Apostolic Witness April 2024

1 in 35

How the Church Can Minister to Children with Autism

875 North White Station Rd • PO Box 22366 • Memphis, TN 38122

Phone: 901.685.1969 • aljc.org

Editor-in-Chief | Nate Whitley

Art Director | Dale McBroom

Apostolic Witness is the quarterly publication and official organ of the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ. Periodicals postage paid at Memphis, TN (USPS #028-040) and additional mailing offices. To order reprints call 901.685.1969

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

editor@apostolicwitness.com (may be edited)

DOCTRINAL TRUTHS

The Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ asserts that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and that the fundamental plan of salvation consists of these major doctrinal truths: Belief in the Lord Jesus Christ as the one true God; Repentance from sins; Baptism by immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ; Baptism of the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

General Superintendent | Kenneth Carpenter

Southern Regional Assistant | Jonathan Vazquez

Northern Regional Assistant | Kenneth Allen

Western Regional Assistant | Robert Wimberley

General Secretary | Josh Wilson

DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENTS

Alabama | Ronnie Allen

Arkansas | Daniel Nooner

Florida | Luis Rodriguez

Georgia | Donald Wineinger

Greater New England | J. Craig Ouellette

Gulf Coast | Phillip McKissick

Heartland | Edward MacDonald

Greater Illinois | Tracy Zimmerman

Indiana | Tim Gill

Kentucky | Phillip Cook

Louisiana | David Poole

Michigan | Shannon Scott

Mississippi | Gary Porterfield

Missouri-Iowa | Anthony Marshall

NY/Mid-Atlantic | Wayne Byrd

Ohio | Mark Hina

Oklahoma | Curt Green

Southeastern | Stacy Garnett

Tennessee | Steve Smith

Texas | Peter Gray

Tri-State | Mark McCool

Western | Robert Jones

West TX/New Mexico | Simon King

West Virginia | Ralph Tisdale

HONORARY SUPERINTENDENTS

Raymond Bishop | Steve Wilson | Robert Martin

DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS

World Missions | Matthew Ball

Missions America | Stephen Trachsel

Evangelists | Shawn Garnett

KidzQuest | Nate Roberts II

Student Ministries | Zach Hammond

Women’s Esprit | Terri Scott

Menistry | James Chessor

Christian Education | Caleb Tisdale

apostolicwitness.com

THE BLESSED LIFE

Editorial by Nate Whitley

The book of Psalms begins with what is known as the gates of the Psalms (Psalm 1:1-6). This chapter presents two paths to understanding the Psalms: following God’s advice or listening to the ungodly. One path leads to a blessed life, and the other to a destructive life.

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers” (Ps. 1:1).

The blessed man does not follow the advice of the wicked. Being separated from the world is a sign of being blessed by God. A godly man is recognized by what he refrains from doing. He avoids places he shouldn’t go, books he shouldn’t read, entertainment he shouldn’t watch, and company he shouldn’t keep. In other words, a blessed man avoids things that could harm his walk with God.

“Blessed is the man who sits not in the seat of the scornful.” The ungodly man takes his own counsel, the sinner follows his own path, and the scornful takes his own seat. We can observe a progression

in the magnitude of evil, starting from the ungodly, moving on to the sinner, and culminating in the scornful. Likewise, we can observe a progression of backsliding, from walking to standing, and finally to sitting. As the company around us deteriorates, sin’s grip on us increases.

The blessed man doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked or ungodly. That means he refuses secular philosophy and the humanistic values of the world. He rejects the worldview that places man at the center of the universe. The righteous man doesn’t stand in the way of sinners. He resists the lure of the crowd and refuses to participate in their worldly activities. The godly man doesn’t sit in the seat of the scornful or mockers. He refuses to associate with those who mock God and His ways. He avoids relationships with those who reject God’s Word. The godly man seeks guidance from God’s Word and associates with the righteous, avoiding the wicked.

Beloved, let us forsake the ways of the ungodly and cling to the path of the righteous. This is the blessed life.

