December 2016

OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 1

OKLAHOMA

OUTLOOK DECEMBER

Spanish School of Ministry (Tulsa)

Missions Faith Promises Due Christmas Break (Office Closed) RR Junior Missions Camp Ministerial Credentials Renewal Deadline

Publisher H. Franklin Cargill

December 12 December 15 December 24-26 December 28-31 December 31

Designer Jayson Evans Copyeditor Renae Elmore

JANUARY 2017

World Missions Summit (Houston, TX) January 4-6 SYNERGY One Day January 5 School of Ministry (OKC) January 7 Spanish School of Ministry (Tulsa) January 14 LIFE Rallies January 20 Century Leadership Roundtable January 26 ACMR Deadline January 31 Speed The Light Tour: Section 2 (Stigler First) Section 3 (Broken Bow First) Section 6 (Shawnee Praise) Section 12 (Elk City First) Section 7 (Lone Grove) Section 8 (Enid Central) Section 10 (Lawton First) Section 5 (Tulsa Carbondale) Section 1 (Jay First) Section 4 (Muskogee New Hope) Section 11 (Woodward First) Section 9 (Edmond Spring Creek)

FEBRUARY 2017

School of Ministry (OKC) Spanish School of Ministry (Tulsa) SYNERGY Youth Leadership Conference JBQ District Celebration Sectional Council Tour: Section 6 | PM (Stroud First) Section 9S | AM (OKC Inner City) Section 4 | PM (Muskogee Lifepoint) Section 9N | AM (Okarche Light Your World) Section 5W |AM (Cleveland First) Section 3 | AM (Broken Bow First) Section 2 | PM (Stigler First) Section 1 | AM (Wagoner First) Section 8 | PM (Enid First) Section 11 | AM (Woodward First) Section 12 | PM (Altus Freedom) Section 7 | AM (Ada First) Section 10 | PM (Lawton First) Section 5E | AM (BA Aspen Creek)

January 10 January 11 January 12 January 14 January 16 January 17 January 18 January 21 January 23 January 24 January 25 January 28

GENERAL PRESBYTERS

SECTIONAL PRESBYTERS

H. Franklin Cargill Superintendent

Raymond Frizzelle Section 1

Craig Dacus Assistant Superintendent

Keith Williams Section 2

Darryl Wootton Corporate Secretary

Terry Bradley Section 3

EXECUTIVE PRESBYTERS

Bob Yandell Section 4

Bruce McCarty Ron McCaslin MINISTRY DIRECTORS

February 4 February 11 February 24-25 February 24-25 February 6 February 7 February 13 February 14 February 15 February 16 February 16 February 17 February 20 February 21 February 21 February 23 February 27 February 28

Chad Brodrick Church Ministries Doug Everaard Youth Ministries Dean Guthrie Children’s Ministries Darren Pilcher Executive Pastor Missions Susie Purkey Women’s Ministries

Ordained Female Presbyter Deborah Burke

Jamie Austin Section 5E Mike Buie Section 5W Jeromye Jackson Section 6 Jimmy Keith Section 7 Kelly Coffey Section 8 David Brooks Section 9N L Duane Elmore Section 9S Don Barnes Section 10 Ric Freeman Section 11 Arlis Moon Section 12

2 | OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK

SUPERINTENDENT

THE M OST WON D E RFU L T IME OF

THE YEAR

In November I opened this article with the following words:

“Every season offers an abundance of sounds, scenes, and scents unique to its passage.” Upon reflection, I think that sentence would be appropriate to place at the top of every month of the year!

My memory recalls so many significant details that surround the Christmas Season. Childhood days were filled with excitement as the intriguing package lay unopened for weeks. My mind would attempt to “guess” and oh the urge to pick it up and shake it, but that was strictly forbidden. Some “grown-ups” would insist that Christmas is not about gifts and giving; however, it all began with the greatest gift of all as God gave His Son that we might have everlasting life.

