May 2020

OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 1

OKLAHOMA

OUTLOOK Publisher H. Franklin Cargill Designer Jayson Evans Chris Ainsworth

JULY

Youth Camp #1 Youth Camp #2 Youth Camp #3 Youth Camp #4 Youth Camp #5 Youth Camp #6 Youth Camp #7 Youth Camp #8

AUGUST

Girls Ministries Celebration Spanish Ministries Camp Meeting Century Leadership Roundtable

July 5-8 July 8-11 July 12 -15 July 15-18 July 19-22 July 22-25 July 26 – July 29 July 29-August 1

August 15 August 21-22 August 27

P.O. Box 13179 Oklahoma City, OK 73113

OKDCofAG

(405) 475-1100

OKDCofAG

www.okag.org

OklahomaDistrictCouncil

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 Susie Purkey Women’s Ministries 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 Steve Lance Section 9S Don Barnes Section 10 Ric Freeman Section 11 Arlis Moon Section 12

2 | OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK

SUPERINTENDENT

20 20

THE Y E AR OF C H AN GE !

One of the most significant and life-changing ministries offered by our Fellowship would undoubtedly be Youth Camp and Kids Camp. Many of our churches make reservations for the camp of their choice in January and center their summer activities around that date.

HOWEVER – THE YEAR OF 2020 – HAS NOT BEEN NORMAL! The impact of COVID-19 has forced change not only in Oklahoma but literally around the globe. BREAKING NEWS has never been more consistent or disrupting in day-to-day planning.

Thank you, for your patience as we have navigated these turbulent days of change. Our OKAG Team has prayerfully sought for wisdom and our Executive Presbytery has endorsed the following plan of action for summer camp: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Kids Camp for this year has been cancelled.

Youth Camp (as currently scheduled) has been cancelled.

There will be no camps during May or June.

July will be a month packed with Youth Camps.

Subject to demand, we will offer eight weeks of Youth Camp – capacity will be limited to one-half of our normal occupancy and camps will be shortened from a 4-night format to 3-nights.

Camp #1 July 5 – July 8 Camp #2 July 8 – July 11 Camp #3 July 12 – July 15 Camp #4 July 15 – July 18 Camp #5 July 19 – July 22 Camp #6 July 22 – July 25 Camp #7 July 26 – July 29 Camp #8 July 29 – Aug 1

Check-in will begin at 3 PM on the first day of camp and dismissal will be at 10 AM on the last day of camp.

Price: $139/student This announcement will result in a logistical challenge and will require extended grace and patience; however, the Oklahoma Youth Ministries (OYM) and the Oklahoma Children’s Ministries (OCM) will serve each church and each situation as quickly as possible.

Please allow our staff a few days for adjustments as there are many items that still need to be addressed. We hope to be ready for your questions by May 15.

In the meantime, I would ask that you consider the date of your choice of camp. Also, reevaluate your “count” of attenders.

We will be in contact with you about options for handling your deposits. We would like to make this transition as seamless as possible. Some churches will need a refund and we would ask your patience as we work through the coming weeks. However, no church will lose their deposits. Our goal is to have campers and staff in place and deposits refunded as may be required by June 10.

I am aware that this action will result in praise as well as criticism.

One big favor, however, please do not address our camp directors and their administrative assistants with negative comments or inappropriate criticism. Instead, address those items to me – personally. I am the Manager of the Complaint Department. My OKAG Team will be busy serving you.

Disclaimer: These plans are subject to change according to Guidelines given by the CDC and the State of Oklahoma as directed by Governor Stitt, in an attempt to demonstrate cooperation.

Linda and I are privileged to serve our Fellowship during these days of traumatic challenges. You are in our love and prayers.

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

OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 3

MISSIONS

AN Y T H I N G LEAD ING YOU RS E LF T H ROU GH

We are responsible for leading ourselves. And, it’s in crucial times when our leadership matters the most. In spiritual leadership, we call this cooperating with God. He gives us His promises, His instruction, His direction, and His assurance. As He gives us these essentials to life, we believe them, obey them, lean into them and trust Him, all by His grace. We can’t lead ourselves without cooperating with God. Spiritual leadership isn’t spiritual unless God is leading the leader.