Once a cornerstone of how society judged individuals, character has taken a back seat to a new standard in recent years –talent and giftedness. This shift is evident across various fields, from athletes to politicians, where the focus in America has moved away from assessing one’s character to placing greater emphasis on talent and presentability. Even the prophet Samuel fell prey to the allure of giftedness over character when directed by God to go to the house of Jesse and anoint Israel’s new king. Samuel, expecting kingly appearances, was guided to the home of Jesse, where the Lord refused all of David’s brothers. In that moment, the corrective directions from God set a timeless precedent.

“But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for [the LORD seeth] not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

The world had fallen under God’s wrath and judgment, and His choice for a savior possessed a most valuable quality encapsulated in the story of Noah, whose resume is presented in Genesis 6:9 as “a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.”

Noah was a just man; the word “just” means to have godly behavior and character. It wasn’t his shipbuilding abilities that led to his selection but his enduring godly character. While God can empower talent and giftedness for specific tasks,

godly character is a personal trait that God looks for in the person who will stand the test of time. God may grant you the gift of His Spirit, but godly character is a trait that you must develop through temptations, trials of faith, and the like. Temptations can either develop or reveal character. The narrative of Samson in the book of Judges serves as a prime example of God’s movement on an individual not just for great acts but toward character development.

“And the woman bare a son, and called his name Samson: and the child grew, and the LORD blessed him. And the Spirit of the LORD began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol” (Judges 13:24-25).

Samson’s parents were godly and knowledgeable about the Holy Scriptures. They understood reverence for the things of God and knew how to worship with sacrifices. However, the character can’t be transferred from parent to child; every individual must actively develop their own godly character.

Despite being blessed by God and moved by the Spirit, Samson’s life demonstrates that a touch from God does not automatically guarantee godly character. Never mistake a touch from God that stirs your emotions as the seal of His approval; His seal is set upon people of His character.

Although we rejoice in the fact that Samson returned to God at the end of his life, the question needs to be asked: What could

“Joseph’s principled stand against adultery, as demonstrated in Genesis 39, predates the revelation of the Ten Commandments by hundreds of years.

Samson have done for God had he developed godly character according to Judges 13:7: “Behold, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean [thing]: for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death”? What would have been Samson’s life if he had never broken that God-given perfect will for his life? If Samson had adhered to a godly character as outlined in Deuteronomy 7:3, “Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son,” how might his life have unfolded? Seeking a wife among forbidden people, Samson’s actions created challenges. While God could have achieved victory in other ways, He used the circumstances to bring about triumph, albeit at a high cost for Samson.

If Samson had nurtured godly character, he would have avoided involvement with harlots, as recounted in Judges 16:1: “Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there a harlot, and went in unto her.” Proverbs 7:10 vividly depicts the encounter: “And, behold, there met him a woman [with] the attire of a harlot, and subtil of heart.”

Considering an alternate path, had Samson embraced a godly character, the trajectory of his life would have been shaped differently, with only God knowing the outcome. Numerous examples of men and women who demonstrated godly character abound throughout the Bible.

One example is found in the story of Joseph. “But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what [is] with me in the

house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand; [There is] none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back anything from me but thee, because thou [art] his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:8-9). Joseph’s principled stand against adultery, as demonstrated in Genesis 39, predates the revelation of the Ten Commandments by hundreds of years.

The Bible also introduces an unsung hero in the story of Mary, the virgin chosen by God. “Then Joseph, her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily” (Matthew 1:19).

God not only sought a virgin girl but also desired her to be wed to a man of godly character. Godly character’s profound impact is underscored as the most significant legacy a leader can leave behind. Solomon reminds us, “The just [man] walketh in his integrity: his children [are] blessed after him” (Proverbs 20:7).

In a world enamored with talent, these biblical examples remind us that the greatest legacy we can leave is the example of godly character. As we navigate our journey, may we prioritize character over giftedness, recognizing its enduring impact on our lives and those around us.

