Fall 2025 Herald

Our Herald SPREADING THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST

Chairman’s Corner A welcome from Pastor Stacy Lisenbey- our new chairman.

Community Revisit what it means to be the church with new Secretary, Pastor Joseph Hale.

Encounter Heaven with Bro. Stephen Tolman as he shares his experience of dying and entering into the presence of God.

The Mission Fall 2025

1,000 Pieces of Bread An argument for multiplication with Pastor Harold Mauldin.

The Mission Stirring a desire for Mission work within the church with Bishop Rick Humphreys.

and much more...

EDITOR

Ashley Ennis 1620 S. Hopewell Loop, Atkins, AR 72823 501.269.1144- ashley.ourherald@gmail.com

OFFICIAL BOARD

Chairman- Stacy Lisenbey P.O. Box 513 Plainview, AR 72857 479.393.8858- slisenbey@gmail.com Vice-Chairman- Richard B. Burks 11900 Road 171, Philadelphia, MS 39350 601.656.7210- rbb4543@yahoo.com Secretary- Joseph Hale 915 Draughon Drive, Greenbier TN 37073 615.838.7323- JHale245@comcast.net

OFFICERS

WELCOME Welcome to your Herald. A place to proclaim what the Lord is doing in His church and in His body of believers. This is the voice of our association, a chance to tell what we have seen and know to be true. We hope you feel at home here. Sit at the table and eat with us- there is something for everyone.

Our mission is to connect the body of Christ through fellowship, accountability, and shared resources to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world around us.

EDITOR'S NOTE The editor reserves the right to shorten, refuse and or hold any article, or part thereof that is deemed contrary to the spirit of the association.

The Editor and the A.B. of C. receive all articles in good faith, all authors are responsible for the authenticity and veracity of material they submit for publication in Our Herald. This magazine is published quarterly, the subscription price is $20.00 per year. Please contact the editor for any further information you may require.

Ambassador at Large- Richard Humphreys 179 Millbrook St, Percy, AR 71964 870.310.1677- rickhumphreys2@yahoo.com Youth Director-Dee Stone PO Box 57, Plainview, AR 72857 479.272.4755- wiredwithjesus@gmail.com Missionary Secretary- Clifton Beecher 1887 Hack Brown Rd, Franklin, KY 42134 270.776.0902- clif.beecher@gmail.com Promotional Arm Director-Aaron Wojcik 132 Grindstone Dr, Gallatin, TN 37066 931.252.4212- aaronwojcik3@gmail.com

PRESBYTERS

Arkansas- Dennis Bledsoe 22660 130 Lot #28, Bryant, AR 72022 501.326.5411 calvin.bledsoe@outlook.com Kentucky- Nathan Lowe 43 School House Rd, Leitchfield KY 42754 270.230.3454 natelowen@hotmail.com Missouri- Travis Hollingsworth 3235 W. Madison St, Springfield, MO 65802 417.818.3109 moprecher@yahoo.com Mississippi- Jared Glover 4497 Highway 50E, Steens MS 39766 662.251.5029- jkglover55@yahoo.com Tennessee- J.J. Marais 3433 Barren Plains Rd, Adairville KY 42202 270.726.0435- johannes.j.marais@gmail.com

FROM THE EDITOR This issue is dedicated to missions. The one true mission of Jesus Christ which is to seek and save that which was lost (Luke 19:10). The Lord’s purpose may take place in a church house, a foreign land, a highway, or a hedge, but it only matters so long as it takes place.

There is a musical called Oklahoma that I used to watch as a child. One of the songs in the film is called “The Farmer and the Cowman.” These two groups of people both needed land to achieve their goals and make their living. The farmer to raise the crop and the cowman to feed his herd.

The song, however, attests to the fact that no matter how different their interests, they needed to remain friends in order to get the work done. This song plays in my head whenever I see two groups of people after the same thing.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Jesus is a big fan of unity. Not pretend unity. Not sometimes unity. Not unity so long as I come out on top.

He wants unity at all cost. Unity for Kingdom purposes (not my church purpose, or my mission purpose, or my ministry purpose, but Kindgom purpose). Dying to oneself is a pretty big ask, but the reward is a kingdom gain. When our personal relationships with Him become our first priority, then everything else will fall into place.

Please mail $20 check or money order to: Ashley Ennis 1620 S Hopewell Loop Atkins, AR 72823

There is a lot of wisdom and experience in this issue from those who have walked out unity for the mission’s sake. I hope you enjoy.

Make check payable to: The ABofC

God bless you as you fulfill His calling,

NEW SUBMISSIONS Please send all new submission to: ashley.ourherald@gmail.com Winter 2025 Submission Deadline: October 12, 2025

Ashley Ennis

CHAIRMAN'S CORNER

I’m also happy to serve alongside my friends, Bro. Richard Burks and Bro. Joseph Hale. As you know, Bro. Joseph Hale was elected as our new Secretary/ Treasurer. Bro. Hale will now be taking care of licenses and credentials.

All offerings and dues should be sent to his address: PO Box 166, Greenbrier, TN 37073.

Looking forward, I’d like to expand on some fellowship opportunities and privileges.

PASTOR STACY LISENBEY Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I first would like to personally thank you for the honor and privilege you have given to me to serve as Chairman of this wonderful Association, The Associated Brotherhood of Christians.

Upon being elected during our General Conference last month, I soon realized that I am only the 10th Chairman to serve during our 92-year history.

I am mindful of the legacy of the great men of God that have served before me: Bro. Dee Jay Shoulders, Bro. Richard Humphreys, Bro. Richard L. Burks, Bro. Richard Burgett and of course, Bishop Billy Shoulders to name a few.

Each of these visionary leaders have added strength and stability and have stood for sound apostolic doctrine, and I pledge to do the same.

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It would be great to have some gatherings, retreats and mentorship programs for our young ministers in the very near future.

I’m already working on providing our licensed ministers with a Life Insurance policy benefit to be included in your fellowship renewal. Combined with the legal status you have as a licensed minister to receive housing allowances and tax exemptions, being in fellowship with the ABofC can be a blessing to your ministry.

As I looked over our Articles of Faith in preparation to mail each of you a copy. I noticed again the words, We believe.... We believe in the Bible to be the inspired Word of God. We believe in one God, infinite in power, holy in nature. We believe in the 2nd coming of the Lord...to just name a few. Can I add some that are not written? We believe in REVIVAL. As a fellowship of believers, we believe that God is going to use you and your church to usher in a great revival in your city. We believe that God will meet the need that you have, and that you will not lack the funds to do the job. We believe.

Just as Paul stood to declare to a crew of hopeless sailors en route to Rome. He said, "Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer; for I BELIEVE God, that it shall be even as it was told me." Let me echo those words..."Sir, Sister, Brother, Pastor...be of good cheer; for I BELIEVE GOD with you and for you, that it shall be even as it was told me.

“I am mindful of the legacy of the great men of God that have served before me...”

Please feel free to contact me at any time; my cell is 479-393-8858.

Your Fault.

God’s Fix. BISHOP RICK HUMPHREYS // AMBASSADOR AT LARGE

“And it came to pass, when David and his men were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south, and Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with fire; And had taken the women captives that were therein: they slew not any, either great or small, but carried them away, and went on their way.

