November 2020

OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 1

OKLAHOMA

OUTLOOK Publisher H. Franklin Cargill Designer Jayson Evans Chris Ainsworth

DECEMBER

OSOM Gameday (OKC) OSOM Gameday (Muskogee) Missions Faith Promises Due Ministerial Credentials Renewal Deadline

Copyeditor Renae Elmore December 5 December 12 December 15 December 31

JANUARY 2021

OSOM Gameday (OKC) OSOM Gameday (Muskogee)

January 2 January 9 Credentials Application & Exam Deadline (All Levels) January 11 Women’s Ministries Sectional LIFE Rallies January 15 Speed The Light Rally January 17 ACTS 2 Journey – Preview January 23 Century Leadership Roundtable January 28 RR FCF Winter Trace January 29-31 ACMR Deadline January 31

GENERAL PRESBYTERS

SECTIONAL PRESBYTERS

H. Franklin Cargill Superintendent

Jackie Crafton 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 Darren Pilcher MINISTRY DIRECTORS Chad Brodrick Church Ministries Heath Corrales Youth Ministries Dean Guthrie Children’s Ministries Susie Purkey Women’s Ministries Ordained Female Presbyter Deborah Burke

P.O. Box 13179 Oklahoma City, OK 73113

OKDCofAG

(405) 475-1100

OKDCofAG

www.okag.org

OklahomaDistrictCouncil

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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

SUPERINTENDENT

CELEBR ATI O N !

W H AT A

The 2020 Oklahoma District Council will be remembered for many reasons – mainly because it occurred in 2020!

First, we cancelled the “usual” date as it was scheduled for April.

Next, we shortened the entire District Council to a one-day event – including the Senior Ministers Banquet and the Ordination Service.

However, for the Cargill Family, it will remain in our memory forever because of the elaborate and beautiful reception that was orchestrated by the Oklahoma Presbytery and our OKAG Team in recognition of our 50th Wedding Anniversary. Linda and I were not only honored, we were simply left without words due to the beautiful decorations, the detailed planning, the video presentation, the anniversary cake (and the groom’s cake); and the thoughtfulness of our Executive Presbytery and their companions.

2020 DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTIONS Congratulations to Darryl and Faith Wootton who were re-elected to serve as a member of our District Executive Presbytery for the next 4 years as our General Presbyter. His position includes serving as Corporate Secretary for the Oklahoma District Council. Thank you, Woottons, for your faithful and continued service to the Oklahoma AG Family!

Special recognition was extended to Ron and Marsha McCaslin as they entered a new phase of ministry by retiring as Lead Pastor at Edmond Spring Creek Assembly and offered his resignation as one of our Executive Presbyters. Brother McCaslin has served on the District Presbytery for 19 Years. He was first elected as Presbyter of Section 9 in 2001. Later, in 2006, he was elected to serve as the Executive Presbyter for the Western Zone.

Thank you, Brother and Sister McCaslin!

Darren and Michelle Pilcher were elected to fill the vacant position left by the McCaslins. The District Council selected the Pilchers who have served as a vital part of our Oklahoma Assemblies of God Team for 11 years. He became a member of the District Presbytery in 2009. Then in 2010 they became an Office Team as Directors of Church Ministries and Women’s Ministries. In 2016 they assumed the position of District Executive Pastor and Missions Directors.

Congratulations to Brother and Sister Pilcher!

We look back on 50 years and can only say, “Where has the time gone?” God has graciously blessed our union with 2 wonderful sons, a loving daughter-in-law, and the 3 greatest grandkids in the world.

Oklahoma is honored to have such qualified individuals serving our Fellowship. Welcome, Pilchers, as you continue to walk this journey and the path that God has ordained!

On August 14, 1970 we were united in marriage in Stillwater, Oklahoma at Calvary Assembly of God (at a location that no longer exists). We were so young but excited to become man and wife.

We were pursuing God’s will for our lives but little did we know the plans that He had ahead. We had a beautiful wedding and a wonderful reception but the 50th Anniversary Celebration far exceeded our expectations. Thank you – those words seem so insignificant – but from the bottom of our hearts – THANK YOU! We are honored to serve our Oklahoma Assemblies of God Family.

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

M I S S I O NS FOU R G REAT RE AS ON S TO S U P P ORT

Supporting a missionary is at the very foundation of who we are as the Church. The New Testament gives ample

understanding that missionaries go to strategic places around the world because WE send them. And, there are plenty of good reasons we do that. Consider this list:

IT’S PERSONAL

The Great Commission was not given to a church first but to individuals that would be instrumental in establishing the Church.

