Alabama Update Ocotber 2013

ALABAMA

UPDATE THE CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY

OCTOBER 2013

CLERGY APPRECIATION

Before we speak about what prayer is, we must address what prayer is not.

1.

Prayer is not just words spoken out of our mouth. It is not just “beating the air with words!” How many of you know someone who has the gift of “gab” but they never really have anything to say? Prayer should not be this way.

2.

Prayer is not just some ritual we do at church when we get called on to pray, or when we are called to prayer. If you just pray at church then you will become very weak spiritually.

3.

Prayer is not just talking to God, much rather it is communicating with Him. It is speaking to Him and then listening for Him to speak back. In Hebrew, the word for hear or listen is “shema”. It means to listen and then to obey what you have heard.

My granddaughter knows when I am not listening. God also knows when we are doing all the speaking and none of the listening and obeying.

4.

Prayer is not about always feeling His presence. While this is the ultimate goal of prayer, one must continue to pray even when we feel like our prayers are not getting through. The more we pray the more we will feel Him.

5.

Prayer is not something that we do as a last resort. We have all used the phrase, “well all we can do is pray.” When we use this phrase it is like we are saying that we have tried everything else and now our last ditch effort is to try prayer. Prayer should be the first and ongoing focus in all situations that we find ourselves.

1.

What is Prayer?

Prayer is a supernatural event. Through heartfelt prayer we can change all things around us. If you are not happy with your life, then pray. God can change the situation or change your attitude toward that situation and make you a better person through it all.

2.

Prayer is a step of faith. Faith is an action word. We must pray believing that we are going to receive. If we speak to God with an attitude of unbelief, then our prayers are worthless.

3.

Prayer is speaking God’s Word over our lives. God loves to hear His spoken Word. When Jesus was tested in the wilderness, He defeated the enemy by quoting the Word. We have all wondered at times the will of God. If we are praying according to His Word then we are praying according to His will. Aaron spoke these words over the nation of Israel, “May the LORD bless you and keep you, may the LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, and may the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you His peace.” We should speak blessings over our families every day. The Hebrew people understood the importance of speaking blessings. Speaking blessings over your family, every day, will literally change lives.

4.

Prayer is the great power that gives us access. How many of us would like access? In Acts 4:31 it is recorded that great things happened, when they had prayed. Show me a powerful man or woman of God and I will show you someone who spends much time in prayer. Prayer is the most significant power that we can utilize. The problem is a lack of utilization. God honors persistence in prayer. We should not give up just because we do not see immediate results. Keep petitioning God and He will answer. The problem sometimes lies in knowing how to listen for the answer when it comes. God knows how to say yes, but He also knows how to say no or wait. O that people would say of us as they did the disciples in Acts 4:13. In this scripture it was noted that “they had been with Jesus.” When we pray we should pray with significance. In Acts it is recorded that the place was shaken when they prayed. The Word didn’t say, because they prayed. What the writer is depicting is that there was power in their prayer.

5.

When we pray we should include prayers for God to send laborers for the harvest. We were all given the commission to go into the world and make disciples. Jesus instructed that the harvest was already white but that there weren’t enough harvesters. O that God would send more laborers into the harvest. Souls are dying every second and our hearts cry should be for God to send more laborers. Souls are perishing. Pray for God to give you a heart that aches for the lost.

Bryan Baysinger, State Evangelist If you would like for me to speak at your church or event, I may be contacted at 601-679-1381 or 601-604-0438.

Joy and Rejoicing The Last Great Conflict....A. J. Tomlinson This is not only a subject for discussion, but it is also an experience provided for all, and attainable through Jesus Christ.

W hile Jesus was “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” yet He gives a brief hint that He had joy. He not only spoke of His disciples, or followers, to be filled with it, and told them how this joy might be obtained. “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”

(John 15:11). He has given us words or commands which, if we accept and obey them, will give this experience.