Bishop Kenneth Carpenter General Superintendent AW

“...the most informative and helpful

we have ever attended...” “...applicable sessions that inspire equip…”and

— Beth Reed (Pastor’s Wife) Lake Wales, Florida

— Pastor Dan Mundy Piqua Ohio

General Ministry Conference (GMC), held each June, is the premier conference of the ALJC. Much more than an annual business meeting, GMC brings Apostolics from around the world together for worship and the Word.

GMC represents the best of the best in teaching, preaching, and worship and also serves as the backdrop for the ALJC Bible Quizzing Championship Tournament.

Powerful Apostolic Preaching & Training Session Speakers

ALJC Leadership Connect Dinner

Monday, June 17 @ 7PM

HeartSong Lodge & Resort | $65/person | Register by June 1 at gmc.aljc.org

General Superintendent Kenneth Carpenter and First Lady Penny Carpenter extend a warm invitation to ministers and their spouses for a dinner gathering at the HeartSong Lodge and Resort.

The evening will commence at 7pm (doors open at 6:45pm). It will be a joyful occasion of friendship, food and fellowship. This annual event highlights the central theme of unity that unites the ALJC family.

KENNETH CARPENTER GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT

MATTHEW BALL WORLD MISSIONS DIRECTOR

JONATHAN VAZQUEZ ASSISTANT GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT SOUTHERN REGION REPRESENTATIVE

CODY MAYO REGIONAL FIELD SUPERVISOR AFRICA MIDDLE EAST

SHAWN GARNETT EVANGELIST DEPT DIRECTOR

by Amy Cannon

As of 2023, this is the latest statistic for the number of children affected by autism. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. The statistic is striking and is rapidly growing. In our family, this statistic is 1 in 3, which means much more than just a number.

We are blessed with three wonderful, healthy boys. Levi, our amazing 12-year-old, is severely autistic. What does this mean in our home? Each child is different, but for us, it means our son can’t communicate his feelings or emotions properly. He doesn’t know that people have names. Although he can speak words, the words can only request specific items or repeat phrases that have been painfully taught repeatedly. If you ask him how old he is, he will say 10. For four years, he would say 6. He doesn’t understand the question has a meaning and can only say what he has memorized.

In our home, it also means no family adventures for a bite to eat, a trip to the store to window shop, or an afternoon trip to play putt-putt, as he is unable to leave the car. His brothers have learned that plans might change, or maybe Dad or Mom must stay home.

Autism for us means there are nights when he hits his chest, legs, and arms in frustration or where he cries for hours but can’t provide a reason or take comfort in our efforts to console him. It means unreasonable demands and fixations on things that may not be feasible.

Many people who see us at conferences may not even know that Levi exists. We sometimes feel guilty for having experiences and even church services without

“Autism is a spectrum disorder, and while no two children with autism are the same, there are things that the church can provide to make a welcoming environment for both the child and their parents.

him. Still, we understand that instead of those being fun memories for him, it would be hard for his brain and body to accommodate the changed schedule, location, and stimuli.

Being a parent of an autistic child can feel overwhelming and often lonely. You don’t like to share exactly what is happening, as you fear people may not understand. But as these statistics indicate, many other homes may have similar experiences. And many of these families are members of your church and community.

With these ever-increasing numbers, the church has a vital role to play both for families with autistic children and other special needs families. In Levi’s autism school, the issue of church attendance is a common frustration for parents. They share stories of fears, lack of understanding, or even ushers asking them not to return. The stares and the looks of shock or disapproval are hard to manage when the family may have done everything possible to enter the church doors. Even though we are so blessed to have an amazing church family who love Levi openly and go out of their way to make sure he can attend service, there are many days when it is a struggle to attend. Sometimes, it feels like our ministry calling and our family calling are at odds. Finding a place to fit in is hard when your child may stand out in the biggest way. Hands-on ears, repetitive

movements, vocalizations, and the inability to communicate or understand social cues are just a few things that some autistic children may exhibit. Autism is a spectrum disorder, and while no two children with autism are the same, there are things that the church can provide to make a welcoming environment for both the child and their parents.

