March 2019

OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 1

OKLAHOMA

OUTLOOK MARCH

Credentials Seminar (Entry Level) School of Ministry Gameday (OKC) School of Ministry Gameday (Muskogee) Girls Ministries Power Surge RR District Leadership Conference District Council Resolutions Submission Due Church Finance & Admin Conference District Bible Quiz

Publisher H. Franklin Cargill

March 2 March 2 March 9 March 9 March 9 March 15 March 23 March 29-30

Designer Jayson Evans Josh Lowder Copyeditor Renae Elmore

APRIL

Fine Arts Festival April 5-6 School of Ministry Gameday (OKC) April 6 Credential Celebration April 13 School of Ministry Gameday (Muskogee) April 13 Century Leadership Conference April 29 106th District Council April 29-30 Women In Leadership Luncheon April 29 Oklahoma Missions Celebration April 30 Ordination Investitures April 30

MAY

School of Ministry Gameday (OKC) Credentialing Review and Exam OCM Fun Arts - OKC School of Ministry Gameday (Muskogee) Christian Fun Day Youth Camp #1

JUNE

Spanish School of Ministry Graduation (OKC) Credential Application & Exam Deadline Youth Camp #2 District Royal Ranger Pow-Wow Youth Camp #3 Senior Heritage Banquet Youth Camp #4 District RR JLTA Youth Camp #5

May 4 May 4 May 4 May 11 May 18 May 27-31

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

June 1 June 3 June 3-7 June 7-9 June 10-14 June 14 June 17-21 June 19-23 June 23-26

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

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 L Duane Elmore Section 9S Don Barnes Section 10 Ric Freeman Section 11 Arlis Moon Section 12

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SUPERINTENDENT

MON E Y

LET’S TALK

At least once a year I do my best to address a major concern

as it directly relates to our Oklahoma ministers. Some may view my comments as too little, too late; others may question my conclusions; while others may say the subject is personal and none of my business. More than once, however, I have witnessed a disaster that “could” have been avoided if only this “message” had been received and practiced.

than $19,000 put away. For those ministers over the age of sixty and nearing retirement 50% have less than $65,000 saved for retirement. It is interesting to note that 13% of AG ministers have opted out of Social Security. Opting out is not a good idea, since those who do so lose monthly retirement or disability income, payments to their spouse and minor children in case of the minister’s death, and Medicare benefits.”

One of the most difficult conversations for anyone to have involves the subject of money.

Every credentialed minister, regardless of age, should seriously consider this statement of fact. I also believe that every local church secretary/treasurer and every board member should be made aware of this trend.

Everyone seems to have an opinion! There are those who think every preacher is overpaid, while “thankfully” there are others that have never entertained such a thought. When it comes to the local church most salary decisions are made by a board or some other duly appointed financial committee that carries that responsibility.

In fairness to everyone, let me say that wrestling with such matters is not easy for anyone that accepts seriously their responsibilities.

There are many specific areas that merit time and attention.

Without question, financial stress could be greatly lessened simply by churches becoming more aware and responsive to the need.

However, there is one thing that each minister must give attention to regardless of how large or how small your income may be.

In general, I think there are very few individuals that would say that they are over-paid. That would be true of ministers but not ONLY ministers – educators, professionals, hourly laborers, contractors, law enforcement officers, etc. I have noted that most people tend to spend everything they make PLUS a little extra. It doesn’t seem to be determined by what they do, how many jobs they may have, how many cars they drive, or how big of a house they live in.

I would trust that these comments would be considered and evaluated by every person that is “responsible” for determining compensation for others – whether you are serving as a lead pastor and have staff members that may have their earnings “capped” by your recommendation or whether you may serve on a board or a leadership team that is charged with fiduciary obligations that involve the budget and the setting of salaries. An attitude of “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” is an extremely important attribute for any leader!

I am fully convinced that everyone involved in ministry, specifically those who have been called by God, should serve the Lord with gladness. More specifically, Paul made it clear that one should not become a servant to “filthy lucre.” However, numerous research sources reveal that the “average” minister struggles to make ends meet. Far too many of “the called” has been forced to resort to obtaining alternative and additional means of income simply to meet the necessities of providing for their family. This becomes a source of discontentment and explains why there is such a high attrition rate associated with ministry.