It would be well here to notice the meaning of the word joy. W ebster tells us it is, “Gladness; Gaiety, The emotion excited from the receiving or expectation of good.” Then as people, who have obeyed the words of Jesus, have obtained salvation from sin and have a real experience of grace in their hearts, they have more reason for joy and rejoicing than people of the world.

No doubt the majority of the professing Christians of the world today have failed to obtain His joy, because of a failure on their part to get His words and their importance sufficiently implanted on their minds to obey them, therefore, the apparent joy that many show is merely a show, and not an inward natural joy that can be spoken of as His joy.

You will notice that Jesus not only wants His disciples to have His joy remain in them, but wants their joy to be full. Fullness of joy! And yet so many people think religion so effects one possessing it that they must not laugh, but must always look pious and grave.

W hen the emotions are excited because of expecting or receiving something good it is hardly probable that one will all the time look sober and grave, but will at least show something else at times. The Apostle Paul takes up the same theme, and writes: “Rejoice evermore” (I Thess. 5:16), as if there was some reason for it, and something to be gained by such an experience.

After the one hundred and twenty had received the baptism with the Holy Ghost, and had spoken in tongues as the Spirit gave utterance; and after the three thousand had received the same experience and were added to them, they all “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship:....and they continued daily with one accord in the temple, and in breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with GLADNESS and singleness of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. “These are some of the results of obeying the words of Jesus, and by so doing did not only result in themselves getting the joy, but many, many others besides.

Happiness is constantly sought for by the multitudes, but how few there are that have learned the secret of obtaining it. The words of Jesus were spoken so people would know how to obtain the experience that would naturally produce that happiness or joy.

Obedience to the words of Jesus will put people into that very state where they can rejoice and be exceeding glad when they are reviled, persecuted, and their names cast out as evil. How few, even good people, have arrived at that state of experience!

The companions of the bride are to be brought with gladness and rejoicing, and they shall enter into the King’s palace. (Ps. 45:15).

And if the companions of the bride will be brought with such rejoicing, how much more joy will be realized by the bride herself!

There is something in this joy and rejoicing of great value, or surely the writers of the Bible would not have emphasized it so much.

The psalmist sang, “W e will rejoice in thy salvation and in the name of our God we will set up our banners. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

W hen Nehemiah found his people weeping and mourning as they listened to the reading of the law, he urged them to refrain from weeping , for said he, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” W hile weeping may be in order at times, yet it should not be continued, for it is the joy of the Lord that gives strength. “W eeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”....”They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

It has been said that “a sad Christian is always a weak Christian. God never sends a discouraged person to help someone who is discouraged.” People have enough sadness, they want joy. Be a cheerful, joyous Christian, and you will be wanted and appreciated.

There is enough gloom in the world. Turn it into gladness and joy by being a happy sparkling Christian yourself. To look sad and dejected causes a pang to pierce the heart of your companion or those with whom you mingle. Get the experience that obedience to Jesus’ words will put into you, and you will be successful in helping others.

Think of Jesus, “A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief,” and on His way to the judgment hall, a crown of thorns, a scourging and final crucifixion, talking about joy. But it was a pleasure to Him to do His Father’s will, for He said, “My meat is to do the will of Him that hath sent me, and to finish His work.” It must have been to Him a source of great joy to approach such a crisis, for He said to His disciples the very night He was arrested, when He telling them of His departure, which caused them sorrow and pain, “If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father.” (John 14:15).

It has often been said of Pentecostal people: “They are the happiest people I ever saw, and their faces seem to shine with the radiance of heaven.” Many doubters and unbelievers have been convinced by the shine on the faces of some who talked in tongues under the power of God. A writer says, “Pentecostal joy is often uncontainable, inexpressible. Its possession often causes the possessor to be grievously misunderstood, for he laughs when others would weep, he sings when others would sigh, he shouts when others would sulk and pout, he dances when the heavens are black with disappointment. W hen his heart is filled with unutterable sorrow, he smiles even through his tears! He is never offended. Indeed it is sometimes said of him that he does not know enough to know he is insulted. This latter is certainly a blissful ignorance.” .........................Continued next month

Alton: August began with the appointment of our new Pastor, Daniel Strong and his family, Laura, Andrew, Luke and Sam. W e are very happy to have them join our church family.