We understand that the church should be a place where all are welcomed, accepted, and loved. So, what can the church do to provide an inviting and inclusive place of worship? Most churches do not have the facilities or trained staff to provide dedicated special needs Sunday school classes; however, some things can help make autistic children and their families feel comfortable. The ultimate goal is to provide an atmosphere where families can be loved and pointed to the One who can touch, heal, and save.

The first and foremost requirement for a church is to show love to the child and the parents. Church is where we go for rest and encouragement. It is where we get the strength to make it another day. Even if a church can’t provide specialized care, we can provide a place for parents to feel the love of Jesus and what it means to have a church family. The church can’t be all things to all people; it’s essential to understand where your limits exist. Learning to be flexible is important. Sometimes,

children are dealing with a multitude of issues, such as autism, ADD, ADHD, ODD, or OCD, as well as a host of other behavioral disorders. But suppose the church makes an effort to accommodate some specific needs. In that case, it will allow the family to feel it is a place where they can worship together.

There are some practical steps that a church of any size can take to be prepared. Offering a small bag with fidgets and noise-canceling headphones that can be used during service would be a great place to start. Many tourist places and businesses provide these to their guests with great success. Often, welcome teams surround the foyer doors to greet churchgoers. This can be overwhelming to someone with autism, so offering a side entrance away from the hustle or bustle may be preferable. Understand that direct eye contact and physical contact may be uncomfortable. Establish a quiet space for a child to take a sensory break: low lights, a bean bag chair, or other comfortable seating will help reduce the sensory input from crowds of people, loud music, and voices raised in worship.

Routine and predictability are often paramount for success. Use visual schedules for Sunday School or KidzQuest events. It will help the child understand what will happen next. Use pictures of children singing, puppets, games, the teacher giving the lesson, or other regular activities. Another way to make a child feel welcome is to ask volunteers to be a “buddy.” Not only will this familiar face help establish a safe environment during Sunday School and services, but it will also help the parents to feel comfortable that there is a dedicated set of eyes on their child. An older teen is often the perfect choice; not only do they offer peer encouragement, but they may also have a tremendous amount of patience. It is important to understand that not everyone in your church will be a great fit to meet these needs, so select families that can sit in the surrounding pews to provide support and be a buffer zone and safe space.

Meet with the parents to learn how to serve their child best. No one knows them better. This act will allow you to tailor their support and let the families know that the church truly cares and wants to learn. Here are some questions: What support do they receive in school or therapy? Is there a reward or token system that is familiar? What are potential triggers for maladaptive behavior? How is good behavior rewarded? If done lovingly, the family may feel comfortable sharing some of the struggles they are facing in their home. Knowing someone cares and is praying for them is one of the greatest strengths in supporting a family.

As we work together to share the gospel with every soul, let us strive to make space for the 1 in 35. They may currently sit in the church pew, ride the church bus, or sing in Sunday school. Or it may be a family who is desperate to know that they are not alone and that there is hope. There is hope in God for strength and healing. There is hope in discovering that a church is a family that shares the good and the bad.

I am reminded of the story in John’s Gospel, where the disciples and Jesus encountered a blind boy. Jesus so clearly declared, “this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9: 3). Although doctors can’t determine what caused our child’s life to be affected by autism, I take hope in knowing that the work that God is performing in our home and our church is so that He may be glorified. Our story will be our testimony.

Amy Cannon

Serves as the National Women's Esprit Secretary, and the Indiana Women's Esprit President.

REVIVAL IN AMERICA

by Anthony Wilks

God is preparing his church for a great revival! The local church is a prepared place ready to be imparted to and imparted from. We will no longer speak of tomorrow’s revival but embrace today’s threefold revival.

The first wave of revival is impacting churches right now, and it is a revival of the saint. Our society is broken, and that same brokenness has filtered into the church. Many churches have become God’s wounded worshippers who are scarred, marred, and miserable. We get our best shout on Sunday, but life has been bitter to many.

