Destiny Ablaze Issue 3 June/July 2022

DESTINY MAGAZINE

"FOR SOME DESTINY OUTWEIGHS THE SECURITY OF THE FAMILIAR."

-D.L. Mauder, President DIBC

ABLAZE

A Ministry of Destiny International Bible College

Issue 3

June/July2022

HOW CAN WE HELP?

THE QUEST FOR REVIVAL

BY HIS SPIRIT

A letter from the President's desk

What does revival look like for us?

Immersed in the Spirit of God

Issue 3 June/ July 2022 David l. Mauder publisher Ashley Ennis Editor in Chief

Destiny International Advisory Board

David L. Mauder John Hattabaugh Tony Krause Ashley Ennis Rick Mauder Keithetta Mauder Wallace VanSlyke Endorsed by various organizations and ministries.

Contributors Bishop Samuel Smith, Pastor Dee Jay Shoulders, Nannette Elkins, Wallace VanSlyke, Robin Vandeventer, Pastor John Hattabough, Brianna Wyrick

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We welcome your articles along with your pictures to submit for publication in this magazine. The publisher reserves the right not to publish articles at his discretion. Please realize that your submission to this magazine means you are agreeing to submit your article to be printed without compensation, but for the glory of god. you will be given recognition for your writing. any pictures submitted must be those of your own and must not be copyrighted. we look forward to your testimonies and hearing what god has given you. we wish to learn more about what god is doing in your lives and in your churches. we reserve the right to edit for content and length. your article may also be kept on file for future issues.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Destiny Ablaze Magazine, PO Box 308, Bloomington, IN 47402. All rights reserved. Published bi-monthly. this magazine is not responsible for any mishaps of any kind that may occur from use of any published information.

DIBC

“Our prayer is that the anointing will be upon each issue and that the Lord will reach through this magazine and touch people’s lives.”

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Published by Destiny International Bible College All Rights Reserved.

CONTENTS 04 FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK

05RUNNING THE QUEST A REVIVED CHURCH + FITNESSFOR + FOOD

06 BY HIS SPIRIT

08 THIS IS THE FAST

10 WHO DOES A PASTOR TALK TO?

11 TWO QUARTERS & TWO MASON ROOTBEERS

12 BAPTIZED ON THE 4TH OF JULY

13 A LESSON ON CHURCH GROWTH

14 HIS BODY BROKEN

16 BLOOMING

17 PRAYER REQUESTS & TESTIMONIALS

18 THE REMNANT

editor's note To be refreshed means to be revived and given new strength. This issue is dedicated to the refreshing that is coming into the lives of the saints of God who live in eager anticipation of the arrival of Jesus. There is a change of seasons upon us, something far greater than spring to summer, it is a change from drought to downpour, a season where God is going to open the heavens and drench His people in hope. Daniel 2:21 tells us, "...he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding."

Before the feast of the Passover, Jesus demonstrated His love for the disciples by washing their feet. True, this was an example for them to follow, but it was also a moment of gentleness between Creator and creation.

In this, Jesus showed His desire to bless His friends.

The Message version tells it this way: "Jesus knew that the Father had put him in complete charge of everything, that he came from God and was on his way back to God. So he got up from the supper table, set aside his robe, and put on an apron. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with his apron.

When he got to Simon Peter, Peter said, 'Master, you wash my feet?' Jesus answered, 'You don’t understand now what I’m doing, but it will be clear enough to you later.' Peter persisted, 'You’re not going to wash my feet— ever!'Jesus said, 'If I don’t wash you, you can’t be part of what I’m doing.' 'Master!' said Peter.

Jesus

demonstrated

the truth of reciprocal relationship kingdom

in of

Sometimes

the God.

receiving

a blessing is an act of humility.

The

Jews

"judged

themselves

unworthy," and pushed away the plate of the Gospel

set

before

them (Acts 13:46).