How we see it will determine, in large part, to what we do with it and what we do in it. Someone described opportunity as “a set of circumstances that provide a chance or a possibility.” I’m navigating this season by seeing it full of possibilities. The late pastor and theologian J. Sidlow Baxter said, “What is the difference between an obstacle and an opportunity? Our attitude toward it. Every opportunity has a difficulty and every difficulty has an opportunity.”

My perspective is another way I’m learning to cooperate with God and lead myself well through this time.

So, how do we, as spiritual leaders, lead ourselves, especially when the unknown is before us seemingly more than ever? How do we allow Him to lead us?

OUR PATTERNS.

OUR PLAN. Little did I know that a personal practice, started many years ago, would come into play as a more significant agent to helping me move forward in this challenging season. It’s a plan, nothing more, nothing less. It’s simple and only prepared to help me schedule personal effectiveness. Every December, I prepare a growth plan for the following year. This year, as in years past, I latched onto a plan categorized to encourage doable, practical growth. And, when I don’t know what to do or don’t have anything else to do (which is unlikely on both fronts), I do my plan. That’s one way I can cooperate with God. And, that has certainly been a way that I’m leading myself through this season.

What we do before will always determine what we do later. In other words, how we live in preparation impacts how we live in presentation. Your plan can be as simple as it needs to be for you to work from it. If you’ve got a personal plan, you will always have something to do. And, it’s never too late to prepare one for the days ahead.

OUR PERSPECTIVE. We lead ourselves by how we see. Little did we know that when we began this new year, 2020, with all of its leadership talks and sermon series on “2020 Vision,” that, three months in, we would need clearer vision seemingly more than ever before. How do we see this season that we are all experiencing together?

It was just a couple of weeks ago when I experienced a short battle with fear that I asked myself how I overcame it. One word came thundering in my spirit – habits. Holy habits (spiritual disciplines) don’t just form our schedules; they form our souls. These habits are the background rhythm of our lives. Justin Whitmel Earley, in his book The Common Rule, wrote that “formation begins with a framework of habits.” It appears that what I heard in my heart that day about my habits is a truth I need to take more seriously – that engaging these spiritual practices impacts future battles in my life.

My plan, perspective and patterns. I’ve far from arrived. As a matter of fact, I find myself struggling through these gifts at times. But learning how to cooperate with God enables me to lead myself. And, God intends for us to lead well.

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (Philippians 1:6).

RECOMMENDED READING

Soul Keeping

by John Ortberg

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

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry

by John Mark Comer

FINANCE

S H OULD HAV E VITAL REC ORD S E VE RY C H U RC H

The passage of the CARES Act has brought to the surface

the importance of church records. Many churches have applied for loans under the Payroll Protection Program, and banks are requiring documentation that many churches simply do not have.

This month I wil list a few items that churches should take great care to ensure they have in their files at all times.

IRS DETERMINATION LETTER The General Council of the Assemblies of God in Springfield carries a group exemption which grants 501(c)3 tax-exempt status to all Assemblies of God churches. Each church should keep a copy of the group exemption letter listing it as an affiliated entity. To secure a copy of this letter, you can contact the Office of the General Secretary and request a copy of the IRS Group Exemption Letter. You can reach them by calling 417-8612781 (ext. 3237) or email at churchrecords@ag.org. You can also contact the District Office (Renae.Elmore@okag.org) for assistance.

EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ( EIN ) Every church should have an EIN, even if it does not have any employees. There are many instances when an EIN is necessary.

For example, a church will need an EIN when it opens a bank account or files for incorporation with the Secretary of State.

You can find your EIN by contacting your bank, the District Office (Renae.Elmore@okag.org), or the Internal Revenue Service.

recommendations will be returned to the local church. The letter containing the decision of the Executive Presbytery will be sent to the local church, and a copy will be placed in the church file retained by the Oklahoma District Council. If a local church has never received a letter that verifies the approval of the Oklahoma District Executive Presbytery for their amendments, any decision regarding governance will be subject to the current adoption of the Oklahoma District Council Constitution and Bylaws for Local Churches. To secure a copy of the Local Church Bylaws, contact Renae.Elmore@okag.org.

CURRENT EMPLOYEE PAYROLL RECORDS Pastors, administrative assistants, janitors, and other paid church workers are likely considered to be employees of the local church.