Pastor Daniel began a sermon series, “A Moment of Change” and with his direction and anointing, Alton is slowly beginning a p hysic a l a n d s p ir itu a l change.

Even though it began slowly, in these past 4 Sundays we see and feel the change escalating. In it we feel God’s hand guiding us toward spiritual growth and unity. W e are excited about what God has in store for us as we follow Him and according to last week’s sermon, we realize, “Change Requires Action.”

Anniston-Praise & W orship: At Praise and W orship our Y oung Adult and Senior Sunday Classes have been studying basic Christianity lessons under the title of Equipping Disciples to the F ullne ss of Ch rist: T h e Significance o f C h ristia n Discipleship.

Our Young Adults needed the teaching/training and they enthusiastically welcomed it.

Our Senior Adults had been taught these things before, but welcomed a refresher course.

They also put into practice the Communion and Feet W ashing and had many participating since this was done during Sunday morning service. Our Praise & W orship Team is doing a marvelous job leading us into worship. The Spirit is evident througho ut our sanctuary.

W e all really enjoyed the expressive worship that Lance Honeycutt did.

During one service, after the message “My God Is Real”, we had two come forward for prayer of affirmation and forgiveness of sins. Thank God for the commitments that were made to Christ. Then we all sung with open hearts to God, “ My God Is Real”. W e

praise God for His visitation to Anniston!

Calera-Harvest Chapel: W hat a great week we had at Harvest Chapel! God has been pouring out His Spirit on His people in a mighty way. Last week, we had a member transported to a local hospital by ambulance that was unresponsive. The family was being told by the doctors: “there’s not much hope”, “he may be a vegetable”. GOD HAD OTHER PLANS FOR HIM! He and 20 other people were baptized on Sunday!

W hat a wonderful blessing to see him and the others walk into the water and publicly claim their faith in Jesus Christ! In addition to totally healing a man, the Lord has poured out another awesome miracle for the people of Harvest Chapel.

W e have been blessed with the financial means to purchase property and start on a new church building! This is a HUGE blessing for us as our congregation has been growing for the past few months! The Lord has also been pouring out His Spirit on our W ednesday night services as much as Sunday services. God has a plan for Harvest Chapel and what an honor to be a part of God’s plan! Our “Pack A Pew” Sunday was great with over one hundred p eop le attending including friends and family coming for the first time. At least 20 people dedicated or re-

dedicated their hearts to the Lord. W e are looking forward to making this “Pack A Pew” Sunday an annual tradition!

September 11, is a day of remembrance for so many Americans. Let us remember those who lost loved ones on this day 12 years ago. But most of all, let us remember the ONE who gave His life willingly to allow us to be called His children. May we use this day and every day to be a witness of His love, grace and mercy that He so unselfishly gave on The Cross.

Chickasaw: Our kids are back at school. W e celebrated at CiCi’s with pizza and a great attendance. Our District Youth Leader, W alter DeGeer, held a Back to School meeting for our youth. The service was geared to what they face, how to make right choices and be true to God’s W ord. Pray for our youth they need our support.

W e had a Baby Dedication for Jaycelynn Kay McAdoo. Her parents and family are so blessed to have her in their life.

The service was filled with sweetness and the presence of the Lord. They drove from Durant, OK to have her dedicated. One of our precious member, Sister Mary Lolley Dowd was promoted from Earth to Glory. She was our “Prayer W arrior” and a dear Saint. The legacy she leaves of her love, faithfulness and true example of

God’s love will remain with us.

She was a Charter Member of our church. She had a heart for missions and we received an offering in her memory and sent $353.00 to W o rld Missions.

W e will always remember how her life blessed ours.

Fayette-North Pointe: W e celebrated the life of Sister Ethel W ilson who went to be with the Lord.