One might question my reference to scent; however, that God-given receptor carries a significant mental link to days and even years that have been unconsciously stored away in one’s memory. Our generation has created scents associated with this season. There is the aroma of apple cider and hot wassail. Cedar branches, pine needles, and wreaths adorned with holly have their place in the holiday season. And don’t forget the kitchen, where pies, cakes, cinnamon rolls, turkeys, and honey-baked hams let us know that Christmas is near.

But the scent of the night comes from a lowly stable – the birthplace of our Redeemer!

CHRISTMAS – it’s the most wonderful time of the year!

JESUS is the REASON for the SEASON!

The sounds of the market place filled the air in the normally sleepy town of Bethlehem. It was rare that such an influx of people would be filling the streets; looking for a place to spend the night; and seeking for a place to buy fresh bread. There was noise in abundance as travelers brought their animals and their families. One could hear the braying of donkeys as unattended poultry pecked continually in search of a grain of corn. Innkeepers had more business than they could manage as their response of – Sorry, No Room! – became the norm.

From the Cargill’s home to yours - “MERRY CHRISTMAS!”

But the sound of the night was the cry of a newborn baby.

Who among us has not pictured the scene? We attempt to duplicate it with what is commonly known as a Nativity Scene. Most embellish the picture to include a camel or two, donkeys, and naturally several sheep. Shepherd stories are repeated as the scene on a hillside describes the host of heaven that broke forth in declaration. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord!”

Frank and Linda Cargill

FRANK CARGILL DISTR ICT SUPE R INTE NDE NT F R ANK . CAR G IL L @O K AG . O R G

BARBARA MILLER ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

But the scene of the night was a star – a star in the east.

DONA BUNN RECEPTIONIST

JAYSON EVANS MEDIA DIRECTOR

RENAE ELMORE RECORDS ADMINISTRATOR

DEANA SMITH CREDENTIALS SPECIALIST

JOSH LOWDER GRAPHIC DESIGNER OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 3

MISSIONS

LIVING OU T T H E IRON Y OF

TH E A DV E NT I saw him the other day – the lonely-looking man sitting on

the curb in the McDonald’s parking lot. He bumped into me, this disheveled traveler, at the crowded neighborhood Starbucks, trying to make his way to the restroom. She seemed so checked out while she scanned my items at the register and took my money. Every one of these instances created a curiosity for them that couldn’t be shook so casually. And, I’m still wondering what I could have done for each of them had I taken time to break from my busyness.

As Christ-followers, we are given the privilege of seeing this season differently – for the sake of those who will never have the opportunity of experiencing the joy, peace, and anticipation that we feel about this time of year. What I mean by differently is getting a vision of the utmost obscurity of that first Christmas. Mark Buchanan said, “It wasn’t the Advent we were expecting; it was the Advent we needed. God came into our littleness, our lostness, and our wondering.”

It’s not as difficult to see it differently when observed from the biblical perspective. Let’s face it, our flickering lights, delicious foods, and joyful singing come from our treasured American traditions.

And, I so enjoy every bit of it – but hopefully, not at the expense of missing the original portrait. The irony of the Advent is that our gregarious celebrating is ever so dramatically contrasted by what actually happened on that unfortunately crowded night. Before we experience this “most wonderful time of the year” for what we have made it, let’s pause long enough and be impacted by what it actually was over two thousand years ago. And, let’s together, as spiritual leaders, live out that irony as we come in contact with the lonely and less fortunate, the confused and frustrated – because the Advent is for everyone!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Pilchers Darren, Michelle, Ethan, and Emma

“It wasn’t the Advent we were expecting; it was the Advent we needed.”

The Gospel of Matthew retells the prophecy that Bethlehem, the “least among the ruling cities of Judah” would be the birthplace of the Messiah (Matthew 2:6). And, Luke records the interesting descriptions of Christ’s coming as a baby wrapped “snugly in strips of cloth and laid in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them” (Luke 2:7).