"The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity, but a wounded spirit who can bear?" (Proverbs 18:14)

You can have any terminal issue in your body, and your spirit is strong enough to help you survive, “but a wounded spirit who can bear?” It’s plain why the enemy wants to wound a saint of God because we can’t bear it. A wounded spirit brings down. It never lifts us. Satan knows this, and he wants us down. Jesus said, “The thief cometh but to steal, kill and destroy” (John 10:10). But let’s not forget the most powerful part of that scripture, “but I have come that you might have life and life more abundantly.” So, the first restoration of revival happening now is to the saint

or wounded worshiper. Jesus spoke of setting, “at liberty them that are bruised” (Luke 4:18). A bruise is a visible sign of inner injury and bleeding. It is neither accident nor coincidence that one purpose of the anointing is to set at liberty the bruised. God is transitioning his bride from wounded to God’s wealthy walking warrior. Our churches are being made whole before this last day of harvest.

The enemy is convincing the church that God wants us wounded and broken. The devil is a liar! The man with the withered hand in Mark 3 did not beg or even ask for healing. Somewhere in life, he had resolved that withered was his identity. Jesus called out the man with the withered hand because Jesus wouldn’t tolerate what he had learned to live with. I say prophetically to the church that Jesus is walking in and restoring all that is withered. The key is when Jesus calls out that which is withered, we must not hide. Like the hand, we must expose all withered, wounded, and bruised.

Then, we move to the subsequent restoration. I believe the spirit is speaking to the church. That is a restoration of the prodigal. The prophet Joel spoke of a great latter rain, but he also talked of restoration of “the years that the locust hath eaten.” (Joel 2:25).

“

The years of purpose and passion that were once lost, along with the years of ministries, giftings, and talents that sin, the world, and the enemy tried to destroy and consume completely, God is now restoring it all."

We may have believed that we lost several years due to injuries, wounds, or depression, but God is restoring those years to the Apostolic church. The years of purpose and passion that were once lost, along with the years of ministries, giftings, and talents that sin, the world, and the enemy tried to destroy and consume completely, God is now restoring it all.

It is no secret that our nation is in trouble. We have the most money, power, and laws but also the most criminals. What a horrible indictment against our democratic republic. When one looks at our nation, it is easy to fall prey to the belief that there is no hope. There is, however, a revival sweeping America, and it’s starting in her churches.

“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).

We’ve been praying, and God’s been listening. God is forgiving our sins and healing our land. The glory of the Lord is covering the earth as the waters cover the sea, and America is no exception. From the prison to the pulpit, a restoration of revival is sweeping America.

Prisoner’s Friend Director Bro. Wyle Rinehart shares, “Between Menistry and Princess within, nearly 60 prison conferences have taken place.” God has touched countless lives; souls have been filled and refilled with the Holy Ghost and baptized in Jesus’ name. In February, the 50th Princess Within Conference was held in Texas. Sixteen people were filled with the Holy Ghost, eleven were refilled, and 104 were baptized. As of December 2021, Adopt A City churches were active with Missions America, and at the beginning of this year, three pastors graduated from the AAC program. It Matters sessions equip pastors, preachers, and teachers for revival in the local church. More and more churches are incorporating multicultural services and ministries to reach our diverse population.

Saints are being restored, prodigals are returning, and the lost are being found. Revival is happening now in America, and this is home.

AW

Anthony Wilks Missions America Secretary

DEALING WITH CLUTTER

by Laura Jones

Springtime is upon us! Who’s ready for Spring cleaning? For many, this brings a sense of a new beginning and a fresh start. It is a time to reorganize, eliminate things we no longer need or use, and get a renewed freshness to our environment. For others, the very thought of clearing away the things that have been allowed to clutter their space is daunting and brings with it anxiety and dread.

Clutter, by definition, means: “A collection of things lying around in an untidy mess.” Or “to fill or cover with scattered or disordered things that impede movement or reduce effectiveness.”

Studies show that 54% of Americans struggle with clutter in their homes, affecting their health, focus, memory, and safety.

In 2009, researchers at UCLA found that women who described their homes as cluttered had a stress hormone profile indicative of chronic stress. These women also tended to have a

more depressed mood throughout the day, were more tired in the evenings, and had a difficult transition from work to home. Further, the study shows that removing or controlling clutter can reduce stress from untidy and disorderly mess. The results can help us feel happier, less anxious, and more confident.