So David and his men came to the city, and, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were taken captives. Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep. And David's two wives were taken captives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” 1 Sam 30:1-6 Sometimes it seems that everywhere you turn and all you try turns into a disaster, doesn’t it? David had been hidden among the Philistines, running from his countrymen and refused the right to fight with the Philistines in battle because some of them just didn’t quite trust him. (You know how those people are. We all have some in our lives that just don’t quite trust us.)

The king of the Philistines told him to leave their country and go back to where he came from. So he and his men traveled three days, probably close to sixty miles, mostly by foot for most of them. They came to Ziklag where their families were supposed to be. But no one was in town, it had been burned. Wives, children, elderly, livestock and food were gone, cleaned out. David’s men blamed him for what had happened. (You know how it is, you are always to blame for what ever takes place). No matter if you were three days away, it was your fault. “David, if you had not brought us here to Gath in the land of the Philistines, this would not have happened!

You brought this upon our families, if we had not gone with you to war for the Philistines, (our enemy), we would have been here to defend our families. We ought to just kill you!” (As if that would bring them back, that would make everything right)! Isn’t it amazing how we think, (or don’t think), when we are hurt and mad? Killing David would not change a thing, but it would make them murderers.

David did not run, he didn’t hide, he didn’t crawl into a hole. David did what all men ought always to do. He sought God. David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. David went to prayer. David knew where his help came from. David was hurt, he had losses also, people never gave thought to the fact that they were not the only ones that suffered losses when invasion came! and without fail recover all.”

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David sought guidance and strength. He knew he needed both, and so do we all the time! 1 Sam 30:7, “And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech's son, I pray thee, bring me hither the ephod.

And Abiathar brought thither the ephod to David”.

David didn’t want anyone asking for him, he would ask for himself. (What do you do when the losses are great and you’re hurt and mad at the same time and don’t really know who to be mad at and who hurt you the most?? What do you pray?

How are you thinking at the time? Are you in or out of control?)

So David overtook the Amalekites and engaged them in battle. 1 Sam 30:17-19 “And David smote them from the twilight even unto the evening of the next day: and there escaped not a man of them, save four hundred young men, which rode upon camels, and fled. And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away: and David rescued his two wives. And there was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither spoil, nor any thing that they had taken to them: David recovered all.”

David had two wives he loved and he wanted them back! He wanted to go get them, but his mission would not be carried out without counsel and guidance of God. (Hello!!) 1 Sam 30:8 “And David inquired at the Lord, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, David asked, “Should I pursue, will I overtake them? Should I go, will it do me any good?” The answer came immediately, ‘go, you will overtake and the mission will be accomplished; you will recover all’. Before he lift Ziklag, he knew the outcome, because before he took off on the journey, David asked the One who knew the end from the beginning!

David acted on God’s reply, 1 Sam 30:9-10 “So David went, he and the six hundred men that were with him, and came to the brook Besor, where those that were left behind stayed. But David pursued, he and four hundred men: for two hundred abode behind, which were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor.”

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David and his men were victorious, just like the Lord had said they would be, for He fought their battle for them because God was consulted and inquired of before going into battle mad and upset! Though David had been threatened and accused, he sought God for himself, his accusers, and their families before pursuing those that held them captive.

Continued on page 21

COMMUNITY God’s Plan for the Church

PASTOR JOSEPH & ANNA HALE // SECRETARY

The news is out– we brought back Sunday night service, and not just “First Sunday” night or “Last Sunday” night service, but we brought back every Sunday night service. If you’re surprised… Well, so were we. When we hit pause on Sunday night services in 2020, we were certain they would not be coming back. Online church was the norm, attendance was down, and somehow, while the world seemed to be coming back slowly from a grinding halt, people were busier than ever. Fast forward to this year and not much has changed. We still have a pretty good online congregation, fellowship seems to be at an all time low, and the world is back to spinning at full throttle. People, including ourselves, are as busy as they have ever been.

Which is probably why we were surprised to feel the stirring of a gentle reminder in our souls over and over again earlier this year: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25

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In the midst of the busiest season of our lives, we added an additional service to our week. And, if there were ever any doubts in our minds that it was the right move, God has silenced all of them.

Sunday nights have been well-attended, a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, and we’re seeing the reward of being obedient to God’s voice. However, we believe it’s just the beginning of what God intends community to look like for his church in the last days.

There’s a short phrase in Hebrews 10:25 that will slip in and tug on your spirit just when you think you’re doing enough. “...and so much more.”

The “assembling” that Hebrews 10:25 refers to is more than just showing up to a church building on Sunday. It’s a daily practice. We have become really good at inviting people to church, but that is not evangelism. It’s not being a witness. It’s not “exhorting one another.” It might just be a cop-out for not doing the hard work of being community. What would happen if we invited someone over for dinner or out for a cup of coffee before we invited them to church?

The book of Acts church is a great example of what it looks like to be a part of God’s community. Acts 2:44-47 says, “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

There is just one criteria for community, and it is unity. This is why we live in a world that is so divided! Scripture tells us that in the end times the enemy will do his best to wear out the saints.

When we are divided, whether by time and space, or by controversy and derision, we fail to come together and encourage one another, thus finding ourselves isolated, discouraged, and weary. Ephesians 4:2-6 says it best: “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” We MUST endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, and we CAN do it without sacrificing truth!

Now, we have learned that there are two main reasons people are unwilling to make those dinner plans or start that home Bible study. The first is time, and the second is fear. If you believe you do not have time to share the gospel with someone, let us assure you, you do not have the time not to! If fear is holding you back from daily opportunities to grow the church, there is good news!

“Unity” is not the same as “uniformity.” God has called you, with all of your gifts and talents, the things that make you different, to reach people that only you can reach! Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:12, “For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.” If you skip to verse 28, it says, “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

God builds his church through the gifting of his people.

We all have different roles and abilities, but we should all be focused on the same goals: The perfecting of the saints The work of the ministry The edifying of the body of Christ To come into the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God The problem with striving for uniformity in community, rather than unity, is the challenges of comparison, competition, and entitlement that begin to creep in.

When we are focused on making our ministry, our congregation, our services look like someone else’s, or better than someone else’s, we make our community an island of self-centeredness. Let us be encouraged by Philippians 2:1-4, “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Scripture makes it clear that God means for us to operate as a community. Community was His plan for the church from the very beginning! While that community may look like Sunday night services, home Bible studies, and family dinners for us, it may look like something entirely different for you and your congregation. Whatever it is God has called you to do, do it well, do it for others, and do it unto the Lord.

For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ 1 Corinthians 12:12

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GO!

BRO. AARON WOJCIK // PROMOTIONAL ARM DIRECTOR

The message was clear—and it still matters today: “Go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19-20) When Jesus said those words, He wasn’t giving His followers a suggestion. He was giving them a mission—a call to action.

I love football. Most of us do. Even my wife likes to watch it. It’s one of the greatest team sports there is. The more access we have to behind the scenes, the more we see actually goes into the game. Players watch hours and hours of film. Coaches instruct and game plan.

Everything leads up to the playcall. But the playcall is useless if the players just stand around after the play was called.

There are actions that must take place.

Jesus’ call to action to his disciples that day on that hill still applies to us today.

But, what does that look like?

First, making disciples doesn’t happen by sitting still and waiting for people to come to us. We’re called to go.

Sometimes that means across the world, but more often it means across the street, at work, or even in the grocery store. Jesus did most of His ministry outside the synagogue—while simply living life. That’s where the real opportunities are.

Second, disciples aren’t just converts.