Every individual involved with determining compensation should be sensitive to this matter. It is important to our future! Each person must take responsibility for their future; however, I find the following statement to be alarming: “Twenty-seven percent of AG ministers have no retirement savings.

While 73% of AG ministers have started to save for retirement, their progress probably isn’t sufficient to meet their retirement needs. For those ministers who have started saving for retirement, 50% have less

The day is coming that you will no longer be able to continue to carry on the pace of ministry as you have done throughout the years.

I understand that retirement is a “dirty word” for many but please allow me to share my heart. Unless the rapture occurs quickly, time is not on our side. In fact, a “rapture mentality” (which I fully support!) must not be used as an excuse for common sense.

I fully understand that financial discipline is one of the most difficult things for any person. However, it is not an option – it is a necessity!

Furthermore, ignoring the fact and “claiming” it is too late – is nothing more than an excuse! One must begin today!

Allow me to recommend a basic rule: • 10% to God – we call that tithe (now that’s an interesting thought) • 10% to self – not just an earmarked savings account or a quart jar but placed in an account that YOU CANNOT TOUCH until retirement. I strongly recommend it being placed in a 403(b) account and if you do not already have such an account, please contact my office and I will be honored to assist you in establishing such immediately.

Please take action TODAY – TOMORROW is too late!

Linda and I love you and count it the greatest privilege and honor of our lives to serve this wonderful Fellowship!

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

CE LE BRAT ION OF

TH E CA L L We can never truly underestimate the call of God. It is

one of a most holy nature. Charles Spurgeon thought this way of the call: “How can a young man know whether he’s called or not? That’s a weighty enquiry, and I desire to treat it most solemnly. O for divine guidance in so doing!” Every man and woman who is called of God knows this, too.

Nothing else and nothing less will cause a family to leave the familiar to fully embrace a faith journey such as the missionary life.

When God calls, plans are reformed. When God calls, priorities are renewed. Most importantly, when God calls, He makes the called powerfully capable!

This call is worth celebrating. Why? Because when God calls, people are changed. The Apostle Paul asks these questions in Romans 10:14-15, “And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent?” The answer to those questions starts with the call of God. We celebrate the call because this is where the adventure of changed lives begins.

Here’s the challenge: the celebration can only continue as the call is answered. What if people like Moses, Samuel, Esther, Peter, and Paul didn’t answer the call…? But they did! And, history proves the results. This narrative of missions celebration is written by those who say yes to God no matter the location or the cost.

On April 30, 2019, we will celebrate the call. Oklahoma Missions Celebration is a gathering for rejoicing in the partnership between missionaries and local churches among our great state. Please join us as we celebrate Oklahoma Missions in an experience expressed through a delicious meal, riveting media, inspiring reports and testimonials, music, and color from around the world.

Oklahoma Missions Celebration Tulsa Renaissance Hotel April 30, 2019 Noon – 1:30pm This event is FREE to all who attend. However, we need your RSVP online today (okag.org/missionscelebration). Space is limited! For more information, please feel free to call our office.

Celebrating the Call to Missions Around the World,

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

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Darren Pilcher

FINANCE

THE SM ART E ST P E RS ON

IN THE ROOM Ministry is an interesting profession. Expectations are high

and demands are great. The longer you lead, the more credibility you gain, the more people begin to look to you as an expert in a number of areas. Even in areas where you have no real expertise.

One of the huge dangers lurking behind this reality is that eventually you can begin to believe your own press. You can begin to think you are smarter and better than you actually are. It is a leadership trap. One of the largest downsides to this trap is that you will eventually stop growing because you can begin to believe you are the smartest person in the room.

One way to avoid this trap is to be intentional about the people with whom you surround yourself. Simply put, make sure you are not the smartest person in the room. Be intentional about spending time with people that know things you don’t know, people who are good in areas in which you need to get better. These people are all around, and many times all it takes is a shift in perspective.

If you don’t know the areas in which you need to improve just ask someone close to you. I promise there is a list. Below are some of the ways to shift your perspective to ensure you are always learning, growing, and becoming a better leader.

• • • •

Ask more questions, and give fewer answers.

Reject the ‘fake it till you make it’ thinking. Ask for help when you don’t know.

Listen to podcasts, read books, and develop relationships with people who are really good in other professions. Then learn what makes them good.

Spend time with people that do not validate all of your beliefs but will challenge your thinking.

The fastest way to put a lid on your leadership and your life is to mistakenly assume that you know more and have learned more than anyone else in your life. The fact is, we can learn from anyone.

