LINK Winter 2021

NMMINISTRY.NET

NMMN LEADERSHIP

Micheal Dickenson NETWORK PASTOR

Marcus McClain ASSISTANT NETWORK PASTOR

EXECUTIVE PRESBYTERS Kent Barnard Dereck Owen

Austin Poper NEXT GENERATION PASTOR

Ted Schmidt ROYAL RANGERS DIRECTOR

HONORARY PRESBYTER David Vistine

PRESBYTERS Brad Coates Jeral Dickenson Ruben Guajardo Jr David Iglesias Rudy Martinez Dereck Owen MEN’S DIRECTOR

Eric Montoya

NETWORK PASTOR: MICHEAL DICKENSON SEASONS As I left our house for my early prayer run a few days ago, I glanced up at the star lit sky as I often do, and immediately my focus was turned to a beautiful full moon that hung just over the western horizon.

Only a few days earlier, the moon was just a sliver and now it was a bright full moon.

As I continued on my prayer run, seeing the moon in this stage made me begin to think of the seasons. I was reminded of a drive across town a few days earlier with our granddaughter Eden who always has lots of questions and things to talk about. “Pops,” she asked, “what is your favorite season?” You can well imagine our conversation as we began to talk about things in every season of the year, seasons that we loved and others we didn’t particularly care for.

It really is interesting how God has created our world and our lives and how that everything happens in seasons. Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 3 that “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.” And as he proceeds to describe the seasons, some of his references make us smile and laugh, while others perhaps bring thoughts of sorrow or disappointment. But he is basically reminding us that God designed life within seasons and that there is purpose in it all.

We have all experienced seasons in our lives that have been painful, perhaps confusing, and certainly difficult, but as surely as we’ve known seasons of pain, disappointment, and failure, because of God’s grace and goodness, we’ve also had the joy of knowing seasons of fruitfulness and celebration.

One thing I know in every season of life is simply this…God is faithful and He is good, always! He is always with us and He never changes! As the writer of Hebrews declares, He is “Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

So, whatever season you happen to be in at this time, be encouraged to know that God is present in your season, and He will be faithful to you! Lean into His presence and His Word and be encouraged!

I love the hope from the Psalmist that “weeping may last through the night, but joy comes in the morning!”

As I was wrapping up my prayer run after reflecting on this, I couldn’t help but look towards the mountains in the east and see that God had scheduled another sunrise, and another day, right on time! And ultimately, I was reminded that while we live through some seasons that bring us pain and difficulty, there is always a new day about to break forth because our God is faithful!

Wow! Speaking of seasons, as I’m writing this today, the holiday seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas are here! I am so thankful for each of you who serve in our Network and for the incredible joy of serving alongside each of you. I pray that you’ll celebrate this season in light of who God is in our lives and, together, let’s use this season to let the reflection of Jesus in us be revealed and celebrated in all we do!

I know it’s still a few weeks away, but from Becky and I to you…MERRY CHRISTMAS! We love you all!

Pastor Mike & Becky

ASSISTANT NETWORK PASTOR: MARCUS MCCLAIN

“T’was the Night Before Jesus Came” T’was the night before Jesus came and all through the house, Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.

Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care, In hopes Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed, Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.

And Mom in her rocker with baby one her lap, Was watching the late show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter, I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear, But angels proclaiming that Jesus is here!

With a light like the sun sending for a bright ray, I knew in a moment this must be The Day! The light of His face made me cover my head, It was Jesus returning just like He had said.

And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth, I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand,

Was written the name of every saved man.

He spoke not a word as He searched for my name, When He said, “it’s not here,” my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love, He gathered to take to His father above.

With those who were ready He rose without a sound, While all the rest were standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late, I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.

I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight, Oh, if only we had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear, The coming of Jesus is drawing near.

There’s only one life and when comes the last call, We’ll find the Bible was true after all.

—Author Unknown

Please Note Our New Contact Information: Marcus and Sharon McClain 6000 Montano Plaza Dr. Apt. 13H Albuquerque, NM 87120 Phone: 505-470-5313 Email: mmcclain@nmministry.net

PASTORAL INSTALLATIONS

Ben & Melody Cabrera

Living Hope Church

Grants

Lee & Robin Hicks

Albuquerque Revival Church

Albuquerque

CONGRATULATIONS!

75th Anniversary

First Assembly of God

Clayton

Pastor Randall Floyd

Grand Opening

Mountain View Church

Alamogordo

Pastor Anthony & Sasha Torres

Pastor Mike Dickenson

Pastor Rick DuBose

CALLED CAMP 2021

The Next Generation continues!

CREDENTIAL RENEWALS All ministers are required to renew their credentials by the December 31, 2021 deadline. Please renew online at AG.org for a simplified process. If you are not able to renew online, you may complete and mail your hard copy to the Network Office prior to deadline. Fees must be paid in full before your renewal will be processed.

General Council Fees: Ordained $300, Licensed $240, Certified $120

NM Ministry Fees/Tithes: Ministers are required to pay 10% of their tithe (salary & housing) to the NMMN minus the above General Council fees. If you do not receive a ministerial income, you must also meet the minimum requirements to NMMN: Ordained $300, Licensed $240, and Certified $120.

This is in addition to the General Council fees listed above.

Renewals received after December 31 will be charged a late fee of $50. Any renewal received after January 15 is lapsed and requires the minister to apply for reinstatement. Please contact Devonna (505) 899-5399 or email dcummins@nmministry.net, if you need further assistance.

NEW MEXICO MINISTRY NETWORK 6640 Caminito Coors NW Albuquerque NM 87120 Tel: (505) 899-5399 Fax: (505) 899-5859 www.nmministry.net

LINK is a publication of the New Mexico Ministry Network.