Believing in Jesus is the start, but discipleship is about growth, change, and becoming more like Him. That requires teaching, patience, and walking alongside people. And yes—it’s costly.

It takes time, energy, and sometimes rejection.

But Jesus chose ordinary, flawed people for this mission, and He calls us too.

Paul warned Timothy about people who looked religious but lacked real transformation (2 Timothy 3:5). True discipleship is more than appearances—it’s a Spirit-filled life that produces real change.

The disciples themselves weren’t transformed until they were baptized by the Holy Spirit. Then, instead of chasing status, they gave their lives to serving others.

We’re facing a discipleship shortage today. Too often, we stop at conversion instead of walking with people until they grow into disciplemakers themselves. But the good news is that God’s Spirit is still at work—changing hearts and giving us the strength to carry this mission.

The mission is simple but not easy. God, open our eyes to the people around us. Give us the desire to invest in them, and let the Spirit transform both us and them. That’s what the church was always meant to be—not just a place for services, butBa R movement O . A AofRpeople ON making disciples who makeW more disciples.

OJCIK The message is the mission.

PROMOTIONAL ARM DIRECTOR The time to go is now.

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Certain Victory SISTER LORI STEVENS // SECRETARY ABOFC NATIONAL WOMEN’S MINISTRY

My husband was in the military and has often enjoyed movies and documentaries about the military.

One thing that stands out is the determination and grit to go on a mission and complete a mission. The elite military forces will not stop until the mission has been complete.

The apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 4:6-8 6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Paul understood that the ultimate goal was to complete the course, to finish the mission. At the conference in Hot Springs, Bro. Stephen Tolman said that he doesn’t count the numbers that show up, he counts those that finish the race. Endurance to complete the mission is what is most important. Paul saw victory in spite of the physical circumstances. He saw the victory we have through Jesus.

In Luke 8:13, Jesus described those that fall away in temptation because they have no root. We must be grounded and rooted in the foundation of our faith, in Christ Jesus. Paul would not have survived and finished the course if he had not had his eyes on Jesus. He understood the assignment to go forth and preach the gospel. He understood the trials and tribulations.

He understood persecution. He was still able to sit in his prison cell and write of victory and encouragement to the body of Christ. He was able to say that he was finishing well.

1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Our rock and foundation is Christ Jesus. We must keep ourselves established in Jesus.

Psalm 1 says that when we delight in the law of the Lord, we will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water and will bring forth fruit in season. We will not whither and will prosper. We can count on Jesus to keep us and use us for his glory. We can stand firm and find our resources and sustenance supplied in Christ Jesus. That is how we prosper and complete our mission in the Kingdom of God. Continued on page 30

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PASTOR HAROLD MAULDIN

1,000 pieces of bread “There is a boy here that has five loaves and two fish.

But what are they among so many?”

John 9:6

Without a vision, the people perish. So, let’s vision share! Jesus is the best gift a person could receive. The act of preaching drawing an individual to conviction and an altar experience is what we call the miracle of salvation. Imagine, God uses flawed people to preach a flawless message to failing people as a tool for repentance. Jesus is the Bread of Life that a man may eat thereof and never die. He is the Word, made flesh, who dwelled here to become the comforting power of the Holy Ghost upon which He built His church.

We are responsible to share this gospel with everyone in our circle. Let your light so shine. So, shine! I have a simple idea that could, if applied, grow the Kingdom and use the Associated Brotherhood of Christians as a tool to win the lost and fulfill our theme, Ephesians 4:3, ‘Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace’. It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child. I can tell you that it takes the body of Christ to raise a church. We all need each other.

Imagine every worship leader, every Sunday School Teacher, every Outreach Leader, and every minister, of any kind, becoming a part of the Associated Brotherhood of Christians (A.B. of C.) as a licensed worker or licensed minister.

What is the benefit of joining the A.B. of C.?

Fellowship, commitment, dedication, love and honoring what God has done for your local church, missionaries, youth, and families through the A.B. of C. 9

Let’s do some quick math. If 250 people joined as a licensed worker, that would be $25,000 that would go towards administrative costs for the A.B. of C. Our goal should be 1,000 people over the next five years. Our message is worth it. Our future is worth it. Camp Mulberry is worth it.

This idea came to me about four years ago, no one asked me to do this. Rising costs calls for us to step up in this hour (have you gotten your home or church insurance renewal, yet?).

I urge every Pastor to get your people motivated to join this cause.

For example, if you are a licensed worker, ask your wife to become a licensed worker or minister. Her work in the Kingdom is very important. Our goal, as Pastors, should be to get everyone in our church plugged in.

God bless you as you consider this important decision.

OUR COMMISSION FROM GOD OUR MISSION TO MEN PASTOR NATHAN LOWE

Our Divine Commission … Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave His disciples what is now known as the Great Commission.

Matthew 28:18-20, He said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”

This Commission they honorably and obediently carried out throughout the Book of Acts.

Here, the Lord issues a clear and compelling call. The church is not to be inward-focused, content to dwell in safety and comfort. It is to be a movement with a message—one that reaches out to every corner of the earth. The commission is both global in scope and personal in responsibility. It involves going, teaching, baptizing, and discipling. These are not mere suggestions; they are commands from the risen Christ.

This commission was reaffirmed in Mark 16:15, where Jesus told His followers, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Again, the word “go” indicates action, movement, and intentional engagement with the world.

This Is Our Personal Responsibility … It is easy to view the Great Commission as something designated only for preachers, missionaries, or church leaders. However, the Bible teaches that every believer is a minister in some capacity.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 … “God… hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation… we are ambassadors for Christ.”

This ministry belongs to “us”—not just the apostles, not just pastors, but all who have been reconciled to God. We have been entrusted with the message that can change lives, and we are now representatives of heaven on earth. Our faith is not meant to be kept private; it is a light meant to shine in a dark world.

When we understand the commission of God in this light, it becomes deeply personal. Our workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, and social circles become mission fields. The people we interact with daily are not just acquaintances— they are souls in need of the gospel.

When the fire of God burns in our hearts, it compels us to speak, to serve, to love, and to witness.

We Move From Commission to Mission …

The word “mission” comes from the Latin word mittere, meaning “to send.” A mission implies a purpose, a task, and a sense of urgency.

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When we are commissioned by God, we are sent by Him. He does not call us to sit; He calls us to move. He does not simply give us salvation; He gives us an assignment.

Jesus said in John 20:21 … “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”

Just as Christ was sent from heaven to bring redemption, so we are sent into the world to bring that same message of hope.

This is not a secondary matter. It is the heartbeat of our Christian life. Our mission is not about building our own name or platform—it’s about making Jesus known to every man, woman, and child.

God Gave Practical Expressions of the Mission … Our mission can take many forms. It might be sharing the gospel with a friend over coffee, serving the poor and homeless in our communities, supporting missionaries around the world, or simply living a life so full of Christ that others are drawn to the light within us. Sometimes our mission will be loud and public; other times, it will be quiet and personal. But always, it must be intentional.

The mission of the early church was clear.

The apostles were willing to risk everything to carry out the commission of their Lord.

In Acts 5:42 … “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”

Their mission was their lifestyle. It shaped their conversations, their choices, their priorities, and their sacrifices.

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The Spirit Empowers us … We must never forget that our mission is not carried out in our own strength.

Jesus told His followers in Acts 1:8 … “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me.”