If you have found yourself surrounded by people who always look to you as the expert or the leader, it might be worth considering the idea of expanding your circle. Put yourself in an uncomfortable environment where you are not sure what to do. Be intentional about making sure, at least on some level, you are not the smartest person in the room. The result just might be the growth for which you have been looking.

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

OK LAH OMA

M E N ’ S MINISTRY How hard can Men’s Ministries really be? After all, you have a church full of men who love to eat pancakes. Just add prayer, make announcements about the repairs needed around the church and suddenly you have a men’s ministry!

However, if you are like me, as a pastor I struggled with effectively discipling the men in the church. While they love to get together to talk politics it was a real struggle to move them forward in their biblical understanding of manhood. The question became, “how do I move the men in my church from solving the worlds problems to become growing disciples in Christ?”

There are a lot of great books that are available to not only help you understand how to minister to men, but also how to build an effective men’s ministry. Our national office has also provided small group studies designed to systematically help you as a minister make disciples of the men in your church. You can find a link to this incredible resource through our Oklahoma church ministries page.

In this article, I want to establish the foundation for why we need an effective and healthy men’s ministry in every church. I also want to tackle some of the challenges that men face in order for us to understand how to approach those needs through Scripture.

I have news for you, a ministry to men is a challenging endeavor!

While this may not be breaking news, you also need to know that you’re not alone in this journey! There are many churches across our state who struggle to develop a life-giving, disciple-making men’s ministry. That’s where we want to help!

The men in your church are facing many challenges that weigh on them each and every day. They carry the responsibility of not only being a great husband, father, protector, and provider, they are also faced with resisting the temptations the world constantly throws at them. If they fail, they usually carry that burden privately.

CHALLENGES IN DISCIPLING MEN 1. There are no shortcuts for making connections. Let’s face it, building relationships within a community of men are often difficult. Men often guard themselves to keep others from peering to deeply into their lives. It takes a long time to develop report with the men in your church in order to build a strong relationship. Building trust doesn’t happen overnight, it is a process that will take time.

2. There are no shortcuts to making a disciple. Jesus took 3 1/2 years to pour into the lives of 12 men. Even still, we find that these men were not perfected by any means. Discipleship is a lifelong journey that requires an intentional and strategic plan.

We cannot expect that our men will become spiritual giants after a 12 week Bible study!

3. There are no shortcuts to building an effective men’s ministry.

Developing a successful men’s ministry requires more effort than just cooking pancakes on a Saturday morning. There will be a lot of effort put into developing a healthy men’s group which meets the spiritual and relational need of those in your church and community. Over a period of time, you will find that as you put in the time and effort, that men’s ministries will become a vital part of your church.

Spiritually, they often begin their walk with the Lord with great fervor. Over a period of time they have a tendency to begin to diminish in their enthusiasm for the things of the Lord. They may begin to waiver back-and-forth in their spiritual journey, which brings discouragement and can eventually make them give up.

There are some helpful resources available!

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

Today more than ever, men are faced with an overabundance of commitments. Family, church, jobs, and community responsibilities are pulling at their schedule each day. They struggle to find time to work on their own spiritual growth.

As a church we know that the answer is an effective discipleship journey for men. This means that we must actively provide the connections and opportunity for men to come together for the purpose of growing together in Christ. That’s why every church must have an effective and active men’s ministry!

There are incredible benefits to developing men’s ministry that not only disciples the men in your church, but also reaches the men in your community. Let me share with you one of the biggest benefits!

Studies have shown that when both father and mother attend church on a regular basis there is a 72% chance that their children will remain in the faith. When the father is taken out of the equation, that percentage drops dramatically. In short, if you reach the father, you will typically reach the entire family.

Next month, I will share with you some of the characteristics of an effective men’s ministry. It is vital that we have a revival among the men across our state. Will you join me in developing an effective men’s ministry throughout our state?

Blessings!

Chad

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WOMEN’S

T H E GOD

WHO SEES ME Every one of us understands the human longing to know that we are valued and loved. We serve a God who is personal, compassionate, and kind. Let’s consider together how the Word of God reveals that God sees us right where we are, and He not only loves us, He adores us.