DARREN PILCHER M IS S IO N S DIRE C TO R EX EC UT IV E PASTO R DA R R E N . P ILC H ER @ O K AG. O R G @ DA R R E N P ILC H E R

4 | OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK

ROBIN JOHNSON ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

FINANCE

EN D OF YE AR

CHECKLIST December is always an interesting time of the year for churches.

In the middle of the Holiday activity of Thanksgiving and Christmas and facing the excitement and possibility of a New Year, it can be very easy to overlook some very important administrative items. Because churches operate as non-profit organizations and are generally free from the burden of filing income tax and informational returns, it can be easy to forget some of the few important things we are required to do.

Below is a list of important dates and items you should work through every year during the transition between December and January. Look it over and make sure you are not letting any of these items slip through the cracks at your church.

DECEMBER 31, 2016 • Housing Allowances need to be officially designated for the coming year • All 2015 contributions must be recorded in the proper year • Credential renewal deadline JANUARY 31, 2017 • Contribution acknowledgements must be provided to donors for 2015 contributions • Quarter 4 – 941 Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return Forms must be filed to the IRS • W-2 forms must be provided to all employees • 1099-Miscellaneous forms must be provided to all independent contractors (see www.irs.gov/form1099misc for more detailed information) • All Church Ministries Report (ACMR) must be completed and sent to the District Office

As you make the transition into a new year, you will not doubt do so with a more sharpened focus and clarity of vision. As you keep an eye on providing excellence in ministry execution, do not neglect to keep that same eye on providing excellence in ministry administration. If there is ever anything we can do to help, do not hesitate to reach out. **Special Note on Contribution Statements** To ensure the deductibility of a donor’s contributions to your church make sure to include the following language on all contribution statements.

“Other than intangible religious benefits, no goods or services were exchanged for these donations.”

On the personal side…

I consider it an honor to serve the ministers and churches of the Oklahoma District. 2016 has been a tremendous year and my heart is filled with gratitude as I look back at the goodness of God. I would like to take some time to express a deep and heartfelt “Merry Christmas” to you and to your family. My hope is that you are able to enjoy some great times and some great laughs with your family and friends this Christmas season.

Looking forward to a great 2017!

The Conner Family

FEBRUARY 28, 2017 • Form W-3 must be filed with the Social Security Administration • Form 1096 must be filed with the Internal Revenue Service

KEVIN CONNER F INANCE & O PE R ATIO NS K E VIN. CO NNE R @O K AG . O R G @K E VINSCO NNE R SHELLE ANDERSON ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

LAVERN GUTHRIE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 5

CHURCH

JESUS This Christmas season as we celebrate with family and friends, it gives us opportunity to pause in the midst of a busy life and reflect on the greatest gift given to mankind‌Jesus!

Throughout the years I can remember special gifts that were given to me by my family and friends and while I may not have those gifts in my possession any more, they still bring a smile to my face. I remember them, not because of the gift itself, but the thoughtfulness of someone who loved and cared about me.

The same is true of the gift that God has given to you and me through sending His son, Jesus to this earth. When I contemplate that gift, it warms my heart because I know that God was not only thinking of me, but was providing everything that I would need to be in right relationship with Him! God knew what I would need, before I even knew what I needed!

When I contemplate that gift, it warms my heart...

A FRIEND. Over the years, I have had many different friends through different seasons of my life. Some friends have been lifelong and have enriched who I am and encouraged me along the way.

Jesus has been a friend that has been there through everything--the good times and the bad. I think that is what I cherish more than anything after salvation, that He has walked by my side and been a friend. He knows that I fail, fall short of His perfect will, yet He lovingly and gently guides and directs me back.

This Christmas, I am so thankful that my Savior, Lord, and Friend was born and that He gave His life for me. It has been the greatest gift I have ever received.

From our family to yours, may you have a blessed Christmas with your family and friends.

Blessings!

Chad & Nyree

A SAVIOR. Jesus, that little innocent child in a manger, came to give His life for me and to provide everything necessary for my sins to be forgiven and provide me with new life! The greatest gift that I have ever received is to be in right standing with God and know that the gift was freely given because He loved me.