She will be missed because she loved God most of all and was a fervent prayer warrior. She loved the Church and all the people. Continue to pray for her family. W e enjoyed the State Convention and were ble ssed by the anointed speakers.

W e are looking forward to the retreats as we continue to equip and prepare God’s people for ministering to the lost.

Gadsden-Living W aters: God gave George W yrosdick back his sight in his bad eye during the State Convention!

The church gave Pastor George and Betty a big send off for “retirement” with lots of love; big lunch; gifts and 101 present in attendance.......... W e thank God for six wonderful years.

(W e are still members here).

Pastor Shane Pate and family were received with a beautiful welcome, with lunch and singing. Again God is caring and loving. Services here are anointed with God’s mighty power! Everyone is blessed!

G oodw ater-Joyful P raise: Joyful Praise had a “W omen in the Bible” program. It was an Outreach Ministry for the women. W e had a great turn out. People were truly blessed and dinner was enjoyed.

Greenpond: W elcome back Brother and Sister Noe! W e are blessed with the leadership of the Noes’. State Convention was truly a blessing.

The revival Spirit that was felt is being manifested in our local

church. W e are excited and looking forward to God doing great things. The youth enjoyed a trip to EN FUEGO. Many souls were saved. There were so many seeking the Lord that they asked for youth directors and ministers to come and minister with the ones seeking.

Our youth leader led a young Mexican boy in the prayer of salvation. The seniors enjoyed a night of fun and fellowship at the Sawmill Restaurant in Brent.

Hackleburg: Our Encounter 2013 event was a great success!

W e had 70 attend the training sessions and 123 at the 3:00 service.

There were 10 different churches represented with 2 Baptist and Methodist churches. Aileen Reid did an incredible job teaching our adult leaders class and Trevor Reid brought a timely W ord in the 3 pm service. The Spirit was strong at the last service!

Altars were full of hungry hearts and lives were forever changed. I call that REVIVAL! Haleyville-Pathway: And the work has begun! W e have been working on cleaning out the old church building, this will be used for the youth and Children’s Church. They are so excited to have a place they can call their own.

Our new projectors are ordered. God is moving in great ways. we’ve had some return to God and others ready to work for Him. W e are ready to see what God has in store for us.

Harris Chapel: W e had a great weekend beginning at our monthly men’s breakfast with 28 men attending, followed by a work day at the church. Pastor Jim Ramsey preached an anointed message and that night the youth led the service with singing, reciting Books of the Bible (six and under) and scripture memorization. Joel Sutton gave a wonderful testimony of God’s power changing his life. W e went to the Fellowship Building and baptized three, followed by a

celebration of Olivia Scoggins graduation from nursing school.

W e give God praise!

Hartselle: W e are having Bible studies on W ednesday nights.

Brother Terry Taylor preached and we had 20 in attendance.

W e have a new power point projector for our services. W e are beginning to grow. Pray that we can win more souls to the Lord.

Jasper: We are happy to report Jasper is experiencing growth and a renewal Spirit.

Leesburg: The first Sunday night in August was Youth and C h ild ren’s night.

We welcomed the Connect City Church’s drama team from Georgia in worshiping with us in singing and drama along with our own local drama team and Children’s M inistries. They all did a fantastic job in presenting the Good News of Jesus Christ!

Short Creek: August was a busy month as we said goodbye to the Pate Family and welcomed the Green Family.

W e are updating the parsonage with repairs, painting, etc., before the Greens move in. W e had a welcome reception for our new Pastor and family, Seniors lunch, Family Night and ended the month with a fundraiser dinner by Teresa Creel and Frances Morgan.

Thank the Lord for $600. To God be the Glory!

Summerbrook: W e welcome our new Pastor, Brother Steve and Julie Barber to our church.

May God bless them as they start their new ministry.

