July 2019

OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 1

OKLAHOMA

OUTLOOK Publisher H. Franklin Cargill

JULY

Kids Camp #4 National Fine Arts General Council Royal Rangers RTC

AUGUST

Girls Ministries Celebration (OKC) Century Leadership Roundtable (OKC) PK Retreat

July 22-26 July 29 - August 2 July 31 - August 4 July 31 - August 3

August 10 August 22 August 31 - Sept. 2

SEPTEMBER

Girls’ Ministries Week September 8-14 Daughter’s Conference September 13-14 OCM Conference September 20-21 Main Event Men’s Conference September 26-28 Fall Ministry Tour: Section 4 (AM) Section 5E (PM) Section 9S (PM) Section 11 (PM) Section 8 (AM) Section 9N (PM) Section 12 (AM) Section 7 (PM) Section 10 (AM) Section 5W (PM) Section 2 (AM) Section 3 (PM) Section 1 (PM) Section 6 (AM)

Designer Jayson Evans Josh Lowder

September 3 September 3 September 5 September 9 September 10 September 10 September 12 September 12 September 13 September 16 September 17 September 17 September 23 September 24

Copyeditor Renae Elmore

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 Chad Brodrick Church Ministries Heath Corrales Youth Ministries Dean Guthrie Children’s Ministries Darren Pilcher Executive Pastor Missions

P.O. Box 13179 Oklahoma City, OK 73113

Susie Purkey Women’s Ministries

405.475.1100 www.okag.org @OKDCofAG OklahomaDistrictCouncil 2 | OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK

ORDAINED FEMALE PRESBYTER Deborah Burke

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

SUPERINTENDENT

M I S S IONS TR IP !

L E T ’S TAK E A

Do you ever plan a missions trip? Does your church “sponsor” a missions trip? Perhaps how many missions trips will you plan and sponsor this next year?

One of the most exciting times happens when people experience a first-hand encounter with missions. Whether it is a trip near home, such as a neighborhood park outreach; or maybe it is a trip to another state; or even a trip that requires each person to have a passport, nothing inspires a believer more than when one “gets their hands dirty” by actually participating in serving others. Often times it is a local church-sponsored missions trip during which a young person receives their call to a lifetime of missionary service.

Missions trips are well-worth the time, effort, and expense!

Many students will also be present as they participate in National Fine Arts along with extended family members. The National Youth Department will sponsor an exciting array of worship services and discipleship activities for those in attendance. The National Children’s Department will provide a Kid’s Fest that is sure to entertain as well as inspire your children. Various ministries will be conducting events, banquets, and exhibits that attract all ages and interests.

The theme for this year’s General Council is: OUR CHURCH, OUR FAMILY. Come on Oklahoma – let’s be well represented at the 2019 General Council!

However, don’t neglect to provide attention to the liability that a missions trip places on a church, a pastor, or a group leader! One incident can destroy a ministry.

I would never endorse or condone a missions trip without adequate insurance. The Oklahoma District would strongly recommend that no trip be sponsored without attention to the necessity for insurance.

Check with your insurance agent regarding your coverage – months prior to planning an event. Double check that you and your church have made adequate provisions or (perhaps in addition to) take time to investigate the coverage provided through AG Financial Insurance Solutions – 3900 S Overland Avenue – Springfield, MO 65807 – Phone 866.890.0156.

Mission Assure is an affordable, short-term insurance program that can be used for both domestic and international trips. Mission Assure coverage has been made mandatory by the National Office for all AG trips to provide protection and minimize risk.

At only $4.50 per person per day for international trips and $2.50 per person per day for domestic trips, Mission Assure is cost-effective and can provide peace of mind. For more information or to sign up using their online registration, visit agfinancial.org/mission-assure.

2019 GENERAL COUNCIL The 58th General Council of the Assemblies of God will be held August 1-4, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. Every credentialed minister has been receiving advertisements regarding this event for months.

However, it is not too late to register.

Our Oklahoma ministers are encouraged to attend and participate in the meeting that is only held once every two years. Of course, there are many sights to see and activities are available for the entire family; however, do not neglect to be present during the business sessions. Election of officers and decisions regarding policies and procedures will occur during the business sessions. Your vote and your involvement will impact the future of the Assemblies of God.

Have you become an Oklahoma Storm Chaser? We need at least 1,000 individuals that will commit to a minimum of $1,000 each!

Together, we can build the F5-rated Storm Shelter for future generations.