A LORD. God knew I needed direction. While I depend on my GPS to get me from point A to point B, I have been often led astray and sent down a path I did not want to go. However, Jesus’ life and teaching in the Word has become a guide to help me navigate the challenges I face each and every day. I am grateful that He will never leave me or forsake me!

CHAD BRODRICK C H URC H M IN IST RIE S C H A D. B RO DRIC K @ O K AG. O R G @ C H A DB R O DRIC K

Investing made easy.

Online investing makes it simple to provide for your future while earning competitive rates.

All it takes is a few minutes. cepnet.com/easy

SHERRI ANDERSON SCHOOL OF MINISTRY

6 | OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK

OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 7

8 | OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK

WOMEN’S

W E CAN T E LL T H E M

YES!

Hi Girlfriends!

Greetings and Merry Christmas from your Oklahoma Women’s Ministry Office! I pray this finds you enjoying the Peace, Protection and Provision of our Lord Jesus.

I just wanted to write and send a heart-felt message of Thanksgiving to those of you who have contributed towards your L.I.F.E. (Ladies Investing For Eternity) 2016 Pledge! Your generous donation has made such a difference and we are left to humbly thank God for your investment into our Oklahoma Missionaries and ultimately, SOULS. Our Deadline for all monies to be received toward your Church pledges is December 15th! If you haven’t made yours yet, we pray you will and below you will find a little snip-it of where your investment is going.

To give you a little update, we currently have ten Oklahoma Missionaries home (in the USA), on furlough in 2017. They have the daunting task of raising their funds to go back on to the Mission field. When they do, all of them will be calling the Women’s Ministries Office to obtain release of their Housing Allowance before returning ($6,500 New Missionaries/$4,000 Veteran Missionaries) to their prospective field and because of your generosity, we can tell them “YES!” In addition, next year’s Special 2017 L.I.F.E Project is with our Oklahoma Missionaries Kirk and Karla Ford with International Media Ministries, (IMM) Spain. We are so excited to underwrite the Women of the Bible Project (Rahab, Ruth, Tamar and Bathsheba-the Lineage of Christ) putting JESUS on every screen in French, Arabic and Russian language.” This will be one of the greatest tools of the 21st Century to the “Least Reached” Nations of our lost world! This is a project where your gifts will gain maximum impact for the Glory of God!

JANUARY 20, 2017 Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Section 5 Section 6 Section 7 Section 8 Section 9 Section 10 Section 11 Section 12

Jay First Assembly Poteau Covenant Church Wright City Green Chapel Beggs First Assembly Sand Springs CrossPoint Chandler First Lone Grove Assembly Stillwater Calvary OKC Christ’s Legacy Lawton First Mooreland Assembly Anadarko First

Susie Purkey Faye Salkil Katina Smith Deborah Burke Cheryl Ortiz Cynthia Lemons Bridgette Tomlin Melody Mauldin Karla Ford Karen Coon Roberta Roberts Leslie Stamps

Friends, thank you for Giving to the Lord! We simply couldn’t do what we do, without YOU. We pray an outpouring of Abundant Blessings back into your Ministry, in Jesus’ Name! We Love You all!

Blessings, Susie Purkey

SUSIE PURKEY WO ME N’ S DIR E CTO R SUSIE . PUR K E Y@O K AG . O R G

OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 9

YOUTH

SPEED T H E LIGH T TOU R

IT’S TIME It is amazing how quick our world changes, you can look at a variety of things and see where change is very consistent. Coaches in college football and the Pros can be fired in the middle of a season after only being there two years because the production in the eyes of the team, ownership and the fans is not good enough.

The attention span of a student has gone down from 12 seconds to 8 seconds, no wonder the amount of information we are being fed keeps increasing! The economic pie in our nation is changing rapidly when it comes to giving. It’s now being shared by more and more worthy causes that are appearing on the horizon every day: water wells in Africa, shoes and clothes for underprivileged kids in America, helping other countries recover from natural disasters.

