Jan/Feb 2023 ~ The Christian Outlook

VOLUME 99 NO. 1

JAN/FEB 2023

CHRISTIAN THE

MAGAZINE

OUTLOOK

BISHOP LEONARD SCOTT DIVINE CONNECTIONS DENITA GIBBS FROM DEATH TO LIFE D.E. PHILLIP J. THOMPSON STEWARDSHIP 101

PRESIDING PRESIDING PRELATE PRELATE 2023 2023 ADDRESS ADDRESS

AND THEYCONTINUED CONTINUED AND THEY

www.pawinc.org www.pawbookstore.com www. p a wi n c.o rg THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK

“AND THEY CONTINUED”

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023

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THANK YOU TO OUR Y 1. Bishop Theodore L. Brooks, Sr. - New Haven, CT

Presider Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church www.BeulahHeightsChurch.org

2. Bishop Mark C. Tolbert - Kansas City, MO

First Assistant Presider Victorious Life Church www.vlckc.com

3. Bishop Michael D. Hannah - Baltimore, MD

Second Assistant Presider Life Celebration Church www.facebook.com/lccwest

4. Bishop Charles. H. Ellis III - Detroit, MI Greater Grace Temple www.GreaterGrace.org 5. Bishop Horace E. Smith, M.D. - Chicago, IL Apostolic Faith Church www.afcchicago.org 6. Bishop Sherman L. Merritt - Nashville, TN Greater Christ Temple Church www.greaterchristtemplechurch.org 7. Bishop C. Wayne Brantley - Cleveland, OH Zion Pentecostal Church of Christ www.zionpcc.org 8. Bishop Lance. R. Foster - Omaha, NE New Hope Apostolic Temple www.nhat.org 9. Bishop Richard D. Howell - Minneapolis, MN Shiloh Temple International Ministries www.ShilohTemple.com 10. Bishop Charles M. Finnell - Indianapolis, IN Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Assembly www.christtempleac.org 11. Bishop Ira Combs, Jr. - Jackson, MI Greater Bibleway Temple www.gbwt.net 12. Bishop James W. Gaiters, Sr. - Columbus, OH Grace Apostolic Church www.graceap.com 13. Bishop Barrington Smith - Mississauga, ON Kingdom Life Ministries www.klife.ca 14. Bishop Jones Foote - Springfield, MO Faith Tabernacle Apostolic Church www.faith-tabernacle.org 15. Bishop Gary Harper - Taylor, MI Greater Grace Temple O.G. Hayes Memorial www.ggtoghm.org 16. Bishop Roland E. Hairston - Seattle, WA Grace Apostolic Temple www.graceapostolicseattle.org

17. Bishop Robert T. Douglas, Sr. - Inglewood, CA Jacob’s Ladder Community Fellowship www.jacobsladderchurch.com 18. Bishop Donnie N. McGriff - El Cajon, CA Christ Temple Apostolic Church www.christtemplesdchurch.org 19. Bishop James Daniel - Harvey, LA Philadelphia Ministries, Intl. www.philadelphiaministriespaw.org 20. Bishop Carl Turner - Wilmington, DE Highway Word of Faith www.HighWayWordOfFaith.com 21. Bishop Moses Butler - Columbus, OH First Church of Christ Apostolic Way www.TheFirstChurchOfChrist.com 22. Bishop Marvin E. Donaldson - Kansas City, KS Greater Pentecostal Temple www.GPTChurch.org 23. Bishop Fredrick Jackson - Hartford, CT Christ Church of Deliverance www.ChristChurchofDeliverance.com 24. Bishop Gregory Irvin - Urbana, OH Bethesda Apostolic Church www.gregoryirvin.org 25. Bishop Harry S. Grayson - Ypsilanti, MI Messias Temple Church www.MessiasTemple.org 26. Bishop Kevin M. Harrison, Sr. - Indianapolis, IN Grace Apostolic Church www.gracechurchindy.org 27. Bishop Dr. Errol O’Savio - Mount Vernon, NY Mt. Olivet Apostolic Faith Church www.Mt-Olivet.org 28. Bishop Derek Pierson - New Rochelle, NY Holy Lighthouse Church Inc. www.holylighthousechurch.org 29. Bishop Rader Johnson - Louisville, KY Greater Bethel Temple www.greaterbetheltemple.org 30. Bishop Brian T. Hamilton - Piqua, OH Transformed Life Church www.TheTransformed.org 31. Bishop William A. Benson - La Mesa, CA Total Deliverance Worship Center www.TotalDeliverance.org 32. Bishop Lafayette Boyd - Corona, CA True Word Apostolic Church www.truewordapostolic.org 33. Bishop J. D. Guthrie, Conley, GA First Apostolic Ministries International www.firstapostolicchurchatl.org

WOULD YOUR MINISTRY LIKE TO SUPPORT THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK? 2 THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK “AND THEY CONTINUED” JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 SUPPORTER, PLEASE CONTACT THECHRIS