Has your church “set a faith goal” to sponsor every student between the ages of 8 and 18 with a contribution of at least $400/student?

This is the means whereby we can truly demonstrate that WE LOVE CAMPERS. Construction is on! The future is beginning to take shape as THE DREAM becomes a reality. Our goal remains with fund-raising until we possess a debt-free dream.

TOGETHER – LET US DREAM THE DREAM!

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

OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 3

MISSIONS

K E E P S E N D IN G

MISSIONARIES Latin America, Europe, Asia, the Pacific Islands. Every time I have the privilege of visiting our Assemblies of God missionaries and the work of God abroad, the reminder is strong – no closed door to the Gospel where there are global servants. From educating indigenous pastors to leading efforts of humanitarian aid, our missionaries are essential to what it means in being obedient to the Great Commission. As a matter of fact, according to Scripture, they are non-negotiables. Romans 10:14-15 declares, “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent?” Those questions are answered in our commitment to send workers around the world.

As I write, my view is the beautiful mountainside and cityscape of a missionary location in Latin America. And, as I witness the gospel work here, it never ceases to amaze me of the necessary presence of a family who has sacrificed the familiar to answer the call of God. Learning the language, becoming one with the culture, understanding the needs and spiritual climate, establishing

the gospel work, discipling and raising up leaders, engaging the indigenous church are some of the responsibilities that make the missionary assignment a reality for today.

Frankly, sustainable missions cannot happen without those with the missionary heart and our wholehearted attentiveness to send them.

And, it seems to me that we cannot fully obey the GO command of Christ without involving ourselves in sending workers around the world. Projects are good; people are better. Get connected with critical projects (church planting, Bible translation, humanitarian efforts) through knowledgeable workers in the places where these efforts will matter. And, then, without fail, support on a monthly basis--the family unit that will stay behind to keep the work going.

This is still missions. It’s not out-of-date and certainly is the reality for the future. Keep sending missionaries.

I T I N E R AT I N G G LO B A L W O R K E R S Darrin & Sarah Contact our office for information **Sensitive Country Michelle Contact our office for information ** Sensitive Country Darin & Dianna Clements darin.clements@agmd.org Asia Pacific Blake & Katy Edgmon katy.edgmon@gmail.com Ireland, Europe Stephen & Tiffany Contact our office for information **Sensitive Country Tim & Jennifer Land thelandsinafrica@gmail.com Cameroon, Africa Stephen & Kristen McKnight mcknightsinasia@gmail.com Philippines, Asia Pacific Garo & Jordania Nargiz garonn@gmail.com Brazil, Latin America Caribbean Ryan & Lauren Plute laurenplute@gmail.com Global Initiative, IM Tim & Liz Contact our office for information **Sensitive Country Steven & Kimberly Snow steve.snow@hqmail.agmd.org Chile, Latin America Caribbean Brian & Crystal Stuke bcstuke@gmail.com South Africa, Africa Loretta Wideman lorettahwideman@gmail.com Kenya, Africa

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

FINANCE

HOU S IN G ALLOWAN C E

UP DAT E The Freedom from Religion Foundation (FRF), the atheist

group which filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the clergy housing allowance, announced on Friday, June 14 that it would not file an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court in the case.

Given the decision by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals which ruled the clergy housing allowance exclusion to be constitutional, the FRF’s decision not to appeal leaves the federal income tax exclusion for ministers intact. Future litigation and efforts to repeal this exclusion will undoubtedly be filed, but for now, it remains the law of the land.

To read the FRF’s press release, go to: https://ffrf.org/news/news-releases/item/34911-clergy-housingallowance-boondoggle-continues-for-now To learn more about the housing allowance exclusion and how it works, you can download IRS Publication 517 – Social Security and Other Information for Members of the Clergy and Religious Workers.

CHURC H EXC EL

Your story.

Our service.

His purpose.

cepnet.com

Connect to ECFA’s ChurchEXCEL, a free resource library full of hundred’s of church administration resources on challenging topics like ministers housing allowance, church budgeting, church board governance and more. To register, visit www.ChurchEXCEL.org/OKAG

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

OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 5

CHURCH

ST RE N GT H IN

TH E STO RM It was May 10, 2010 and we were busy with preparations

to host a leadership meeting in our home. At the same time, we were watching the weather on the local news channel, as heavy thunderstorms and tornados were making their way east along Hwy 9. Heading toward Tecumseh.

Growing up in Southwest Kansas and Eastern Colorado, I was used to seeing these types of storms, many of which produced tornados.