1. THE GOD WHO SEES ME In Genesis, we see the story of Hagar, the maidservant of Sarah. As a slave, Hagar was marginalized and used by others. She ran away to escape her di ffi cult circumstances, but God dramatically interrupted her journey through the desert. Stunned by this supernatural encounter, Hagar responded by calling God, “El Roi,” declaring to Him, “You are the God who sees me” (Genesis 16:13, NLT).

•

•

God saw Hagar, a slave, in the middle of her desperation.

God sees everyone, no matter their circumstances, no matter how undervalued and respected they are. Just as He spoke encouragement and instruction to Hagar in her darkest times, so He will faithfully encourage and instruct you.

God’s love for us is a main theme throughout Scripture. Psalm 18:19 (ESV), tells us, “He rescued me because He delighted in me.” God loves us with an immeasurable love. He doesn’t merely tolerate us with our struggles and weaknesses. He delights in us. We can rest in the knowledge of His protection and His aff ection.

2. THE GOD WHO SEES MY DEEPEST NEEDS In John 4 we see the story of the Samaritan woman that encountered Jesus at the well. She was a woman with a complicated, sinful life.

Jesus’ choice to speak to her was unheard of in that day. Jewish rabbis and consecrated men would avoid conversations with Samaritan women, who were deemed unclean and looked down on by all Jews. Jesus kindly reached out to her, confronting her sin, but off ering value and respect through His conversation. He declared to her that He was the long-awaited Messiah. Salvation came to her village that day, through the testimony of her encounter with Christ.

• • •

God looks beyond our sins and failures to the person He created us to be.

The woman at the well had perhaps sought value and love through human relationships. Only God can meet our deepest need to be loved and valued.

God can use our story to bring salvation, encouragement, and freedom to others.

3. THE GOD WHO SEES MY BROKENNESS John 8:1-3 mentions that as Jesus travelled about sharing the gospel, the disciples were with Him, as well as a group of women who had been healed of evil spirits, as well as sicknesses. Mary Magdalene was among this company of women. Verse 3 shares that seven demons had been cast out of her. Mary is a wonderful example of Jesus healing her, bringing her redemption and wholeness where she had been severely broken. Some storms make progress slow and difficult. We must press in deeper to God, trusting Him to lead us continually.

• • •

God sees the woman He created you to be, not merely who you are today.

God isn’t put off by our brokenness, bondages, addictions, or fears. He is bigger and He is our perfect answer.

God doesn’t define us by our past. He can use our past brokenness for His glory, for our good, and for the freedom of others.

4. THE GOD WHO SEES MY DEEPEST LONGINGS First Samuel 1 and 2 tell us the story of Hannah, wife to Elkanah.

Hannah had longed for a child. While at Shiloh with her husband to celebrate an annual feast, Hannah wept and cried out to the Lord in great suff ering and sorrow. The priest, Eli, thought she was drunk due to her behavior. When she explained she was praying, pouring out her need to God, he made a simple statement, “Go in peace, and may God grant your request.”

Hannah’s heart filled with faith, and soon she delivered a son, after so many years of longing and pleading. Hannah made a promise to the Lord that if He would give her a son, she would return him to the Lord to serve all his days before God. She faithfully fulfi lled her promise and gave Samuel, her son, to serve in Shiloh at the house of the Lord. God sees those deep longings of ours and He is faithful to us.

• • •

God’s timing is often different than ours, but we can trust in Him. He is compassionate and perfect in love toward us and we can count on His goodness.

God never wastes a season of loss, grief, or pain, but uses it for great good, if we allow Him to.

If you are a mom, God asks that you place your children into His faithful, loving care, trusting that He has their best life in store.

God sees us—every single one of us—right where we are. He sees your deepest needs, your brokenness, and your longings. You are loved and accepted by Him no matter your struggles, your failures, your past He sees you and loves you and He has so much in store for you! Draw near to Him and let Him begin the life-changing transformation only He can bring.

by Kay Burnett, National Women’s Ministries Director

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

U N T IL

ALL KNOW We did it! OYM just finished the 2019 Speed the Light Tour and

let me say, it was amazing! We had such a great response from every section in our district; from students making large individual pledges, to youth groups coming up with creative ideas on how they can meet those goals together.

This year’s theme once again is “Until All Know” and it’s a very appropriate theme. Those three words embody the message of Speed the Light. At each rally, I had the opportunity to preach a message entitled “Others”. If we’re going to live out this theme of “Until All Know”, we have to be others-focused. What I love most about Speed the Light is it teaches students how to give sacrificially and live life selflessly.