YEARLY SUPPORTERS! 34. Suffragan Bishop Craig High - Dayton, OH Bethesda Temple www.bethesdatempledayton.com 35. Suffragan Bishop Maxie Dobson - Fayetteville, NC The Tabernacle of Miracles Church www.tmiracles-church.com 36. Suffragan Bishop Stewart Reese, III - Decatur, GA Bethesda Cathedral www.bethesdacathedral.org 37. Suffragan Bishop Leonard Scott - Indianapolis, IN Rock Community Church www.FamNet.org 38. Suffragan Bishop Charles L. Smith - Cincinnati, OH Zion Temple First Pentecostal Church www.ztfpc.com 39. Suffragan Bishop Joseph C. Farmer - Sutherlin, VA White Stone Pentecostal Church www.whitestonepentecostalchurch.org 40. Suffragan Bishop Julian R. Johnson - Normandy, MO Bethesda Temple Church www.bethesdatemplestl.org 41. Suffragan Bishop David H. Birchette - Marion, IN Christ Temple Church www.ctcmarion.org 42. Suffragan Bishop David E. Johnson

Minnetonka, MN Grace Apostolic Church www.gacmn.org

43. Suffragan Bishop Prentis Vasco Johnson, Sr.

Ph.D, Th.D. - Tacoma, WA Greater Christ Temple www.greaterchristtemple.org

44. Suffragan Bishop Dale I. Shaw Sr. - New Britain, CT Bethesda Apostolic Church www.ba-ct.com 45. Suffragan Bishop Robert E. Martin, Jr. Zion Temple Church www.ziontemplechurch.org 46. Suffragan Bishop LaVelton J. Daniel, Sr. Greater Emmanuel Apostolic Temple www.geat1150.org 47. Suffragan Bishop David Parker - Akron, OH Zion Apostolic Faith Church www.ziononline.net 48. Suffragan Bishop Ann Storey-Pratt - Springfield, OH Church of Jesus Family Worship Center www.churchofjesusfwc.org 49. Suffragan Bishop Donney Faulk - Oak Park, MI Mountaintop International Word Ministry www.mtiwm.org

50. Suffragan Bishop Jon Slaughter - Lansing, MI Christ Temple Church www.CTCLansing.org 51. Suffragan Bishop Carolyn Strigglers - Hesperia, CA The Finest of the Wheat Community Church www.TFWCC.org 52. Suffragan Bishop Clinton House – Las Vegas, NV Mountaintop Faith Ministries www.mfmnv.org 53. Suffragan Bishop Laurence Nevels - Oberlin, OH Christ Temple Apostolic Church www.facebook.com/CTtheplace2be 54. District Elder Joseph White - Boston, MA The Glorious Church of Jesus Christ www.GloriousChurchJC.com 55. District Elder Mark Redd - Johnson City, TN Grace Temple Church Eternal Life Center www.gracetemplechurch.net 56. District Elder Angelo Williams - Currie, NC St. James Pentecostal Church www.SJ-PChurch.org 57. District Elder Helen Orme - Seattle, WA Shekinah Glory Tabernacle www.shekinahglorytabernacle.com 58. District Elder Kameron L. Adams - Charlotte, NC Calvary Christian Church www.calvaryclt.org 59. District Elder Phillip Johnson - Bay City, MI Apostolic Life Church www.ApostolicLife.church 60. Dr. D. W. Cummings - Wheeling, WV Bethlehem Apostolic Temple www.bethlehemapostolictemple.org 61. Pastor Denard R. Booker - Gardena, CA Cornerstone Apostolic Church www.facebook.com/CornerstoneAPC 62. Pastor Carlton D. Ashlock – Marysville, CA Agape Worship Center www.agapewc.com 63. Greater Mount Zion Pentecostal Church

Bluefield, WV www.gmzion.org 64. Pastor Gary Foreman - Akron, OH Koinonia Apostolic Faith Church www.facebook.com/kafcakronwW

? IF YOUR NAME IS MISSING OR IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE A THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK “AND THEY CONTINUED” JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 3 STIANOUTLOOK@PAWINC.ORG.

Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc.

Bishop Theodore L. Brooks, Sr. Presiding Bishop

HEADQUARTERS OFFICE / 3939 MEADOWS DRIVE INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 46205 / 317.547.9541 • FAX: 317.543.0513

Executive Officers

Board of Bishops & Diocesans George F. Austin v

#9-Alabama District Council

Clifton Jones v

Bishop Mark C. Tolbert, Sr. First Assistant Presiding Bishop

Leo C. Smith, Jr.