In fact, one of our favorite pastimes as a family was going out and watching the thunderstorms as they developed. I grew to have a healthy respect and knowledge of how these storms would develop.

As the storm approached and the satellite signal died, I went outside to continue to watch as a large cloud of dust and debris filled the sky just to our west. Turning to run into the house, I sent everyone to the closet as I shut the door, grabbed the dog, and I ran to join them. Within seconds, the dirt and debris blew past the windows with such power; I could not see anything else.

Huddled in the closet, we prayed that God would spare us and put His hand of protection over us. That 30-second prayer lasted the length of the storm as it continued past us. When we emerged, the damage in our neighborhood and community was substantial.

Experiences like this are inevitably stuck in our memory. Not just because of the storm and damage, but also because of those who rallied around us during difficult times. Over the next few days, the support from friends, our congregation, and churches meant the world to us.

Oklahoma is currently experiencing natural disasters on an unprecedented scale. Tornados, thunderstorms, and flooding has affected many areas across our state but the storm is not the end of the story. In fact, it is just the beginning as communities begin the recovery and rebuilding of their homes, businesses and churches.

The impact will be felt for months to come.

Now more than ever, the church has the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus in ministering to the hurting. Many have lost everything and do not know where to turn for help. That is where the church thrives, leading people in compassionate care and concern for the needs they are facing.

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

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How do you mobilize and motivate the church to meet the needs of those impacted by the storms?

1. Find needs in your community and provide where you can.

Helping your congregation to see the needs around them is the first step to mobilizing them to meet needs. Nothing motivates people more than to see tangible results of meeting needs in their own community.

2. Encourage and empower people to serve. There are individuals within your church that have a heart for ministering to the needs of those who are hurting. Involve and empower them to lead the charge in soliciting and providing resources. Their passion will be contagious and others will follow.

3. Develop long-term vision for support and service. We know that the recovery from natural disasters is a process that takes months and sometimes years. Plan to provide for the initial need, while remembering that victims of loss may need assistance months down the road.

4. Make serving a regular habit of the church. A church that serves the needs of the community will find new opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As churches make serving others a priority, they find that their vision concerning the purpose of the church becomes clearer.

I still remember who called, who offered to help, and who came along side to assist us in our recovery. I am deeply grateful for their willingness to come to rural Oklahoma and walk with us through the journey of recovery. Their sacrifice to help has never been forgotten.

If you would like more information on how you can help churches and communities across Oklahoma who were impacted by these storms, feel free to contact us at the Church Ministries Office. Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus!!

WOMEN’S

REG I ST ER N OW! Unlocking Spiritual Gifts!

“A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.”

(1Cor. 12:7 NLT) • • • • •

Come learn what God-given Gifts you possess inside of you.

Come learn what the Bible says about Gifts, Mantles and Assignments.

Come experience His Refreshing Wind and Fire!

Come win fabulous prizes and a chance to win the “Daughters Nook!”

Come to 2019 Daughters Conference!

SC HEDULE

SUSIE PURKEY Susie Purkey, along with her husband Mark, has been in full-time ministry for 37 years.

For the last 30 years, she has served as a Missionary Evangelist with the Assemblies of God, traveling throughout the US and in over 20 different nations of Europe, conducting citywide crusades, retreats, and conferences.

Susie is an Ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and a 1982 graduate of Central Bible College, in Springfield, MO. In 2016, Susie was appointed to be the Director of Women’s Ministries for the Oklahoma District Council of the Assemblies of God and is honored to lead the women of Oklahoma. She is passionate for God, family, missions, women and students and believes in the divine plans He has for them.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2019 12:30pm

Registration/Vendor Shopping & Eurasia Café Opens

Sweets and Treats Booth/ Daughters Nook- Selfie Space 2:00pm

Opening Session - Susie Purkey, Speaker

Dove Dance: Special Presentation

Prizes Give-a-ways 5:00pm Dinner on your own 7:00pm

Session 2 – Christa Smith, Speaker

Prizes Give-a ways

Dove Dance: Special Presentation

Unveiling of 2020 LIFE Theme

CHRISTA SMITH Back by popular demand is Christa Smith from San Francisco, CA! Whether speaking nationally or internationally, Christa’s passion for the Lord pours out of her. Christa’s background includes graduating from Seattle Pacific University with a degree in Communication. She then went on to where she completed the Pastoral Ministry Program. She has planted and been Director of two Schools of Ministry. Christa has also served as Associate Pastor at Garden Valley Church in Roseburg, Oregon, then Executive Pastor at Expression 58 Glendale, California. She currently resides in the San Francisco Bay area and travels full-time as an Evangelist with her husband, Sean, ministering throughout America and beyond.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2019 9:00am