Clutter is often a sign of the fear of not having enough or the misunderstanding that you are not enough without all your stuff. It can be hard to part with things attached to memories or things you have told yourself you may need in the future.

Spiritual clutter can affect our souls in the same way. Spiritual clutter can build up when we fill our minds with negative thoughts about ourselves and others or worry over things we cannot change or control. We can also become so caught up with the day-to-day activities of life that it clutters our time with endless activities, bucket lists, and to-do’s. Before we know it, we

no longer spend time in prayer or the Word as we should. Consequently, this impedes our movement and reduces our effectiveness in the spirit, our homes, our churches, and our communities.

It is common today to see multiple storage facilities in cities across America because we need a place to store all our stuff. Our closets and garages are full, so we need to rent extra space to keep stuff we might need one day. Many folks store things for years and eventually need to remember what it is and why they stored them.

My husband and I moved ten times during the first ten years of our marriage. Along the way, we adopted the rule that if we have not used any given item in the last six months, we don’t need it. This simple rule has helped us to keep a more organized and clutter-free environment for our family over the years.

The same can be true for our spiritual house. What is cluttering your spiritual home and your heart today? What do you keep holding onto that you don’t need? Decluttering our physical home takes discipline. We must sift through all that we have allowed in, getting rid of things we don’t need, reorganizing, and giving proper place to the necessary things. More importantly, we must do the same with our spiritual house.

“Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in

WOMEN'S ESPRIT

your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

When we look at ourselves through the lens of God’s Word with a pure heart, we begin to recognize the clutter we have allowed into our lives. This spiritual clutter distracts us from our callings and true purpose in the Kingdom of God. This clutter may not necessarily be a “sin,” but it will undoubtedly weigh us down. If we don’t effectively deal with our clutter, it can develop to the point that it becomes a weight and a sin.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

Clutter in both the physical and spiritual most likely did not happen overnight but rather through many moments of neglect. So, purpose in your heart that you will not just merely rent more space in your heart, mind, and spirit to store unneeded clutter. Instead, you will put in the time, energy, and effort it takes to deal once and for all with the clutter of your life.

Laura Jones Women’s Esprit Vice President

GOD'S VISIBLE GRACE

by James G Chessor Jr.

Through life, it’s easy to overlook the subtle yet profound workings of God’s grace. But as Apostolic believers, we must pause and reflect on the wonderful blessings that come our way. Acts 11:22-24 offers us a glimpse into the tangible manifestation of God’s grace in the life of Barnabas, reminding us of the boundless mercy and favor He bestows upon His children.

Oh, how marvelous and boundless is His grace! It is an undeserved, unmerited favor that flows from God’s heart towards us. Just as the Psalmist proclaims in Psalm 103:8, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.”

Yes, in the ALJC, we understand that our God is not a harsh taskmaster but a loving Father who extends His grace to us in countless ways. Through His Word, we witness the acts of His grace woven perfectly throughout human history.

From the story of Noah and the ark, where God’s grace preserved a remnant amidst the floodwaters of judgment, to Joseph, who was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, grace was at work. For instance, God’s grace was at work, elevating Joseph to a position of authority in Egypt, where he would

later save his family and the entire nation from famine. Joseph told his brothers in Genesis 50:20, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

There are so many today that don’t completely understand God’s proven nature through time. Our Creator is a gracious God. I have heard people misspeak and say, “In the Old Testament, there was no grace.” I want to declare to you that God has always been a gracious God. For anyone who would say, I find no grace in the Old Testament, I believe Noah would argue with you. In Genesis 6:8, we read, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”

Noah found God to be gracious in Genesis, but we can go back even further. Adam and Eve as they stood in disobedience before their Creator. In the Garden of Eden, God had crafted a plan for them. However, when Adam and Eve succumbed to the temptation of the serpent and ate from the forbidden tree, they ushered in the reign of sin and death upon themselves and all of humanity. Adam and Eve deserved God’s judgment in that moment of rebellion. They had willfully disobeyed His command and brought sin into the perfect world He had created. Yet, instead of

immediately executing the punishment they rightfully deserved, our gracious God demonstrated His love and mercy in an extraordinary act of forbearance. Genesis 3:21 reveals to us the depth of His grace. “The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.” In this simple act of providing garments to cover them, God foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice that would one day be made for the redemption of mankind. From the beginning, God has been the same and hasn’t changed. Our God is gracious to humanity. By shedding the blood of innocent animals to cover their shame and nakedness, He demonstrated His willingness to extend grace even in the face of sin’s devastating consequences.