The commission becomes a mission when we are empowered by the Spirit. He gives us boldness, wisdom, compassion, and supernatural guidance. He opens doors, convicts hearts, and confirms the Word with signs following. The mission is not just a task —it is a Spirit-led journey that aligns us with the will and work of God. Our Commission Has An Eternal Perspective … The reason our mission matters so much is because eternal souls are at stake. Life is short, but eternity is forever. When we fail to fulfill our mission, we miss the very reason for our salvation. God didn’t save us just to get us to heaven…He saved us to use us on earth. The clock is ticking. Jesus is coming.

And the fields are white unto harvest.

Every moment we delay, someone else is drifting further from the truth. The time to act is now. The world is not looking for religion; it’s desperate for hope, truth, and transformation. That is what we bring when we carry the message of Christ. When our commission from God becomes our mission to men, we live with purpose, and we shine with power.

In summary, our commission from God is not just a spiritual idea—it is a divine mandate. It becomes our mission to men when we recognize that we have been entrusted with heaven’s most important message. Let us not bury our calling beneath excuses or distractions. Let us rise, go, speak, serve, and shine.

THE PERPETUAL PASSOVER REV. BILL BALDRIDGE

PART 5 - NOTES FROM MY STUDIES Please note this is a series and must be read as such.

If you will recall my goals for this study: 1. The perpetual Passover 2. Bread: leavened bread, unleavened bread,&“The Bread of Life” 3. Spiritual communion versus literal communion 4. Redemption 5. Relationship

Bread, cont.

The greatest discourse on the Bread of Life appears in John 6:22-59. After the feeding of the five thousand, the people came to Jesus and, in verse 31, they said, “Our Fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” Notice closely in Jesus’ immediate response He corrects their belief. Verse 32 says, “Then Jesus said unto them, verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. Yes, the old has passed away, the new bread now lives among them. Verse 33 says, For the bread of God is He which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. From the fall of man in Genesis until now, death reigned. Life is now available to all who will eat this bread.

Now look at verse 41: The Jews then murmured at Him because He said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. It’s critical for all to understand that most Biblical commentaries address Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s writing on the last meal that Jesus kept with His disciples as the “Last Passover”.

Matthew 26, Mark 14, and Luke 22 illustrate that Jesus did NOT eat the Passover in any of these writings.

Further to establish a literal communion from Jesus’ teachings is incorrect. How do I know this? First, every statement in these episodes was the word lechem. As I stated previously, this is the Hebrew word for regular leavened bread. It would be a sin of the highest order for the disciples, and especially Jesus, to eat lechem at Passover. You can take time and study Old Testament laws. It will clearly show any time God wanted unleavened bread, matzah, to be used, they clearly used the word matzah and not lechem. For as Jews, and especially a priest, to eat lechem at Passover would be a violation of God’s law. This would require the person to be cut off from Israel, and even worse, God’s presence.

All the Gospel writers used the word arton which is the Greek word for the Hebrew word lechem when referring to this last meal or supper.

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The great New Testament writer, Paul, uses the Greek word azumos when he writes to the Church in 1 Corinthians 5:8.

So; he says let us keep the feast: Not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened [azumos] bread of sincerity and truth. Further in Paul’s writings to the Corinthians when he teaches them about this last meal, not once, not twice, but seven times Paul uses the Greek word arton to distinguish this was leavened bread. Not once does he say it was unleavened bread, azumos. Their normal, regular, daily leavened bread.

Please notice 1 Corinthians 10:17, Paul uses the word arton every time. This cannot be the Hebrew “Passover.” No one would dare eat regular leavened (lechem) bread at this time. When Jesus spoke to His disciples about leaven, they did not understand that He spoke a Spiritual truth to them.

Before going into the actual truth of communion, I would briefly like to restate my second goal: Bread: leavened, unleavened, and The Bread of Life.

The early church at Corinth also did not understand the keeping of a ritual rooted in the Catholic church was a wrong interpretation of Paul’s teaching. Paul refreshed them in the proper interpretation of what Jesus taught. The literal (Hebrew) Passover ended when the final Lamb was offered. But what about the misunderstanding of communion? I hope you can see most Protestant denominations brought with them a lot of traditional teachings when they broke away from the one world church (Catholicism). I know it’s hard to admit, and harder to examine truthfully, what actual word was given to the Saints.

Yes, we have taken for granted long held practices as truth without ever looking at what the Word actually taught.

Leavened bread: literally means bread with a mass of fermenting dough reserved for producing fermentation in a new batch of dough.

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We English speaking peoples use different versions of bread when referring to our meals.

Cornbread (white and yellow), light or white bread, toast (usually light bread that has been browned in a toaster), wheat bread, etc. The Hebrew language uses the word lechem for regular leavened bread. Arton is the Greek word used in scripture for the same leavened bread. When unleavened bread is a desired command, the word used in Hebrew is matzah, and the Greek word used is azumos. These words are critical when understanding what was actually said at Jesus’ last mean with His disciples. How we interpret scripture does matter. I think it’s very important for you to understand what Jesus taught, what the disciples taught, and what Paul taught. Bread isn’t just bread.

Unleavened bread: literally means it contains no leaven or leavening agent. It has no fermenting dough.

The Bread of Life: 1 Corinthians 10:16, “The bread which we break is it not the communion of the body of Christ?”

Let’s look at communion. There are two interpretations to the word communion.

The first doctrine of the Catholic church states Holy Communion as the act of receiving the eucharist elements. This is not found in Biblical scripture anywhere.

It comes directly from the One World Church (Catholic) doctrine. The Biblical definition of communion = fellowship.

The act of sharing or holding in common.

There isn’t one verse in the Bible that teaches a literal eating or drinking as communion. That can only be found in its original language/teaching as a Catholic doctrine. Don’t be fooled by the practice brought by this false doctrine so many Protestants brought with them when they split from the Catholic church. 1 Corinthians 10:16: The cup of blessing which we bless is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? Our communion is in the fellowship or relationship with Christ and His body.

Our word communion is only mentioned four times in the Bible. It is found twice in 1 Corinthians 10:16 and once in 2 Corinthians 6:14 and 2 Corinthians 13:14.

Not once in scripture does communion refer to a literal eucharist or rite. By scripture teaching we are never taught

by Jesus, the disciples, or Apostle Paul to keep a literal rite of communion. You can only eat His bread and drink His blood by a relationship with Christ and His body. Please don’t think that I believe that everyone keeping a literal communion rite will be lost. I do believe there are many brothers and sisters in Christ who don’t accept this great truth.

Nevertheless, I know they do commune with the Lord and with His body. It is vital for all believers to discern the Lord’s body.

This is a great truth I wish all of God’s body would receive. I believe it is as revealing, and more so, than the baptism of the Holy Ghost, the Godhead, and water baptism. This message leads us to the depths of relationship with Christ and His body. Those who keep a literal communion rite are adding something to their salvation that scripture doesn’t teach. Most all Christians add things to their faith that are not taught or required by Christ. We need to be careful not to divide Christ’s body over things we may not fully know. Paul even taught in respect to “days” –one who keeps a “day” holy and some don’t esteem one day above another.

I’m attempting to share one message with you.

Christ and His body; “Let it be holy, love one another.” Jesus is the Bread of Life.

"Break Thou the Bread of Life" Mary A. Lathbury, 1877 Break Thou the bread of life, dear Lord, to me, As Thou didst break the loaves beside the sea; Beyond the sacred page I seek Thee, Lord; My spirit pants for Thee, O living Word!