Tarrant: W hat a way to start the month of August! A young man entered the sanctuary before Sunday School and wanted to be saved. Praise the Lord! W e are blessed to have Twanda Franklin and April Carter to become members of the Tarrant Church of God. The ladies’ mid-week Bible study is getting better and deeper. Sister M abrey blessed the ladies with a delicious lunch. Many enjoyed Family Night with singing and devotion

by our pastor followed by a delicious meal. Our pastor was privilege to be invited into the high school to pray for the teachers and students. God is good.

Harvest Partners Belarus At the end of last month we had an amazing outreach day in Berezino city. The team from M ogilev church came to Berezino for couple days. They were divided into several groups. And after that all of them went to streets and marketplaces. They spoke with people, shared their amazing testimonies, prayed for them and invited people for special church service. People were open.

They listened and received our prayers. In the evening we had a special service outside the church. W e brought out our audio speakers, so most of the town was able to listen how we preached the Gospel, shared testimonies and sang songs about Jesus. Pastor Arthur said that it was so beneficial for that team because one of our goals was to teach the people to share their testimonies with others.

I have a friend, Dmitriy Kavaleuski, he was a church planter in Russia.

He is originally from Belarus. And couple months ago God called him to return to Belarus and to plant a new church in Minsk.

He already moved to Minsk with his family. Please pray for that new beginning.

Our church in Minsk continues to focus on students.

We decided to have a special student event on September 24.

Our main goal is to reach students who moved to our city for study. W e realized that when people move to a new place they looking for new friends and support. And at that time they more open to the Gospel. Please pray that we can reach many of them.

Thank you for your prayers.

God bless you abundantly!

W ith love, Gena A New Pastor’s W ife’s Testimony My first service at Hartselle after marrying Chris, we had six adults and three students. I come from a larger church with multimedia and technology and here I was in tiny HARTSELLE, AL! I was so nervous about the new place God had placed me in but trusted that He would honor our work if we were faithful.

I have struggled with a word God gave me a month ago and finally felt released to bring it today. Before I was able to get behind the pulpit we had an awesome testimony of how God is changing the life of a man in our congregation. W e also had a new family of five and the father of the family came to the altar and was anointed during altar call. The altar was flooded this morning of lives being changed! Then after the doors were locked and we were talking in the parking lot, one of our 17year old girls (who is very shy in nature) came to us crying and asked that we go back inside and pray. I asked her what we could pray for or if something was wrong and she said she had no clue what was wrong but she couldn’t stop crying and just felt we need to pray for her (Hello, Holy Spirit conviction)! The altar was then flooded again with people praying!!!

On top of all of this, today we had 28 lives in attendance which is the highest we have had in our four months of marriage (we have averaged 24 over the la st m o nth).

Absolutely not stopping with that but a far cry from our nine people four months ago!

C o n t i n u e n e x t page............Testimony

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ladies’/Small Group Events

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

Carolyn Guyton, Women’s Ministries Director at Woodland Hills COGOP is available to speak at your ladies event or small group meeting. Carolyn is 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 e-mail at cguyton2@att.net.

STATE WEB SITES Alabama Update Blog: W W W . a l a b a m a u p d ate.blogspot.com Alabama Web Site: alcogop.org Youth-Tim Beck Web: w w w .e xpe r i ence h y d r a t e . c o m 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 # 2 0 5 - 2 7 5 - 1 1 9 9 . 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.

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

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. Email: 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.

Kevin Rhodes, member at Red Bay, AL Phone # 256-460-8105.

WEDDINGS Carbon Hill: T. J. Armstrong and Wendy Barnes were married August 23rd .

Bessemer-Woodland Hills: Carolyn Stockton was united with Kevin Hull August 17th.

Bessemer-Woodland Hills: Taylor Grammar and Zack Englebert were married September 7th.

Continued........................Testimony SOOOOO encouraging to see the work of God. Chris and I are so excited that God is moving on the people we have come to love and literally changing and growing lives before our very eyes. W e are honored to be able to witness this amazing move and be used.