It is nice once in while in our world when something stays the same, or stands the test of time! Take Speed The Light for instance, it began in the heart of one man in 1944. Now, 72 years later it is still equipping Oklahoma missionaries all over the planet with transportation and sound equipment to share the Message of Jesus!

Since the beginning of STL, the students, churches, pastors and youth pastors across Oklahoma have given over $15,718,935.20.

Although many things in our world change its pretty cool to see the effectiveness of STL as it continues to provide Oklahoma missionaries with sound equipment and transportation so that they can reach people all over the planet. Can I encourage you to keep teaching your students and churches about STL and the importance of giving. I would also add maybe at one time your church was giving to STL but for whatever reason that has changed. Now is as good a time as ever to renew that commitment of giving to STL. Thank you again for your heart for Oklahoma missionaries, Students and those that are without Christ. Your giving does make a difference. LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AND YOUR STUDENTS ON THE TOUR!

DOUG EVERAARD YO UT H M IN IST RIE S DO UG . EV E R A A R D@ O K AG. O R G @ DO UG E V E R A A R D

10 | OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK

STL TOUR 2017 January 10 January 11 January 12 January 14 January 16 January 17 January 18 January 21 January 23 January24 January 25 January28

Section 2 Section 3 Section 6 Section 12 Section 7 Section 8 Section 10 Section 5 Section 1 Section 4 Section 11 Section 9

Stigler 1st - 7PM Broken Bow 1st - 7PM Shawnee Praise Elk City 1st – 10AM Lone Grove 1st – 7PM Enid Central – 7PM Lawton 1st – 7PM Tulsa Carbondale – 10AM Jay 1st – 7PM Muskogee New Hope – 7PM Woodward 1st – 7PM Edmond Spring Creek – 10AM

S Y N E R G Y | ONE DAY January 5, 2017 Crossroads Church OKC Featuring: Dustin Woodward

CODY PHILLIPS ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

CHILDREN

ME RRY

CHRISTMAS “May you have the spirit of Christmas, which is Peace, the gladness of Christmas, which is Hope, and the Heart of Christmas, which is Love.”

KIDS CAMP CLINIC On Saturday, January 28th at 1:30 p.m., the OCM department will be hosting a Kids Camp Clinic. The purpose of our time together will be to inform you of changes that are being made in the camp registration process. It will also be a time of sharing tips and tricks that would help the enitre Kids Camp experience run smoother for not just the coaches and staff, but for the campers as well. Whether this is your first time attending Kids Camp or if you are a seasoned veteran, we hope to see you there.

The Guthrie Family, Dean, Joy, D.J. and Tori

END OF THE YEAR BGMC OFFERINGS KIDS CAMP 2017 DATES Since the Christmas season is upon us, I want to remind everyone that we are extending the yuletide cheer through August! Keep on caroling and Christmas cheering because this year we are having “A Kids Camp Christmas!” That’s right! Christmas in July!

The Kids Camp dates are as follows: Camp 1: July 3 - 7 Camp 2: July 10 - 14 Camp 3: July 17 - 21 Camp 4: July 24 - 28 Little Radicals: July 30 - August 1 Please notice that a slight adjustment has been made in our schedule. Little Radicals will be at the end of our camping season instead of at the beginning. Be sure to pack up some Christmas Cheer for the summer!

All offerings and gifts for BGMC are due in the OCM office no later than December 15th for churches to receive credit for the 2016 year.

Thank you so much for your dedication and commitment to BGMC.

DEAN GUTHRIE BEV ROBERTSON ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

CHIL DR E N’ S DIR E CTO R DE AN. G UTHR IE @O K AG . O R G @O CMDE AN

OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 11

CHI ALPHA

FILLE D W IT H

J OY “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” - Acts 13:52 This month we had the privilege of being in Mexico to celebrate Thanksgiving with our kids, Cory and Angela Hogan and the students at the University of Guanajuato (where they serve as campus missionaries). For years we, as well as many Oklahoma Chi Alpha groups, have hosted a Thanks Fest on campus to celebrate Thanksgiving, but this was our first time to take the message of Thanksgiving out of the country. We packed our suitcases with all the making for a feast of pumpkin pie, stuffing, yams and all the fixings and arrived to discover that over 60 students had signed up for their first Thanksgiving Feast, where not just the food but an Attitude of Gratitude was the main feature.

