November 2021

Outlook

M AGAZ I N E

VOLUME 73 IS S UE 11 N OVEMB ER 2 0 2 1

Outlook OKLAHOMA

The Oklahoma OUTLOOK is published by the Oklahoma District Council of the Assemblies of God. Publisher: Dr. Darryl Wootton Designers: Jayson Evans, Chris Ainsworth, Kyler Clapp Copyeditor: Renae Elmore GENERAL PRESBYTERS Dr. Darryl Wootton Superintendent

MINISTRY DIRECTORS Chad Brodrick Church Ministries

Craig Dacus Assistant Superintendent

Heath Corrales Youth Ministries

Jamie Austin Corporate Secretary

Gary Davidson Missions Director

EXECUTIVE PRESBYTERS Bruce McCarty Darren Pilcher

Dean Guthrie Children’s Ministries Susie Purkey Women’s Ministries

SECTIONAL PRESBYTERS Jackie Crafton Section 1

Jimmy Keith Section 7

Keith Williams Section 2

Kelly Coffey Section 8

Terry Bradley Section 3

David Brooks Section 9N

Bob Yandell Section 4

Steve Lance Section 9S

Dave Mewbourne Section 5E

Don Barnes Section 10

Jason Byers Section 5W

Ric Freeman Section 11

Jeromye Jackson Section 6

Arlis Moon Section 12

©2021 Oklahoma District Council of the Assemblies of God P.O. Box 13179 Oklahoma City, OK 73113 (405) 475-1100 www.okag.org @OKDCofAG

Upcoming Events NOVEMBER

OSOM Gameday (OKC) November 6 Youth Pastors Retreat November 11-12 OSOM Gameday (Muskogee) November 13 Credential Celebration November 13 Century Leadership Roundtable November 18 PB&J Retreat November 19-20 Thanksgiving Break (Office Closed) November 24-26 Light for the Lost Tour: Section 8 November 1 Section 2 November 2 Section 4 November 4 Section 6 November 8

DECEMBER

OSOM Gameday (OKC) Senior Ministries Heritage Christmas OSOM Gameday (Muskogee) Missions Faith Promises Due Christmas Break (Office Closed) Ministerial Credentials Renewal Deadline Office Closed

JANUARY 2022

December 4 December 4 December 11 December 15 December 23-24 December 31 December 31

OSOM Gameday (OKC) January 1 Speed The Light Rally (Haworth) January 7 OSOM Gameday (Muskogee) January 8 Credentials Application & Exam Deadline January 14 Speed The Light Rally (Owasso) January 16 Speed The Light Rally (Lawton) January 19 WM Sectional LIFE Rallies January 21 ACTS 2 Journey– Preview January 22 Speed The Light Rally (Woodward) January 22 ACMR Deadline January 31

Please Welcome Our New Missions Directors!

Dear OKAG Family, I have great news! As Superintendent, I have been praying for spiritual renewal, healthy relationships, and relevant resources. In order to facilitate this, I began praying for a future Mission Director on “Day 1.” After listening to many missionaries, praying, and seeking wise counsel from our leaders, God has answered my prayers.

and Wilma will provide a spiritual covering of pastoral care for our Missionaries.

As Directors, they will provide wise experience for our Missionaries through the logistical and technical aspects of successful missionary endeavors. The director position will be an interim role which the Davidsons have agreed to serve for at least the next two years. They will shape what this role will be for the longterm future.

Gary and Wilma Davidson began serving in the nation of Ireland in 1980. In 1985 they founded St. Mark’s Church in the heart of Dublin, transforming an unused Protestant church building that is 270 years old into a vibrant center of ministry and evangelism. This growing congregation now numbers 800 attendees, making it one of the largest churches in the nation. St. Mark’s recently sent out it’s seventh church plant as it continues to reach this city of over 1.4 million souls.

With great joy, it is my pleasure to announce our new OKAG Mission Directors – Gary and Wilma Davidson. With full presbytery approval, I have asked the Davidsons to serve as both Missions Elder and Missions Director. The word elder from the Greek is “presbuteros.” As Elders, Gary

congregations, and planting new churches.

