline. We must find a way to reverse this trend. If we continue to do what we always have done, we should not expect different results. An honest assessment of the situation and a desire to make healthy changes is the first step.

At Harvest Center, we have decided to address the elephant in the room: our beautiful sanctuary is mostly empty on any given Sunday. We have decided this is going to change. We started monthly meetings to assess our situation and dream together in order to envision what Harvest Center can look like in six months, one year, and five years into the future. Stetzer and Dodson say it is important to have this kind of open and honest discussion. This allows the vision and mission of the church to be formed from the pews as well as from the pulpit. This will not happen, however, until leaders lead the way. The reason over 3,500 churches close their doors every year is because the members fail to recognize the situation or refuse to make the necessary changes needed (p. 23).

To be a comeback church most churches will need a new approach, a new philosophy, and a new passion (p. 29). This is why we need to involve as many people in the process as possible. I believe Pentecostals have the advantage here. We are people of the Spirit. We have always sought the fresh winds of the Spirit to blow newness and life into our churches. We must recognize that we are in a crisis situation.

Leaders must trust what the Spirit is saying and doing through the laity. We need not fear such inclusion and openness if we allow such discussions to take place in a healthy, loving community environment.

The key factor for change, according to Stetzer and Dodson, is leadership. All of the churches they surveyed had shifts in leadership (p. 177). Either the churches received new staff or the existing leader(s) made changes in their approach to ministry. As people of the Spirit, we must yield to the ongoing transformation that is needed at every level of leadership. Moreover, effective leaders duplicate themselves. This is why I believe

the CGP in Alabama can make a difference for our movement. We have many seasoned pastors in our state that could come alongside emerging leaders in a way that each grows with and learns from the other.

We have churches that are well-established. They have a core group of believers. They have paid for facilities, but need new life infused into their mission and services. Alabama is a leader in the CGP’s emphasis on higher education. Whether one is formally educated or self-taught, established leaders can be used to offer practical, seasoned advice within our educational efforts. Emerging leaders can intern at our established churches under a seasoned pastor and offer fresh and lively ways to impact the church’s influence in any given community.

It all boils down to a matter of priority and heart. Is the current crisis worth challenging and do we have the heart to do so? We must find a way to jolt ourselves out of our inability to see past the crisis. We must allow the Spirit to infuse a fresh imagination in our people once again. This will take strong and courageous leaders. It will take finding, once again, the wells of the Spirit that have always sustained our movement. It will take letting our guards down and embracing new paradigms while at the same time rebuilding old foundations.

Stetzer and Dodson found that styles of worship (traditional or contemporary) were not a major factor in becoming a comeback church (p. 80). To the unchurched, every style is new. The key is to become a spiritual life center for those in need. This has always been a Pentecostal strong point. Therefore, we need Spirit-filled leaders both young and old alike to make the necessary changes that will make your church a comeback church.

This short essay cannot do justice to all Stetzer and Dodson offer in their book. I would like to make two final observations: First, Comeback Churches is not a book that offers a cookie cutter approach to turning your church around. It offers a wide survey of more than 300 churches and the common factors that helped them make the turn around. Second, it is important to note that numerical growth was carefully defined. The 300 plus churches surveyed did not grow by transfer growth. Growth was assessed through a formula that tracked conversions, baptisms and church membership (p. xii; See also p. 24, 27). This is an important factor. Real church growth is not a matter of shifting members from church to church. The good news is that the number of unchurched people is on the increase. This means the harvest is plentiful. Let us pray to the Lord of the harvest in order to supply workers who are willing to go forth into the harvest.

Alexander City: The children presented the Christmas program this year under the direction of Justin and Keshia Peters. They did an outstanding job! Of course, the singers and choir were awesome as always. But feeling the presence of the Lord is the most important things.

Anniston-Praise & Worship: What an awesome time in God’s presence as we worshiped. The praise team did a marvelous job with our Christmas Cantata.

We could feel the presence of the Lord as soon as we entered the sanctuary.

Despite the rainy weather, all our senior saints came and we welcomed several visitors. The sermon was “Today We Sing of Jesus.”

The text was taken from Isaiah 9:6 and the message was about people sitting in darkness, but God shined His light from a manger in Bethlehem to a cross on Calvary. At the end, the praise team again sang “Holy” a song they sung during the cantata. The invitation was given and one came down to pray. There was victory declared while others prayed at their seats.