As such, the Internal Revenue Service requires their wages to be reported on form W2 at the end of the year. This means that churches will be responsible for payroll taxes on all nonministerial employees. Churches should only issue form 1099Misc. to independent contractors. More often than not, people working for the church will not pass the independent contractor test. For all employees churches should ensure the following forms are filed and retained; • •

Quarterly 941 & State Payroll Filings Annual W2 & W3 Forms

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION To become incorporated with the State of Oklahoma, a church needs to file its Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State’s Office. Once approved, the Certificate of Incorporation should be kept in the church’s permanent files. We also recommend keeping a copy on file with the District Office. You can either file for incorporation or secure a copy of your church’s certificate by contacting the Oklahoma Secretary of State’s Office (www.sas.ok.gov), or the District Office (Renae.Elmore@okag.org).

BOARD MEETING MINUTES Board meeting minutes are more than the general accounting of board discussions. They serve as the official and legal record of the board meeting. Minutes should not contain history of discussion and/or disagreement between individuals. They should accurately record the wording of “motions” and the action taken on such motions. Minutes should clear, concise, and condensed.

CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS All Oklahoma District Council Affiliated Churches function under the provisions of the Oklahoma District Council’s Constitution and Bylaws for Local Churches. All Oklahoma District Council General Council Affiliated Churches are to function under the Oklahoma District Council’s Constitution and Bylaws for Local Churches unless they have submitted a copy of their amended bylaws to govern their local assembly. Once a church submits a copy of its version to the Oklahoma Executive Presbytery, those amendments will be reviewed, and a response along with the approval and/or

For more resources, visitwww.ecfa.church/churchexcel

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

T H E C H U RC H

RESPONDS

The past several weeks have upended everything that has

been comfortable for the church. Worship, discipleship, fellowship, evangelism, and service have all been impacted in some way. The COVID-19 Virus that has spread across our nation and the social distancing guidelines that have been enacted, have caused our churches to make major adjustments in order to continue the work that God has called us to do.

I would be the first to admit that I am most comfortable with the structure we have been accustomed to, when it comes to the operation of the church. However, in the midst of the crisis we are facing, I have had to come to grips with some new and challenging realities in my own life and ministry. I know many of us have!

During this challenging time, I have been inspired by many of our churches and pastors who have responded in innovative and creative ways! In fact, many of our pastors are finding that there is not only new opportunities to minister to their community, but are accomplishing things they never thought they could before! Online platforms have become the norm for many churches who were unable to accomplish this transition in the past.

Our churches are providing a location to distribute school meals, delivering masks to first responders, post office, banks, gas stations, and doctors’ offices. Pastors are delivering daily devotions, fireside chats, and messages of encouragement and hope on social media.

Church members are doing family devotions and worshipping together in their own homes! As well as checking on one another and meeting needs as they arise!

In the Acts 2 Journey I have taught that the first thing necessary for churches to experience revitalization is to be faced with a moment of crisis. Why? Because when churches are confronted with a crisis or pressing need, they tend to respond with an openness like never before. They begin to creatively look for opportunities to show the love of Jesus to the community they are in and make changes necessary to do so.

This virus has pushed the Church beyond our context of which we are most comfortable and the Church has responded in a powerful way. Even the smallest churches are not only making relevant impacts in their community, but have found they are reaching more people than ever before with the Gospel!

These churches are fulfilling a desperate need of a disconnected world by going where the lost are and developing new relationships that are having eternal impacts!

What is exciting is that a fearful world is looking to the Church for our response. Churches have been contacted by newspapers, radio/ tv stations, and community leaders to report on or carry services and to promote outreaches. It seems that the overwhelming majority of news is positive concerning the church’s response! We must be a good steward of the opportunities that God has given us in this moment to be Jesus to our community and beyond!

After Easter, I received a testimony from Pastor Bryan Forman who pastors in the small community of Konowa. One of the elder members of the church was watching the message on Facebook, when they found the share button. Thinking they would share it so someone in Konowa could hear the message, they pressed the button. Soon, a notification came up that their Granddaughter who is not serving the Lord was watching the service. The member is quoted as saying, “I couldn’t believe I was seeing her name...I thought Lord, for someone who has never heard the Gospel, what a great time to hear it.” They continued by saying, “Can’t help but believe that God preordained the message and for (granddaughter) to hear the gospel for the first time!”