The Davidsons continue to serve the Irish church through teaching, mentoring, pastoral care and the facilitating of construction and evangelism teams from our partner churches in the USA. Our District has been so blessed with Mission Directors. John Grace, James Girkin, Lindell Warren, and Darren Pilcher served so faithfully. We are grateful for their past leadership and look forward to the future. Please add Gary and Wilma to your prayer list. They are excited to serve you.

In 1914, our Assemblies of God founders came together to form “the greatest evangelism the world has ever seen.” May God use all of us in this season to fulfill the Great Commission of our Lord.

Grace and peace, Darryl and Faith

In 2004, Gary handed over the leadership of St. Mark’s Church to an Irish pastor, Sean Mullarkey and assumed the role of National Leader of AGI (Assemblies of God Ireland). Today this national movement is called CCI (Christian Churches Ireland) and led by Pastor Sean Mullarkey.

Christian Churches Ireland has over 40 congregations committed to training leaders, strengthening existing

Darryl Wootton Superintendent dw@okag.org

Conflict of Interest Policy Like many other charitable organizations, churches qualify for

exemption from federal taxes under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Being exempt from Federal Income Taxes does not exempt churches from other laws and guidelines concerning their operations. One matter of particular importance lies in the area of conflicts of interest.

A conflict of interest arises when an officer, director, or trustee’s obligation to act solely to further the church’s exempt purpose is at odds with their financial interest.

When you begin paying attention, most conflicts of interest become obvious.

While not required, adopting a Conflict of Interest Policy is an excellent tool to help avoid the appearance of impropriety. It also helps keep the church and its officers, directors, and trustees from conflicting with the law by generating excess benefit transactions and facing potentially

crippling financial penalties in the form of intermediate sanctions. More can be found by following this link (https://www. irs.gov/charities-non-profits/charitableorganizations/intermediate-sanctionsexcess-benefit-transactions).

A good Conflict of Interest Policy should include the following items. First, the policy should require those with a conflict (or who believe they may have a conflict) to disclose the conflict. Second, it should prohibit the interested board members from voting on any matter with a conflict.

Third, the policy should include a plan on how the board will deal with a conflict as it arises.

When you begin paying attention, most conflicts of interest become obvious. They can come up when setting compensation, purchasing or disposing of church assets, or selecting contractors for building projects. Officers, directors, and trustees should discuss this issue and be aware of the pitfalls in failing to address conflicts of interest. When a potential conflict arises, board members should ask who benefits more; the church or the person with the conflict. If the church is not the one receiving the maximum benefit, the conflict should be avoided.

Kevin Conner Director of Finance & Operations kevin.conner@okag.org

Now is the time to

build the Church.

Now is the time to

invest in ministry.

Now is the time to

prepare for your future.

For more resources, visit www.ecfa.church/churchexcel

Missionary Appreciation Month Dear Pastors, Ministers and Leaders, I am declaring November as Missionary Appreciation Month in Oklahoma. October is Pastor Appreciation month and I trust every church blessed their Pastoral teams.

Now, let’s bless our Missionaries!

Would you reach out to missionaries and give them a word of encouragement?

Would you consider sending a small gift to a few Missionary kids?

Would you consider writing a note of gratitude to family members here in the USA who won’t be able to be with their Missionary families at Thanksgiving or Christmas because their family members are overseas?

Would you consider getting a Missionary to the field by adding them to your team of missionary support?

encouragement. They are true heroes.

As they help fulfill the great commission, let’s show them our love.

Grace and peace, Darryl & Faith Wootton

Would you consider sending a holiday bonus to Missionaries?