Vendor Shopping & Eurasia Café Opens 10:00am

Session 3 – Dr. Melissa Alfaro

Green Country Adult Women’s Teen Challenge Project

Dove Dance: Special Presentation

Grand Prize Give-away – The Daughters Nook

*Hurry! $60 Early bird discount EXPIRES Friday, August 16th Register NOW at OKAG.org/Daughters (Every registrant is entered into drawings for valuable prizes given away in each service!) $70 after August 16th. $80 at the door. ½ Price Discount $30 for Students (1224.) $30 Seniors (65+.) Friday Only- $50. Saturday Only - $25.

Register online only! We are expecting a sell-out.

Are you a Vendor? Would you like to be a part of our Vendor Marketplace? Special Vendor Registration on-line at OKAG.org/ Daughters, scroll to the bottom of the page.

DR. MELISSA ALFARO Pastor Melissa and her husband of 15 years, Jay Alfaro, have been the Senior Pastors of El Tabernaculo in Houston, TX for the last 10 years. She is passionate about women and girls and has a dramatic back-story of divine grace and calling. She is an accomplished Author and Blogger and has written the book: The Day the Princess Cried.

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

OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 7

YOUTH

SPARK S YOU T H CAMP

2019

Well, we blinked and it’s over! Another season of Youth Camp

is in the books and all I can say is “wow”! God really moved in some incredible ways. We were HONORED to serve almost 4000 students and 500 adults over our five weeks of camp!

That was only the beginning of an incredible five weeks. Our camp interns were amazing, our staff each week was amazing, and all of our speakers knocked it out of the park each night. I mean it when I say, OK is the best district in the nation! Our team can’t thank each church and youth ministry enough for bringing your students to Sparks this summer. It was definitely one for the history books!

Sparks Camp is only going to get better in the future! We were thrilled to make a few small improvements this summer in our programming and we are believing for the completion of our new tornado shelter and gymnasium in 2020.

Thursday night of Week 1 was a special night for us! Our speaker Josh Carter spoke a powerful word of prophesy over the Oklahoma Youth Ministries that I believe in! Through Genesis 2:4-8, he spoke to us about being known not for the storms of our state but to be known as “rainmakers”. He spoke that God was preparing our state for a rain of His Spirit, Healing, and Anointing. The dry season is over and the harvest is coming. I believe as Josh said, we are going into a season of revival in our great state! Youth pastors get ready, because the harvest is coming.

I’m so grateful for a District Superintendent who believes in and has so much love for the next generation.

If you attended our camp as a leader (Coach, RA, Dean, etc.) this year, please take the time to go to oklahomayouthministries.com/ campsurvey and fill out the comment sheet. We would love to see how we can improve going into 2020!

We are ready for the rain! We are believing for the harvest in Oklahoma!

Be Blessed Oklahoma, Heath and Alisha Corrales Visit oklahomayouthministries.com to view our camp night services from all five weeks.

HEATH CORRALES YO UT H M IN IST RIE S H EAT H . C O R R A L E S @ O K AG . O R G @ H EAT H C O RR A L E S

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CHILDREN

2019 KIDS CAMP UPDATE

Greeting from Sparks, OK! At the time of writing this article,

we have just begun Kids Camp #2 with Kids Camp #1 and Little Radicals camp in the rearview mirror. To say that we have had a good year so far, would be an understatement. We have had tremendous services and great responses to the altar calls in every service. We are so excited to see what God has in store for the next few weeks as well.

It has been said that 85 percent of the determinative decisions young people make, they make at camp. It is so very important to get your kids to camp, but it is just as important for you to find out what God did in their lives while they were away at camp. If you know how God has worked in their lives, you can help the follow-through process.

Pastor, Children’s Pastors, and leaders: Give your kids a chance to let your church know about their experience that they had at Kids Camp.

Whether you can carve out a few minutes of a Sunday morning to have Kids Camp testimonies, or maybe have an after church Kids Camp reception and make it an event.

Please take advantage of the excitement that follows after a child comes home from Kids Camp. It is a prime time to get those kids plugged in and start the discipleship process.

Also, please be praying for the remainder of our time here at Sparks.

Thanks so much for entrusting your kids to us and allowing them to attend Oklahoma Kids Camps!