During this time we had also began an ACTS 28 Day Challenge with our students at OU, to read, pray and live the book of Acts the final four weeks of the semester. Each day we post a different chapter with questions on how we can pray and personalize the verses we read. These two together drew us to the reality of Acts 13:52 “and they were filled with JOY and the HOLY SPIRIT” and the angels words to the shepherds in Luke 2:10 of the “good news that will cause great JOY for all the people.” In both texts the disciples and shepherds were not welcome guests at many state dinners, but God chose them to let His Joy be proclaimed to all. Therefore, let’s rejoice and be filled

with Thanksgiving, Gratitude and Joy! We believe Joy is for sharing and on behalf of the entire Oklahoma Chi Alpha family want to thank you for your continued Prayers, Love and Support. Because of you, lives are being changed, students are being empowered and disciples are being made not just here in Oklahoma, but around the world.

Please keep the prayers coming as we wrap up this semester and start the new year with thousands of collegians at the World Missions Summit January 4-7 in Houston, Texas. If you know someone interested, registration and transportation info is available at www.XAoklahoma.com or we’re just a call, text or e-mail away.

We love you and are praying with you for a “Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year”, but most of all may the Joy of the Holy Spirit fill you to the overflow and impact the lives of everyone you meet!

Love & Prayers, Greg & Susan Tiffany GREG & SUSAN TIFFANY CHI ALPHA XAOKLAHOMA@AOL.COM 405-203-7377

G I R L S M I N I S TR I E S “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” - Luke 2:14 I just have to say “Glory to God” during this holiday season! My life is abundantly blessed; a godly husband, healthy, loving children and grandchildren and much more. I don’t deserve all that God has given and done for me, but He is faithful and gracious to me as His daughter!

This October, Lanette Clevenger (Woodward First A/G) and I, along with five other ladies traveled to Romania with National Girls Ministries. What an amazing trip! We ministered in a church, enjoyed a service with Turkish Gypsy children and their mothers and we met students at a local school. We also organized a resource room in the new Community Center at Banesea. Next year Romania will be our missions focus for Coins For Kids nationally.

As I prayed with a young woman who had been delivered out of human trafficking, as we handed out food and simple cold medicines to the gypsies, as we prayed for the destitute mother of five whose husband had left to try to find work, I was so humbled by the thought that the only difference between them and me was the 12 | OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK

fact I had been born in America. Those people have so little and even the poorest in the U.S.A. have much more than they. It was a defining moment of thankfulness and then I realized once again the responsibility we have to give to missions and pray for those in need.

I am so grateful for the opportunity to preach the Word, share what I can with others and just love everyone with the love of Jesus!

Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year!

I look forward to 2017 and all that God has in store for Oklahoma Girls Ministries!

Liz and Arlis Moon

LIZ MOON GIRLS MINISTRIES LIZMOON@SBCGLOBAL.NET

SPANISH

JUST LIK E T H E

MAGI

Los Magos fueron a ver a Jesús porque habían tomado el tiempo para buscar las señales. Las señales les dijo que el nuevo Rey había nacido. Viajaron del oeste para encontrar y adorar el nuevo Rey.

Jesús dijo en Lucas 17 que debemos buscar las señales de Su regreso. Como ministros, debemos ser sabios Espiritualmente y alejarnos de la trampa de materialismo. Debemos seguir buscando las señales de Su regreso y decir a otros que El regrese pronto.

Nos dijo que debemos buscar las señales de Su venida. Tenemos que estar buscando y listos para Su regreso. Tal como los Magos, debemos tomar el tiempo para buscar nuestro Rey Cristo Jesús, y adorarle diariamente con nuestras vidas.