Just wanted to share this with you in hopes that it will be encouraging to others in our state. God absolutely honors our faithful work and even if small in numbers the reward is great when lives are changed and GOD GETS THE CREDIT!!!

Jamie Bates È

OCTOBER PASTORS/WIVES BIRTHDAYS Patsy Gann Billie Ann Humphries Patsy Price Wilton Price James Simpson ANNIVERSARIES Odell and Pat Green K. T. and Frances Martin Sylvester and Bobbie Smith

BIRTHS Bessemer-Woodland Hills: Liam Johnston Powell born August 21 to Eric and Miranda Powell.

Carbon Hill: Anna Elizabeth was born August 15 to Josh and Stephanie Vinson.

Chickasaw: The month of July was the birth of Jaycelynn Kay to Bob and Melody McAdoo.

Decatur: Makiela Lakietha Stewart was born to Enrico Stewart and Erica Evans July 28th.

DEATHS Bessemer-Woodland Hills: Charlie Wyatt passed from this life September 30th.

Chickasaw: Mary Autie Dowd was promoted to heaven August 8th.

Fayette-North Pointe: Ethel Wilson went to her final resting place August 9th.

COMING EVENTS Hydrate Campus Tour October 8 Pinson Valley High November 1-2 Men’s Conference Camp Boothe 6-10 Gordon-Conwell Camp Boothe December 29-31 Winter Conference Camp Boothe 2014 January Overseer/Pastors Meetings February 26-28 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 Convention Center Orlando, Florida

Lucas Englebert: Commissioned by the Master Lucas Englebert, born and raised in the Woodland Hills COGOP, is presently the first ever COGOP youth to ever be enrolled in the Birmingham Metro Master’s Commission program, hosted by Kingwood Assembly of God in Alabaster. The Master’s Commission is a Pentecostal, world-wide international discipleship and training program preparing young people for ministry, missions, and Christian leadership.

A partial scholarship was awarded to Lucas by Master’s Commission in honor of the late Mike Mojica, a groundbreaking Pentecostal minister and missionary. This scholarship will be offered every year by Birmingham Metro Master’s Commission to a young person from the Church of God of Prophecy in Alabama in honor of Pastor Mojica.

Lucas Englebert has been an excellent representative of Christ in Master’s Commission this past year, and is embarking on his second year beginning in September. Lucas is earning college credit from Ecclesia College while attending Master’s Commission, and can hopefully be instrumental in opening up the Master’s Commission program to more young people from the COGOP.

Mark Sims, director of the Birmingham MC program said, “We are so proud of Lucas and of his contribution to Master’s Commission.

Lucas has leadership potential that must be tapped and brought out to be used in the kingdom of God. Perhaps Lucas Englebert is part of the future of youth discipleship in the COGOP.” Master’s Commission will be glad to come to any Alabama church with Lucas and a team of on-fire youth to do ministry in any church. Also, college age youth who are interested in college AND discipleship training at the same time can contact BMMC at bmmc@kingwooodchurch.com.

$45 per person Extra *$25 late fee for walk-ins Applications online at campboothe.org

11.1.2013 – 11.2.2013

Men’s Conference

Cliff Haven Church A Ministry of the Church of God of Prophecy

8/27/2013 Greetings Mighty Men of Valor!

This is Neal Wright, Lead Pastor of Cliff Haven Church. I am so excited to introduce myself as your new Men's Conference Director. I was born and raised in Bessemer and grew up in the Woodland Hills church. Alabama has always been my home, and my wife Neva and I are so excited to be back home.

I wanted to just take a moment to share how excited I am to be your new Men's Conference Director, and that I am believing the Lord for a powerful Men's Ministry in Alabama.

According to a 2003 Congregational life survey, the typical American congregation consists of 61% female, and 39% male attendance. Midweek activities tend to draw 70-80% female participants. Look around on Sunday and see how many more women there are than men. Where are the men?

This phenomenon is affecting the next generation because according to a Lifeway Research survey 70% of boys raised going to church will abandon it during their teens and twenties. Many of these young men will never return. Unless something happens the church in America will dwindle to nothing. We need to see a turnaround!