Bless Thou the truth, dear Lord, to me, to me, As Thou didst bless the bread by Galilee; Then shall all bondage cease, all fetters fall; And I shall find my peace, my All in All!

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Reminder to affiliated churches: The annual church dues of $300.00 are due by December 31st.

To be compliant with our By-Laws, as well as certain Federal and State regulations, we are required to maintain an accurate roster of our affiliated churches and file an annual report with the IRS every February.

Should your church be under the umbrella of the A.B. of C.?

First, know that the Associated Brotherhood of Christians does not believe in, nor condone lordship, official hierarchy, or dictatorship over any affiliated ministry or church. Each church is a local unit within itself. Being affiliated with the A.B. of C. does give your church distinct advantages and security. Your church will be recognized as a 501c(3) organization and having a tax-free status. Contributions made to your church are deductible by donors. Also, several grants and donations from corporations are available but only payable to a registered non-profit.

Secondly, we are simply stronger together. As an affiliated church you will be a recipient of such blessings of legal protection as such the Association may bring to us. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Please make your check payable to: Associated Brotherhood of Christians or A.B. of C. All minister’s dues, Offerings and Church Dues should be mailed to the following address: PO Box 166 Greenbrier, TN 37073 In Jesus Name, Bro. Joseph Hale / 615-495-3569

ENCOUNTERING

HEAVEN BRO. TOLMAN’S FIRST-HAND ACCOUNT OF MEETING THE LORD AFTER DYING DURING SURGERY & WHY HE WAS SENT BACK.

PASTOR STEPHEN TOLMAN

In this past year, I have had six major operations.

While under anesthesia, I never remember anything, just a deep sleep. When I went under for my fifth operation, things changed. I was instantly taken in my spirit to a large grassy field. The day was sunny and warm, bright and without a cloud in the sky. On my right was a dense forest and on my left was a grassy slope going up. At the top of the hill, there was a wall of light which extended up into the heavens as far as the eye could see. The light appeared to be about seven times brighter than the sunlight of that beautiful cloudless day. I instantly began walking up the hill towards the light.

I could see what appeared to be millions of people, but at the same time, it was not crowded at all. You could sense great distance yet everything was right close at the same time. The light was inside and outside of me.

I had always thought that when I arrived in God's presence, I would feel that I was not worthy to be there because of many past sins in my life.

We all know that sin is what separates us for a holy God. That didn't happen. I felt absolutely no guilt and no shame. I truly was sinless before God. The blood of Jesus Christ had truly cleansed me from ALL sin.

As I arrived at the top of the hill, I stopped and looked back. The hill was not just a hill as I had thought, but a small mountain. The closer I walked toward the wall of light, the stronger and less tired I became. The light came down as a wall with a definite edge to it and did not bleed out into other Before programmed surgery, I always areas. I stood at the edge and decided to walk in. have a deep time in repentance, prayer and worship before God, Instantly, I was enveloped in the light, and I knew I praying in the Spirit continually. I was in the presence of God. The sunlight from the then realized that all sense of guilt outside didn't even penetrate the light, it was as if from past actions, did not come from the sunny day was just dusk. The beauty and the Jesus, but came from the enemy, presence of God was so overwhelming that it is Satan, who is the accuser of the indescribable. I immediately felt more complete saints. God threw my sin as far as the than I had ever felt in my life. I instantly knew that east is from the west and He truly while I was there, I did not lack anything. All of my decided to forget it and not sickness was not even a memory, as I was not only remember it. healed but made complete. It wasn't just physical completeness, but also emotional and spiritual The love that enveloped me made me completeness. I knew at that moment that this is totally forget about any offense, hurt, what we were created for. pain, evil, gossip, malicious lie, or any any wrong which had been done The light shone with great intensity, but did not against me. Love filled me up and burn or make you feel hot. There were no shadows lifted me up. I was healed from the as the light just existed and enveloped everything. inside out and I could feel the very Here on earth the sun is our light and is a single essence of God, as He is love. There source. This causes shadows on the side of an was no anger or bitterness or any object where the sun is not shining. In that divine type of feeling which could lessen light, there were no shadows because the light the love I felt. Love filled me up so enveloped me completely. much that there wasn't room for anything else.

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Such peace, joy, completeness, and worship filled my whole being in an indescribable way. I never wanted to leave the light. I have always said that this life is just preparation for eternal life, but here I realized that truth even more deeply. Time has no meaning when one is in the presence of God. I leapt, danced, and worshipped with great abandon, and the more I did, the stronger I became.

At that moment, the Word of God became alive to me. I began to understand things in a new light, knowledge became revelation and the beauty of God's Word became alive to me. It was as if I didn't have to learn anything, but the knowledge was there because Jesus was there. I began to see into the lives and thoughts of people I pray for constantly. I could see where their spiritual oppression came from and how God was wanting to free them. I could also see that their suffering was so insignificant compared to what God has prepared for them. I saw their freedom from the chains that seemed to bind them.

Suddenly the Lord spoke to me and said, "Stephen, I just wanted to give you a glimpse of what it is like to be with me. I am sending you back, because you still have a work to finish and your race is not done. You will have one more setback and then your recovery will come and quicker that man has said possible. You are passing your time of Job.”

I turned and started walking towards the edge of the light, not wanting to ever leave. I felt no desire for this earth, and was confident that God had my loved ones in His hands. All fear of death had left me and I knew that my life is hidden with Christ in God. I reached the edge of the light and stood half in and half out of the light. I didn't want to leave but I knew that I had to go back. I walked back into the sunshine, but it was like dusk to me.

The sunlight never can compare to God's divine light.

When I woke up in intensive care, I was speaking in tongues and worshipping God. It was such an intense time of spiritual input, that I am still remembering parts of it many months after the vision. I understand why the heavenly can't be described by things on this earth.

I still had another operation to go through and another one in the future. A month later as I was about to be discharged from the hospital, a bacteria entered my body and I almost died and spent another month in intensive care. The peace I felt in the vision never left me and I am even more determined to complete the work God has given me to do.

Heaven is real. This life is temporal.

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Romans 8:18 18

SAVED. PASTOR PHILIP TOLMAN

Salvation is the central point of our relationship with God as well as the message that we preach.

Over the years our definition of Salvation and how we think that it is applied has changed. Even though we are not the “judge” making the decision on who makes it and who doesn´t, we need to have a clear understanding on how salvation works. It would be an unforgivable error to, after dying, find out that I didn’t make it.

The first part of our process of being saved, is to find out what we are being saved from. The words of Peter in Acts 2:40 he said: And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” This salvation is not talking about eternal salvation but about escaping from things that are happening at present. In the Old Testament, Israel was saved many times from their enemies. God´s hand protecting us in our everyday walk is very important as we walk towards an eternal salvation.

“Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” I notice that they were saying that the uncircumcised could not be saved. Since they are taking of a future salvation, we can deduct that the early church did not teach of being saved at any one point of their walk with Christ. Salvation was being taught as a future event by both factions. In many churches now days, people are being taught that if they repeat a prayer or make a “confession of faith”, they are saved, and they will never lose their salvation. I cannot fit that doctrinal stance into my theological understanding but of one thing I am sure, I believe in eternal security in that once I am saved, I will always be saved.

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It's true that "you have been saved" (Eph. 2:5), "you are being saved" (1 Cor. 15:2) and "you will be saved" (Acts 16:31; Rom. 10:9) in the past, present and future tenses. The key condition here is to believe, which is the biblical meaning of faith. We must maintain our trust in Jesus for salvation and endure to the end.