What a profound display of mercy and grace! God could have instantly brought death, forsaking them in their fallen state. Instead, He chose to extend His grace, allowing them to continue living and offering them opportunities for redemption and restoration. It was His divine plan, His unfathomable grace at work, even amid the devastating consequences of sin.

Noah found grace. Adam and Eve found grace. In Acts, Barnabas found Grace. Barnabas is a true testament to the grace of our loving God. Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement,” embodied the spirit of grace as he dedicated his life to proclaiming the Gospel and encouraging others in their faith.

In the book of Acts, we see Barnabas as a man of great character and compassion. He was among the early believers who sold their possessions. He selflessly laid the money at the apostles’ feet to meet the community’s needs. This act of generosity was just the beginning of Barnabas’ journey of grace.

When the apostle Paul sought acceptance among the disciples, Barnabas vouched for him despite the skepticism and fear of the other believers. Barnabas recognized the transformative work of God’s grace in the life of Paul. He became a catalyst for Paul’s ministry, enabling him to serve alongside the early church.

MENISTRY

One of the most significant moments in Barnabas’ life came when he arrived in Antioch. As he witnessed the work of God’s grace among the Gentiles, his heart overflowed with joy and encouragement. With his own eyes, he saw how God’s grace transcended cultural boundaries and transformed lives, leading him to take an active role in the growth and establishment of the church in Antioch.

Barnabas, a true ambassador of grace, recognized the immense potential in others and sought to empower them. He mentored Paul, accompanying him on his first missionary journey, encouraging and strengthening his calling. Barnabas’ unwavering support and belief in Paul’s ministry allowed the Gospel to reach far and wide, impacting countless lives.

God’s visible grace was in the life of Barnabas, the encourager. You may ask, How did he do it? How was the grace of God on such display in his life? The Scripture explicitly shows us. He was full of the Holy Ghost. When you are full of His Spirit, you are not full of yourself. You cannot be full of the Spirit when you are full of yourself. Goodness is a fruit of the Spirit. It’s a byproduct of being Spirit-filled and Spirit-led. He didn’t try hard to become Good. He was good because he was full of God. The Spirit produced the fruit of goodness in his life. God’s grace becomes visible when bearing the fruit of the Spirit. God’s Grace in action becomes visible when His Spirit leads us. A life surrendered to God’s Spirit will show forth His visible grace. Grace was visible in his life, and he saw it at the beginning of the Church in Antioch.

May God’s grace be visibly reflected in our lives and throughout our fellowship.

Pastor James G Chessor Jr. Menistry Director

Russell Lee Elkins

August 17, 1941 - September 2, 2023

Brother Russell Elkins left this world on September 2nd, 2023, as he slipped away into the everlasting arms of Jesus Christ; he remains in the hearts and minds of all those who were privileged to have this great man of God not only as a Brother in the Lord but also as a friend.

The Church members of Shiloh Temple in Bloomington, Indiana, were asked to share some personal words about their pastor. Brother Elkins had been pastor of Shiloh since 1978. Forty-five years of faithfully committed service to the saints of Shiloh. There was a comment that emphasized Brother Elkins that spoke of his character so clearly: He was a “gentle giant.” Other expressions made by the people in their comments, such as: “Consistent.” “Fair.” “Friend.” “Humble.” “Steadfast.” “Kind.”

To mention the theme that ran through the minds of the Church family. One member put it this way, which seemed to be the sentiment of the Church family: “He was so special, caring, kind, thoughtful, fair; had time for each person.”

energy was utilized to advance God’s Kingdom.” Brother Elkins was a humble, honest, and righteous man with a servant’s heart.