In the fellowship hall, food and fellowship was enjoyed as we thanked God for an awesome day! We give God all the glory and praise!

Browntown: We had a birthday party, Christmas play and banquet to celebrate Christ this month.

On New Year’s Eve, we prayed in the New Year and out the Old, then a great time of fellowship was

enjoyed.

Chic ka sa w : W h a t a blessing for us to celebrate Jesus’ birthday. Our hearts rejoice to know that He will soon come back to take us to live with Him forever! We attended a district youth rally at the Bayou La Batre church. Two of our youth, Nate Tadlock and Cody Parmer, were anointed as they directed the service. So good to see the leadership role being used by our youth. There was so much excitement as 9 of our youth gathered to go to Winter Conference.

What a blessing to see them hunger to learn more of God, to become the leaders God will have them to become. They have touched so many by letting the Lord use them.

May 2014 bring us continued love, joy and peace in our hearts!

Fayette-North Pointe: December at North Pointe was celebrated with the youth and children riding in the Christmas parade. The Children’s Church presented a Christmas play with a manger scene and singing about the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The

congregation joined in singing Christmas hymns and giving the children gifts from our angel tree. We blessed two families this yea r wi t h f o o d f o r Christmas. The youth drama team presented a moving drama representing the struggles they face and temptations but showing that we have hope through Jesus Christ to help us and to protect us as we depend on Him through all of life’s struggles. We look forward to the New Year as we began the 21 days of seeking....seeking God’s divine gui d a n c e a n d direction for our churches, families, and community.

Jasper-Airport Road: The Lord is truly blessing our church. We have several new families coming and want to become part of the church. We had a wonderful Christmas banquet with over 50 in attendance. We also, enjoyed a Christmas play by our young adults, youth and children called “Christmas Star”. There was also over 60 in attendance. God is blessing and we give Him all the praise and glory for it.

We are feeling the Spirit of

revival in the air and we’re praying on behalf of an evangelist. We are taking part in the 21 days of prayer and fasting as outlined by o u r G e n e r a l Headquarters.

I feel Jasper is on the move!

Gordo: We celebrated Christmas with our Ch i ld r e n’s Ch ur c h presenting “Jesus Our Super Hero”. The play was written by our directors and they did a wonderful job. All of the children were dressed as movie heroes, however, the main Hero was Jesus. After the program, we enjoyed the traditional Christmas meal, served by our little Hero’s f r o m th e Ch i l d r e n ’ s Department.

Greenpond: It was a great Christmas Season as we celebrated the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The church was beautifully decorated. The children and adult programs were outstanding. Lights of Love, is a special time to honor or be in remembrance of those that have gone on to their reward. A tree is lit and stays lighted until the beginning of a New Year.

The children had a visit from Santa and he gave each child a present. Fruit bags were distributed to all in attendance.

The Ladies Ministry enjoyed a Christmas party at the home of Charlene Smith. This is a favorite of the ladies each year. The seniors had a fun evening of food and fellowship at Top O’ The River. The rain kept us away from seeing the Christmas lights at Noccalula Falls. Pastor Bill

and Sister Noe were presented with a monetary Christmas gift. They are a blessing to our church.

Grant-Sanctuary on the Hill: Our Christmas service began with Sister Lori Thompson leading us in Christmas Worship. Our Ch i ld r e n a n d Y o u t h Departments presented the Christmas message, “The Empty Manger”, written by Sister LaVonda Curtis.

They did an excellent job as they told the importance of the empty manger through a series of gifts they opened and the importance of each gift to the story. Following our Christmas message Brother Jim Seymour honored us by leading us in a few Christmas Carols. All of this was followed by a wonderful time of fellowship and good food.

Hackleburg: What an amazing year 2013 has been!

God is growing His Kingdom and equipping His people for a great awakening. He has allowed us to hire Dustin Atkins as our full-time Youth Pastor , as well as, purchase 2 minibuses for transportation. We approach 2014 with great excitement.

Haleyville-Pathway: Praise God for another year to work and worship. Plans are in the works to put exits in the upstair portion of our building so we can add classes and room for more people to come worship with us. Please pray for us as we endeavor to do the work God has put before us. We are expecting great things this year.