However, we are not kept on track exclusively by our own efforts, but by the gospel power of God to salvation (Rom. 1:16; 10:10; 1 Peter 1:5).

We do have a part in "working out our own salvation," but it's to cooperate with God as He disciplines us to conform to His good pleasure through His Holy Spirit and transform us little by little into His image throughout our lifetimes.

Many rest their full hope in justification and reject the process of sanctification, thinking that salvation is a smorgasbord of blessings that we can choose or refuse. The Lord won’t say to us, “Well done for that decision you made awhile back,” but for the eventual, faithful service each one has given to Him, our King.

Jesus talked about two paths. In Mat 7:13,14 it is written Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Here we find a path, a roadway or a highway going to two different destinies.

One that leads to destruction and the other one to life, being blessed in this life and/or obtaining eternal life. If we look at Rom 10:9 it says: that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Salvation in this verse is a future event.

What I have to understand is how far into the future do I have to walk to be saved?

Does my salvation start the moment that I make my confession or is it a lot further up the path of life. As we return to Matthew 7, we find that there are two paths, and each path has a final destination point.

My life started walking the broad path but at some point, I made a decision to change my destination. I left the broad path and started to walk the straight and narrow path. My new destination is called Eternal Life, where I will live with Christ forever. When I was on the broad path I was lost, but in changing direction I am no longer lost. Now that I am walking in the opposite direction, my final destiny is Eternal Life. If I don’t reach my destination, I will be lost.

In Acts 16 Paul is talking to the Philippian jailer and in verse 31 we read: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”. Once again, the promise is in the future, but no timeframe is given. Believing put the Philippian jailer on the right path, but no mention is made of when he attained his desire to be saved.

My life started walking the broad path but at some point, I made a decision to change my destination A number of years ago I had the opportunity to save a young man that was drowning in the ocean. I made an exhausting effort to swim out to where the young man was losing his battle against the waves. Once I reached him, he was still not saved. From there we had a nerveracking swim back to shore that almost put both of us under. Once on the beach I had to administer mouth to mouth resuscitation to get him breathing again. Only then could I walk away knowing that he had been saved.

As we walk through the vomit and mire of this world, being carried in the arms of Jesus, we are still not saved. Peter says it in 2 Pe 2:20-22 or if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.” Many have turned back and lost the path that leads to Eternal Life.

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As I read through the New Testament, I find salvation is mostly mentioned in the future tense. With so many great men and women of God, none of them made the declaration that they were already saved.

We read passages such as: But he who endures to the end shall be saved.; That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.’; But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”; having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him; having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

There is an exception to this in Eph 2:5,8 where it mentions that “you have been saved”. If we read the context, we find that Paul is talking about the finished work of Christ where we are made to sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus. It is not where we are living at this moment.

Reading verse 8 it says: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Both faith and salvation are gifts from God and faith makes us believe in what does not exist, knowing that it will because God has promised it. Romans 8:24,25 makes this clear as it states: For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?

But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. What are we waiting for? We are waiting to reach the goal of being saved.

One day I will reach my final destination and obtain Eternal Life. I am saved the moment that my life here on earth ends and I have reached the end of my earthly walk living in Christ Jesus. That is when I am saved and not a moment before. At that time, I will know that no one can separate me from Him. That is what I call eternal security, once saved always saved.

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Continued from page 3

Lesson learned: No matter how your friends and acquaintances treat you, they have family that is held captive by the enemy of their soul! You need to consult the Lord for their deliverance. It matters not if there be few or many that go to battle with you, you follow the leading of the Lord and meet the enemy where ever he is camped with his victim and engage him in the Name of the Lord! Then you might deliver the family member from the clutches of the adversary and bring them back to the safety of the shelter of the Lord’s house from which they have been snatched! No matter what you are accused of, no matter if it’s your fault or not, it could be that the only hope the lost have in this world of being delivered from it’s clutches depends on you seeking God for their deliverance and then going into battle and fighting for their release and not stopping until all is recovered!

It may not be your fault, but there is nothing the Lord can’t fix, just try Him and find out! NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH God!!!! Isa 6:8 “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me”. He is waiting, are you willing to go to battle on your knees for those captive families that haven’t been so good to you?

Their salvation COULD be in the words of your mouth. Let them out! Let God fix your request.

A Heart That Serves & Loves Pastor Damara Tolman // Tepic, Nayarit

From a young age, growing up as the daughter of missionaries in Mexico, I learned that ministry is a complete surrender to the love of God and His people. I have seen up close the dedication, sacrifice, and faith required to bring hope to those who need it most. Along the way, I discovered that God has also called me to serve, to love, and to share His love with those who are going through difficulties—and, in doing so, to witness lives transformed by Him. Being a woman and a pastor is an experience full of blessings, but also of challenges. In many communities, the pastoral role has historically been male, and that can generate doubts or resistance. When a woman takes on this role, she often faces questions—not only within herself but also from others. The whispers of “Is this really for me?” and “Is this my place?” can be heavy to carry. However, God’s calling knows no limits or prejudice. It transcends tradition and expectation, and the Holy Spirit equips and empowers women just as much as men for this ministry. Every fruit I see is proof that His power works in me and through me.

“There is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:28 I love what I do in ministry, and at the same time, I enjoy being a “normal” woman—taking my children to school, doing household chores, cooking, and caring for my home. This reminds me that the pastoral calling does not take away my identity as a wife, mother, and woman; on the contrary, it enriches it.

Desde pequeña, creciendo como hija de misioneros en México, aprendí que el ministerio es una entrega total al amor de Dios y a su pueblo. He visto de cerca la dedicación, el sacrificio y la fe que se requieren para llevar esperanza a quienes más la necesitan.

En ese camino, descubrí que Dios me ha llamado también a servir, a amar y a compartir Su amor con quienes están pasando por dificultades y de este modo ver vidas transformadas por Él.

Ser mujer y pastora es una experiencia llena de bendiciones, pero también de retos. En muchas comunidades, el rol pastoral ha sido históricamente masculino, y eso puede generar dudas o resistencia.

Cuando una mujer asume este rol, a menudo enfrenta dudas -no solo internas, sino también de otros. Los susurros de ¿Será esto realmente para mi? ¿Será este mi lugar? y pueden llegar a ser muy pesados. Sin embargo, el llamado de Dios no conoce de límites ni prejuicios, trasciende la tradición , la expectativa y el Espíritu Santo nos capacita y equipa a las mujeres al igual que a los hombres para este ministerio, y cada fruto que veo es testimonio de que Su poder obra en mí y a través de mí .

“No hay hombre ni mujer, porque todos ustedes son uno en Cristo Jesús.” — Gálatas 3:28 22

One of the greatest blessings in this ministry is having the unconditional support of my husband.

Together we form a strong team, complementing each other in vision and strengths. What unites us is a shared purpose: to serve God and His church with all our hearts.

There are moments when our ministry takes us to villages where material needs are evident— families without a table, chairs to sit on, or enough plates or cups. In those moments, my heart burns even brighter. I feel an urgency to reach those people, to tell them that God is great and good, and that His love can transform their lives and circumstances.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9 Being a woman and pastor in Mexico often means facing barriers and prejudices born from the cultural machismo that still persists in many communities and churches. It’s not easy to carve out a place and be taken seriously, but every challenge is an opportunity to demonstrate the calling God has placed on my life.