#48-Brazilian Council of Pentecostal Apostolic Churches

#60-(Western Cape) South Africa District Council

Ira Combs v

#68-Puerto Rico District Council

Gary Harper

#70-Zulu, Natal Province District Council

Larry O. Jones v

#69-Tanzania District Council

Samuel Nice’ Nkanang

#1-New York State Council

Charles M. Finnell v

#47-Kenya District Council

Robert Thomas

#62-Uganda Africa District Council

A. Glenn Brady v

#44-Zimbabwe District Council

Earnest Pendleton

#54-Dominican Republic District Council

#36-Eastern Caribbean Council of Nations

#5-Northern District Council

Joseph S. Montinor

#41-Ghana, West Africa District Council

Richard E. Young

Horace E. Smith, M.D. * v #6-Illinois District Council

James W. Gaiters, Sr. v #3-Ohio District Council

#33-Nigeria, East Africa Council #50-Nigeria, West Africa Council, West Diocese #45-Philippines District Council

Michael D. Hannah, Sr.+v

#46-Hawaii District Council

Noel Jones

#22-D.C., Delaware & Maryland District Council

Lance R. Foster v

#28-Virginia State Council

#19-Northeast District Council #16-Northern California District Council

Robert A. Baker

#25-Nevada State Council

Harry Grayson Gregory Irvin

Arthur Fletcher Kevin Dobbs

Kevin M. Harrison Derek Pierson Errol O’Savio

Rader Johnson

Brian T. Hamilton

#59-Venezuela District Council

#8-Greater Tri-State Council Iowa, Nebraska & Wyoming District Council

#27-Louisiana State Council

James Daniel

Paul Karanja Mbuthia

Roland E. Hairston, Ph.D.

#17-Pacific Northwest District Council

Edgar Robinson

#21-New Jersey State Council

Lafayette Boyd

Charles A. Sims

Carl Turner, Sr. v

Avery Burrel

Suffragan Bishop Ann Storey Pratt Assistant General Secretary

#4-Indiana (A.B.S.A.) District Council

James G. Rodges

#15-Mountain States Council

Sherman L. Merritt

#11-Kentucky/Tennessee District Council

Mrs. Karol Middleton PAW Headquarters’ Office Manager Your first point of contact (317)547-9541 Fax: (317)543-0513 kmiddleton@pawinc.org

Jones Foote

v

#67-Southern California Council

Ellis J. Farrington

#20-Connecticut District Council

Robert T. Douglas

William A. Benson Bruce K. Shaw

Barrington Smith

v

Alfonso Madden

#55-Northeast Canadian Council

Leo Simpson

#63-Santo Damingo District Council

Marion E. Wright, Sr. v

#37-Jamaica District Council

Mark C. Tolbert, Sr. + v

#51-Northern Philippines District Council

Tutai Pere

#34-Sierra Leone, West Africa Council

Isaac Tum´o Mtimkula

#64-Eastern Cape Province Council (South Africa)

#58-North Carolina State Council #14-Heart of America Council of Churches #43-South Pacific District Council #49-South Africa District Council

C. Wayne Brantley v

#31B-European Council of Nations (West)

THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK

[Emeritus Bishop] Vanuel C. Little William R. Jones Frank Cuomo Nealon Guthrie Carl Lewis Edgar Posey Donnie McGriff Gregory W. Newman

#26-Oklahoma State Council

Joseph D. Guthrie v

#35-Liberia, West Africa Council

#73-Costa Rica

Jeffery D. Goldsmith

#56-Alaska District Council

#66-Central California Council

#18-Arkansas State Council

#72-Belize

Steven Foster

Billy G. Newton

#39-Nassau, Bahamas District Council

#71-Northern Kenya

Thomas Davis

#61-Colorado District Council

#29-Florida State Council

Suffragan Bishop Yolanda Hunt Assistant General Treasurer

#2-Greater Pennsylvania District Council

Richard D. Howell, Jr. v

#7-Minnesota, Wisconsin & Dakotas Council

#30-Georgia State Council

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#12-Midwestern District Council

Charles H. Ellis III * v

#24-South Carolina State Council

Suffragan Bishop Craig High General Secretary

Lourenco J. Vieira

Immanuel Paul

#13-Texas State Council

Bishop Michael D. Hannah, Sr. Second Assistant Presiding Bishop

Suffragan Bishop Robert E. Martin, Jr. Chief of Staff / Auxiliaries and Departments iamconsultant@yahoo.com

Donald L. Golder

#23-West Virginia & East Tennessee Council

#38-Haiti District Council

Mrs. Jordan Brooks-Adams Executive Admn. to Presiding Bishop and Board of Bishops Director of Apostolic Day of Prayer (203)376-6089 jbrooks@beulahheightschurch.org

Samuel R. Moore v

Leroy Horne

#57-Baja, California-Mexico District Council

#10-Mississippi & West Tennessee District Council

#32B-India District Council

District Elder Tommie Hughes General Treasurer

Michael D. Franklin

#31A-European Council of Nations (East)

Melvin Brown John Thorpe

Michael Bender Mona Reide

Gwendolyn Weeks v Fredrick Jackson

#65-Mpumalanga Province Council (South Africa)

“AND THEY CONTINUED”

#74-Columbia

[Honorary Bishops] Stewart Reese Eulah Nelson Ernest Miller Marvin Donaldson Roy C. Dawkins [Unassigned] Ronald L. Young [Vacant Diocesans]

#32 A - India District Council #40 - Egypt District Council #52 - Far East District Council #53 - Cameroon District Council (West Africa)

[Symbols]

v = Member of Executive Bishops Council * = Former Presiding Bishop += Assistant Presiding Bishop

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023

The CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK Magazine (ISSN10894217) is published bimonthly, and is the official organ of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. Headquarters: 3939 Meadows Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46205; phone (317) 547-9541. Please let it be known that all rights are reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, stored in an electronic system, or transmitted in any form by means of electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of both the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc., and its entity the Department of Publications. Periodical postage paid at Indianapolis, IN 46206. Printed in the United States of America.