They missed out on the best thing and did not see their blessing when it was right before their eyes. Jesus told Peter if he wanted to be a part of the unfolding of His plan, then he too must have His feet washed. For some reason, we feel more "right" when we are the ones doing the work. I believe we are coming into a season where God is saying, "Watch me work." To this, we say, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head."

The promises of God are yes and amen. I want to be a part of what He is doing. I want to see His glory released and His blessings fall like rain. God knows how to give good gifts to His children, and His church is waiting in eager anticipation for the refreshing that is coming.

I pray you are blessed by what you read and encouraged for the times to come.

In everything, always, more Jesus,

Ashley Ennis Instagram: @ashleyennis_

'Not only my feet, then. Wash my hands! Wash my head!'"(John 13:3-9).

A note about the last issue: You may have experienced late arrival receiving the April/May magazine due to delays with United States Postal Service.

David Mauder President of Destiny International Bible College

We have had numerous people ask about the college, who we are and the various ministries under the college umbrella.

But first, I would like to both welcome and introduce Pastor Wallace VanSlyke. He has joined the staff of DIBC as both an Advisory Board member and a staff member. I have great respect for this man of God. He has served in the ministry for 62 years and as pastor for 46 of those years. Pastor VanSlyke has became DIBC’s Ministerial Support Director.

This position will provide confidential ministry counsel, support and mentorship. We know there is a need and we encourage you to take advantage of this DIBC ministry.

There is no cost and all ministers regardless of organization are welcome to contact him.

I would also like to welcome Pastor John Hattabaugh to the DIBC staff as our International Ministry Director.

He has served as a Youth pastor, District Youth President in New England, and as a Missionary to Argentina and in the Amazon.

Ministering and establishing churches throughout 36 countries.

He smuggled 100’s of Bibles into China and has pastored in several states.

Robin Vandeventer has taken the position of staff writer for Destiny Ablaze and will be covering the holiday events. Robin grew up as a PK and has served in various ministries, including 29 years of music ministry and 25 years of nursing home outreach. She has served in home missions and various other ministries within the church. Robin has a bachelor’s degree in theology.

The questions about the college, who we are and our ministry?

A seed was sown in me over 40 years ago. The Lord spoke to me about ministering and teaching to the world. As a young man it was and I am finding as an older man it is still overwhelming. While in Bible College we were asked to read a portion of the Bible and take a test, but I always knew God wanted that and so much more.

FROM THE PRESIDENT'S DESK

HOW CAN WE HELP?

His heart burns with love and passion for the souls of all nations. Pastor Hattabaugh will continue to oversee our foreign zoom teaching and will assist with international curriculum.

Several years later I attended a different Bible College and although there were classroom teachings and written test, I found that they provided us the opportunity to experience hands on ministry and challenges. It is our desire that DIBC will equip individuals to discover, activate and fulfill their purpose and destiny.

Our international website is being designed to handle over 100,000 logins per month. Our goal is to provide 5-6 distinct types of curriculums which can be used in person or online to accommodate various cultures and nations. We also plan to host live seminars and conferences.

In upcoming issues Destiny Ablaze will be featuring DIBC’s individual ministries as to what they are and who they serve. You will also find on the back of the magazine a list of these ministries. Some of these are in the making, others have been in operation for years.

God is doing great things and we want to be right in the middle of it all!

My question to you would be…

What has God called you to do and how can we help?

David Mauder 4

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BY HIS SPIRIT Pastor Dee Jay Shoulders abofc, chairman A few weeks ago I was awakened in the night and I immediately heard these words…"not by might, nor by power, but by MY Spirit says the Lord." I knew this was from God and I knew what it meant for me. A few days later I was taking my brother to work and he told me to check the mailbox.

When I opened it there was a paperweight of some sort in the mailbox. Yes, it sounds strange but there it was. For some reason, I picked it up and looked at it and I immediately was in awe when the paperweight had these words written on it…"not by might, nor by power, but

by MY Spirit says the Lord." I was like, "Whoa, God is telling me something." Friends, it’s time to rely more than ever on the power of the Spirit. Man ideas are great and systems are great and technology is great but nothing is going to really help us unless the Spirit moves for us and in us and through us. At Creation we see a dark and void situation come to life when the Spirit moved.