Brother Elkins was pastor of Shiloh Temple for forty-five years and left behind a tremendous legacy for the saints at Shiloh and all those who crossed his path.

His obituary read partly: “He led with quiet strength and powerhouse motivation. Boundless

To those who knew him, we would agree with such comments about this servant of the Lord. It was an honor and a blessing to travel with him on missionary trips where he was loved and appreciated. He also blessed so many natives in foreign countries when he brought his banjo with him and played to the delight of the people.

He served as promotions director for the Indiana District for some time. Then, he became District Director of World Missions, a position he held for six to eight years.

We also had the honor of working with him for fourteen years when he joined us as secretary of the World Missions Department. Brother Elkins continued to remain in this position for two more

years. He was a dedicated worker and burden bearer for world missions.

I will miss the luncheons with him and Sister Hope. I will miss the conversations with him through the years. I have already missed working at his side in the World Missions Department. But these are all temporary misses, for soon we will join him in that great company with the Lord tomorrow.

On one such foreign missions trip with him, we had the privilege of baptizing a trinitarian pastor in Jesus’ Name, who has since converted hundreds of others to be baptized in Jesus’ name.

His love for World Missions was also exemplified by his allowing Shiloh Temple to host our annual Indiana District World Missions Rally. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised through the years for World Missions projects, either to increase

the budget of an outgoing Missionary or to help build a project in some foreign country.

Russell Elkins was a true gentleman, a devoted follower of Christ, and a passionate advocate for the work of the Kingdom. He fought a valiant fight, finished the course set before him, kept the faith until the end, and has now joined the host of saints who inspire us to continue the work of God’s Kingdom. Tomorrow, we will join him in that great endeavor.

AW

Bishop ML Walls Former World Missions Director

PUT JOE TO WORK

by Jeremy Causey

Whether your favorite cafe is the Green Siren, the donut shop, or your hash browns at Waffle House, you likely have complained about the price of your preferred cup of caffeinated goodness in the past couple of years. Whether you drink it black or drowned in milk, cream, and four pumps of flavor, you’re likely paying more for that few minutes of pleasure now than you were five years ago.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks the monthly price of a pound of coffee (among many other things). According to their numbers, the per-pound cost went up to $6.16 in 2023 from $5.89 in 2022, registering a year-over-year increase of 4.6%. And that’s just for the raw beans. According to one website, the average price of a specialty drink at Starbucks is about $5. However, we all know someone (who might be us) who can easily hit $7.

All this to say, coffee is obviously essential. The British Coffee Association reported that the world consumes about two billion cups daily. The National Coffee Association reports that about two-thirds of Americans drink coffee daily. So, if two-thirds of us drink a latte daily for an entire year, it would cost over 400 billion dollars. You can do a lot with 400 billion dollars.

But what does this have to do with the cost of beans? It’s easy to daydream about what you’d do with billions of dollars. However, it’s just as easy to see what can be done with nothing more than the cost of a few lattes.

The World Missions Dollar-A-Day giving campaign began in 2019 to provide consistent funding for building Bible schools and related projects worldwide. The simple ask is $30 per month. That’s only six lattes or 10 cups of plain ‘ole Joe. What has this fund done in the past five years?

It has sent funds to build and support Bible schools and training facilities in all of the following countries:

Mumbai, Nepal, Myanmar, Philippines, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Ghana-Liberia, Germany, Poland, Cuba, Mexico

It has purchased equipment and supported the translation of training materials in:

Poland, Philippines, Mexico, Uganda, Cuba, PNG, Germany

Most of us can keep our morning cup of coffee and still take on such an offering. But if you can’t, isn’t the gospel being preached, or an entire country being reached, worth giving up a small pleasure occasionally? You can do a lot with a latte.

If you’d like to enroll in this excellent mission-giving tool, visit dollaraday.aljc.org.

Rev. Jeremy Causey is the pastor of Forsyth Apostolic Church in Forsyth, Georgia.