So, even though someone else might go to another part of the world physically instead of us, we aren’t off the hook. As one missiologist said, we either go, send, or disobey. As we support the missionary cause, we do it primarily because it’s based on our personal obedience to the Great Commission. The local church supports missionaries because individuals give to missions!

IT’S NECESSARY

It is always good for us to consider the ramifications of a global worker not going or being sent to be present where a spiritual rescue effort needs to take place. Apostle Paul poses 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?” It is just that necessary that we send missionaries to places where God is calling. And, when we send them, we must feel in a way that God is using us to help in answering those questions.

IT’S RELATIONAL

There is no better way to stay connected with what God is doing around the world than by building a relationship with a missionary that you have sent. Frankly, this connection is a profound way of keeping us connected with the heart of God. And, furthermore, that relationship is essential and should be reciprocal. Their relationship with us sustains the work God has called them to do by keeping them aware that they are never alone. From university campuses to remote villages on a faraway continent, the relationship is why we pray and give.

IT’S LASTING

Nothing will last longer than what we give to God’s work. And, we really need to keep this in mind as we give our hard-earned money to the work of missions around the world. Matthew 6:19-20 says,

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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| OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasure in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.” Jesus said that! In other words, when we give to Kingdom causes, we are magnifying the worth of Jesus and the eternal life He has provided for us. No one is really certain how all of this heavenly economy works, but suffice to say, our eternal rewards are tied to what we do here with what God has made financially possible. Our support to missionaries will last the test of time!

Really, it boils down to what William Carey, known as the father of modern day missions, said to his friend, Andrew Fuller, in 1792 before going to India as a missionary: “I will go down into the pit, if you will hold the ropes.” We hold the ropes because it’s personal, necessary, relational, and lasting. And, those are good enough reasons to support missionaries here and abroad.

IT INE RAT ING MISSIONA R IE S Darrin & Sarah Contact information available from the Missions Office *Sensitive Country

Ryan & Lauren Plute laurenplute@gmail.com Global Initiative, International Ministries

Darin & Dianna Clements darin.clements@agmd.org Asia Pacific

Joshua & Lisa Sears joshua.sears@agmd.org Brazil, Latin American Caribbean

Stephen & Tiffany Contact information available from the Missions Office *Sensitive Country

Steven & Kimberly Snow steve.snow@hqmail.agmd.org Chile, Latin America Caribbean

Tim & Jennifer Land thelandsinafrica@gmail.com Cameroon, Africa Garo & Jordania Nargiz garonn@gmail.com Brazil, Latin America Caribbean

Brian & Crystal Stuke bcstuke@gmail.com Zimbabwe, Africa Adam & Bethany Weatherly adam.weatherly@agmd.org IMM, Spain

FINANCE

HOW ESTATE PLAN N IN G CAN H E LP YOU R

FAM ILY A N D M I N I ST RY Estate planning is one of those things that most adults will be forced to think about in time. It is also one of those

things which can become very easy to put off, and in some cases, it can be put off until too late. The time to prepare one is before you need one. For the average adult, a proper estate plan is a matter of personal responsibility. For a Christian, it is a matter of good stewardship. It is about stewarding everything God has put into your care. This means caring for the emotional, practical, and financial needs of your family and/or church community. Beyond the standard items we think of when preparing an estate plan, such as leaving bequests to our heirs, below are some less obvious things estate planning should consider.

possibility for people of average means to leave a legacy gift that can fund ministry for decades into the future.

These are all reasons why estate planning is essential. These reasons all point to the fact that estate planning is good stewardship. For this purpose, The Assemblies of God of Oklahoma Foundation was established. We have developed a way for you and the members of your church to walk through the process of estate planning. By the time the process is complete, we trust that families will be strengthened, churches will be blessed, and the work of the Assemblies of God both at the local church and global levels will be funded for future generations.

1. INCAPACITY Incapacity is not something anyone ever thinks will happen to them.

However, in large part, incapacity often strikes due to forces outside of our control. The cause could be medical, or the reason could be accidental. Regardless of the scenario, a good estate plan will make provision for these types of outcomes.

Below are the steps you can take to get started today:

In the event of incapacity, without legal authority to do so, your family may not be able to make decisions for you without first obtaining permission from the courts. This can create a great deal of stress and confusion in an already difficult time. The estate planning process will take you through all of the essential items, such as making a living will, naming a durable power of attorney for health care and financial matters, looking at how property is titled, and consideration of creating a living trust.

Step 3: Set up a time to meet with us about a good estate planning strategy.

2. MINOR CHILDREN If you have minor children, an estate plan is a huge priority. Name guardians and setting up a trust for minor children is a great way to not only care for your children in the event of your death but also to provide a great deal of peace to your family in knowing your wishes.

Walking through this portion ensures that you and your spouse get to choose who will be entrusted with the care and provision for raising your minor children should something ever happen.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not to be considered a replacement for professional legal advice. You should always seek the services of a qualified estate planning attorney when preparing your estate plan.

Step 1: Go to our website (www.agokfoundation.org) and sign up for our free e-newsletter.

Step 2: Request a copy of the Estate Planning Guide.

Step 4: Choose an attorney to prepare your estate planning documents.

Step 5: Rest easy knowing you have made provision for your family and ministry.

3. BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS Some items do not need to pass through a will but can go directly to designated beneficiaries. Typically, these are items such as life insurance policies, IRAs, and other retirement accounts. A good estate plan will take you the process of updating your designated beneficiaries to ensure the people you desire to receive the benefits are the people legally named to receive the benefits.

4. GIFTS TO MINISTRY One of the most significant opportunities afforded to you when you develop your estate plan is the opportunity to leave a gift to the church or ministry of your choice. This is an exciting option because you get to look at your entire financial picture, and you can leave a gift that is much larger at the end of your life, than any individual gift you have given throughout your life. It becomes a genuine

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

LIGH T FOR

THE LOST

Thank you for your support of Light for the Lost!

During the month of September, we had the privilege of traveling the state sharing about the ministry of Light for the Lost (LFTL). This amazing ministry has accomplished so many incredible projects around the world! Our Oklahoma Missionaries have been blessed with the tools they need to exponentially spread the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ because of your faithful giving!

Light for the Lost has provided the evangelistic resources our Oklahoma missionaries and missionary partnerships through five distinct and important platforms: print, audio, video, internet, and technologies. These resources are being used every minute of every day for the purpose of introducing people to the Savior and training them to lead others to salvation. Millions of lives are being impacted by Oklahoma LFTL and we can only expect it to continue to grow!

Oklahoma churches have been instrumental in leading the way by providing for our missionaries with the best resources they desperately need to influence nations. We believe that God is going to continue to use the strategic partnership of generous churches and visionary missionaries to see lives radically transformed!

Many pastors across our state have already partnered together with us in filling out a faith promise card for 2021. However, we need the assistance of every pastor and church in the state to join us because the harvest is great! The opportunities are vast and it will take all of us partnering together to present the gospel to every soul around the world.

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

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If you were unable to attend one of our Fall Ministry Tour meetings or were unable to turn in the Church Faith Promise card, you are welcome to email your 2021 amount to me at chad.brodrick@okag. org.

This faith promise not only helps our office budget and plan for the availability of funds for our Oklahoma missionaries, but also challenges your church with a vision for evangelism. As you pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, envision what God could do through the church, and put action to the vision, God will provide supernaturally!

Churches have the makings of a miracle through LFTL! Additionally, we have resources available for churches in presenting the vision of LFTL and receiving faith promises. Churches may download Celebrate the Light videos for presentation at lftl.ag.org/ Celebrate-the-Light/Video-Library. If you are planning to host a special service or banquet to raise LFTL funding, you will find great resources at lftl.ag.org/Celebrate-the-Light/Host-a-CTL-Service.

Thank you so much for partnering together with our Oklahoma missionaries and LFTL. It is such an honor to have a front row seat and see what God is doing around the world. If we can do anything to assist you in raising Light for the Lost funds, feel free to contact us anytime!

We are blessed!

Chad and Nyree Brodrick

WOMEN’S

2020

DAU G HT E R’S C ON FE RE N C E

LADIES REGISTER NOW! 2020 Daughters Conference is ON! DAUGHTERS WILL PROPHESY! OKAG.org/daughters “But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them and comforts them.” – 1Corinthians 14:3 (NLT) • • • • • • •

Learn to Prophesy – which simply means to Decree and Declare the promises of God over your life, situations and the church around you.

We believe that prophetic encouragement is like a muscle – It must be exercised. We will be prophesying together as the Corporate Bride of Christ – in real time. Powerful!

What glorious things is God speaking and declaring over you and your house right now? Find out!

In whose words are you partnering your words with – the enemy’s damaging edicts over our lives or God’s promises of Favor and Blessing? Learn to Discern!

Come to 2020 Daughters Conference to experience a mighty wave of Holy Spirit’s Power, Encouragement and Comfort- like you may only have dreamed of!

“The Holy Spirit WILL Come Upon ALL MY Servants, Men and Women alike, and They Will Prophesy.” – Acts: 2:17-18 (TPT, emphasis added)

CONFERENCE Schedule: - Crossroads Church, OKC, OK Friday, September 11, 2020 12:30pm Registration/Vendor Shopping & Eurasia Café Opens

2pm

Session One – Susie Purkey, OKAG Women’s Director

Dove Dance: Special presentation Prizes Give-a-ways 5pm Dinner on your own

7pm Session Two – Pastor Kim Owen

Prizes Give-a ways

Dove Dance: Special presentation

Unveiling of 2021 LIFE Theme

Saturday, September 12, 2020 9am

Vendor Shopping & Eurasia Café Opens

10am

Session Three – Missionary Jordania Nargiz, Brazil The Message Box: Special Project Dove Dance: Special Presentation Grand Prize Give-away – The Daughters Nook

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

“The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you and you will prophesy with them and will be changed into a different person. Once these signs are fulfilled, do whatever your hand finds to do, for God is with you.” – 1 Samuel 10:6-7 (NIV) *Hurry! $60 Early-bird discount EXPIRES Friday, August 14th!

Register NOW @ OKAG.org/daughters (Every Registrant is entered into drawings for valuable Prizes given away in each service!)

• • • • • • •

$70 after August 14th $80 at the door. $30 – Students (12-24) $30 – Seniors (65+) $50 – Friday Only $50 – Saturday Only $30 – Out-of-State Resident

We have women Registered from Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana and Texas!

Register on-line only Now! The First 500 Registrants will receive a FREE GIFT (valued at $15) only while supplies last.

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

SIX P RIN C IP LE S FOR

R E -O PE N IN G Hey OYM Family!

4. EVALUATE YOUR EXPECTATIONS.

I am so thankful to be in a time where things are looking somewhat “normal” again!! Restrictions in Oklahoma are being lifted, Sunday morning services are getting back in session, and now we’re getting the chance to “relaunch” youth services!

Perfectionists, these first few youth services aren’t going to look like what your youth service looked like before COVID-19. And that is okay! Expect and embrace that your room will look different and feel different. What a great time to experiment and implement a new style of service and try new things.

Over the last few weeks we have talked about what re-opening our youth service could look like on our “What’s up its Wednesday” livestream and have shared these six principles to keep in mind as we do so. I hope these help!

5. COMMUNICATE WHAT TO EXPECT.

I will be the first to admit I’m still way behind on staying current with all-things social media. To a lot of us it’s still like a foreign language, but I believe COVID-19 has pushed the Church out of its comfort zone and we’ve had to become students of social media.

Please do not neglect this area as we return to in-person services!

Many families will not be ready to return to church immediately, for many reasons, and we need to continue to offer them connection and engagement from their homes.

For weeks, during stay-at-home, I imagine your mind running with ideas and thoughts about your youth service. However, as leaders, we need to remember that may not be true for others. It is important to share those thoughts and ideas and vision with your leadership teams. Your team needs to know what to expect and what your service will look like. The best thing you can do to set your ministry up for success is to communicate clearly to your team! Also, and equally important, is clear communication to your students and their parents as to what they can expect when they show up. Who will be there? What will they see? What will be different? What measures are you taking to keep students and volunteers safe? People are generally loyal and forgiving as long as you communicate.

2. BE EASY- GOING.

6. FOLLOW UP, FOLLOW UP, FOLLOW UP.

If you are anything like me, you understand the world of perfectionism all too well. I know kicking off the first youth service after 8-10 weeks is a big deal. Fight the urge to give into the pressure of perfectionism and the feeling that everything needs to fire on all cylinders. It’s going to be okay if it doesn’t! So sit back, try to relax, and just enjoy the company of students.

If you don’t have a good follow up system in place, now is a great time to start one. This goes back into the importance of connection and relationship. Today’s generation has serious self-esteem issues and often don’t feel like they matter. Now is the right time to show these students that they are important and someone does care about them. Youth ministry is easy on Wednesdays and Sundays.

It’s the other days that connecting means the most in a student’s life. So find a way to follow up and connect with not only with your first time guests, but the students that show every week that we sometimes take for granted.

1. CONTINUE TO STAY ENGAGED ON SOCIAL MEDIA.

3. RELATIONSHIP OVER EVERYTHING. Go back and read the last sentence of the second point. Sit back, try to relax, and just enjoy the company of students, whom you haven’t seen in weeks! Enjoying the company of students should be the major focus. Our students are not coming back because of lights or sound or screens. They are anxious to come back to church because they are craving connection and relationships!

So I encourage you as pastors and leaders to not be in a hurry with tasks, but move SLOWLY through the crowd to prioritize real connection!

We know that this pandemic will not suddenly end, but phase out into eradication. Continue to be intentional about creating spaces where students can feel valued and encounter the presence of our One, True God. We Believe in you, Oklahoma, Heath, Alisha, Lincoln, and Miriam

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

CHILDREN

A D D RE S S IN G RAC IS M

WIT H CHI LDRE N Last September, we held the annual Oklahoma Children’s

Ministries Workers Conference at Bethesda Assembly of God in Oklahoma City. The featured speakers were from the National Assemblies of God Kids Ministry Team, from Springfield, Missouri.

One of the speakers was John Hailes. I was impressed with his ideology of children’s ministries, and he did a terrific job in communicating with the children’s pastors and leaders.

In light of current events, in the past few weeks, surrounding protests of racial injustice in Oklahoma and throughout the nation, I want to take this opportunity to encourage pastors, children’s pastors and leaders to address this topic with children and families. I found an article written by John, and I would like to share it with you with his permission.

It’s getting difficult to count the number of times over the past few weeks that I have scrolled through social media to see pictures and videos of black Americans receiving abuse unfairly or being killed without cause. With every occurrence, the outrage across the nation is growing and the excuses are becoming more challenging to find comfort in. We are living in a time where technology is denying us the opportunity to turn a blind eye and claim ignorance. With this in mind, I am inclined to believe that if we are stumbling upon these cases, then so are our children.

If we fail to address these incidents with our children, then we instruct them with our silence that it is acceptable to kill others who embody the image of God. We begin to subtly teach them that their life is more important than their brothers. ALL Life is precious, and ALL human life is created in the image of God. We ALL sin and yet our sin does not disqualify us from being His image bearers. This is the message we must communicate to the next generation.

When we see systematic issues, it is too easy to feel insignificant and incapable of solving the problem. However, as parents and church leaders we can make a difference through shaping the next generation. Here are some ways we can begin shaping our children’s understanding…

1. EXPRESS YOUR EMOTION I’m thankful for many of my friends who sit their children down after each of these occurrences and share the stories with tears in their eyes. You may be horrified at the idea of “stealing” a small portion of your children’s innocence…you are privileged with the choice of doing so… our brothers and sisters of color must shatter their children’s innocence to save them. The truth is though that many children will see these stories unravel and have no outlet to process them. We must communicate with our children and allow them to see the way we process these events through showing them our emotions. This will help shape their worldview and teach them how to process their pain.

2. EXPOSE YOUR CHILDREN TO A DIVERSITY OF PEOPLE Nothing is more powerful than exposing our children to a diversity of people. We must find opportunities for them to make friendships with people of color. This kind of experience shatters their learned stereotypes of other races. Given the world we live in, there is little excuse for failing to expose our children to a diversity of people. It’s beneficial and important for them to understand what it feels like to be the minority in the room. Consider vacationing in a foreign country, taking your children to a large city, teaching them about significant figures in black history or visiting a church that has a totally different ethnic make-up than your own church. This is not merely about racism, but it is about humanizing their perspective and helping them realize that what is perfectly normal for them, is not necessarily the experience of others.

3. EXPLAIN WITH SCRIPTURE It is vital that we help our children build their worldview from the truth of scripture. When we teach children the creation narrative, we elevate their understanding of the sanctity of ALL human life. When we talk about how Jesus engages the Samaritan woman at the well, we can help children understand that Jesus despised racism. When we teach the foundation of missions through the great commission, we can emphasize that we must have compassion for ALL people groups and nations who are yet to hear the good news. Finally, when we teach about finishing the race before us and we read scriptures about eternity with Jesus, we remind our children that people from all nations are God’s children. This worldview may easily become distorted by cultural experiences if we aren’t careful to teach our children to build from the truth of God’s word.

We may not be able to change the outcomes of past occurrences, but their stories can be shared so that the next generation does not follow in our shameful footsteps. What are you willing to do to prepare and equip the next generation to stop this happening?

John Hailes was born and raised in Manchester, England. He currently works as the Children’s Ministries Discipleship Coordinator at the General Council of the Assemblies of God.

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 Harry S. Jackson

9/5/1954 – 4/27/2020 Reverend Harry Skelly Jackson was born September 5, 1954 in Pryor, OK to Murell Howard and Ruby Joann (Blackwell) Jackson. He departed this life on Monday, April 27, 2020 in Tulsa, OK, at the age of 65 years, 7 months, and 22 days.

Harry lived all of his life in Locust Grove and surrounding areas.

As a youngster, Harry enjoyed coon hunting. He spent all of his school years attending Locust Grove Public Schools where he graduated with the class of 1972. Harry worked for Tulsa Builders Construction for some time as well as for Gardner Denver (The Foundry) and The Yarn Mill, both near Pryor.

While working for The Yarn Mill, he met the love of his life, Joy Vanbeber. On December 29, 1973, in Chouteau, OK, the two were united in marriage. The couple had been married for over 46 years.

Harry was a youth leader and had served in various capacities at the Assembly of God in Salina. He became a full-time evangelist in 1984 where he spent four years traveling throughout Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas delivering the Gospel of Christ. As his evangelist calling was coming to an end, he had a vision, in great detail, of a new building that was facing a certain direction with certain detailed bricking. In 1988, Harry became the pastor of Lighthouse Assembly of God in Locust Grove and began paving the way to fulfill the vision he had been given.

Norma L. Watts

8/30/1937 – 5/3/2020 Reverend Norma Lea McInturff Watts, an Assemblies of God minister and Licensed Practical Nurse, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and devoted follower of Jesus Christ, left this life May 3, 2020, at the age of 82.

Norma was born in Guthrie, OK to Wesley George McInturff and Sadie May Rayner McInturff on August 30, 1937. She married the love of her life Delton Watts on November 25, 1956, in Hale Center, TX. Norma enjoyed attending and serving in church. She loved listening to gospel music and playing the guitar, and she was an avid reader.

Norma is survived by her grandchildren, Seth Watts and wife Chasity of Portland, TX, Anna K. Watts of Riverview, FL, and Sarah Watts of Durant, OK and her great-grandchildren Seth, Nicole, and Nicolas Watts.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Delton Watts; parents ,Wesley and Sadie McInturff; brother, Elmer McInturff; sister, Louise Cargile; son, Darrell Watts and daughter-in-law, Linda Huff Watts; and son, Ricky Watts.

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James H. Baldridge

7/13/1930 – 6/10/2020 Reverend James Haskell Baldridge, 89, of Prague, OK passed away peacefully on June 9, 2020. James was born on July 13, 1930 to Wilburn James and Leora (Rice) Baldridge.

James married Reva Stastny on October 7, 1983.

James always said that he grew up in the school of hard knocks.

Being the oldest child in the family when his Dad became sick, he had to quit school to help make the living for the family by planting crops and seeing over everything. He loved to play basketball and even though he was shorter than your usual basketball player he was quick and could make the points for his team.

James enlisted in the United States Army in 1950. He was a part of the 279 Regiment and was a tank commander in the Korean War. Where he proudly served his country. He said he would proudly do it again to keep the United States from seeing the starving children in Korea and some of the many things he saw. In 1953 he returned to Oklahoma where he held various jobs. He was a talented carpenter for many years. He loved making things of wood and building houses. In 1960 he felt God calling him into the ministry, and he felt this became his greatest vocation.

The first church he pastored was Prague Assembly of God. Then he pastored in Blanchard, Wainwright, Cresent, Enid, Henryetta, Byers and Cromwell. At the time of his death he was associated with the Assembly of God Church in Prague and was an Associate Pastor.

Enola Ruth Harris

3/19/1926 – 7/10/2020 Reverend Enola “Ruth” Harris entered fully into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Friday, July 10, 2020, at The Gardens, Sapulpa, at the age of 94.

The daughter of Elmer G. Hemphill and Ada Alice (Boyd) Hemphill was born March 19, 1926, in Plainview, TX. Ruth attended school in Pampa, TX, and White Deer, TX, graduating from White Deer High School. On June 2, 1947, Ruth married the love of her life, Charity Cecil Harris, a youth leader at her church. Ruth and Charity were called to build churches and pastor congregations in Suggs, Valiant, and Walters, OK. They also led pioneering missionary and evangelist efforts in Africa in Tanzania, Malawi, South Africa, Niger and Botswana. Ruth was an excellent hunter, hunting game such as zebras and water buck. She was also an amazing cook who was famous for her curry that she learned to cook from Indian women. Ruth was a licensed minister with the Assembly of God. She and Charity pastored First Assembly of God in Sand Springs from 1964-68.

Ruth graduated from Tulsa University with a bachelor’s degree in special education. She pursued her internship at Hissom School, and taught as a substitute in the Springfield school system. Ruth was a wonderful mother, wife, and grandma, who loved her family with a passion.

Wilma W. Adcock

1/10/1925 – 7/15/2020 Reverend Wilma W. Adcock, at 1:45am, July 15, 2020, the Helpmate and Partner in Ministry of Grady Adcock for 78 years, Wilma W. Adcock, slipped peacefully into the arms of her Savior. Wilma was born on January 10, 1925.

For 77 years Wilma sang, taught, and labored in Kingdom Work.

After a diagnosis of “brain tumors” in January 2020, life became very painful and difficult. She continued to take care of Grady as if no one else could! She would not relinquish her position of “Caregiver” until June 20th, when strokes incapacitated her right side. She was a true and faithful Woman of God who served until God called her home. Grady, Ralph and Roland, and their families, thank you for your love and prayers.

Services will be conducted in Mississippi at a later date.

Chester L. Cooley

8/3/1946 – 8/27/2020 Reverend Chester Leo Cooley was born in Buffalo Valley, OK, August 3, 1946. He left us on August 27th, 2020, following years of bad health and pain. His brave heart finally stopped beating after a 40 day battle with covid and follow-up complications.

Being a Cooley, Chester had to sing. His first concert was in Leflore, OK, when he was five years old. He had wonderful memories of his time with the Cooley Joy Bells, and later singing with many members of his family.

Chester knew as a preschooler that God had called him to preach. He delivered his first sermon at the age of 12 in Yanush Assembly of God. His life-long desire to be a pastor was fulfilled when, at age 23, he left the area he loved to take a church in the Oklahoma panhandle. Over the years, he served five Assemblies of God congregations in Oklahoma, Boise City, Dustin, Wetumka, Holdenville, and Haileyville.

Selby R. Martin

10/2/1937 – 8/30/2020 Reverend Selby Ray Martin, 82, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 30, 2020 at his residence in Eucha, OK with his family by his side.

Selby was born on October 2, 1937 in Arditta, MO to his parents, Thomas Elbert (TE) Martin and Stella Belle Adams-Martin. Selby was united in marriage on December 28, 1957 to Shirley Ann Bevans in Carthage, MO. Selby was an Ordained minister with the Assemblies Of God. He preached for over 60 years and helped his son, Pastor Lennie Martin start Dogwood Chapel in Eucha, OK.

Orville W. White

9/3/1941 – 9/7/2020 Reverend Orville Wayne White, the second of five children, was born to R.W. and Margaret (Roberts) White on September 3, 1941 in Apache, OK. Orville proceeded into Glory on September 7, 2020 at the age of 79 years.

On June 19, 1959, Orville was united in marriage to Sherry Evonne (Unwin) White at the Midway Church, and to this union three children, Denesa, Paula, and Todd were born.

Orville worked for his brother-in-law Ray Devoll, as a manager traveling multiple states, even earning his pilot’s license to cut down on travel time. He maintained his license for many years. Following the sudden death of the Seiling Assembly of God pastor, Orville and Sherry were called to shepherd the flock.

Later, Orville, along with his two brothers: Don and David White and brother-in-law Neil Unwin, formed a gospel singing group known as the “Mid-Western Gospel Singers”. They traveled extensively sharing their talents and ministering in song and in word from 1969 to 1974. They recorded three albums during that time.

In 1978, Orville and Sherry were called to pastor the Elm Grove Church in Chester, a position they held for 42 years. During this time Orville was an invaluable asset to the community, whether driving the school bus, cheering on all the local events, or being instrumental in the Ministerial Alliance, he always gave selflessly of his time. He was kind, and quick with words of encouragement.

Orville uplifted, supported, and prayed for everyone in the Seiling/ Chester area and beyond.

Thomas Morris, Jr.

11/23/1934 – 9/9/2020 Reverend Thomas Morris Jr. was born on November 23, 1934 in Pawnee, OK and went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at the age of 85.

Thomas was the son of Thomas Sr. and Bessie (Grant) Morris. He served in the United States Air Force from 1954 until 1958. Thomas married Beatrice Devore on December 22, 1962 in Shawnee, OK. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and family dearly. He enjoyed leather work, arts and crafts, rodeo, and pow wow dancing.

Thomas was a very involved citizen of the Sac and Fox Nation. He served as Committeeman on the Business Committee 1983 and 1984 and again from 1987 through 1989. Thomas was voted Senior Man of the year in 2001. He was appointed the first tribal judge in any tribal court system in the State of Oklahoma. He served on the Rodeo committee, Pow-wow committee and Housing for the Sac and Fox Nation. A member of the SF Veteran Honor Guard serving as Chaplain. Thomas worked for over 30 years and retired from Tinker AFB. For almost 19 years Thomas was a Preacher at North Rock Creek Assembly of God church in Shawnee, OK.

Selby also worked in the Aircraft Industry including working on the Gemini Space Capsule. He worked for GRDA as Lake Patrol and drove a truck for Ryder. Selby’s hobbies were guns, flying airplanes and reading westerns.

OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK | 11

OKLAHOMA

DISTRICT NEWS PRAYER REQUESTS

PASTORS’ REPORTS

Clint Gray – healing and revival for all, new church building provision, properties would be bought by the right owners, Youth Pastor and healing for Tricia Dankof.

Fred and Jan Ticeahkie – to stay healthy, safe, to be a blessing, turmoil in country, healing from chronic cough and health issues with organs due to chemo.

Benjamin Ayers – wife’s healing, job situation.

Ron Hood – for son Jason.

Sandy Ticeahkie – settle lawsuit, heal foot infection, Riversideonline training.

Raymond Frizzelle, Miami, reports 68 saved in regular services and kids crusade and six water baptisms.

Darryl Wootton, Bartlesville, reports 104 consecutive Sundays of individuals receiving Jesus.

Matt Stubblefield, Wewoka, reports people being healed, saved and delivered--five were saved at Youth Revival. The church passed out 1280 boxes of food at the Food Drive.

Clint Gray, Arpelar, reports two saved, one rededicated, and one teen saved in Sunday AM services.

Lester Lowry, Enid, reports one saved and six new members.

Jerry Yoder, Thomas, reports 20 youth and two adults filled with the Holy Ghost at Youth Camp and one saved.

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

MINISTERS’ SPOUSES Donald D. Burchett Spouse of Joy Burchett 2/27/1933 – 5/16/2020

Mary L. Lievsay Spouse of the Late C.R. Franklin 10/31/1920 – 7/15/2020

Nanette Louise Winn Spouse of Greg Winn 9/15/1956 – 5/26/2020

F. Jane Covey Spouse of Jack Covey 10/13/1933 – 7/30/2020

Deborah D. Ikard Spouse of the Late Ed Ikard 2/21/1938 – 7/5/2020

Lynita K. Brock Spouse of the Late Raymond Brock 11/17/1926 – 8/8/2020

Ruth Boeck Spouse of the Late Benny Boeck 9/10/1936 – 7/15/2020

Sheryl J. White Spouse of David White 6/13/948 – 9/1/2020

NEW PASTORS Dewey Northpoint Chad DeGonia Heavener Iglesia Nueva Vida Eduardo Gamboa Marietta Wellspring Patricia Smith Guthrie First Michael Gatlin Rush Springs Thomas Lemke Morris Stephen Mixon Mounds Family Worship Center Raymond Doke Stillwater Hosanna Seth Mathis Weatherford Grace Chasten Musick

12 | OKLAHOMA OUTLOOK

EVANGELISTS’ REPORTS Julio Camacho reports 140 saved in the last six months and several healed from cancer, arthritis, and cardio vascular diseases.

Alex Hanna reports 750 saved. Several have received healings from severe covid-19, congenital heart disorder, pre-cardial infusion after suffering for 15 years. Doctors had said there was no treatment. He also reported 765 Arabs and Muslims saved and 200 healed from covid-19 thru tv and social media programs. Others were delivered from demons, healings from breast and prostate cancer. Some found jobs. They helped more than 20 Egyptian AG Pastors and families suffering from covid-19 who had no income.

Marna Hillard reports four family members returned to the Lord.

TRANSFERS Welcome Joseph Parker Chad DeGonia Joshua Dryer Lindsay Dryer Harvey Wampler Nathaniel Cress P Khan Ngin Sara Benton Winston Bui Kimberly Bui Mitchell Goldenberg Jessica Goldenberg Angela Lewis Uwe Muench Farewell William T. Jones Randall Wilber Richard Ardle II Ryan Hoover

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