Dean and Joy Guthrie

DEAN GUTHRIE 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 | 9

IN MEMORY

Virgil R. Heddlesten

J.R. Tucker

Reverend Virgil Robert Heddlesten, age 93, of Lawton, passed away Thursday, June 6, 2019 in Lawton. He was born December 2, 1925 in Little, Oklahoma to James Bryant and Mattie Lorena (Hollis) Heddlesten.

Reverend J. R. Tucker graduated from high school in Cyril, OK. He began preaching at the age of 19 and married Betty Watkins, daughter of Reverend and Mrs. E. T. Watkins, at the age of 22.

12/2/1925 - 6/6/2019

Survivors include his wife, Ruth Heddlesten, of the home, two daughters, Diana Heddlesten-Brown and her husband, Scott Brown, Elephant Butte, New Mexico and Amber Marie Heddlesten, Carnegie, Oklahoma, two sons, Kenneth Rex Heddlesten and Charley Emery Heddlesten, both of Lawton, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, one brother and three sisters.

He was preceded in death by a son, Terry Ray Heddlesten, parents, three brothers, one sister and granddaughter, Jodi Lorryn Lynch.

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8/22/1933 - 6/15/2019

Brother Tucker was ordained with the Assemblies of God on October 23, 1956 and attended SAGU, ORU, Rose State College and Kingdom Advancement School of Theology. He evangelized ten years and pastored four AG churches, OKC Southside, in Lake Elsinor, CA, Duncan Bethel and MWC Harvest Life for a total of 67+ years of ministry.

He is preceded in death by parents, Reverend and Mrs. Boyd Tucker; brother, Darrel Tucker; son, Kent Tucker; grandson, Isaiah Tucker. He is survived by his wife, Betty Tucker; daughter, Kelley Tucker; grandchildren, Isaac and Mariah Tucker; twin sister and husband, Faye and Les Showell; sister, Melba Dunn; sister and husband, ReNee and Greg Miller; many cousins, nieces, nephews, a host of friends and his Harvest Life Church family.

OKLAHOMA

DISTRICT NEWS PRAYER REQUESTS Clint Gray - New church building provision, and properties would be bought by the right owners.

Rachel Willis - Husband’s healing from cancer.

C.C. Jeffcoat - Wife’s healing.

Julio Camacho - loss of father in Peru.

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

DONATIONS Afton First Assembly has pews for needy church.

Contact Pastor Josh Wheeler at (918) 244-0676.

TRANSFERS Welcome Greg Cox Nancy Fomasi Charles Reed Farewell Bradley Davis Kayla Davis Chase Hampton Donna Waldrop Steve Waldrop

From Potomac N. California/Nevada North Texas To Arkansas Arkansas Arkansas Arkansas Arkansas

PASTORS’ REPORTS Raymond Frizzelle, Miami, reports three adults, 12 children, six youth saved, 17 preschool children saved, and eight baptized in water.

John Newland, Newkirk, reports one saved in April and one saved in Sunday School.

Gary Mullen, Sallisaw, reports nine saved in regular service, one rededicated, one saved in girl’s ministries, and 14 baptized in water.

Keith Ayers, Eagletown, reports four saved, one filled with the Holy Ghost and eight rededicated.

Mitch Fitzgerald, Antlers, reports man on oxygen healed, open wounds healed, and several saved.

Lester Lowry, Enid, reports two saved, one filled with the Holy Ghost, children’s church and women’s ministry reorganized.

Michael Lobmeyer, Tulsa, reports 73 year old baptized. Eleven went to youth camp. All were blessed with one first time salvation as she was a gang member in New York. The other youths rededicated their lives.

EVANGELISTS’ REPORTS Dale and Virginia Floyd reports 132 men and women saved in their services.

Marna Hillard reports five testimonies of healing and one saved on death bed.

Alex Hanna reports 568 saved, 100 filled with the Holy Ghost on Israel Holy Land missions trip. Fifteen thousand from the middle east followed on social media. They reported healings, deliverances, and miracles. Fifteen hundred were saved on trip, social media, and TV programs. Healings from breast cancer, eyes, and cns diseases.

Robert Teel reports 15 saved, two filled with the Holy Ghost, and several healed in April and May. Monroe Lowrimore reports one saved in a nursing home.

Sandy Ticeahkie reports three saved in outreach.

NEW PASTORS North Miami Jon Bledsoe Ada Byng Gene Anoatubby Wewoka First Matt Stubblefield Jay First Austin Epperson

OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 11

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