In Ezekiel dry bones stood up as an exceedingly great army when the Spirit moved. Samson defeated many enemies only when "the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him." In Acts 2 the birth of the early church as we know took place when 6

dry bones

stood up as an exceedingly great army when the Spirit moved

"...Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."

Zechariah 4:6

the rushing mighty wind of His presence blew through that upper room and the rest is history. We "must" have the Spirit moving in these last and evil days. John told the onlookers that he indeed did baptize them with water unto repentance. but then he said, "he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire." We for sure preach baptism and how we are fully immersed in water and rightfully so but I feel we also need to stress the importance of being baptized in the Holy Ghost.

Bible Verses on

REFRESHING

We do not believe in "sprinkling" in baptism and neither should we believe in being "sprinkled" in the Spirit.

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; -Acts 3:19-21

The Bible says concerning the Holy Ghost that they were all "filled" with Spirit. It says that they were "full of the Holy Ghost." Jesus told them "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." One translation says, "I will send the fulfillment of the Father’s promise to you, so stay here in the city until you are clothed with the mighty power of heaven.” So if Jesus wanted it then we should want it. He told Nicodemus you "must be" born again of water and of the Spirit. It takes both. In John 7, on the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink... He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)" David said, "He anoints our head with oil and my cup runs over."

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

-1 John 1-9

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

-Psalm 23:3

I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

-Philemon 1:19-21

It’s time that we allow the power and might of the Spirit to fully engulf us. A little dab won’t do us in these trying times. Our lives, our ministries, and our churches must be ‘filled’ with the Spirit. God is willing and able. It’s time we allow Him to ‘baptize’ us in the Holy Ghost.

7

THIS IS THE FAST

and also as a regular part of their walk with God. Fasting doesn’t change God; it changes US! We can hear His voice, sense Him drawing us and giving us direction and, as I pray so often, “Lord, take the UGLY out of me!” Fasting does that because you are submitted, you are denying yourself pleasures so that you may hear the voice of God.

NANNETTE ELKINS

In Isaiah we see the Lord explaining the need and the why’s of fasting:

We are living in a day of trouble for sure, but for the child of God it is a day of hope, excitement and anticipation as we await the coming of the Lord. This type of waiting does not mean just sitting around; we are to be up and about our Father’s business. He told us what His business was!

“Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?’ ‘In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, And exploit all your laborers. Indeed you fast for strife and debate, And to strike with the fist of wickedness. You will not fast as you do this day, To make your voice heard on high. Is it a fast that I have chosen, A day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, And to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast, And an acceptable day to the Lord? Is this not the fast that I have chosen: To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free, And that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; When you see the naked, that you cover him, And not hide yourself from your own flesh?” Isaiah 58:3-12 NKJV

“For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.” Matthew 18:11 NKJV Jesus has entrusted us to fulfill the mission here on this earth. None of us are capable on our own but with God ALL things are possible. Prayer is not optional; we all agree with that statement I am sure. If we don’t pray then we do not have a relationship with our God. But what about fasting? Does it really make a difference? Is it necessary for the Christian?

The Jews had the proper form for their fasting, but they were messing up everything else that went with it. They were finding pleasure in their fasting time instead of using it to draw closer to God. They were “driving hard all of their workers”, meaning that even though on fast days there was no work done, on the day before and the day after they worked them even that much harder to make up for it.

Fasting is mentioned numerous times in the Bible with many, many examples of patriarchs who fasted in times of difficulty

Fasting is important, necessary, and powerful.

8

He says that when we do those things something will happen:

They were quarreling and fighting, and their fasting was making them irritable with one another. They were “hiding from their own flesh”; they were not helping their own. They were being selfish during fasting time. This is another “Woe is me” attitude about fasting: avoiding helping others because you are suffering.

“Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am.