All rights reserved. Over 60 years of continuous publication in the interest of Christian perfection according to Ephesians 4:11-13, and emphasizing Apostolic faith and practice, the Second Coming of Christ, and the preparation of the people to be the Bride of Christ.

SUBSCRIPTION: USA. $30.00: Foreign, please call the office for rates at: (317)-547-9541, Ext. 6. Single copies and back issues $5.00 each.

SUBMISSIONS: Please contact thechristianoutlook@pawinc.org or call (317)-547-9541, Ext. 6 for rates. We assume no responsibility for and are not obligated to print any article or advertisement either solicited or unsolicited. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the PAW, Inc. or The Christian Outlook magazine. POSTMASTER: send address changes to: 3939 Meadows Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46205.

MAILING ADDRESS The Christian Outlook Magazine 3939 Meadows Drive Indianapolis, IN 46205 (317) 547-9541 (317) 543-0513 FAX www.pawinc.org EDITORIAL Evangelist Neechy Dumas Editor in Chief and Director of Publications

TABLE OF

CONTENTS 4

Executive Officers

6

Letter from the Presiding Bishop

9

From the Editor

10 Divine Connections 12 Biblical Spirituality 17 Council 18 From Death to Life 21 The List 22 PAW History 24 Obituary: Diocesan Bishop Ellis J. Farrington

Evangelist Mona Thomas-Green Associate Director/Graphic Design

26 PAW Throwbacks

First Lady Jennifer Slaughter Content Administrator & Assistant to Editor in Chief

31 Business Tips

Sister Dawne Hill/DH Designs Graphics Studio, LLC Creative Director Cover Design/Graphic Design Sister Gabrielle Louden/Designs x Denise, LLC Co-Creative Director Graphic Design

32 Book Review: Bishop James “A1” Johnson 33 Money 34 Becoming Dr. June Hairston: A First Generation College Student Journey

Minister NaTasha Ashton Graphic Design

38 IPYPU: Q&A with Pastor Kyron Shorter

Sister Karol Middleton Office Manager/Accounting Director

40 PAW Reporter

Bishop Sherman Merritt Minister Timothy Moore Dr. Lillian Lockett Robertson Suffragan Bishop Harold E. Rayford Suffragan Bishop Leonard S. Scott Minister Ramona Ward Dr. Ruth Tyson Newton, Publication Proofreader Executive Contributors Stacey N. Monger Mary Sanford Production Associates

THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK

42 Recipe 43 Puzzle 44 Adopt-A-Soul: Prison Break 45 Adopt-A-Soul: Letters to the Editor 46 Adopt-A-Soul: Sponsorship

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From the Desk of the Presiding Bishop Bishop Theodore L. Brooks, Sr. Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. 2023 Presiding Prelate Address “And They Continued” Grace and peace and greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Mother Brooks and I send you our warmest love and greetings as we enter into the New Year. We believe the Lord for great, incredible, mind-blowing things in 2023. I challenge you to believe with us!

It is an honor to address this great organization, the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc., as well as our many readers and supporters once again as the elected and consecrated Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. I want you to know how much your support of my leadership and the vision given to me by God means to me. Continue to keep Mother Brooks and I in your prayers as we strive to lead this august body of Apostolic believers in the 21st century. I am confident, my brothers and sisters, that the LORD is with the P.A.W., and we shall have no reason to doubt or fear. God has proven Himself to be ever present, and by His guiding Hand we will continue on for His glory.

Presider’s Letter

It is in that same vein that the LORD spoke to me weeks before we met in St. Louis during our 2022 Summer Convention concerning the theme for this year. Prior to the convention, the LORD was dealing with me concerning the rich history of the P.A.W., and the great importance of the truth of the Apostolic doctrine. We, beloved, have been entrusted with the great gift of revelation of God and revelation from God to know the truth of the Word, the truth of salvation, the truth of holiness and the truth of righteousness. It has been revealed through His Word that there is but one LORD, one faith and one baptism. We know that there is “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in [us] all” (Ephesians 4:5-6). Being confident of this truth, we can declare boldly the Gospel of Jesus Christ unto the saving of souls through repentance, baptism and the beautiful infilling of the Holy Ghost.

Walking the Hall of Bishops housed within our P.A.W. Headquarters building, the LORD kept stirring in me the years of labor, of preaching, of teaching, of loving, of pastoring, of serving and of giving that have sustained our organization. And He spoke clearly to me that the legacy of the P.A.W. extends beyond Azusa Street, beyond the revivals of Los Angeles, beyond Bishop G. T. Haywood.