Being a pastor allows me to create safe spaces for growth—for women, children, and the entire community—with programs and activities that address their specific needs. I can also work alongside families and the community to foster an environment of love and respect.

My pastoral calling is also a testimony that God can use women to lead with authority and love.

I am grateful for support networks for women in ministry, which have provided me with tools, training, and fellowship. They strengthen me to remain committed— especially to those who most need spiritual guidance: women, children, men, youth, the elderly, and the whole community.

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To all the women hearing God’s call to serve in ministry, I encourage you to step forward in faith. God has equipped you, and although the road may be difficult, His grace is enough.

Your ministry is a living testimony of God’s love breaking barriers and bringing hope.

“But the Lord said to me, ‘Do not say, “I am only a youth,” for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.’” — Jeremiah 1:7 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9 “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly.” — 1 Peter 5:2

“Pero el Señor me dijo: ‘No digas: Soy un joven, porque a todo lo que te envíe irás, y dirás todo lo que te mande.’” — Jeremías 1:7 “Sé fuerte y valiente; no temas ni te asustes, porque el Señor tu Dios estará contigo dondequiera que vayas.” — Josué 1:9 “Apacentad la iglesia del Señor que está entre vosotros, cuidando de ella, no por obligación, sino voluntariamente.” — 1 Pedro 5:2

The Mission.

The Commission.

BISHOP RICK HUMPHREYS // AMBASSADOR AT LARGE

Matt 28:19-20 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen”.

Acts 1:8 “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth”.

Acts 13:2-4 “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus”.

The commission to the church is, ‘go into all the world and make disciples’. The objective is, make known to all men the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is, repent, be baptized in Jesus name, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

This gospel. Not another gospel. We are to go to the world with this gospel. This kingdom of God, righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost is to be made known to all men.

We are called to be witnesses for Him. In our families, communities, counties, states, nations, and around the world! This kingdom of God is a world wide kingdom, not just a local gathering of people.

We need to be involved in His kingdom world wide, as well as at home. In the above scripture, there were people in the kingdom of God gathered together in a meeting. And the One who was in charge of the meeting spoke and said ‘separate two men to go to another place to preach this gospel’. These men went, not knowing what they would run into in the way of response or support.

They found positive and negative response to the gospel and often no support. That’s where we who are at home come into play.

We may not be sent physically, but we can go financially and prayerfully. Those going into the mission field need financial and prayerful support. They may be out of sight, but should never be out of mind!

Missionaries face dangers you and I at home never see. The spirit of Antichrist is more prevalent in this world than most people realize. Listen to one of the men that was sent out by the Lord to do a good work: 2 Cor 11:24-28 “Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches”.

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This man needed prayer daily, and financial support, for often he was hungry and even naked. Paul went through a lot to make sure new areas heard the gospel we received. The church back home was in prayer and support of him, but did not have the transportation facilities we have today. Paul may have not have had what he wanted at the time, but he had prayer support that got him through it all. Today we can wire money around the world in a minute and send a text message just as fast and say a prayer on the run just like they did in old days. Get involved in missions around the world!

We have missionaries in our Association that are doing their best to reach and help those that are struggling to stay alive. We can help put food in a belly and the gospel in the mind of the same person by sending as little as $10 a month to support a work. You say ‘I don’t have $10 to send’. How many times do you stop at the quick stop and get a coke and cake or candy bar? How many slushes at Sonic? How many ice cream cones or milkshakes a week? Oh, what about a Starbucks stop or a Seven Brew? Once, Twice, ten bucks quick! Missionary? Or fast food and Drink?? Which is eternal and which is temporal?

Which one is recorded in heaven and which one in earth? Which one puts someone else before self? Which one will help a starving child? Or is it ‘Out of sight out of mind’?

Quick stop is in sight, quick stop is in your mind. We can do more than we think if we get our focus in a heavenly direction and ask for help to be a better steward of what we receive from His store house. It is so important to get this gospel to the world, for the world is full of deceit and lies that is sending people to a lake of fire. The world needs the full gospel about Jesus and we have this treasure in these earthen vessels and we need to get it out to the whole world!

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Don’t be close minded to a small area! This Kingdom of God is as big as the world, grasp it, embrace it, get involved in it. This world is running out of time to be saved from the penalty of death because of their sin. Ten dollars a month from one hundred people puts a thousand dollars on the mission field.

Every soul brought into the kingdom of God through your support is one you have a part in and accounted to you in heavens record books. Every neighbor, family member, every coworker, every classmate won by just a local witness by you is another jewel in the crown of Jesus and another star in your crown. Be that witness at home and abroad.

We are ALL told to go into all the world.

“Here I am Lord send me”. Be it physically, prayerfully, or financially. Little is much when God is in it. Too mites by a widow in the treasury line was more in the eyes of Jesus than the hundreds put in the box by the rich, because she put in all she had. She trusted God. She gave to the cause what she had, it was little in the eyes of man but more than much in the eyes of God! Never be ashamed to give a small amount to a missionary, it can be just enough to get a whole village saved.

One man walked into a city of 600,000 with the Word of the Lord and the whole city was spared destruction. Your small amount can be just enough to save a village from perishing.

ABofC Missionaries

Men and women on the mission field sacrifice their lives for this gospel. We should be willing to sacrifice a meal, a few dollars, a few minutes of prayer, a few lines of words of encouragement in a text, a big hug when it can be given, and a most generous thank you for going in my place when you have the opportunity to express any and all of the above!

John Hira Bangladesh

These people in the foreign fields depend upon our prayers and financial support daily.

Get on our website, find a missionary, get in daily prayer for them and monthly support for them. Watch the missionary liven up and your relationship with God improve many fold because you are on board with his commission to “Go into all the world with THIS GOSPEL”.

Johny B. Davis India Jamey F. Davis India Jack Stephens Ghana, West Africa Mary Mitchell Mexico

Leonid Kisel Russia Vitaly Kisel Russia Jeff and Karen Lanning Sponsors Albert Miller Liberia, West Africa Philip Tolman Mexico Stephen Tolman Mexico

THE TRUTH BROTHER JOHN DEE THOMPSON

The truths Jesus teaches are such as we may venture our souls upon. Such is the Redeemer’s mercy. Why should a sinner seek rest from any other quarter? Come to Jesus to find rest for your soul. It is the duty of weary sinners to come to Jesus. He accepts the willing servant no matter how imperfect the services. Jesus invites all those who are oppressed under the weight of the observance of the law to find their rest in Him. He assures us that when we embrace His teaching and follow His example, we will find grace, strength, and a profound sense of purpose.

John 14:21 states, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me...”

John 8:31-32 says, “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Matthew 11:25-27 continues, “At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.”

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Only those who are childlike can encounter God. If you know all, He cannot teach you. If you see all, He cannot show you. If you hear all, He cannot tell you. Only God knows the truth.

In the world we live in we are exposed to two different types of truths: A truth and the Truth.

“A truth” will pull at your flesh. “The truth” is the Spirit pulling you towards good.

“A truth” is subject to change at any time.

“The Truth” never will.

Two things that will never change: 1.What you did yesterday.

2.God. What you did yesterday is history. There is nothing you can do about it and it will never change. But God assures us it is a lesson and not a life sentence.

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8).

The Bible is based on the only two things you can count on: history and the Lord.

John 14:26: But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Jesus promised He would never leave you.

You will always have Truth.