These testimonies are happening throughout our fellowship and it is exciting! The gospel is reaching places and people that we have not been able to reach before!

We know that the virus will be defeated and we will be released from social distancing, so we must develop a plan moving forward.

Here are some questions that we must consider.

1. How can we encourage families to continue worship, prayer, and discipleship in their homes?

2. How can we deepen relational connections with the church and community?

3. How can we develop and diversify the leadership base of the local church?

4. What changes do we need to make to our budget to provide in difficult times?

5. How do we continue to find opportunities for outreach?

Especially to the most vulnerable in our communities.

For more photos, please visit www.okag.org/covid19

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

6 | OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK

Blessings!

Chad and Nyree

WOMEN’S

HEA LT HY FE AR IS THER E S U C H A T H IN G?

“Noooooooooo!” Shouted three-year-old Janice, as she pushed

her chubby little fingers into the wet nose of her new puppy. “I. Don’t. Like. Him. I’m sc-ar-ed!” She winced dramatically. Oblivious to rejection, the fat little, golden-doodle jumped and twisted and performed in seeming adoration of the defiant youngster, ignoring her push-back. By nightfall, the little furball had won the challenge, and the two became inseparable. They snuggled up to one another before falling fast asleep, and all was right in the world again.

I wonder if that’s how we are with Father God sometimes.

Psalms 34:11 says: “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the Fear of the Lord.”

Fear? I thought that was a negative word… Let’s explore its meanings here. Meriam Webster defines FEAR as follows: Fear – noun : an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger : anxious concern: SOLICITUDE : profound reverence and awe especially toward God

contains a PROMISE! As long as we “choose” (Fear is a choice) to turn our problems over to God – we can and eventually will enjoy Success. (vs. 5, 15) I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that this is NOT our natural inclination. After the fall of man, humankind was born with a propitiation towards FEAR. God put that into our DNA to help protect us by giving us a “fight or flight” mode in case of impending danger. However, the enemy has amplified that natural inclination towards FEAR and has used it to hold many people captive, crippling them with it, to try and rob us of God’s divine peace. Satan gives FEAR, DREAD, and DOOM. God gives PEACE, PROMISE, and PROVISION. So, may we ALL choose, as Wise King Solomon declared in Proverbs 22:4; “Humility is the FEAR of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.”

I’m praying for our Hurting World to Experience a Spiritual Awakening – and to FEAR and turn to the God of the Bible!

Susie Purkey

Fear – verb : to be afraid of: expect with alarm : to have reverential awe of (i.e., fear of God) Certainly, FEAR can represent a positive or a negative depending on “WHO” you are fearing. The Bible teaches us that the FEAR OF THE LORD is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10) This provides the argument that one is actually intelligent to FEAR God. Let’s give an example: In the 26th Chapter of 2 Chronicles, we read that the people of Judah took 16-year-old Uzziah and made him King in place of his father Amaziah, who died. He reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father, Amaziah (and mother, Jekoliah) had done.

He sought God during the days of Zechariah, the prophet, and the scripture says that Zechariah “instructed” Uzziah in the FEAR of God and that as long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success!

This was evidenced by his successful war campaigns and vast, powerful, and well-trained military divisions. He also built up and fortified the walls of the city and created innovative (for their time) Towers and new devices of equipment for defense. He planted vineyards and dug cisterns and had great numbers of flocks and herds. God brought him wealth, and his fame spread far and wide, and he was greatly helped as long as he FEARED the Lord. (vs. 1-15) Wow! We see here - that “FEAR of God” is actually fleshed out by seeking, consulting, and trusting with awe, in our Divine Heavenly Father FIRST (think knee-jerk reaction) and that doing so even

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

BE T H E CHURC H WE ARE CURRENTLY LIVING IN UNPRECEDENTED TIMES. Schools, arenas, and even churches are being asked to close in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This creates challenges but also creates opportunity. We get to teach students that Church isn’t something you go to, but something you become.

Here are a few ways to BE THE CHURCH and lead students during the challenges of Coronavirus.