The legacy we uphold as Apostolic believers is that which was spoken of in Acts 2. The legacy we uphold as Apostolic believers is that of the gospel of Jesus Christ, lived out in Jesus, then proclaimed

by His apostles. Therefore, from this central scripture was the LORD cultivating the 2023 theme: “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).

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And they continued. This scripture follows the landmark sermon of Peter in Acts 2 that convicted the masses, bringing thousands to the point of repentance and earnest seeking after God upon hearing the soul-stirring gospel of Jesus Christ. The thousands assembled around Peter and the eleven other apostles sincerely sought how to move forward into salvation. “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). That same day, three thousand souls were baptized (Acts 2:41).

What I love of this passage of scripture is hidden between Acts 2:41 and 2:42. Between these two verses is the implication of some unknown amount of time. Though the verses happen sequentially, what we see here is the passage of time between baptism and continuation so that those who received the truth of Jesus Christ, were baptized in His name, could now grow in His name.

Time for teaching, time for impartation, time for patterning behavior, time for regular fellowship and feasting. Time to mentor, time to challenge, time to correct, time to rebuke, time to love into righteousness, time to guide into holiness. Between these two verses we see the implied time it took for those who knew nothing of Jesus nor the apostles to now learn how to model their lives after Christ based on the continuation of the apostles’ teaching.

How do I come to see this? Because how else could these newly baptized people continue in the doctrine, or teaching, of the apostles if they did not have time to be students? How could they continue the practice of fellowship if they did not spend time learning how to be a community? How could they continue in breaking of bread if they did not spend time sharing meals? And how could these new believers continue in the teaching of prayer if they did not spend time in the school of prayer?

Presider’s Letter

My brothers and sisters, this is why this verse is so important to the future of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, our dioceses and our churches—we must continue stedfastly, without losing momentum or consistency, that which we were taught through the Word of God. However, we must each in turn model lives that can teach those coming behind us what it means to be an Apostolic believer—in word and in deed. We must not stray from consistently sharing the Word of God, guiding and loving, cultivating and creating, a strong community of Apostolic believers, for tomorrow and the days to come until the LORD cracks the sky. As God revealed these things to me, I understood all the better the importance of remembering the past to move towards the future. I understood the imperative on my life, on our lives, to bring together people from all walks of life to teach and guide into all truth. This is our burden for 2023 and beyond.

I would love if you would join Mother Brooks and I at the 2023 Summer Convention of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. as we live out the declaration: And They Continued. We are looking forward to a mighty move of God in St. Louis, MO on July 16- July 22, 2023. Our auxiliaries and departments have been given their marching orders. Auxiliaries have robust and thoughtful programming developed, while our Convention Management departments work diligently to provide you with a first-class experience. Please stay connected to our social media pages, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and keep an eye on our website at www.pawinc.org for organizational and event updates.

Above all else, let us remain in a posture of prayer. Prayer is what has kept us, and it will be prayer that sustains us—as an organization, as dioceses, as churches, communities and as individuals.

Prayer is the key, prayer is our foundation and prayer is our future. Stay connected as we share information regarding organizational prayer initiatives and how you can stay involved. Mother Brooks and I are always praying for you and your families. We love you to life.

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We love hearing from our PAW Bookstore family! Below are some of your responses.

Early Elementary Resource Kit - Winter (Primary 1st-3rd Grade) God’s Word for Life!

Lessie Townsel

THE DORE L. P R THEO ING BISHO CENTE TION PRESID NVEN 6 UIS CO ST. LO 1 - AUGUST . p a w i n c . o r g www JULY 3

Adult Teacher Lesson Guide- Winter Bishop Joseph Crear Excited about the winter quarter. The conference team is excited about the winter quarter lessons.

We have an awesome time on Saturday morning.

We love the way those lessons are connected with the Bible. We are ready to go forth. God bless Bishop Brooks and team.

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The Early Elementary Resource Kit has everything you need to teach the lesson and to keep the students engaged and learning Bible truths. No need to look for additional activity pages. Our teachers are very pleased with the Resource Kit.

Adult Teacher Lesson Guide-Winter Hope Wallace Very Pleased! I am really enjoying the daily devotions. I love the fact the commentary brings out the APOSTOLIC doctrine. I am very pleased.

Ministerial Introduction Package Jeanne Christian I received the books in a timely manner. They were well protected from the elements, and I appreciate getting them in a timely and safe manner.

1 Yr. Christian Outlook subscription Eric Franklin Great. Received my first issue last month.

Adult Daily Devotional Regular Print Winter Dr. George Willett III, DMin I am enjoying the Adult Daily Devotional, especially how it complements the Adult Lesson Guide. As a Sunday school teacher the format enables me to connect each day with the lesson using the Scriptures, biblical insights, and devotion. I use it for daily focusing on the lesson which allows me to meditate on how and what to present to the adult Sunday school class. I like the analogy references to things in our daily lives. I believe in relating the lesson to practical application in our lives. In simple form, I teach people to be able to understand how to use the lesson in their lives. I hope the PAW bookstore and commentary staff consider using similar format in the future PAW Sunday school materials.