I believe we will experience a turnaround. But we can't do it without the power of the Holy Spirit leading us. I am anticipating just such an outpouring of the Holy Spirit for our Men's Conference coming up on November 1-2 at Camp Boothe.

Stay tuned for more information to be sent out soon containing all the necessary information for you to be a part of this exciting Men's Ministry opportunity. I can't wait to see you there!

Bless you, you mighty man of valor, Pastor Neal

Retirees From State Appointment Charles Elmer Atchley Brother Elmer and Sister Susan began their pastoral ministry at Arab in 2003. They served in that capacity for 10 years. We pray God’s blessings on them as they continue to serve God.

Anthony Pierce Burns The Burns’ (Tony and Vetres) began their ministry in 1974 with the pastoral leadership at Long’s Chapel. He served as District Overseer, on several State Committees and Camp Directors. His pastoral also include Brown’s Chapel, Sylacauga, Tuscaloosa, Gordo, and Summerbrook.

Hoyt Virgle Holcomb Brother Hoyt and Sister Virginia have worked in the local churches in the capacity of Deacon until he took the pastoral at Huntsville Mission in 2007 and a short pastoral at Harselle in 2009. He received his minister’s license in 2006 to join the pastoral team.

Donna Jean Howard Sister Donna Howard was the State Evangelist under Overseer James Staggs in 19721973. She was appointed over the Ministries of Alabama in 2000 and served faithfully in this position. She served in Ladies Ministries which involved the Ladies’ Retreats.

Donna was untiring as she served inside the state, as well as, other areas that she was called on. She is continuing her duties at the local church serving as pastor’s wife and still fulfilling her calling as a servant.

Frances Presley Martin Sister Frances was appointed to the State Accountant position in 1999. She has served on several Financial Boards and Committees. She was faithful and committed to giving the State her best. She continues to be faithful in her duties serving in the local church where her and Brother Martin are pastoring. Also, she will still be serving as Counselor to State Office and the local churches.

Krameon T. Martin Brother and Sister Martin began their ministry in Virginia, 1964. They pastored two churches and served as District Overseer under Overseer James Staggs before coming to Alabama. They have pastored several churches, served as State Presbyter, was the Web Page Manager, appointed to many Financial Boards and State Committees and was Business Manager for Alabama State Office. We thank him for his faithfulness and commitment all these years he has worked so willingly.

Brother Martin is continuing to pastor at Pelham and will be a Counselor for the State Office and local churches.

James D. Wallace Brother and Sister (Judy) Wallace began their pastoral ministry at the Fayette church in 1966. He has been appointed to positions in Kentucky, North Carolina, Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama. He has served faithfully in several churches as Pastor, State Treasurer, Youth Camps, Camp Coordinator and Youth Director, Assistant Editor of Alabama Update, Tomlinson College Instructor and Chaplain, State Presbyter, and many State Committees. We thank him for his leadership and pray God’s blessings on him and his family.

George W. Wyrosdick Brother Wyrosdick and his wife Betty were appointed to West Mobile in 2002. He was appointed Presbyter of the Mobile Area that same year. Brother Wyrosdick has also served faithfully as Pastor of Pinson Parkway and Gadsden-Living Waters churches. He served many years as Chairman of the Evangelism Committee. He and Betty, are retiring from state appointment but they are not retiring from working in the local church. They are assisting the new pastor in every way they can to assure the work will continue to grow.

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

Gary Blake September 19, 2013 Neal (Neva) Wright’s uncle

Roger Haley September 29, 2013 Linda (Sam) Clements’ brother

Tiny Paul August 28, 2013 Lloyd (Brenda) Smith’s brother

Vernice Phillips September 18, 2013 Cathy (Mike) Patterson’s mother Lisa (Joey) Mojica’s grandmother

Betty Elois Rickman August 24, 2013 Wilda (G. C.) Pate’s mother

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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