If we’re going to live out this theme of “Until All Know”, we have to be othersfocused.

At Youth Convention in October 2018 we profiled Michelle Castle, Oklahoma’s first missionary to the Arab world. The students of OYM banded together, committing to raise the funds needed to purchase Michelle a Speed the Light vehicle, so that when she finally makes it to Jordan she will not need to worry about transportation. I am proud to say we met that goal and Michelle will be able to get her car! Why? Because, students chose to give sacrificially and live life selflessly.

We are living out the “We over Me” motto. Youth Pastor, thank you for getting your students to one of our rallies this year, and for making generosity through Speed the Light a priority in your already busy schedules!

We are excited for the future of Speed the Light in Oklahoma!

Be blessed Oklahoma!

Heath and Alisha Corrales

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

WAY TO GO

OKLAHOMA! Another year has passed and BGMC in Oklahoma is still going strong. Thanks to our churches, who participate, Oklahoma raised $272,696.07! Way to go! That’s a lot of Buddy Barrels and coin rolling. A tremendous thank you goes out to our BGMC District Coordinator, Bev Robertson, for her tireless energy and effort in promoting BGMC all around our great state.

Our goal for 2019 is hitting the $300,000 target. In the past few years, my incredible wife, Joy has been the one to perform the various challenges to help raise money and awareness for BGMC. She has been hugged by an albino python, let a tarantula crawl across her face, sat in the dunk tank and slid down the slide at kids camp, and reluctantly gave our camp mascot, Jasper the Donkey, a kiss on the nose!

With all of that being said, this year’s challenge falls on me. At the AG Leadership Conference in 2020, if the Oklahoma District raises our goal of $300,000, I will be taking a Polar Bear Challenge and jumping into the icy waters of Table Rock Lake in February. The wind chill this year at the conference was a warm balmy 17 degrees! I would love to see us hit our goal for 2020.

Thanks again for supporting BGMC. God bless you for giving!

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

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SPANISH

EXTRA TIME This time of the year is always hard for me. We change the time on our clocks moving them one hour forward to give us more time in the daylight and or evening time. Germany was the first country to enact daylight saving time (DST) on April 30, 1916. While most people believe that DST was meant to benefit farmers, it was the opposite. The sun, not the clock, dictated farmers’ schedules, so daylight savings was very disruptive for the farmers. In fact, the farmers had to wait an extra hour for dew to evaporate to harvest some of their crops.

This information with the farmer is similar to a Bible story about Joshua. We read of a story how the King of Jerusalem, Adoni-zedek, put together a group of kings to unite against Joshua and his army.

This united front was a powerful united front. It looked like there was no way to defeat this kind of front against Joshua and the children of Israel. However, we read in Joshua 10:12-14 that the sun stood still. God gave this extra time to His children to help give them the victory.

Could it be that God is giving us an extra hour to bring in the last days’ “Spiritual Revival” across the state of Oklahoma? Could it be that God is holding the sun still for the time in which we live?

Pastor, we must redeem the time. The time that we have is growing short. I pray today that you begin to look on the fields because they are ready for harvest and the Lord of the Harvest is giving us all

G I R L S M I N I S TR I E S

UPC OMING E VE NTS March 16-17 Women’s Conference Sparks Camp Info 405.600.5031 June 1 Spanish School of Ministry Graduation OKC Tabernaculo de Fe 11 am

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

HERE TO HE L P

In January, Oklahoma was honored to host the National Girls Ministries Training at OKC Bethesda Church! We hosted 124 leaders from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, Tennessee and Kansas.

UPCOMING DATES FOR OKLAHOMA GM EVENTS: April 1- Celebration names are due July 1- Celebration applications due August 17- Date changed from August 10- DISTRICT CELEBRATION September 9-13 National Girls Ministries Week September 27-28 National Girls Ministries Sleepover Watch for more information about changes to the District Girls Ministries Celebration coming in August! Do you have a gender specific ministry in your church? We are here to help with training,

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more time. Let us work while we have the time. The extra time that we receive from Him, we must use it wisely.

ideas, events, achievement or just as a sounding board! Girls across Oklahoma need to know that God is their creator, He sent His Son, Jesus, to save them and Holy Spirit is ready to help them in their daily lives. Girls Ministries is a wonderful tool to help mentor girls and provide that Titus 2 relationship that is so lacking in today’s culture.