HE reassures us that we would not be left alone, but would instead experience His ongoing presence through the Holy Spirit and His eventual return. In the context of the time, “Orphans” in the ancient world were without support and protection, making Jesus’ promise deeply comforting.

His words are meant to alleviate fear and loneliness. Ultimately, Jesus’ promise extends beyond a physical presence to a spiritual one. When Jesus said, “I will come to you, He meant it. To have the Holy Spirit is to have Jesus himself.

As we study the Bible, we see we can trust Him to plant the truth in our minds, convince our wills, and remind us to return if we stray.

Sin, fear, uncertainty, doubt and numerous other forces are at war within us. The peace of God moves into our hearts and lives to restrain these hostile forces and offer comfort in place of conflict.

Jesus says He will give us peace if we are willing to accept it from Him. John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

John 17:17, “ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

In a world where bad times are always intertwined with humans, the Word of God is the only salvation. Without His words of guidance, bad times will only get worse. In order to be able to make a change, we must be brave enough to face the struggles we encounter and with the gospel of God, everything will be oday in due time. So, please don’t abandon good theology because yo don’t like the implication. We are either a people of the Word or a people of our own inclinations.

There is no in-between.

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Who Am I?

When God Calls the Unqualified PASTOR JEFFREY PRIMM

When God called Moses from the burning bush and told him to go to Pharaoh, Moses didn’t leap into action with confidence. He responded with hesitation, with fear, with doubt.

“Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” – Exodus 3:11 That question—“Who am I?”—has echoed in my heart more times than I care to admit. Maybe it has in yours too.

From the beginning, I’ve felt a pull—a deep, undeniable calling to serve God in ministry. I’ve always known, deep down, that God placed something in me that wasn’t meant to sit on the sidelines. But for a long time, I wrestled with the same fear Moses had. I looked in the mirror and saw flaws, not faith. I saw failures, not potential. I saw someone who had no business leading anyone.

Maybe you can relate. Maybe you’ve felt God stirring something in you—an assignment, a responsibility, a purpose—but instead of stepping forward, you shrink back. Not because you don’t believe in God, but because you don’t believe He could use you.

You’re not alone.

I used to read the stories in the Bible and think, “That’s great for them—but I’m not one of those people.” But when I began studying the lives of the men and women God used, I realized something: they were just like me.

29

Moses was unsure.

Gideon was afraid.

Jeremiah thought he was too young.

Sarah laughed in disbelief.

Jonah ran in the opposite direction.

Peter sank.

Thomas doubted.

Paul had a past.

Yet God still used them. Powerfully.

Why? Because God isn’t limited by our limitations. He’s not waiting for perfect resumes or flawless records. He’s looking for hearts that say, “Here I am, Lord. Use me.”

The enemy loves to whisper, “You’re not good enough.” And sadly, we often agree. But the truth is, none of us are “good enough” on our own. That’s why we lean on God’s strength and not our own. That’s why Paul could write: “Not that we are competent in ourselves… but our competence comes from God.” – 2 Corinthians 3:5 That verse gave me so much peace.

Because it reminded me that God doesn’t expect me to have all the answers. He just asks me to trust Him.

If I waited until I felt 100% ready, I would never have stepped forward. But God kept nudging me, even in my fear. He reminded me that leadership isn’t about being loud or perfect—it’s about being obedient. It’s about being willing to show up, even when you feel unqualified, and letting God work through you.

So I began to say yes. Not because I was confident in myself, but because I was beginning to be confident in Him. And you know what happened? I still made mistakes. I still had moments of insecurity.

But I also began to witness God doing things through me that I never imagined. He took my doubt and used it to deepen my dependence. He took my weaknesses and turned them into windows for His strength to shine through.

So if you’ve been hesitating—if you’ve felt God calling you to serve, to lead, to step into something deeper—I want to encourage you: don’t let fear win. Don’t let feelings of unworthiness silence your calling.

Continued from page 8

We have a mission to walk through this world and endure to the end.

We are to share the gospel, live a life that brings glory to God, and make our destination sure.

We can stand on the foundation of Christ Jesus. We can stand in his word. We can trust that he will be our defence. We will not be moved.

(Psalm 62:6). We can complete the mission with victory. We can walk victoriously as we have God on our side. Psalm 98:1 O sing unto the Lord a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. Our mission ends in certain victory with God on our side.

You may still be asking, “Who am I?” But the better question is, “Who is He?” And the answer is: He is faithful. He is able. He is patient. And He is more than enough.

If God can use Moses—with all his doubts —to lead a nation, He can use you and me to impact the world around us. One act of obedience at a time.

So step forward in faith. Lead with humility.

Serve with joy. Trust the One who calls you, because He’s the One who will equip you.

“The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:24 30

SISTER MARY LOU FORREST

A Plan was Made.

A plan was made. To save the world.

From all the sins. That had occurred.

A Savior was needed. The mission was set.

From birth to death. He would pay our debt.

The mission was short. Just thirty-three years.

Salvation was granted. Despite His Mother's tears.

Because of His love. We are free to choose.

Fiery hell or Come and dine?

All Christians are called to missions But some on foreign lands To spread the love of Jesus His coming is at hand To let those less fortunate Hear and be blessed.

Building of the kingdom And Glory to share When heaven's gates swing open And Jesus meets them there.

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The church is just the building.

No mission can be found.

Until the folks come worship and lay their burdens down.

Then show the love of Jesus through prayer and community.

They teach all those around them the story of the Lamb of Calvary A church must pray for sinners and for healing of the sick.

But souls for the kingdom are more its mission and return of Jesus seek.

BROTHER DOUGLAS FARMER

A Mid Air Refueling Hallelujah! Hallelujah! It’s so awesome to know we can do like the military planes do. We can get a mid-air refueling of the Holy Ghost spiritually any time we need it and stay topped off with God’s Spirit.

We don’t ever have to let the Spirit of

The Sun is Always Shining

God get low in us. We can keep it on full

Hallelujah! Hallelujah! It’s awesome to know

with God’s praise. We can keep it on full

the sun is always shining, even when we

and keep sharing it with everyone we

can’t see it. I have never ridden in the Space

meet. What’s so awesome about sharing

Shuttle, but those who have get to see the

God’s Spirit with others is that it never

sun rise and set over and over 24 hours per

runs out. The more we share it with

day. The sun is always shining, no matter

others, the more we receive to share

what else is happening or going on, 24 hours

with even more. Our Lord and Savior

per day. The sun was created by God’s

Jesus Christ is a miracle worker all the

spoken word, and it will always be shining

time if we want Him to be and expect

until He tells it to cease shining. While we

Him to be. He can keep us full and

are living on this earth, we can only see the

topped off if that’s our desire and

sun during the daytime and when it’s not

expectation. He can supply all our needs

cloudy or raining, but it’s still shining,g no

and the needs of everyone around us if

matter if we see it or not. When we’re

that’s our desire and expectation.

praying to God, we may not always know He

Hallelujah Hallelujah. Jesus, You are

hears us. But God always hears us and

good, good, good.

with God’s glory. We can keep it on full

knows all our thoughts today and even what our thoughts are going to be tomorrow. The same God who created the sun knows everything

about

everything.

It’s

so

awesome knowing His spirit can live inside us after we obey His word and get Born Again, like He said we have to do if we want to go to Heaven. And after we get Born Again, we get His Spirit the Holy Ghost and it is shining inside of us 24 hours per day.

32

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Mark 16:15