Adult Daily Devotional Large Print Winter (Ages 18+) Diana Cunningham Great learning and educational value. I appreciate the teaching in this lesson.

To God Be the Glory

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FROM THE EDITOR Evangelist Neechy Dumas

Happy new year!! As the team at Christian Outlook Publications reflects on another year of change and transformation, we wish all our readers, supporters, and especially our new subscribers a Happy New Year! We are thankful to God for each of you as your generous support is a driving force behind the success of our publication. We pray that 2023 would be another year of joy, peace and prosperity to all.

W

ith a new year comes new opportunities, and I would like to extend a huge thank you to Elder Demarcus Williams for his creative leadership and innovation. Over the last 3 years, he acted as the Christian Outlook’s Creative Director, and as a result of his efforts, the Outlook’s current look and feel have evolved dramatically. While his expertise and laidback demeanor will be missed, we are confident that he will thrive in what God has in store for him next. On behalf of the Outlook team, we extend our warmest thanks for his efforts.

And, it is with much pleasure to announce Sis. Dawne Hill as the new Creative Director of the Christian Outlook Magazine. Dawne has several years’ experience as a Graphic Designer, including her position as primary designer for The Ohio District Council, and is the owner of DH Designs Graphics Studio, LLC. She has worked with the Outlook for several years and is passionate about the publication.

She is excited to take on the challenge of growing the publication to the next level of excellence. The constituents of the P.A.W should feel confident that the Outlook is in good hands and I believe the future is bright for our publication and our organization.

contributions by writers, and from all backgrounds, is a testament to the wealth of talent in our organization. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with you all, to be inspired by you, to be challenged by you, and to encourage you to keep praying for the Church.

As you continue to move forward in the weeks ahead, I would like to take this opportunity to share a few more of the precious gems that I believe are located within these pages, for it is my fervent prayer that each of you will be guided by the powerful words of our Presiding Prelate, Bishop Theodore L. Brooks Sr.’s, 2023 address “And They Continued” and have the opportunity to develop a deeper relationship with God by the words of Bishop Leonard Scott, District Elder Phillip J. Thompson, and Minister Denita Gibbs.

May this time be a time of action and growth, may this time be a time of readiness for the many challenges that are yet to come, and may this time be a time of steadfastness in continuing on in the Apostles Doctrine.

(Acts 2:42) Blessings, Evang. Neechy Marketing & Publications Director @Neechy | www.Neechy.com

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the many writers who’ve made submissions and contributions, either via email or in print, to the Christian Outlook over the last several months. The diversity of the

THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK

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“And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.”

Genesis 2:18

DIVINE

CONNECTIONS Suffragan Bishop Leonard Scott

10 THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK

“AND THEY CONTINUED”

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W

hen God created Eve and introduced her to Adam, the first interpersonal relationship between human beings began. Our lives depend upon relationships with others and our decisions within those relationships.

Jesus gave principles for relationships in Luke 6:31: “And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.” Or, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” commonly called the Golden Rule. The world system’s Golden Rule is, “He who has the gold makes the rule.”

The world’s view of relationships is to love things and use people. The Christian’s view is to love people and use things. The base word for “relationship” is “relate,” which means having a connection between, interacting, and responding to, especially favorably. Synonyms for relating are to bond or commune. A relation is a connection, and a relationship is the state of that connection.

We have different relationships from conception. The Bible is a textbook on relationships. It tells how husbands and wives, parents and children, the elderly and the young, and generally how we as human beings should relate to each other. The Bible also depicts different relationships between God and man.

God communed amiably with Adam in the Garden of Eden. But sin severed that authentic relationship, and the Bible is the story of God restoring man to a cordial connection with Him. The Bible describes various relationships between man and God. In Jeremiah 18:46, the association is the Potter to clay. Here the Bible compares man to an inanimate object in the Potter’s hands. Malachi 3:17 represents those who fear the Lord as jewels. In both the Old and New Testaments, we see the relationship between the shepherd and his sheep. Here man is no longer portrayed as an inanimate object such as clay or gemstones but as a living and needing guidance and care. This is illustrated in Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

In the Gospels, Jesus speaks of the relationship between the servant and his Master. This association refers to one that is not just living, but a person who is expected to

carry out the desires of the Master. The Master required an increase from His servants, rewarding the productive and reprimanding the wicked. Another relationship is that of the soldier to his Captain. In 2 Timothy 2:3-4, Paul describes the Christian as a soldier of Jesus Christ.

In Joshua 5:13-15, Joshua faces a theophany or a visible manifestation of God, Who describes Himself as the Captain of the host of the Lord.

The next progression in these relationships is a friend. The connection between friends is certainly closer than that of servant to Master or soldier to Captain. The Bible says in Exodus 33:11 that God spoke to Moses face to face as a man speaks to his friend. Isaiah 41:8 calls Abraham God’s friend. God shared information about the coming destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah with His friend Abraham. He shared secrets with Abraham because He knew Abraham would command his children and household to keep the ways of the Lord. Jesus said in John 15:13-15 that they are His friends who do what He commands them, and as servants they did not know what their Lord did. But being friends, He had revealed to them what He had heard from the Father.

Even a higher relationship than a friend is a son. This relationship is one in which you are born into or adopted.

It gives the right to the family inheritance. Romans 8:14 says, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. First John 3:2 says, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.”

The closest relationship we know of on earth between two people is a husband and his bride. The Bible says the two become one flesh. Of all the other relationships, this is the only one that can bring forth new life in the form of children. As the Bride of Christ, God involves the church in the most intimate relationship possible. Ephesians 5:2232 likens the relationship of a husband and wife to that of Christ and the Church. He’s looking for a bride without spot, wrinkle, or blemish. The decisions we make will help determine our particular relationship with God. Where do you find yourself in your connection with Him?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Suffragan Bishop Leonard Scott pastors Rock Church in Indianapolis, Indiana and has traveled the United States and overseas proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. He has recorded several albums, been nominated for Stellar and Dove Awards, and received the Stellar Honors Hall of Fame Award and the Gospel Music Association Legacy Award. His latest CD is entitled, Keep Hymns Alive, and features Rance Allen, Ruth LaOntra, C. Shawn Tyson, Quinton Elliott, Kelontae Gavin, Sherwin Gardner, and Thomas & The Situation.

Suffragan Bishop Scott has written three books: Soaring with Eagles, Be Lifted Up, and The Ultimate Boost from Within: 31 Days to Health, Wealth, Wholeness and Happiness. He has written several articles for the Christian Outlook Magazine and The Apostolic Way. He and his wife Christine have seven children and 17 grandchildren. All of their music, DVDs and books are available at bishoplscott.com/shop and Amazon.com. You can visit them at Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

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Recapturing Authentic

PREACHER’S CORNER

Biblical

By Suffragan Bishop C. Shawn Tyson

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, YE WHICH ARE SPIRITUAL, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that SOWETH TO THE SPIRIT shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

(Galatians 6:1, 8 KJV)

T

he Holy Spirit has been dealing with me concerning authentic spirituality and the necessity for those who are filled with the Spirit to be led by the Spirit of God (Romans 8:14 KJV)

BIBLICAL SPIRITUALITY MEANS: 1. To be born of God (John 1:12-13, John 3:5-8, I John 4:7) 2. To be saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8) 3. To be surrendered, obedient, and living according to the directives of the Spirit (Romans 8:4-11) 4. To be empowered by the Spirit to draw others to Christ (John 12:32) What the world needs now is not to know what church you are a member of or what your denominational or organizational affiliation may be. They need to know who your God is and how your relationship with Him impacts the direction, decisions, and the quality of your life spiritually and naturally. Some of you who claim to have the Holy Ghost DO NOT have it, and your lack of spiritual fruit, spiritual zeal and spiritual impetus is

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proof that you do not have it. (Romans 8:16-17,19 KJV). Some will say, “But, Pastor Tyson, I spoke in tongues!” I will not dispute that. But my question is, who gave you the utterance of the tongues you spoke with? (Acts 2:4 KJV) Were you speaking with tongues as the SPIRIT OF GOD gave the utterance or are you one of the many victims of the spirit of “Simon Says” who were mimicking the tongues of others who they have heard speak in tongues. Or are you one of the many who had the misfortune of being under the oversight of a spiritual novice who was so anxious to add another number to their Holy Ghost tally sheet that they released you from the presence of the Lord before you were FULL OF THE HOLY GHOST? (John 7:37-39 KJV) What do people see when they see you? Do they see holiness? Do they see God, or do they see religion? Do they see a change, or do they see church?

Many who have had a spiritual experience with God, have not gone on to develop a spiritual RELATIONSHIP with Him (Hosea 6:3 KJV;1 Chronicles 16:11 KJV). After walking with God for a while, you must be careful that you do not become confined and defined by religious routines that lull you into a comfort zone where you lose your expectation for new things. We should always be moving from faith to faith and glory to glory. (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV)

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Spirituality As I continue to seek after God, which is an ongoing process, I find myself working my way through a maze of man-made traditions, attempting to find my way back to authentic spirituality. To be clear, there is a difference between the traditions of man, which are opinion-based and determined by personal preferences instead of spiritual principles, and the traditions of God, which is the expansion of a spiritual principle with both spiritual AND natural applications and implications.

There is an ANTI-TRADITION movement afoot in the body of Christ that is taking us off of our foundational footing. We must be careful not to get swept away. (2 Timothy 2:15-19 KJV) This new wave of doctrines of devils is sweeping the nation currently by twisting the Scriptures to justify things that the Scriptures CLEARLY CONDEMN. (2 Timothy 4:3-4 KJV) The Bible, that some no longer believe in, prophesied 2000 years ago that you would become too smart for your own GOOD and cast the Word of God aside in the pursuit of vain philosophies.