Mientras celebras Navidad con su familia y congregación, acuérdese buscar y mirar las señales de Su pronta venida.

The Magi came to see Jesus because they had taken the time to search out the signs. The signs told them that a new King had been born. They traveled from the east to find and worship the new King.

Jesus said in Luke 17 that we should look for the signs of His return.

As ministers, we must be Spiritually wise and turn away from the trap of materialism. We must keep searching for the signs His return and tell others that He is coming soon. He told us to look for the signs of that He is returning. We must be watching and ready for His soon return. Just like the Magi, we must take the time to find our King Jesus Christ, and to worship Him daily with our lives.

As you celebrate Christmas with your family and congregation, remember to start watching and looking for the signs of His soon return.

Feliz Navidad y Prospero Ano Nuevo

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Mark y Nancy Fitzgerald

Mark and Nancy Fitzgerald

MARK FITZGERALD SPANISH MINISTR IE S MAR K F ITZG E R AL D@USMISSIO NS. O R G

ROYAL RANGERS The Royal Rangers ministry has had some great days in 2016!

We had opportunities for churches to add some exciting ways to Evangelize, Empower and Equip more boys. We had one of the most exciting Pow Wows ever with some great competitive events and an emphasis on missions. The Junior Leadership Training Academy had a record number of boys in attendance and the first Oklahoma Shooting Sports Camp held in March was a great success! We also celebrated the 50th anniversary of Frontiersman Camping Fellowship at the 2016 National Camporama in Eagle Rock, Missouri.

Royal Rangers ministry has servant leadership at its core for men as well as boys.

We have conducted several Leader Training events over the last year and have responded to requests for that training all over the district.

The annual JLTA provides growth opportunities for young men in 7th -12th grades and the RTC is for 3rd -6th. We know that the men who will serve in the local church are among the 60-70 boys who attend these camps each year.

Please make sure you have the weekend of January 27-28, 2017 on your calendar for the South Central Regional Conference. It will be held in Oklahoma City at Crossroads Church and our speaker will

be Doug Marsh, former national director for Royal Rangers and the current director for Royal Rangers International. We will have a full slate of training sessions for new and experienced leaders alike.

I would encourage you to take a look at the new Oklahoma Royal Rangers website by going to okroyalrangers.com. It has links to important information and upcoming events that you will want to be aware of. If you would like more information or someone to present this ministry to your church, please complete the contact information on the home page.

Sid McCoy

SID McCOY R OYAL R ANG E R S MR SIDMCCOY@G MAIL . CO M (4 0 5) 4 8 8 - 7 0 0 4 v OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 13

IN MEMORY

Sam Bates

George Edward Smith

Reverend Sam Bates, 53, passed away November 22, 2016, in Tulsa, OK. He was born January 30, 1963, to Clarence Leo and Josie Lee (Wright) Bates in Lubbock, TX.

Reverend George Edward Smith went to his heavenly home on October 18, 2016 at the age of 93. He was the first of four children born on March 8, 1923 to George Dewey and Anna Marie Smith.

1/30/1963 - 11/22/2016

Sam has been ordained with the Assemblies of God since 1997 but was credentialed at the age of 16. He has pastored mainly in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and a few other states. Sam enjoyed playing the piano, singing, and pastoring. He loved everyone and never met a stranger. His all-time favorite thing was being in the presence of God and pastoring his churches. Joy and Sam met at Evangel College on September 17, 1983 and were united in marriage on October 23, 1984, in Tullahoma, TN. Sam loved spending time at home playing the piano and would sing and play for hours. He loved watching comedy programs and he also loved to laugh.

Sam was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Carson and Julia Wright, of Haworth, OK; and his paternal grandparents, Clarence Roy and Fanny Bates.