If you are interested in starting a ministry to girls or need more help or training, please contract Liz at 580-649-9853 or okgirlsministries@gmail.com.

LIZ MOON GIRLS MINISTRIES LIZMOON@SBCGLOBAL.NET

CHI ALPHA

WH O ARE YOU

CHEERING FOR? When you think of March Madness, basketball and the Final Four come to mind, but there is so much more! To kick off this month, on Feb 28 our XA groups across the nation participated in a different form of madness, with prayer meetings happening on campus and a dream fulfilled to pray for all 4994 college and universities across the USA called the Collegiate Day of Prayer. So whether your team made the tournament or not, thanks for believing and praying for the students, faculty and staff of every campus that God puts on your heart. Together we will see every campus reached.

For the Love of Students, Greg & Susan Tiffany & the Oklahoma XA Family

Calling all golfers - We’re celebrating the 30th Annual Chi Alpha Classic at Firelake Golf Course in Shawnee where it all began. Entry fee for this 4 person scramble is only $100 per player and you can register online at www.XAoklahoma.org. Thanks for your help in spreading the news.

GREG & SUSAN TIFFANY CHI ALPHA XAOKLAHOMA@GMAIL.COM 405-203-7377

ROYAL RANGERS

As a District team, we use 2:52 PM each day to collectively reflect on Luke 2:52, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”(NIV) At that moment we pray for boys, the strength of Royal Rangers internationally, and the leaders operating tirelessly around the globe. This exercise originated from a casual conversation but has resulted in hundreds of men around the nation uniting as one unit, in one moment, and with one purpose.

I recently traveled to San Antonio with the other Royal Rangers District Staff for a National Training event. Eight men in a van, without pay, without reimbursement, but all sharing the same intention of improving themselves to better others. Facing a seven-hour trip, anyone easily could have pulled out a phone or tablet and disappeared into a video.

Alternatively, we launched topic after topic, to discuss our deficiencies, covering virtually all areas of our program with a renewed intent on shaping the ministry to best align with the vision of Royal Rangers “to influence more boys and young men than ever, more effectively than ever.” The commanders in this district are some of the most honorable, decorated, and productive within the Royal Rangers Ministry, sharing the same unbridled passion for evangelizing boys and young men. Many use vacations, personal means, and more importantly time, for an opportunity to expose boys to the truth of Jesus Christ.

I am honored to have flourished under the expertise of these men and now to work alongside them as a man, the embodiment of growing in wisdom and stature in the eyes of God and men. I could never reimburse what has been invested, I can only pay it forward in the hopes to “evangelize, equip, and empower the next generation of Christlike men and life long servant leaders.” Please join us at 2:52 PM each day as we continue our vigil for Royal Rangers everywhere.

JOE BLACKWOOD R OYAL R ANG E R S CO MMUNICATIO N CO O R DINATO R

OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 13

IN MEMORY

Azle F. Loyd

3/10/1933 - 2/14/2019 Reverend Azle Franklin Loyd was born on March 10th, 1933 in Chattanooga, OK, he was the son of George William Franklin and Ida Mae (Kilmer) Loyd. He enlisted in the United States Army on January 6th, 1951. He served his country for three years volunteering to fight overseas in Korea for one year, four months and twenty-one days before he was honorably discharged on January 5th, 1954. He received an occupational medal in Germany, Nation Defense Service Metal and a Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars after action in two major battles of “Heartbreak Ridge” and another in the “Battle of Pork Chop Hill”.

Azle was also a Navy Reserve for a short period of time. Norma June Williams and Azle were married February 17th, 1953 at the Fort Sill Chapel where she vowed to “make him biscuits every morning”.

Brother Loyd gave his life to the Lord in 1974, and with June by his side, they packed up their kids and began evangelizing from Louisiana to all over Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona, spreading the gospel of Jesus, trusting the Lord’s hand every step of the way. In 1979, they began to build a church in Bunch, OK, which became Bunch First Assembly of God, a rest haven for the lost and broken. This simple man from Oklahoma was so much to so many; to some he was their shepherd, their friend, a mentor, even their hero. The multitude of lives that have been touched by the faithfulness of this one man, is overwhelming to say the least! On

Wilma Lea Ledbetter 1/1/1930 - 2/15/2019

Reverend Wilma Lee Ledbetter, 89, of Ada, passed away Friday, February 15, 2019 in Ada.