If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity and thy darkness be as the noon day: And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” Isaiah 58:812 KJV

Verse nine says they were oppressing one another by placing yokes, or unnecessary burdens, upon their brothers and sisters.

They were also pointing fingers at each other, spreading rumors and lies about their fellow Christians.

Again, they had the method right, but their hearts were in bad, bad shape. They were upset that the Lord had not noticed that they were in sackcloth and ashes. They had fasted, but He had not noticed. So the Lord speaks and tells them they have it all wrong. He says, “Is not this the fast that I have chosen?” And here is where I have always looked at it differently: “To loose the bonds of wickedness, To undo the heavy burdens, To let the oppressed go free...”

Look at all of those precious promises! Your health will spring forth, righteousness will go before you and the glory of the Lord will be your reward. If you call on the Lord, He will answer, He will always be your guide. Another version says that you will be “known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes.”

“And that you break every yoke?”

That I break every yoke? I thought He was going to do that? He can and He will, but here He says WE are to break every yoke!

Your prayer and fasting will positively affect generations! All of this when you choose the right fast: God’s fast! Fasting is important, necessary, and powerful. It changes us, strengthens us and we are then in the place where God can USE us. He takes the ugly out and replaces it with the Fruit of the Spirit. When your heart is in the right place. When you are doing it unto the Lord and not to be seen.

When you are breaking yokes and setting people free by forgiving, restoring, clothing and feeding...then…God will also restore you.

What else does He say?

Share our bread with the hungry Bring the poor to our house Cover the naked that have no clothing Not ignore those that need our help Stop pointing our fingers at others Stop spreading vicious rumors

Nannette Elkins is a wife to one, a mother to six, and Nana to almost a half dozen. She is the author of "The Daniel Fast Devotonal" and blogs at hopeandhealing.com. Nanette and her husband, Douglas, reside in Middle Tennessee.

That is the fast that God has chosen.

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WHO DOES A PASTOR TALK TO? Pastor Wallace VanSlyke "But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)" Ephesians 4:7-12

Speaking of the power of Christ to give unto His church, we find a very much overlooked statement…

He descended first...

Then he could ascend far above...

Then he could give ministries

So in our quest to be used by God, we must go through the breaking humbling process.

Then we find the account of the Apostle Paul: Before God could use the exalted Saul (Paul) he had to knock him down on the road to Damascus. So do not feel that because you are going through it that it means God is mad at you...it just might mean He sees something in you others do not see and is therefore molding you for greatness.

Sometimes, as do the ones we pastor, we just need someone to talk to, someone to remind us, and encourage us.

But often in this reworking process, the enemy finds a place to bring confusion, and discouragement. Often we don’t understand the process.

But the big question, where does a spiritual leader go for help?

Whom do you go to that will: 1. Care enough to really listen 2. Help without being too critical 3. Sometimes to tell us we are wrong but while still loving 4. Keep your confidence 5. Pray for and with you for a real spiritual answer that will restore you...Remember King David failed but I find no place where he quit.

Every great ministry must have as its foundation humility. An understanding that any and all greatness comes through the working of the power of God, "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:11-16).

And so one of the goals of this ministry is restoration...we are living at the end of the end time and we need “all hands on deck."

Of the five fold ministry four are specific to one job, but Pastors wear many hats, they can’t just spend the day getting ready for revival service tonight, or just work on a Bible study...

We do not want those who are struggling to fall…

We do not want those who fall to quit…

Thus, a pastor often finds themselves being pulled in many direction and often finds it hard to have time for themselves. Often they do not renew their physical or spiritual being as they should.

Someone said the secret to survival is you get up one more time than you fall.

Any type of ministry to really be successful must be unselfish, it cannot be about you…but with that being absolutely true even Jesus took His disciples aside to rest.

A weak warrior, either physically or spiritually, is more susceptible to either injury or death.

Wherever you are, our world needs revival. We need a ministry to rise above every hurt, every wrong, every discouragement, every failure, put it under the blood of Calvary, and let’s change our world for God.

Just a bit of advice…Remember you have your ministry…not the ministry. Do your part and leave to others their ministry.

Pastor VanSlyke is the Ministerial Support Director of DIBC. He can be contacted by email at vanslykewallace@icloud.com by ministers for confidential support, counseling, prayer and mentorship. This is at no cost. We encourage you to use this ministry.

10

father's day Two Quarters and Two Mason Root Beers ROBIN VANDEVENTER

Father’s Day brings so many memories to my mind! Dad taught us about Christ simply by his daily life. One memory stands out as my first introduction to loving the Word of God and it is definitely one of my favorites. It was around the age of 6 that dad started letting me tag along with him when he went to Monday night Bible studies at “16th Street Church” in Bloomington, Indiana when K.C. Tiller was the pastor it is now known as “City Church”.

The Bible studies were in the book of Revelation and taught by Bro. Ernie Wright who used a large chart that hung from a high wire. We always set on the front seat and in my child’s mind it was huge when he stretched it out across the platform! In later years my dad also taught with the same chart and one year for Father’s Day our church had a custom pointer made for him. The first scripture I remember falling in love with during that time is Revelation 1:8, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” I quote this scripture everyday during my prayer time with God. You may be asking yourself what do two quarters and two Mason root beers have to do with the book of Revelation?

During our lifetime we have many memories that trigger certain events or happenings in our life and for me this is an example of that. Every Monday night on the way home dad would always say “Robin, I have two quarters in my pocket how about stopping at a pop machine for some Mason root beer”? Of course, I would excitingly reply "Sure, Daddy!" We would pull up to a filling station and dad would jump out to get our root beer when I got a little older he would let me get it. Then on the way home we would drink our nice cold Mason root beer and talk about the Bible study.

continue our lifetime discussion.

When I get to enjoy a root beer I am flooded with memories of the scriptures and how dad taught me that they are the “breath of God” 2 Tim. 3:16 “All scripture is Godbreathed and is valuable for teaching the truth, convicting of sin, correcting faults and training in right living” CJB. Breathing is soft and a sure sign of life. Reading the Bible causes me to feel close to my Heavenly Father I image His breath blowing on me! Fathers, I encourage you to sow the word of God deep into your children. Read to them, pray with them these things will teach them to love the God that you love and serve.

During the discussion dad would break it down to my level. You can image a child of my age attempting to understand the book of Revelations! He taught me so many things concerning it one of which was how it had been written by the Apostle John on the Island of Patmos after he had been exiled there

by Emperor Nero for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a child, I was fascinated by the discussion of the 7 Trumpets, the seals, the vials, the sounding of the Trumpet, the Wedding Supper of the Lamb, the Two Beast in chapter 13, the Tribulation, the 144,000 in chapter 14 and so much more!

Thank you, dad for teaching me to love my Savior!

To this day I am still in awe of the book and find it overwhelming. I do not fully comprehend it and wish that my dad was still with us so we could 11

Independence day Let’s look back at a great day in our history Sept. 5, 1774 the first day the first Continental Congress gathered and look at the important role of prayer.

John Adams reported in his letter to his wife: “We were so divided in religious sentiments—some Episcopalians, some Quakers, some Anabaptists, some Presbyterians and some Congregationalists— that we could not join in the same act of worship.”

The next morning, having agreed to start the Congress with prayer, they invited an Episcopalian priest to pray before they would begin Congressional deliberations, and he did, by reading Psalm 35. John Adams reports: “I never saw a greater effect produced upon an audience…George Washington was kneeling there, alongside him Patrick Henry, James Madison and John Hancock By their side there stood, bowed in reverence, the Puritan patriots of New England...They prayed fervently for America, for Congress...And who can realize the emotions with which they turned imploringly to heaven for divine help It was enough to melt a heart of stone. I saw the tears gush into the eyes of the old, grave, pacifist Quakers of Philadelphia.” We know that this was the beginning of a great day in our country’s history and we 1 celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776.

Baptized on the 4th of July

Happy Birthday, America! My Baptism & Fireflies ROBIN VANDEVENTER

I love holidays! I think I would be hard pressed to choose a favorite, I have memories of all of them that I hold close to my heart. However, the night of July 4th 1967 is possibly the one that receives the number one spot. You see that is the night that I had the honor of being baptized in Jesus Name by my father, Robert D. Utterback!!! After receiving the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues on July 10, 1966 at children’s church camp I was very anxious to be baptized!

However, my dad said that he felt like I should take some time to make sure I was fully aware of the importance of the step of baptism. Following a year (a long year to me)

During this Fourth of July let’s celebrate the privilege of living in America, land of the free where we can openly live our faith. We have His word that is true and can ultimately trust in Him to be our guide. Make a choice to apply God’s word and prayer just as they did on Sept. 5, 1774 in your family and to your world. Space does not permit me to list all of the many things for us to pray about but to try to sum it up let us pray for unity and true love to all of those around us!

of prayer and Bible studies with my dad concerning the steps of walking with Christ it was finally decided that I was ready. Dad arranged for me to be baptized on the next midweek evening service which was the 4th of July.

We had a visiting minister, Bro. Joe Martin and his family.

They always came to our house after church to fellowship and eat. I contented that it would be a celebration of not just America but my baptism! We had a grand time eating, setting off fireworks and us kids playing in the yard catching fireflies.

1Msgr. Anselm Nwaorgu, Prayer and the Declaration of Independence, Archdiocese of Newark, https://www.rcan.org/prayer-and-declaration-independence, last modified April 29, 2022

Robin Vandeventer has a B.A. in Theology. She has served in the capacity of choir leader, Sunday School instructor, sang in quartet, Ladies Auxiliary work, church calendar, directory & bulletin, vacation Bible school and out-reach. Served as Gideon Bible Local representative along with her husband 1979-1984.

The interweaving of faith, truth and trust with respect to America and what it represents comes easy for me.

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A LESSON ON CHURCH GROWTH

After a few services, one of the "saints" went to the lady and told her she could not come in pants and her daughter needed a longer dress and the neckline was too revealing. I like to fish but never clean the fish before I catch them. Shouldn't we let them fall in love with Jesus first?

PASTOR JOHN HATTABAUGH

I visited a rather large church and the worship was very good. The minister got up to speak and laid his Bible to one side while he preached from a computer. Perhaps he needed that but at least open the Bible.

So many ask the question "why isn't our church growing"?

Across America there are so many church that average 35 to 75 and never seem to break the 100 barrier.

As I travel Ministering and for work I have made many observations. For example, I was working in a town of about 20,000 and decided to look up the local Apostolic church. I found the street and discovered the church was only 1/2 block off the highway (what a wonderful opportunity for a church sign). I drove up in front about 15 minutes early and looked around. The paint on the signboard was peeling off along with the information. The grass had not been cut in a month. Some repairs had been done to the soffit but it was not painted...

Over the years we have seen many different Pentecostal "groups" or organizations spring up.

Strange that often a minister that preaches and lives the truth from the Bible but may not be received with respect in another assembly. They are not recognized, not asked to set on platform or testify. Perhaps we could use a lesson in ministerial ethics.

I visited a growing church that doubled every two years. I wanted to know how they did it. I was welcomed in the parking lot by a friendly attendant.

When I reached the door it was opened for me with a friendly welcome. Several people made an effort to shake my hand and welcome me. the welcome center gave me more information and a visitors card. by the time I reached a seat I counted 13 different people who shook my hand and gave me a warm welcome. the restroom was extremely nice and well supplied. The person next to me shook my hand and handed me his number. He then asked for mine (by the way I got a call from him on Tuesday) The pastor welcomed all the guests. Worship was very lively and sincere. Their prayer was very moving and an invitation was extended for special needs prayer. The minister preached a very clear and concise message. I was surprised at the close of the service that the Pastor sought me out with a personal greeting. The visitors were invited to have coffee and some sweets. When I left, I realized why they were experiencing such growth.

The front door was jammed and I asked a member how to get in and was directed to a side door. The group slowly gathered and several glanced my way but no one spoke. the minister taught the Sunday school class and then asked if I would like to greet the church. I asked them what they thought they might do to help the church grow?

On another occasion I spoke to the waitress and asked if she would like to go to church. She seemed interested and inquired as to the name. When I told her it was the Pentecostal church, she immediately turned away and said "They don't like me. I went one-time wearing pants and they said I could not come dressed like that...an opportunity lost."

I invited a family of 5 to a local church. they owned their own business and had bought a house close to the church.

They seemed to enjoy the service and promised to come back. The treasurer said they had put a tithe check of $300...which by the way the church really needed.

TRIED & TRUE CHURCH GROWTH

Church should be easy to find and accessible

Be friendly from the first moment- Make kindness your mission 13

Add a personal touch- Make excellence a priority

"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

-Hebrews 4:14-16

His Body Broken AN EXCERPT

By Ashley Ennis Taken from "Right Well: A 31 Day Guide to Emotional Health Through the Word of God" As Jesus sat around the table with His disciples during the Last Supper, He gave them an image to hold onto, bread to eat and wine to drink. When times were hard, He did not want them to forget that He allowed Himself to be broken so they could be whole: "And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." Matthew 26:26-28 The walk to Calvary would be as hard as the cross. The process of being broken down from a healthy man in His prime to someone who could not be recognized did not come easy. How hard it must have been for those who loved Him to see Him that way and to know it was for them. This was more than Jesus washing their feet, it was the whole of the universe crashing down on their hearts. Even now, the knowledge of that experience draws us into the waters of repentance and gratitude.

Every mistake, every sin, every mishap, Jesus is standing there saying, “This is my body, broken for you.” How easy it is for us to forget the cost of our grace. To think we are the ones who justify our redemption, when in reality it was the broken body of Jesus that bore the weight of our sin. He allowed the worst of humanity to affront Him so we might be free.

Free in our minds. Free in our hearts. Free in our salvation. Free to know the greatest love there is “that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

In the process of being broken, Jesus endured to the end. He didn’t stop too early, although He could have.

He could have called down all the angels in heaven to war against our sinful nature, but he didn’t. He knew where He was headed and the strength it took to get there was pure determination to do the will of God for those He loved. He walked in the Spirit, ignoring His own flesh and feelings.

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1. Injustice

3. Indifference

After Pilate had decided Jesus was innocent, he washed his hands of the whole matter. The Word tells us that Pilate, knowing Jesus was innocent, scourged Him. Pilate knowingly inflicted great pain on someone he determined was innocent. This is the definition of injustice. Jesus bore injustice so He would know the plight of the downtrodden:

The soldiers that brought Jesus from Pilate’s Hall to the cross, hung Him and watched His suffering. They were so far removed from humanity that they paid no attention to a dying man but were consumed with worldly matters. Jesus was in the greatest pain imaginable and yet they would not move for the One who moved for them. Jesus, fully God and fully man, came to them so they might know Truth and there they sat, watching their own redemption and feeling nothing. Jesus knew the sting of rejection so we could be accepted:

"When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it. Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children. Then released he Barabbas unto them: and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified." Matthew 27:24-26 2. Indignity Jesus’ death was not a simple death. Those who persecuted Him wanted Him to feel the sting of humiliation. They wanted to drag it out and make a scene.

Satan always wants to make things more intense and more damaging than they should be. He is unnecessarily cruel, prolonging pain and suffering to the fullest extent he can. Jesus allowed the humiliation so He would know what it felt like to be ashamed: "Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head.

And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him." Matthew 27:27-31 15

"And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. And sitting down they watched him there; And set up over his head his accusation written, This Is Jesus The King Of The Jews." Matthew 27:32-37 After His trauma was finished, Jesus “gave up the ghost” (Mark 15:37). We learn a man named Joseph went and begged Jesus’ body from Pilate. This is us, friends. You and I go everyday and beg the body of Jesus, the blood spilled for us on the cross. We carry our own cross and at the end of our experiences in this world we find Jesus standing there, resurrected, saying “This is my body, broken for you.”

His walk to the cross created a path to healing.

His death on the cross made a way for heaven.

Blooming BRIANNA WYRICK

My word for this year is bloom and if I could have a permanent word it would be this one.

Moving has been extremely hard, not being with my family has been extremely hard, leaving everything and starting over has been extremely hard, and it’s still hard and I still have meltdowns and sadness from not getting to be with them and I still have days that it weighs heavy on me, but knowing that I’m in God's will and seeing how much I’ve grown and changed and just having God's peace since the moment I’ve been here has shown me that when you except the place you're in and you give one hundred percent you will grow so much.

A friend told me when I chose my word for this year that whenever a plant, tree, etc, is transplanted to a different location, it goes through sort of a season of “shock”. It even looks like it’s going to die or is dead. But don’t give up because after a little time and nurturing it grows into a beautiful plant again. I’m already blooming and growing so much and I’m so thankful for it. I saw a quote this morning that said, “The things that bury you may also be the soil where you bloom” and it just reminded me that when things get tough and you feel like it’s all just piling up or you feel like you are stuck just remember that it could be the soil where you are blooming.

Those who leave everything in God's hands will eventually see God's hand in everything! I don’t want to ever stop growing and becoming a better person.

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Prayer Changes Things!

PRAYER REQUESTS & TESTIMONIALS I have a business here in Indiana but I feel like the business is being attacked by the enemy. I would appreciate your prayers.

-Anonymous Our friends who lost their daughter a few weeks ago to suicide are having a very difficult time. Thank you for your Prayers -Lisa, KY I have a friend who has been diagnosed with Parkinsons. Please say a prayer for her.

-A.R.

Robert D. Utterback copyright pending

Please send us your church anouncements, ministry news, prayer requests, and testimonials.

Email to: DestinyAblaze@outlook.com August/Sept. Submission Deadline: July 1, 2022

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UYC YOUTH CONFERENCE

"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

Matthew 18:20

A 2019 Lifeway Research study reports, “Almost half (47 percent) of those who dropped out and attended college say moving to college played a role in their no longer attending church for at least a year.”

Youth Ministry faces the daunting task of preparing young people to have an enduring relationship with Jesus Christ. The few years a youth leader has with teenagers are some of the most crucial for their walk with God. Studies such as this reveal that one out of two youth group members were seemingly illequipped to handle managing their Christian life without supervision and defending their faith.

While active youth departments that have deliberate discipleship of teens remain the most effective way to prepare Christian young people to become Christian young adults, there are unique benefits that youth conferences provide.

By attending a youth conference, teens disconnect from friends, video games, social media, and environments that can hinder a teen’s spiritual growth. Because of this, a young person often becomes more engaged in the services and enjoys some of the most impactful experiences in the presence of God. Another benefit unique to youth conferences is the social element of making lasting friendships with people of similar values and faith. These friendships demonstrate to the youth that they are a part of something bigger and not alone.

Then mixing in fun games and activities creates lasting memories associated with their spiritual and social rewards.

The Apostolic World Christian Fellowship (AWCF) hosts an annual youth conference. Our goal is to bring youth groups together from across the country to connect young people, transform lives, and unite with one mind--one strength--and no division. The 2022 United Youth Conference (UYC) will be held in Winston-Salem, NC, at Spirit and Truth Worship Center, July 20-22.

Our theme this year is “The Remnant.” We dismiss the enemy's lies, saying that our young people are a lost cause and aren't interested in church anymore. Instead, we proclaim that there is a remnant of young people that love the Lord and will be the next generation of preachers, teachers, evangelists, missionaries, and prayer warriors. This three-day event will have powerful worship and dynamic preaching. We will have games and activities to keep the teens excited and engaged.

Grace and peace,

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Jordan M. Gardner Lead Pastor of SRCC Youth President of AWCF

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