TIP 1 | TEACH STUDENTS WHAT THE CHURCH REALLY MEANS How many times have we told students: “Church isn’t the building, it’s the people.” Now we actually get to LIVE THAT. Acts 2:46-47 “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread daily in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all people.” The Church isn’t a monument, it’s a movement. Buildings can’t contain it, a virus won’t stop it.

TIP 2 | CREATE ONLINE CONTENT Generation Z is a generation of “Digital Natives” and the most connected generation of all history. MEET THEM WHERE THEY ARE. 1. Youtube 2. Instagram Live + IGTV 3. TikTok Through technology, we have an incredible opportunity to produce content to help teach and disciple our students in the word of God. Get with your media team, and let’s bring the word of God into cellphones, iPads, living rooms and TV’s.

TIP 3 | USE TECHNOLOGY TO CREATE COMMUNITY 1. FaceTime 2. Group Chats 3. Zoom Group Calls Find every way possible to STAY CONNECTED. In these times it’s easy to isolate, get bored, and feel alone. Allow students to know that during this time, no one has to be alone. Not only can we go through this together, but we can also actually use this to GROW TOGETHER.

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

8 | OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK

TIP 4 | TEACH STUDENTS THE INVALUABLE LESSON OF HOW TO NAVIGATE CRISIS This will not be the last crisis these students every experience. If they can learn how to deal with THIS, they can go through anything.

“What do you do when things go wrong?” “What do you do when you’re anxious?” Help them answer these questions. During this time teach them to have: caution + confidence in God. Psalms 55:22says “Cast your cares on the Lord, and he will sustain you. He will never let the righteous fall.”

TIP 5 | BECOME A PRESENCE OF HOPE The Rabbi Edwin Friedman had this idea of being a “non-anxious presence.” A person or place that gave calm, peace, and hope. A “safe” space. As Pastors, Leaders and followers of Jesus, we get to do that. And we even get to become evangelists to the world through the hope we offer. In your small groups: give hope. On your social media: give hope. In conversations: give hope. Remind people that Jesus is hope.

TIP 6 | USE MEMES In our generation, one of our defense mechanisms is that we laugh so we don’t cry… lol. Here’s why you should use memes: 1. They’re funny.

2. They help us calm down.

3. They bring us closer together.

4. Laughing is good for the soul.

5. It reminds students you’re human.

TIP 7 | BECAUSE YOUR MINISTRY IS VIRTUAL YOU CAN BECOME MORE EVANGELISTIC Students are afraid to go to a physical Church building or sometimes can’t come for x or y reasons. But Church has NEVER been easier to connect with.

1. Tell students to invite friends to a small group.

2. Tell students to add friends to group chats.

3. Create graphics and give them to students to post.

4. Make yourself available to people who need prayer or advice in your DM’s.

5. Empower students to show the love of Jesus to their friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

TIP 8 | USE RESOURCES There are so many amazing resources out there available to Youth Pastors and Leaders. Here’s just a few: 1. The Bible App

Create Group Reading Plans

Tons of Devotionals 2. The Bible Project

On Youtube

Tons of Videos About Hundreds of Topics 3. Feed Youth Ministry

Amazing Free Small Group Curriculum For YP’s

Completely Gen Z Focused 4. Free Church Media Free Sermon Series Packages & Social Media Content

CHILDREN

T RU ST

IN HIM

As a kid growing up in Texas, we would often travel back

and forth from Wichita Falls to Nocona. My parents and I lived in Wichita Falls and my grandparents, my dad’s parents, lived in Nocona. Now it was only 47 miles from our house to theirs which, on a good day would take less than 45 minutes. However, in my mind, it seemed to take a lot longer.

What I liked best about going to see my grandparents was getting to hang out with my Grandpa Guthrie. Over time I got to spend a while lot of time with him and also had a few firsts with him as well. He took me fishing for the first time. He took me to get my first haircut at a barbershop. (Incidentally, my first spanking from Grandpa happened right in front of that barbershop, but that’s another story for another time.)