Let’s all listen to the Holy Spirit and overwhelm our Missionaries with

Thank you for supporting our Fall 2021 OKAG Itinerating Missionaries Meredith Bagby South Africa, Africa Westley Burns Japan Jordan & Shea Campbell Germany, Europe Chris & Amy Hales Czech Republic Jim & Cynthia Lemons West Africa Matt & Randi *Sensitive Country Joni Middleton France, Europe, Project Rescue Bill & Reita Moore Africa Tabernacle Evangelism Stephen & Kristen McKnight Phillippines Garo & Jordania Nargiz Brazil, Latin American Caribbean Ryan & Lauren Plute Global Initiative, International Ministries Zach & Amanda *Sensitive Country Larry & Sharon *Sensitive Country Todd & Leslie Stamps Portugal, Europe Adam & Bethany Weatherly IMM, Spain

Developing a Healthy Church Culture The Church was designed to be a powerful and impactful group of

believers that would carry the Gospel to every people group around the world!

This mission that Jesus commanded us to carry out is impossible if the church is unhealthy.

Paul understood this truth and often challenged churches to bring health and strength so that they would be effective in the world. The instruction that Paul gives would be counter to the cultural and accepted perceptions, attitudes, and expectations. However, they were vital to the long-term impact that the churches would need to have.

Be constant in joy, prayer and thanksgiving.

When Paul wrote to the Thessalonians he gave them the instruction to: rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (ESV) Paul reminded them that in order for them to be healthy, they needed to be mindful of the attitudes, positions, and perceptions they cultivated personally and corporately.

Paul instructed them to do three things in this passage that were not only personal responsibilities, but would be applicable to the corporate body as well!

CULTIVATE AND ATTITUDE OF CONSTANT JOYFULNESS

constant news cycle of terrible and disturbing things that are happening around the world can be difficult to process. One way that the church can help is by creating a culture of joy within the local church.

Are there times to mourn over our nation? Yes. Are there times to repent of sin? Yes. Paul says that in spite of the political, cultural, and social atmosphere of the world, we as a church have a reason to rejoice always. This dominating attitude of the believer is a natural response to what we know about God regardless of the circumstances of our lives. Literally, we are to be “at all times rejoicing!”

CULTIVATE A POSITION OF CONSTANT PRAYERFULNESS As we live with joyful dependence on God, we also recognize that we are completely dependent on Him. In light of this revelation, we are commanded

by Paul to be constantly praying. The church literally has the opportunity to join together as a body, to step into the throne room of God and submit, confess, petition, intercede, praise, and give thanks to God! The early church demonstrated their commitment to prayer by regularly gathering together in prayer to earnestly call upon the Lord. They understood that in order for them to be effective in a hostile world, prayer would have to be a priority. Through prayer they would receive the power, wisdom, direction, open doors, and relief from the onslaught of the enemy.

They could not minister without prayer!

There are many things in this world that can impact the happiness, peace and stability in people’s lives. The

Chad Brodrick Church Ministries chad.brodrick@okag.org

CULTIVATE A PERCEPTION OF CONSTANT THANKFULNESS Paul tells the church to be thankful in everything. Why? Because it is abnormal for a believer and a church to be unthankful!

Romans 8:28 says, “We know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Cultivating constant thankfulness reminds us of the many blessings of God. But more importantly it brings to mind the incredible privilege we have to be called a child of God. He is sovereign, gracious, merciful, patient, kind and loving to each one of us.

When the early church would meet together, one of the important purposes was to give thanks together for all that God was doing in their midst. They knew that God was working in them and through them for His glory and in turn, they thanked God for the privilege of walking with Him. Paul then ended this passage of scripture by reminding them that this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Be constant in joy, prayer and thanksgiving.

By weaving these three expressions into the fabric of our churches, the dynamics of a dying church will change. The impact of a joyful, prayerful and thankful church will not only impact the church, but cannot help but impact a community. Let us be the light of Jesus Christ to a dark and desperate world!

Blessings, Chad and Nyree Brodrick

SUSANNA & JOANNA THE JOYFUL An Excerpt from DAUGHTERS OF THE KING: 21-DAY DEVOTIONAL

Name Meaning: We have chosen a pairing for this story. It is for the purpose of highlighting a group of women that share a commonality…Susanna and Joanna-like Mary Magdalene were among “certain women,” who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases. (Luke 8:2, 3) Joanna is a Hebrew name which means “Jehovah has shown favor”, or “The Lord gives graciously.” It was truly that the Lord showered Joanna with favor and she rose up and followed Him. Susanna means “White Lily” and she was also one of those “certain women” whom Christ healed both physically and spiritually, and who revealed her gratitude by following Him and ministering to Him and His disciples of her substance (wealth and resources), for the rest of her life.

Scripture References: Luke 8:1 -3; 23:55; 24:10 Setting: Susanna and Joanna, like MaryMagdalene, Mary the mother of JESUS, Mary the mother of James, etc. were all part of a sister-hood that travelled with JESUS and His disciples during His three-year earthly ministry. As previously pointed out, it took finances and resources to feed, clothe and house this Evangelistic team and God provided for the needs of the ministry from within this group of consecrated women. Having freely received His touch, these girls gave freely what they possessed back to Him! We know that Joanna was married to Chuza, the steward (tutor or guardian), of Herod, a well-paying position within the King’s court. Therefore, it is reasonable to believe she had access to wealth. Tradition has it that Chuza lost his prestigious position in Herod’s household when his wife became a confessing Christian. One can imagine Joanna could hardly contain “sharing her joy and excitement” after being healed miraculously by the master, as opportunity

presented itself! These were dark days to live in and a bright light had shown upon the land in the form of the Messiah.

Good News was rare and hard to contain and JESUS was certainly the topic of discussion everywhere He went in the region. As people were healed, who had suffered for many years, they would Go and Tell. It’s no different today, as it was back then. We can imagine how Joanna longed to give something back to the one who had relieved her physical pain and forgiven her sins. She wisely chose to give generously into the work of Christ, so that others could experience what she had…its called mission’s EVANGELISM.

Susanna was another person of this sacred sister-hood that we have mentioned. The Bible says that she was a woman of resources and gave generously from a thankful heart, to the one who had ministered to her at a deeply low time in her life. She was also grateful to the Master for healing and deliverance and for forgiveness of sins and longed to “do something” in return. She chose to ‘pay it forward” as we say and invested in the Kingdom of God. Money always wisely spent because it “lays up treasures in heaven where moth and rust cannot destroy or where thieves cannot break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:20) Susanna wanted others to know the joy she had received…news too Good to keep to herself!

Like Mary-Magdalene, Joanna and other women of their sister-hood, followed Jesus all the way to the cross. They watched Him die in agony and shame and bought burial spices and ointments to prepare his dead body for the grave.

(Luke 23:55,56) He had ministered to them all, while He was alive and now, they would minister to Him in death. These consecrated women were also among the first to arrive at JESUS’ silent tomb on that Holy Sunday morning, to mourn Him and linger in the presence of the

last place He would lay His head on this earth. However, the massive stone to the sepulcher was rolled aside and there was no body of the savior inside. They became eyewitnesses to this unprecedented and remarkable occurrence and were left to wonder in awe. It was Mary-Magdalene who was spoken to first by two angels of the Lord telling her: “The Lord Jesus is not here but had risen just as He said He would.” (Luke 24:1-6 Mary-Magdalene, Joanna and Mary, the mother of James became the first human beings to herald the wonderful news of the Resurrection. Joanna, Susanna and Company…the “certain women” who were joyful, committed and loyal to our Lord, became the sister-hood of women who leave us much to imitate. They were honored in scripture for their faith and works, as ALL will forever be, when we “sell out” and decide to follow Christ!

Ladies won’t you and your women’s groups begin now to pray about making a generous donation into our 2022 L.I.F.E. (Ladies Investing For Eternity) MISSION’S FUND? We begin in January with 14 simultaneous L.I.F.E. Rallies all across our State on Friday evening, January 21, 2022.

More detailed info is coming your way on this with locations and times, however, would you please mark this date on your calendar now and make plans to attend?

Thank you and God Bless You All! We are So Grateful for you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Susie Purkey

Susie Purkey Women’s Ministries susie.purkey@okag.org

Speed the Light It seems like every time I write an article my opening statement is “Wow! What a year!” To say that about 2020 would be an understatement!

Let me share with you a memory. In 2019, I had just completed my first Speed the Light sectional tour and had returned back to the office. I shared with Brother Cargill how the tour went and updated him on our giving pledges. He listened to what I had to say and followed up with “Heath, we need Speed the Light” and in that moment I began to fully realize the importance of Speed the Light.

In 2020, the students in Oklahoma helped build a water well in Africa, provided support to rescue trafficking victims through FREE International and served communities in need through Convoy of Hope, as well as continuing to support our Oklahoma missionaries.

Today I want to take the time to express my gratitude for all of our churches who decided, that even in the midst of a pandemic, they would be faithful in their giving to Speed the Light.

Here are the churches who gave $1,000 or more: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Bartlesville Spirit Church Broken Bow First Claremore First Verdigris Assembly Cordell New Beginnings Cushing Lifeline North Church Elk City First Fairland First Guymon First Muskogee New Hope Mustang The Bridge Noble Assembly OKC Bethesda Assembly OKC Christ’s Legacy OKC Crossroads Church Oolagah Assembly Owasso First Poteau Covenant Purcell Memorial Skiatook Assembly Tahlequah 29Eleven Thomas Freedom Worship Center Tulsa Carbondale Tulsa Woodlake Weatherford Life Fellowship Woodward First Yukon Discovery

Heath Corrales Youth Ministries heath.corrales@okag.org

Thank you all for your generosity! Today I want to challenge all of churches and youth ministries with a “floor goal” of $1,000. What I mean by “floor goal” is let that be the foundation not the ceiling... if you believe you can do more, then, of course , do more! Again, because of your faithful giving we have a list of projects that we are able to pay for and I would love to start a brand new list for 2021.

“We over Me” is the vision we have for everything that we do for OYM. Let’s continue working together and do more for our missionaries and our world through the life changing ministry of Speed The Light.

I’m excited for the future Oklahoma! It’s an honor be called your DYD. Heath Corrales

BGMC Update BGMC is touching every area of the world by supplying our missionaries

with the supplies and tools they need to reach out to the lost through evangelism and discipleship. Missionaries desperately need to purchase supplies such as Bibles, tracts, Sunday School literature, library books and study books for the Bible colleges, computers, printers, photocopy machines, video DVDs, puppets, costume animals, translating materials into various languages, sound systems, and lots more.

Many of these supplies could not be purchased if it were not for BGMC. BGMC is the ministry that provides whatever a missionary needs—where they need it and

when they need it. It’s like an emergency “ready” fund. This fund is quick, it’s instant, and it helps them when they need it.

Many missionaries would be at a loss without BGMC. With all that being said, Oklahoma BGMC is definitely doing its part in not only creating a heart of compassion in the kids across Oklahoma, but it is certainly helping meet the needs of our missionaries all across the world as well.

As of now, the Oklahoma District is sitting at around $175,000 so far for BGMC. That’s about a 45% increase compared to this time during 2019. Our year end goal is $300,000 for 2021.

Please be reminded that all year-end giving for BGMC is due at the District Office no later than December 15th. If you have any questions about BGMC giving or just want more information about BGMC, you can call our office at (405) 475-1172 or send an email to bgmc@okag.org.

Dean Guthrie Children’s Ministries dean.guthrie@okag.org

In Memory Barry N. Dunn

John H. Bright, Jr.

Reverend Barry Neal Dunn, 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 30, 2021. He was the husband of LucyAnn Dunn. They shared 57 years of marriage and life together.

Reverend John H. Bright of Muskogee, OK, entered his heavenly home on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at the age of 92. He was born Friday, March 8, 1929 in Poteau, OK to John Hilary and Sara Ellen (McAdoo) Bright.

John grew up in Arkansas and Arizona.

Upon, returning to Arkansas where he worked for Alma Canning Company.

12/17/1937–9/29/2021

Born on December 17, 1937 in Indianapolis, Indiana, Barry was the son of Walter and Gertrude Dunn. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Arizona and became an ordained minister through the Assemblies of God Berean program. He was employed as a public school teacher, pastor and even taught for a semester on a Naval ship.

Barry was a member of Family Life Assembly of God in Nicoma Park. He enjoyed going to church, exploring caves, writing poems, writing plays, acting, playing board games, reading to his grandchildren and spending time with his bride, LucyAnn. He loved reading, especially the Word of God.

James Beasley

3/21/1966–10/3/2021 Reverend James W. Beasley, 55, Frederick, passed away on Sunday, October 3, 2021 at Jackson County Memorial Hospital.

James William Beasley was born on March 21, 1966 in Lexington, Kentucky to Paul and Margaret (Leisure) Beasley.

He graduated from Scott County High School in Georgetown, Kentucky with the Class of 1984. James had trained as an Emergency Medical Tech and later attended Liberty University for Divinity.

He married Michelle Sursa on September 28, 1992 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. He pastored for several years before taking the position of Pastor at the Frederick First Assembly of God. James enjoyed woodworking and was an ardent University of Kentucky Wildcat fan. He was also known for being “an all around nice guy” by all who knew him.

Minister’s Spouses Altus Mae Linker 11/11/1936 – 9/30/2021 Spouse of the Late Alton Linker Naomi Ruth Dickenson 8/15/1946 – 10/6/2021 Spouse of the Late M.E. Dickenson Deborah E. Kilgore 11/6/1953 – 10/24/2021 Spouse of Charles Kilgore, Sr.

3/8/1929–10/13/2021

On Thursday, May 26, 1949, John married the love of his life, Ellen Moore, on the creek bank in Mulberry, AR. They were married 72 years. John accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at 26 years of age. He began preaching and built his first church in Locke, AR. The Brights pastored at many locations throughout the years beginning with Locke, AR; Uniontown, AR; Fairfax, CA; Spiro,OK; Terrell, OK; Fairfax, California; Red Oak, Oklahoma; Terrell, Oklahoma; Tipton, Oklahoma; Asphault, Oklahoma; Tipton, Oklahoma; Fort Gibson, Oklahoma; Elm Grove, OK. While pastoring, John worked as a roofer and farmed.

John loved the church, he played the guitar, he had a good ear for music and a great bass voice. He was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather. John enjoyed fishing and loved his dogs. He will be greatly missed by all that loved and knew him.

Larry D. Maze

8/13/1945–10/19/2021 Reverend Larry D. Maze, 76, went to be with his Lord and Savior Tuesday, October 19, 2021.

Larry was born August 13, 1945 in Enid, OK to Darrell and Elsie (Kirk) Maze. Larry married the love of his life, Jeannie L. (Kincheloe) Maze on December 5, 1969 in Fairview, OK. Larry served in the National Guard and Air Force from 1965 to 1969. Larry was an ordained minister in the Assemblies of God, and pastored several churches throughout Oklahoma. In addition to being a Pastor, he was an Evangelist and was part of a singing group with his wife and sister-in-law.

Despite health issues for the last 30 years, Larry took joy in ministering to everyone he met. Larry was quick to pray with those he met and always had an encouraging word. He was known to have a funny joke or story at any moment. He enjoyed being a father and granddad, delighted in his family moments, and loved his two dogs who were his constant companions.

District News Evangelists Reports •

• •

Alex Hanna reports 300 Afghani, Nigeria, and Middle East refugees were saved and filled with the Holy Ghost in revival meetings. An Egyptian was delivered from 30 years of addiction. Syrian refugees traveled in a small boat to Europe and were saved and found jobs in Switzerland. Some were healed from leukemia, breast cancer, and brain tumor. Many have called for prayer, 8500 Arabic and Muslims.

Bob and Jan Teel report 13 saved in August.

Amani Fam reports 500 people saved, many healed, and others filled with the Holy Ghost in Egypt.

Prayer Requests • •

Fred Ticeahkie – healing for himself and healing for his family. Thomas from covid, Carol from aneurysm, and Janice from lung surgery.

Sandy Ticeahkie – pray for young man named Tommy, mom and dad’s healing and for a car.

Transfers Welcome Chad Miller Darren Overton

From Kansas Arkansas

New Pastors Morrison Patricia Smith

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