He is survived by his wife Joy Bates, of the home; parents, Rev. C.L. “Chuck” Bates and Josie Bates, of Idabel, OK; sons Christopher Lee Bates, of Tulsa, OK, and Zachary Taylor Bates, of Tulsa, OK; brothers, Rev. Ronnie Bates, of Idabel, OK, Rev. Mike and Debbie Bates, of Rush Springs, OK, and Paul and Tammy Bates, of Bowie, TX; and sisters, Rev. Glenda Bates, of Idabel, OK, and Rev. Lester and Linda Clowers, of Idabel, OK.

MI N I STERS ’ S POU S ES June Maxine Sadler

Spouse of the late E. E. Sadler 06/27/1922 – 10/10/2016

3/8/1923 - 10/18/2016

Brother Smith had a love for music and spent many hours playing his guitar, mandolin and violin and singing with his family (The Musical Smith Family) at many events, churches and radio stations.

George was credentialed with the Assemblies of God. He and his wife, Mary served at several Assemblies of God churches including Mannford AG, Sand Springs First AG, Colorado Springs First AG and Full Gospel (Happy Church) in Denver, CO. He is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings and his beloved wife. He is survived by his daughter, Kay Smith of Lafayette, CA, three grandchildren, daughter-in-law, great-granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews and families.

Calvin Ackerson

8/12/1925 - 11/20/2016 Reverend Calvin C. Ackerson, 91, Seneca, MO passed away on November 20, 2016. He was born on August 12, 1925 in Seneca, MO to Charles J. and Goldie Ackerson. Calvin was Navy Veteran serving his country during WWII. Calvin C. Ackerson married Freida Mae McElhany July 18, 1947 in the State of Washington and she preceded him in death September 9, 2006.

Brother Ackerson served as a Pastor of 63 years in Greeley, CO, Seneca, MO and Miami, OK. Calvin painted several murals on businesses in Seneca portraying early scenes of Seneca, MO. Survivors include one daughter, Debbie Gates, Seneca; three sons, David W. Ackerson and wife Dolly; Donald N. Ackerson and wife, Connie and Daniel R. Ackerson and wife Denise all of Seneca; 11 grandchildren, 16 great- grandchildren and 2 great-greatgrandchildren.

Calvin was preceded in death by one brother, Clifford Ackerson; one sister, Genevieve Rogers and one son-in-law Roger Gates.

14 | OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK

OKLAHOMA

DISTRICT NEWS PRAYER REQUESTS

PASTORS’ REPORTS

Clint Gray - Clint gray- healing for Deanna Murray, provision for new building, and comfort for the Kerns family.

Clint Gray, Arpelar, reports five saved at FCA Services.

Electricity has been installed at new building site.

Jerry Yoder, Thomas, reports three filled with the Holy Ghost in regular services and five kids saved in Wednesday service.

Robert Teel, Tishomingo, reports 30-40 kids in the newly launched Girls Ministry and Royal Ranger Programs and 12 kids baptized in August.

Raymond Frizzelle, Miami, reports 10 adults saved in regular service, 11 saved in children’s ministry, and eight were water baptized.

Don Sisk, Whitesboro, reports one saved in morning service.

Oren D. Jackson, Watonga, reports three new people in church and healings are taking place.

INFORMATION Help for Pastors call (918) 758-4147 or visit www.pastoralcareinc.com.

NEEDED Blackwell needs a second van that will hold 12-15 passengers for children and youth--donated or reasonable in price. Needs to be dependable.

Contact Tammy McKissick at (580) 262-0256.

TRANSFERS Welcome Don Jonker

EVANGELISTS’ REPORTS Alex Hanna reports 385 Arabs and Muslims were saved. Some received deliverances, healings through Satellite TV and outreaches in CA, TX, and AZ. Dale Floyd reports 64 men and women saved.

Sandy Ticeahkie reports many students saved on Outreach with Dobie Weisel.

From South Texas

Farewell Chris Rathbone Caleb Bagby

To Arkansas North Texas

NEW PASTORS Tahlequah Calvary Henryetta First Pawhuska First

Deverett Butrick Tony Hodgson Tracy Fitzgerald

OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 15

16 | OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK