Link Summer 2012

Celebrating

Summer

SUMMER 2012

Network Superintendent Micheal Dickenson mdickenson@nmministry.net

Assistant Superintendent David Vistine

Help us New Mexico by informing us of ministry successes in your church and community.

Send your submission to: gchristopher@nmministry.net

dvistine@nmministry.net

Secretary-Treasurer Marcus McClain

mmcclain@nmministry.net Church Van for Sale: ‘97 Ford Club Wagon, 191k miles, 12 passenger (rear seat permanently removed). $2,500. Contact Nathan Lynch at (505) 862-2319.

New Mexico Ministry Network 6640 Caminito Coors NW Albuquerque, NM 87120 505 899-5399 (phone) 505 899-5859 (fax) info@nmministry.net www.nmministry.net

MINISTRY DIRECTORS:

EXECUTIVE PRESBYTERS:

Men’s Ministries Kent Barnard

Royal Ranger’s Bart Garrison

Women’s Ministries Becky Dickenson

Girl’s Ministries Mary Helen Gonzalez

East Central Lemuel Perry

Native American William Lee

Student Ministries Jeral Dickenson

Senior Adult Ministries Greg Burchfield

Southeast Melvin Suttle

West Central Brenton Franks

kbarnard@nmministry.net

bgarrison@nmministry.net

Northwest Randy Joslin

pastor@theoasis.us

Southwest David Crispin

pastordave@oneworship.org

AREA PRESBYTERS:

bdickenson@nmministry.net

jdickenson@nmministry.net

mhgonzalez@nmministry.net

gburchfield@nmministry.net

arbidee@plateautel.net

kdmdsuttle@yahoo.com

wdvlee@frontier.com

Northeast David McCarty fwc@zianet.com

pastorbrenton@evangelchristiancenter.org

point going forward, we are the New Mexico Ministry Network.

You will begin to see references to this change in this issue of Link with such things as email addresses, our new website, and ministry designations. However, the makeover will continue throughout the coming months as we seek to communicate this new identity. I sincerely pray that we will continually live up to what this identity expresses. Everything we do—both in the local church and at the state level—is about ministry. And, as we fulfill

throughout the remainder of the year. I really hope that we make that connection and realize that everything we do is ultimately connected to the local church.

As you read through this issue, you’ll see references to missions trips to South Africa and Haiti; Summer Camps here

Thanks to all of our New in New Mexico; Senior Adults, Mexico ministers and churches Men’s, and Women’s Conferfor making the 73rd Annual New ences; NMSOM; and Bike for the Mexico District Council an outLight. Enjoy those important arstanding success! From the first ticles and announcements. But session with Doug Clay, to the fiwhatever you do, don’t miss the nal communion and prayer serincredible story of Juan Sousa, a vice, every part of the event man from Las Cruces First Aswas amazing. Additionally, sembly whose military deployyou can access the audio ment to Afghanistan connected recordings of each of the serhim to God’s purpose in re-esvices on our new website at tablishing a church there. Again, nmministry.net. every one of these stories is

We want to congratultimately connected to buildulate those who were recoging and advancing the minisnized at this Council for their tries of the local church, both ministeral credentialing adhere and around the world. vancements, especially those ministry assignments God has As we network together, who were Ordained on Wednes- given to each of us, we do it net- and as we seek to fulfill our Godday night. Congratulations are worked together as individuals given assignment where He has also in order for Jeral Dickenson and ministry teams. Each of us called us, the church here in New who was re-elected to serve as who serve in the Network Of- Mexico will continue to make a New Mexico Student Ministries fice recognize that we are here to difference.

Director. serve you and your church wher- Thank you for serving

As those attending are ever you happen to fit into the and for living God’s dream for aware, this truly was a defining overall Network picture.

His Church. As I preached at District Council as significant While this issue of Link District Council, it really is “The decisions were made that will talks a lot about District Coun- Church: His Cause, Our Misaffect us for years to come. A cil, our focus continues to be on sion!” decision was overwhelmingly “The Church.” It was our theme made at this Council to approve for this year’s Council; and it a name change; so from this will continue to be our focus

“

Thank you for serving and for living God’s dream for His Church.

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SUMMER 2012

NETWORK SUPERINTENDENT MICHEAL DICKENSON

SUMMER 2012 SECRETARY-TREASURER MARCUS McCLAIN from time to time; and switching the mindset that we are no longer a part of separate “Sections” but rather “Areas” will bring pause to some. While the verbiage might be different, those that God has called are still the same wonderful, gifted, and passionate individuals desiring to make a difference for the King As Sharon and I walked dom of God in our local commu- Pastor Brenton Franks with his wife Ruth quietly out of Copper Pointe nities, the state of New Mexico, and his children, Tyler and Ashley Church following the Ordination our most blessed nation, and service on Wednesday evening the world. Let’s move on, God is in just a few short weeks. of District Council 2012, one

In news from around the calling! of our Assemblies of God Network, I would like to say, family members came up “Welcome” to Pastor Brenton alongside of us and initFranks and his wife Ruth as they iated a conversation. After a join the NMMN Presbytery for few brief words I ask them what the West Central Area. Additionthey thought about Council so ally, I would like to congratulate far. Their response that evening Jeral Dickenson and his wife I have heard repeated by others Patty as he continues to serve repeatedly and it really sums up our Network as the Student my personal reaction to all of Ministry Director. Through District Council. That response God’s direction a wonderful As you read this article, you need is simply “WOW!” ministry team is assembled to to be aware that we have broth From Pastor Mike’s openers and sisters in our Fellowship serve our network of churches ing message regarding “The around the world that will also and pastors.

Church: His Cause, Our Mission” In closing, I want to again take the time to discover what is and the powerful ministry of our taking place in the New Mexico refer to Pastor Mike’s message General Secretary Doug Clay, to Ministry Network family. They to all of us. I am reminded that the defining business session, need to hear as well as you that God’s Word tells us that “many wonderful Ordination class, and we are blessed to have Godly are called but few are chosen.” that spiritually powerful closing leadership with Pastor Mike and Rejoice, everyone, for He has time together, again all I can say Becky Dickenson. They have chosen us; and Our Mission is to is: “WOW!” certainly taken their place in the serve The Church: His Cause!

Moving forward will cerlegacy of leaders that we have tainly pose some challenges as been blessed with. We celebrate we make the needed transitions. with them as they enjoy their Expect to stumble over the name 40th wedding anniversary “New Mexico Ministry Network”

“

Rejoice, everyone, for He Has chosen us; and Our Mission is to serve the Church: His Cause!

”

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SUMMER 2012

Rev. Carlos Baki and his wife Doreen

Rev. Grant Christopher and his wife Melanie Rev. Randell Corley and his wife Jeannie

Congratulations!

To all of our newly-ordained Ministers Rev. Kelly Fulfer and his wife Liz

Rev. Babu John and his wife Lizy

Rev. Lillian Sprong and her husband Wayne 04

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SUMMER 2012

Congratulations!

To our newly-Licensed Ministers

Rev. Rob Thomas and his wife Marlie

Rev. Chris Ball and his wife Tiffani

Congratulations!

To our newly-Certified Ministers

Rev. Ronald Hassett

Rev. Diane Hesch

Rev. Amy Long

Congratulations!

Pastor Jeral Dickenson, was re-elected as New Mexico Student Ministries Director

Pastor Jeral, his wife Patty, and sons Koa and Judah 06

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SUMMER 2012

SOUTH AFRICA MISSIONS TRIP! OCTOBER 18-28, 2012

Support an individual below, donate to the project or do both.

Claudine Boyd, Crownpoint, NM

Suellen Broderick, El Paso, TX

Becky Dickenson, Albuquerque, NM

Vickie Garrison & Duane Garrison, Albuquerque, NM

Tina Haroldson, Albuquerque, NM Joyce Johnson, Stanley, NM

Yvonne Burnett, Edgewood, NM

Carol Johnson & Gil Johnson, Albuquerque, NM

Loretta Krein, Albuquerque, NM

Cheri Monk, Lone Tree, CO

Selina Martin, Kirtland, NM

Therese O'Dell, Albuquerque, NM

Vivian Phillips & Nathan Phillips, Albuquerque, NM

Laura Sprague, Albuquerque, NM

To support an individual or the project: Go to nmministry.net Step 1: choose the large GIVE icon in the lower middle Step 2: fill out the New User form to register Step 3: choose Payment type (checking will assure that 100% of your contribution is donated. Credit card convenience fee reduces total donation by 4%.)

Step 4: choose Frequency, then choose Women's Ministries for Purposes, enter dollar amount, in the Memo area type the name of the person you wish to support or type “project” to help with overall Africa funding.

Step 5: review and confirm contribution information then you will be redirected to a secure payment processing site.

It's really very easy and a contribution receipt will be mailed in the near future! Donations are tax deductible!

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with GAIL MCWILLIAMS

WOMEN’S CONFERENCE 2012 September 20-22 Las Cruces First Assembly of God

For more information or to register go to nmministry.net

NEW PASTOR

50th ANNIVERSARY

The New Mexico Ministry Network is proud to announce Reverend Louie Esquibel as pastor of First Assembly of God in Estancia, New Mexico.

The New Mexico Ministry Network Congratulates Western Heights Church and Pastor Randy Sims on the 50th anniversary of their church.

Superintendent Micheal Dickenson installs Pastor Louie Esquibel.

Superintendent Micheal Dickenson presents a 50th anniversary certificate to Pastor Randy Sims.

CREDENTIAL CHANGES TRANSFERRED IN: DeWayne Anderson (O), Las Cruces Jo Caldwell (O), Clovis Ken Caldwell (O), Clovis Robert Nemeth (C), Santa Fe Timothy Plata (C), Las Cruces

TRANSFERRED OUT: Joshua Hunsicker (L), to SC Kevin Richardson (O), to OK Kendall Trewern (O), to N. TX DISMISSED: Jude Tercero

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LAPSED: David Blair (C) Michael McFerraz (C) Kenneth Skinner (L) Paul Vistine (L) Linda Fischer (O) Joel Steen (O)

SUMMER 2012

New Mexico News

Â

Registration Fee: $10 per person

SUMMER 2012

More than One Hour on Sunday: The Story of Sergeant Juan Sousa INTERVIEWED BY GRANT CHRISTOPHER

In this “Year of the Church” we focus on celebrating what God is doing through our fellowship and the faithful people who make up His “Church.”

Perhaps one of the most exciting developments is the reestablishment of a church 7,697 miles away in Ghazni, Afghanistan.

Ghazni is located 100 miles to the southwest of the hotly-contested capital city of Kabul. This testimony comes to us because one man, U.S. Air Force Tech Sergeant Juan Sousa, decided to obey and devote himself to God.

Kabul Ghazni

LINK: Tell me about your life before you knew God. SOUSA: Being from Puerto Rico, I grew up Catholic; I was an on and off Christian. But my wife brought me to church and prayed for me for 12 years.

LINK: What have you learned about God through a church like Las Cruces First?

SOUSA: You have to dedicate your life to God. You have to serve Him. We learned that people love you at Las Cruces First, no matter who you are.

They make you feel welcome in church. God has shown me that church is more than just one hour on Sunday.

LINK: How did you feel when you learned you were going to be deployed to Afghanistan?

SOUSA: I didn’t really want to go; but I knew that God had a bigger purpose for me. At hearing the news of being deployed to Afghanistan, I told the Lord, “Use me as you will.”

there [in Ghazni], and only four to five people were there. Two members were running it each week, but they were relocating soon; and nobody wanted to take over. The people didn’t take it upon themselves to take over.

They needed volunteers and in the second service that morning (the very last one before the leaders left), I volunteered to lead it.

Juan Sousa with Pastor James Gildon receiving recognition at Las Cruces First Assembly of God

LINK: You took over the church on the first day you were there?

Do you have training for that?

Map of Afghanistan SOUSA: I had no theological LINK: Tell me what happened in education whatsoever; [but]

Sousa was a nominal Afghanistan.

God provided the whole way. I Christian until God awakened SOUSA: Forward Operating would often call Pastor James him through the faithful prayers Base (FOB) Ghazni is a NATO Gildon from Las Cruces First for of his wife, Marivi, and the pow- base led by the Polish armed guidance. He would say, “Don’t erful love of the people of Las forces. The chaplain for the base worry Juan, God will guide you.”

Cruces First Assembly of God. was a Polish priest who didn’t It all started because I saw how The following interview is a tes- speak any English. With such a Pastor Dave [Vistine] did his tament to what God has done small FOB, people did not show Bible study. I said to myself, If through him, and consequently, interest in church so they didn’t they can do it [at my church], I through the ministry of churches provide [a chaplain]. I went to sure can too. like yours. the small church the first week

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LINK: What happened when you took over as leader of the church in Ghazni?

SOUSA: I implemented things I had seen at Las Cruces First, like the main greeting and bulletins.

I knew nothing about music but then the Lord sent a choir director a month after I started. In six months we grew to become a church of 62 members. The base leadership noted the Christian community and Colonel Purple (the U.S. Forces commander at FOB Ghazni) put in a request for a full-time chaplain and chaplain’s assistant to take over when I left. Once my tour had concluded, I asked one of my buddies, “What now [for the church] since I’m leaving?” He responded, “God will provide, like the choir and instruments.”

And it was then we found out that the request for a chaplain had been approved.

LINK: What kind of things

Juan Sousa on a mission in Afghanistan

did you see God do through you in Afghanistan?

SOUSA: We had 3 Bible studies: Wednesday, Monday Women’s Bible study, and a Friday Scripture reading and meditation. They were only supposed to last an hour, but we found ourselves meeting for 2 or 3 hours by the time it was over. We had a prayer breakJuan Sousa with his wife Marivi and his daughter Carla fast and New Year’s service. I even had the chance to minthere. God is with you; God does ister to two friends of mine who not leave you; God is always prohad been through an explosion tecting and looking out for you. and survived. They were nonbelievers and as I spoke to them LINK: Do you have any final after surgery they said, “God is thoughts you would like to comhere with us and we’re here and municate to anyone reading? we are alive.” Now those two go SOUSA: Get out there and do more for God. Don’t just do the to church in the States. one hour a week. Don’t just give LINK: Where do you find inspi10%, but 100%. Give God the ration from God as a soldier? glory. Don’t just give the bare SOUSA: Psalm 91 is the soldier’s minimum to God. Psalm. It says in verse 2, “I will Sousa is now serving at a say of the LORD, ‘He is my ref- uge and my fortress, my God, U.S. military base in Stuttgart, in whom I trust.’” It contains Germany with his wife Marivi my favorite verses in the Bible. and daughter Carla. God has There were a couple of missions truly built His Church through in firefight and we all read that Sousa’s dedication. In this Year and prayed that before we went of the Church, Sousa has learned on it. I know I would run and the importance of living for God that a bullet would not touch more than one hour on Sunday; me. God does not let me down. God’s Church is so much more.

[Psalm 91] puts your faith out

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SUMMER 2012

More than One Hour on Sunday: The Story of Sergeant Juan Sousa

New Mexico Dean’s List

Sean Armstrong Sean Armstrong Michael Borror Michael Borror Benjamin Chavez Benjamin Chavez Robien Christie Robien Christie Becca Denney Becca Denney Cynthia Garofalo Cynthia Garofalo Melissa Hoguin Melisa Holguin Elyse Inman Elyse Inman

Britta Johnson Britta Johnson Katrina Ortiz Katrina Ortiz Benjamin Roybal Benjamin Roybal Crystal Rudolfo Crystal Rudolfo

President’s List AdrianneLovato Lovato Adrianne NubiaLozano Lozano Nubia

SAGU receives $9.3 million in gifts in four months

“To Every Nation” documentary released on SAGUtv SAGU Digital Media Arts students joined student-led missionary teams to create a groundbreaking, feature-length documentary of their 2011 journey. “To Every Nation” premiered January 25, 2012, on www.sagu.tv.

SAGU Director of World Ministries Chad Germany shares, “This will be a powerful, factual demonstration of the Gospel in word and deed. It can challenge and recruit students and even win people to Christ as it is shown in the United States.”

In 2010, the SAGU Missions department introduced Mission TEN (To Every Nation), a humanitarian initiative to send students to serve in 192 nations, 34 Chinese provinces and 35 Indian states over the next 10 years. In two years, SAGU’s Mission TEN has ministered to 37 of the 261 locations it plans to reach.

“To Every Nation” gave Digital Media Arts students hands-on training by telling the stories of missionaries worldwide. Nine embedded journalists divided into 2-person teams to cover 18 Mission TEN summer trips. Each team carried a backpack containing a laptop, a high definition camera that shoots video and still photos, a tripod, two external hard drives, a wireless audio kit, and a light and reflector kit.

The journalism teams filmed and reported 2-3 personal interviews or ministries while in each country. The documentary was student-produced with faculty oversight. Students took particular care to protect missionaries’ identities.

In the last ten years SAGU enrollment has increased 16 percent. Meanwhile, the combined enrollment of Communication Arts, Language Arts and Music has doubled.

The growth of these programs created a need for additional space and learning tools. Thus began the process that would result in the university’s plan for its own World Communication Center.

A monumental endeavor, President Bridges and his administrative team knew the project would be a challenge, totaling an estimated $21 million. The initial plan was to build the WCC in two phases. Segmenting the project would allow SAGU to construct the facility as resources became available. An unexpected $5 million gift to the WCC last September from a generous family, combined with $8 million authorized by the Board of Regents for financing, compelled the administration to consider the feasibility of constructing the entire facility at once.

God has miraculously provided for SAGU throughout its 85year history and the last six months is evidence of His continued provision. Since September, the university has received an additional $1.8 million from the same generous family who gave the $5 million, as well as a $2.5 million gift from Dr. John and Diana Hagee. The gift was timely in view of SAGU’s most recent news concerning a challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation.

The Mabee Foundation was instrumental in the construction of Sheaffer Full Life Center and Teeter Hall. This March, the university submitted a grant proposal for the WCC. On April 10, their Board convened and authorized a $1 million challenge grant on the condition that the remaining $1 million balance is raised by April 2013. The aforementioned gifts have placed SAGU within striking distance of funding this 79,000-squarefoot facility, which will be the second largest building on campus.