One of the things that I remember about Grandpa the most was that he was very laid back. It’s as if he was as cool as a cucumber all of the time. Nothing ever really rattled his cage much. I remember being with him at a store one time. It was pretty close to my birthday and Grandpa knew that I wanted a bike. As we were strolling down the aisles of that store I remember seeing the bicycles. As we were standing there Grandpa could see that I was really interested in one in particular. He took out his wallet, opened it, and showed me a few crisp one-hundred dollar bills that were situated in there.

I pray that you find comfort and peace as you find time to spend with the Lord.

He said, “Do you think that there’s enough to buy one of those bicycles?”

I replied, “Yes, sir, I sure do!”

He said, “Yep, I think there is, too.” And he folded his wallet, put it in his back pocket and back to my grandparents’ house we went.

I left that store feeling confused and perplexed. I was certain that my grandpa was going to buy me that bike.

After we got home, I remember him relaying the story to Grandma and my mom and dad. It seemed funny to them as well. I remember him saying this. “Deano was just certain I was going to buy that bike for him.” And then he said, “Son, there are only two things in this life that are certain, death and taxes.”

Now as an adult and looking back on that experience, I have come to realize that my grandpa wasn’t being mean or trying to mistreat me.

He was teaching me a lesson on the fact that things don’t always happen the way we want them to or how we think they should.

If there were any time for uncertainty in our lives, it would be the time that we are living in these past few weeks. When will this all end? When will things be normal again? How long will it be before things calm down?

It reminds me of a story about a newspaper publisher who sent an email to a famous astronomer. He told him that if he could write an article, of no more than 500 words, proving whether or not there was indeed life on Mars, he would send him a check for $10,000.

The astronomer dutifully accepted the challenge and by the end of the day he responded to the publishers email with his article. The publisher opened the email and read the astronomers essay. It said the following: “NOBODY KNOWS” - 250 times Now, I don’t know if that astronomer collected his $10,000 or not, but I do know that NOBODY on Earth KNOWS when this pandemic will end.

I do know that God instructs us in Matthew 6 that in times of uncertainty that we should not worry!

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

In the days ahead, I pray that you find comfort and peace as you find time to spend with the Lord. Take Him at His word, that we do not have to worry day to day about the circumstances we are facing.

Trust in Him! God bless each of you as we move forward!

Dean

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

Scott Bradley

1/4/1969 – 3/9/2020 Reverend Clarence Scott Bradley was born on January 4, 1969 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Clarence William Bradley Jr. and Victory Joyce (Smith) Bradley. He passed from this life on March 9, 2020. Scott and Cynthia (Carr) were married on June 4, 1994 and have two sons, Tyler and Evan Bradley.

They worked for many years as evangelists and together built a life around ministry and serving others. He attended AG Oklahoma School of Ministry, Ordination level, and is a credentialed minister with the Assemblies of God, working and ministering in many different churches throughout Oklahoma. For three years he was a pastor at the Wellspring Assembly of God and was a true example of a Christian man who was never afraid to share the word of God. From 2010 to 2014 Scott and his family lived in Coyle, Oklahoma where he worked as a Music and Youth Leader. Following this, he served as the pastor of Gracemont Assembly from 2014 to 2016.

He was also the President of the Alliance in Marietta and for many years he worked in marketing at Arvest Bank in Del City.

Scott never met a stranger and was always willing to go the extra mile for anyone that needed it. Music was a large part of Scott’s life. He enjoyed recording music, writing songs, playing the keyboard and piano, and had many jam sessions with family and friends. Life for Scott included reading, working on computers, and helping others with the technical difficulties. Nothing was more fulfilling for him than quality time spent with his family making memories.

Scott’s memory will continue to be cherished by his wife, Cynthia, sons, Tyler and Evan, mother, Joyce Bradley, brothers, Tim and wife Dana Bradley, Michael and wife Jill Bradley, and numerous nieces and nephews with 7 nieces on the Bradley side and 33 nieces and nephews from the Carr side. He is preceded in death by his father, Clarence Bradley, an infant son, Coleman James Bradley and a stillborn daughter, Avalyn Joy Bradley.

Charley Hudspeth 3/1/1937 – 4/1/2020

Pastor Charley Hudspeth of Ponca City, Oklahoma passed away on April l, 2020. Due to current circumstances a celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.