Thursday, February 14th, 2019, at the age of 85, Azle shut his eyes here on Earth only to open them before his Savior in the glory of Heaven. He fought the good fight, he finished his course, he kept the faith and a crown of righteousness lays before him. While he will be missed by all who knew him, he is now pouring streets of gold.

Azle is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Rachel Loyd, one brother-in-law, Robert “Bob” Dodson, one sister-in-law, Mary Loyd, one son, Vernon Dale Loyd, one son-in-law, Terry Ellis and one great grandson, Franklin Wayne Loyd.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, June Loyd, of the home, five children, Alan “Frank”Loyd Sr. and wife Jennifer, Ronnie Loyd, Cosetta Loyd, Louise Caughman and husband Mark of Sallisaw, OK and Levi Loyd and wife Molly of Stilwell, OK, one brother, Reuben Loyd of Conway, AR and one sister, Lola Mae Dodson of Conway, AR. His legacy lives on through his sixteen grandchildren, Alan Loyd Jr. and wife TaNesha of Bunch, OK, Daysha Ross and husband Snow of Stilwell, OK, Ronnie Loyd Jr. of Bunch, OK, Victor Loyd and wife Erica of Spiro, OK, La’Nita Loyd of Owasso, OK, Winter Loyd, Arraya Loyd, Aurora Loyd, Cosetta “Junie” Boyle and husband John of California, Alisha Valdez and husband Oscar of Fort Worth, TX, Jennifer Poindexter and husband Clint of Sallisaw, OK, Tahlissa Ellis of Bunch, OK, Brookelin Ellis of Ft. Smith, AR, Junie James of Bunch, OK, Louessa Brockway of Tulsa, OK and Mary Lynn Brockway of Bunch, OK, twenty three great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and numerous brothers and sisters in Christ.

MINISTERS’ SPOUSES Vernon D. Smith Spouse of Deana Smith 09/23/1936 – 01/26/2019 Myrtle L. Jennings Spouse of Dale Jennings 04/26/1938 0- 02/09/2019

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OKLAHOMA

DISTRICT NEWS PRAYER REQUESTS

PASTORS’ REPORTS

Clint Gray - Pray for one or both properties to sell so new church can be built. Also pray for Joe Baker and Eric Justice for salvation and deliverance, and healing for Mark Andrews for knee replacement.

Marna Hillard - healing for daughter.

Rachel Willis - husbands’ healing from CLL & SLL and daughter, Elisabeth Schlebach’s thyroid issues.

Lester Lowry, Enid Evangel, reports 12 new members.

Raymond Frizzelle, Miami First, reports three adults and two youth saved, one filled with the Holy Ghost, one water baptized and three miracle healings.

Keith Ayers, Eagletown, reports one saved and three rededicated.

Oren D. Jackson, Watonga, reports two saved in November.

INFORMATION

EVANGELISTS’ REPORTS

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

NEEDED Eagletown needs a good used van to start a bus ministry, if you have one to donate. Contact Keith Ayers at (918) 720-3411.

The church also needs a praise and worship leader.

Arpelar Faith needs a Youth Pastor.

Wright City First needs a Youth Pastor. contact Pastor David Plank at (979) 830-5724.

Sapulpa New Journey needs a part time Children’s Pastor, paid position. Contact Pastor Clint Miles at (918) 321-5818 or Kathy Goodwin at (918) 694-0326. Email is newjourneysapulpa@ yahoo.com.

Alex Hanna reports 30 Assyrians have been saved, delivered, or healed in Australia. Fifty Iraqi, Egyptians, and Lebanese were saved in three Arabic revivals. They prayed for over 15,000 Arabs and Muslims for salvation, deliverance, and healings thru Satellite TV and social media. Six hundred have been saved, some baptized in the Holy Spirit, deliverances from addictions and spirits during a missions trip to Australia.

Amani Fam reports 18,000-20,000 attended Pakistan Crusade.

Thousands were saved and there were many mighty miracles.

Robert and Jan Teel reports 36 saved in December.

TRANSFERS Farewell James Dolby III Wade Ford Mary Rios

To North Dakota Southern Missouri South Central Hispanic

NEW PASTORS Muskogee New Hope Anthony Roe Ringling Community Fellowship Outreach Chasen Lambe Wyandotte Faith Gary Rhodes

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