Hartselle: December was a busy month. On the 15th we had our Christmas program.

It was very good. The youth did a great job and we are very proud of them. We had 50 in attendance with former pastors, Brother and Sister Terry Taylor and Brother Sister Hoyt Holcomb. We were very glad to have them with us. We are preparing for the 21 day fast. Please keep Hartselle in your prayers that we will continue to grow.

Huntsville-Mastin Lake: Mastin Lake kicked off our Christmas Season with our traditional Christmas Music night lead by Deacon Jim Symour. We heard the many talented individuals sing and play our favorite Christmas music from horns to bagpipes. The following week, we had our annual Christmas banquet.

We enjoyed singing together and the presentation from our Children’s Ministry as well.

We enjoyed so many of our friends and family joining us for this wonderful time of fellowship.

Hazel Green: December was an exciting month for us: The second Wednesday night was our Christmas banquet with a good attendance.

Different departments of the church honored different families with nice grocery showers for the holiday. On the third Sunday, our Youth Department had a soup bar t o ra i s e money f o r Christmas gifts and clothes for a needy family. Our Senior Care Group had a Christmas breakfast at Ryan’s in Huntsville to celebrate the Lord’s birth.

Our Christmas programs were presented on Sunday, the 21st with the children’s program in the morning

service and the youth program that night with a play. There was a skit by the drama team and last, the SYGN Team with “Mary Did You Know?”

Our church presented the pastor and his wife with a nice Christmas offering. Thank the Lord for all He is doing in our lives and church at Hazel Green.

Leesburg: Child r en’s Ministries and the Drama Team did an outstanding job in presenting the Christmas Story for our annual Christmas program to an audience of 145 people.

Refreshments were served following the program. The church helped several families for Christmas. We fixed baskets for 2 of our members who are in a healthcare facility. Also, the adult Sunday School class enjoyed their annual Christmas party at Western Sizzling.

Pelham: Sister Becky Chance, along with the entire church, recognized our pastoral team: Brother and Sister Martin for their service and ministry to all members and acquaintances of the local church. There were special honorific services and offerings given in appreciation. Brother Martin graciously had a nice dinner catered for our church staff. We surely appreciated his thoughtfulness.

He and Sister Frances are always so kind to show their love for the Pelham church. Sister Sabrina Johnson did a wonderful job in managing a Fall Festival. Funds were successfully raised for the local church. We appreciate this extra effort on her part

and those who helped to make it possible. Our Youth Ministry, headed up by Youth Minister, Malachi Champion, has conducted services including message, special songs and very touching dramas which spoke to folks of all ages.

Sister Jean McMahon enjoyed a special Ladies Night Out with a house full of members and friends.

They viewed and discussed a lesson by Lisa Bevere. The lesson was “Lioness Rising.”

It was designed to encourage women to be a spiritual help in standing and supporting their husbands.

Brother McMahon represented Pelham and attended the Men’s Conference at Camp Boothe.

Georgia’s Overseer, Bishop Billy Adams, shared dynamic lessons; resulting in men worshiping and crying out to God in prayer. A joyful and praise atmosphere prevailed throughout the weekend.

Sister Kay Jones rounded up some real talent and put together a fine Christmas program. It included three skits, beautiful singing and reading of the Bible story; all about the Christ of Christmas. Great fellowship followed and was enjoyed by all.

Short Creek: The first Sunday night was Youth Night. We were blessed with messages by two of the youth. We had several new youth to join the youth team being led by Sister Pat Green. They were invited to attend a special formal Christmas banquet at the Tarrant COGOP. There were around 18 from our church that attended.

Thanks to the Tarrant church

for the invitation.

The Ladies Ministry hosted a Christmas banquet for the local church with wonderful food, fun and fellowship.

There were door prizes, so everyone left with something......thanks to Sister Judy Pate and the ladies. We blessed our pastor and family with a nice Christmas offering. We are in the process of borrowing enough money to pave around the church, replace the AC unit at the church and roof the parsonage. God is blessing us with new people attending regularly and a new member added on the Sunday before Christmas. We welcome Brother Ed Swindle to our church family.

Summerbrook: What a busy month we enjoyed.

The 3rd Sunday night the youth put a Christmas play on. What a great job they did. Brother and Sister Barber gave everyone a Christmas gift. We thank them for all they do. On the 5th Sunday, Brother Tony Burns came and preached for us and preformed a baby dedication for Brother and Sister Jerome Borden’s grand-daughter Chole. We wish everyone a Happy and bless New Year.

Tarrant: A Reason for the Season....To start the month off, our children enjoyed a morning with Santa, we participated in the Tarrant parade as the ‘Walking Nativity Scene’ and was excited when it was announced that we won the Best Entry award. We had a family church Christmas party on the 3rd Sunday night and enjoyed potato soup and chili. We laughed, sang and

told stories of our past Christmas adventures. Short Creek’s youth joined our youth for a Christmas banquet, with John Douglas as our guest speaker. We ended the month by singing Christmas Carols and preaching the Word in honor to our King. Have a blessed 2014.

Twilleytown: Thirteen ladies met at church for our Christmas party the 13th of December. Elease Johns was our guest speaker, her subject was Christmas S o c ks .

Af t e r wa r d s , everyone was given a pair of Christmas socks. Then we talked about Christmas memories. She brought her mother’s biscuit pan that Brother Denard had made for her many years ago and was the only thing that survived when her house burned. We need to cherish our memories. Everyone had brought a dish and we ate and fellowshipped.

Christmas was a time of giving to our sick and shutins. We also remembered those gone on and brought poinsettias to church for a special service.

The Stanton’s had their annual Christmas party for the church and friends. They were given a special love offering. Every Monday evening at 6 we pray at our homes for our leaders and for God to direct our paths.

We are looking forward to 2014 with time of seeking and fasting. Happy New Year to all.

Happy Valentine’s Month

73 Year Old Tommy Battles to Receive High School Diploma In the 1950s, William “Tommy” Battles attended Guntersville High School. “I quit school to help my parents,” Tommy said, “but when I couldn’t get a job anywhere, in 1958 I joined the Marine Corp.”

During Mr. Battles’ four years of service, he spent time in 28 different countries (22 of which were considered possibly hostile).

“I was a sniper in the 1st Battalion Delta Company, which was attached to a recon detachment in Onslow Beach, North Carolina,” Tommy said.

“When President Kennedy was inaugurated, I was in Washington D.C. on special assignment. That’s all I can tell you about that.”

“Af t e r I wa s discharged, mercenary groups tried to recruit me to go to the deep jungles of Africa and other countries like that, but I didn’t want to do that so I came home to Alabama.”

He was headed to Guntersville and met his wife and didn’t make it to Guntersville and settled in Mentone instead.

Tommy spent several years working on various jobs. Then, he was drawing unemployment and trying to get a job so “I went to the Alabama Career Center.”

He was sent on several interviews but the first question each one of the perspective employers asked was, “Do you have a high school diploma?”, which made Mr. Battles really realize the necessity of

getting his GED, if he was going to be able to find a job.

He began working toward getting a Graduation Equ i va le n c y Di pl o ma (GED).

He has been assisted by the Principal of Guntersville and two Veteran Representatives.

Tommy said he’s been working on his GED for about six months, he will be leading the graduating class of Guntersville High School on Thursday, May 22, 2014, and will receive his high school diploma; more than 50 years after he should have originally received it.

“We have much younger people who come to us and because they’ve been out of school for several years they think it’s too late to get a GED,” Paul Joseph of the Alabama Career Center said. “So I began using Mr. Battles as a role model to show others that it’s never too late.

“Mr. Battles served our country,” John Richey said. “We’re thrilled and excited to be able to help him achieve this goal.”

At the age of 73, Tommy Battles said he works every day except Sunday. “On Sunday I go to church at the Church of God of Prophecy in Mentone.

I’m a proud veteran. I thank all the guys doing their part.

My hat’s off to them and my hat’s off to all those who help veterans.”

And our hat’s off to you Brother Battles. A job well done and deserved.

Excerpts from the Mountain Valley News January 30, 2014.

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

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 eet 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.

WEDDINGS BIRTHS DEDICATION Leesburg: Zoey Addison, child of Eric and Laura Bridges, was dedicated December 8, 2013.

Summerbrook: Baby Chole, grand-daughter of Brother and Sister Jerome Borden, was dedicated in December.

DEATHS Pinson Parkway: Bill Lykens went to his final resting place January 23, 2014.

Red Bay: Johnny Davis left this life in December.

Tuscaloose/Eoline: Bettie Price, 97 years old, went to be with the Lord September 22nd.

FEBRUARY PASTORS/WIVES BIRTHDAYS James Clanton Patricia Green Jeff Logan Joshua Lynn Moody Pritchett, Jr. Ralph Schnelle Anita Smalley Kathy Taylor ANNIVERSARIES Wayne and Darlene Craig Roy and Betty Prescott Brent and Anita Smalley Harold and Brenda St.Clair COMING EVENTS Hydrate Campus Tour February 25 Huffman High School March 11 Jackson-Olin High School April 22 Boaz High School 2014 March SOPAS scheduled for March 13-15 has been canceled. Dr. Ortiz and his Team think this is wise until after the new General Overseer is installed.

Therefore, I am scheduling meetings with two groups-14-15 New Minister Prospects 15 Clerk & Treasurers Camp Boothe, no charge offering will be received for expenses.

April 24-27 Gordon-Conwell School Camp Boothe July 30-Aug 3 International Assembly Rosen Shingle Creek Resort and Convention Center Orlando, Florida

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

2.Sanctified

3.Holy Ghost

CHURCH

PASTOR

Bessemer-Hopewell Road Bayou La Batre Calera-Harvest Chapel Cordova Dothan Fayette-North Pointe: Greenpond Haleyville-Pathway Happy Hill Harris Chapel Huntsville-Mastin Lake Sheffield-Cliff Haven Short Creek Sterrett Summerbrook Trinity

Gary Linkous Walter DeGeer James Simpson Bobby Ray Patterson Morris Bates Brent Smalley Bill Noe Mark Fell Curtis Sutton James Ramsey Josh Lynn Neal Wright Odell Green Terry Gann Andy Barber A. L. Henderson

4.Baptized

5.Added to Church

EVANGELIST

1.

Chucky Chandler

2 1 4 1 1 1 1 8 2

2.

3.

1

1

1

1 4

1 6 1 1 3 1

Tim Beck

3

3

MINISTERS REPORTS FOR DECEMBER

2 1

5

70 394 1,074

5.

1

MINISTERS NOT PASTORING

Ministers Reports Sermons Homes Visited

4.

December Statistics CHURCH

SM

TITHES

CHURCH

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

32 No Report 51 17

3963.75

54 26

5698.77 255.00

Huntsville Mastin Lake Bell Road 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 Tannehill Mission Tarrant City Trinity Worship Twilleytown West Blocton Winfield Family World Outreach

5350.25 1923.12

No Report 10 No Report 23 45 No Report 101 18 18 9 No Report 68 No Report 4 38 8 40

10101.14 1328.68 1497.78 4723.79

9409.81 2288.00 3346.00 3948.44

6161.70 836.00 5565.00 2106.53 1342.30 2446.10 675.00

No Report 13 91 16

2906.82 4291.10 709.61

42

4171.59

20 40

1635.33 7079.44 1717.00 9072.30

77 No Report 203 75 No Report 98 52 18 67

27882.52 4252.92 11570.88 7197.99 1394.19 4028.49

2013 SM

TITHES

67 No Report No Report 24 64 23 23 11

8653.00

25 55 30 No Report 16 35 4 25 24 No Report 7 106 45 118 41 No Report 30 64

1878.00 2372.47 4451.70

2649.00 7516.70 2548.40 1658.00 1244.00

1385.00 7535.20 561.00 3405.90 2028.00 792.70 21306.85 4329.25 6712.00 4675.70 2631.45 9488.80 5392.92

No Report No Report ---

THE ABOVE STATISTICS WERE TAKEN FROM REPORTS (FROM TREASURERS) RECEIVED IN STATE OFFICE AS OF DECEMBER 5, 2013 Reports from Previous Months November Brown’s Chapel Dry Valley Grant-Sanctuary Hazel Green Mastin Lake Poarch

22 12 59 77 4

1765.33 1849.26 290.00 3856.31 6996.00 561.00

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

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Our Sympathy to our Ministers Families

Bishop John Davis February 8, 2014 Retired Pastor

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