10 | OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK

James Eubanks

5/31/1941 – 3/22/2020 Reverend James Drurey (Jim) Eubanks died Sunday, March 22, 2020 at 10:50 a.m. at home in Pawnee, OK with his wife by his side. He was born May 31, 1941 to Floyd and Frances (Cotney) Eubanks in Sallisaw, OK. After graduating high school, he joined the Marine Corp. and served his country during the Vietnam war.

Returning home, he moved to Prue, OK to work with his brother-inlaw, Lester Clayton finishing concrete. He met and married Estelene Horton on November 26th, 1964. James went to work at National Tank Company as a welder’s helper and worked there for several years. During this time, he and Estee became Youth Leaders at Prue Assembly of God. They had a youth choir who sang at many CA Rallies and anywhere else they were invited. He felt called to preach so began studying and became an ordained minister for the Assemblies of God. In 1969 they moved to Imperial, CA to be youth leaders at the Imperial Assembly of God Church.

James and Estee later moved back to Prue where he and a pastor friend started their own concrete finishing business, working on many commercial properties in Tulsa and the surrounding area.

In 1976 he was voted in as the pastor of Pawnee First Assembly of God Church. While pastoring there he became the Oklahoma District Royal Ranger Commander and was over the state of Oklahoma boys’ program of the AG. He served in that capacity for over 20 years, traveling around the world training men to reach boys for Christ while still pastoring in Pawnee. In 2006 he took a 6 months sabbatical and went to China with Estee, who spent a year teaching school there. After 35 years of pastoring, in which they saw more than one generation commit to Christ and His plan for their lives, in 2011 they retired from the church and moved to Nairobi, Africa. They then returned to Pawnee where they continued to live until his death.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Frances Eubanks, four sisters; Wanda, Nadine, Irene, and Inez; four brothers, Floyd Jr., Archiedon, Carland Charles (Chockie).

He is survived by his wife Estelene of the home, one son, Dru, two daughters, Heather and Christy; five grandchildren; Alex and Courtney, Amy (Jay), John and Mackenzie; five nieces, Marsha, Mary K., Brenda Carol, Dorthy, and Paula June, one nephew, Ellis, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Graveside services were held in the Magnolia Memorial Gardens in Bristow, OK with Reverend Kirby Stevens officiating. A memorial service will be held Saturday May 30, 2020 in the Assembly Of God Church in Pawnee, OK. Memorials can be made in memory of James at the Oklahoma District Council of the Assemblies of God P.O. Box 13179 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73113 Attn: Oklahoma Royal Rangers. Also, everyloved.com/james(jim)drureyeubanksmemorial to donate in his name.

OKLAHOMA

DISTRICT NEWS PRAYER REQUESTS Clint Gray - new church building provision and sale of church properties.

Fred and Jan Ticeahkie - Sandy’s healing.

Anita Davis - God’s provision.

PASTORS’ REPORTS Gary Mullen, Sallisaw, reports five saved, two delivered from alcohol, and four delivered from tobacco in regular services.

Raymond Frizzelle, Miami, reports three children saved, five adults saved, and three water baptismals.

Clint Gray, Arpelar, reports five saved on Valentine’s Day in FCA huddle meeting.

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

FOR SALE 3200 sq.ft. Multi-purpose brick building with new roof and carport. (Twelve miles west of McAlester on Hwy 270) 3.59 acres of commercial property on Hwy 270 near Indian Nation Turnpike (west edge of McAlester).

Contact Clint Gray (918) 470-9512.

TRANSFERS Welcome Jimmy Ashmore David Curry Sibyl Curry Clyde Frizzelle Noah Rosson

From SoCal Network North Texas North Texas Louisiana Arkansas

Farewell Jeremy Cox Daniel Armstrong Julia Weaver

To South Texas Tennessee North Texas

EVANGELISTS’ REPORTS Dale Floyd reports 67 men and women saved in prison services.

Robert and Jan Teel report 31 saved and two filled with the Holy Ghost.

Marna Hillard reports husband and wife saved in outreach ministry.

Alex Hanna reports 75 Arabs and Muslims saved, delivered and healed from gastrointestinal diseases and respiratory viruses.

YO U R VISION IS OUR FOCUS

MINISTERS’ SPOUSES Erika S. Knight Spouse of M. Brandon Knight 1/18/1983 – 2/01/2020

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