(Romans 1:21-22; II Timothy 2:18-19) One of the great dangers of social media is that it gives people who are skillful and articulate in doctrines of devils access to gullible people who are not strong enough in their faith or Biblically literate enough to know that a half truth is a WHOLE LIE. Satan attempted

to use the Scriptures to persuade Jesus to JUMP from the pinnacle of the Temple. (Matthew 4:5-7 KJV) When the Word of God is wrongly divided, that which would be truth when rightly divided, then becomes UNTRUTH. (1 Corinthians 2:13-16 KJV) While our primary focus and emphasis will always be upon the pursuit of the knowledge of God, it is a dangerous thing not to have a working knowledge of the modus operandi of the devil. In order to walk in authentic, Biblical spirituality, a spiritual person not only has to understand how God operates but must also know how the devil operates.

The best way to guard against deceptive, misleading, satanic suggestions is to monitor and guard your mind.

(Proverbs 4:23 KJV) The manifestation of the sons of God is the purpose and destiny of every child of God brought to fruition through faith, faithfulness and follow through. (Romans 8:17-19) When the world sees the glory of God revealed IN US, they will literally come running saying, “What must I do to be saved?”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: C. Shawn Tyson is the youngest of five talented siblings born to the late Bishop James E. and Elect Lady Evelyn Tyson. He is the Pastor of Calvary Ministries International in Youngstown, OH, succeeding his mentor and spiritual Father, the late, legendary, Bishop Norman L. Wagner.

Pastor Tyson is a committed Husband, Father, Pastor, author, mentor, and friend. His intense devotion to worship, evangelism, and unifying the body of Christ across denominational lines through fellowship and the spiritual and academic development of aspiring young ministers through the spoken word, seminars, lectures, and symposiums has made him one of the most sought-after speakers in the United States to date.

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2023 MARCH/APRIL 2020

AND THEY

CONTINUED Council

Walking in the Promise of God Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?

I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

- Isaiah 43:19 KJV “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.” - Isaiah 54:17 KJV

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DC, Delaware & Maryland District Council Bishop Earnest L. Pendleton, Diocesan

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25) The District of Columbia, Delaware & Maryland District Council celebrates its 85th Anniversary!

It all started with a conversation between two great anointed men of God. Those great men were, Bishop Earnest L. Pendleton, Diocesan of the DC, Delaware & Maryland District Council and Bishop Charles E. Johnson, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Apostolic Faith Fellowship International.

Who would have thought a small informal conversation would become the launch pad for such a great Homecoming Fellowship Service.

Shortly after their conversation Dr. LaMont Turner, Council Chairman and District Elder George Twilley, Sr., Council Coordinator along with many others put the wheels in motion and within a few weeks the program format was being finalized with preachers, teachers, social media promotions and Reunion Choir rehearsal schedules in place.

The saints were anticipating a high time in the Lord.

Bishop Charles E. Johnson, Sr., graciously opened the doors of Greater Morning Star to accommodate this momentous occasion that would be recorded in the archives of our Council history.

preaching and teaching. The messages were encouraging, inspiring, uplifting and life changing.

What a fellowship, it was truly divine! The Council rejoiced as Bishop James D. Nelson, Sr. and Apostle Willard Saunders, Jr. preached under the anointing. The sanctuary was full of praise and worship from beginning to end. The atmosphere was electrifying as many observed the saints embracing, taking selfies, having endearing conversations in the sanctuary and parking lot while celebrating each other just because.

One of the highlights of the Homecoming Service was honoring our past leaders of the Council with precious via video footage of Bishop Willard E. Saunders, Sr., former Diocesan actively preaching under the anointing. The video included: pictures of Bishop Ramsey Butler, former Diocesan along with former and present Auxiliary Leaders. There were also Zoom discussions and Power Point presentations celebrating the life and legacy of past and present leaders.

Bishop Pendleton and Bishop Johnson were visibly overjoyed as their initial conversation was brought into fruition. This “Homecoming” was a great celebration and display of UNITY in the body of Christ. A time to remember and a time never to forget. Truly, “We Are Stronger Together”.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in UNITY!” (Psalm 133:1)

The theme chosen for this special gathering, “We are Stronger Together”. And yes, as the Body of Christ, we recognize and realize as we unite as one, we are STRONGER! “The body is not supported by one person, but by all of us.

We are one, we are strongest working together in unity.”

(I Corinthians 12:14) What a blessing to enjoy many of our former pastors not only preaching but teaching seminars. We also enjoyed seeing former choir members singing with the Reunion Choir.

Everyone in attendance or watching via Live Stream were blessed by the messages conveyed through the anointed

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Death

TESTIMONY

FROM

LIFE to

I

By Denita Gibbs

n September 2021, I and a friend traveled to Houston, Texas, for some much-needed rest and relaxation. After returning to Nashville, Tennessee, my friend became ill, and was tested for COVID-19. The results were positive. They advised me to get tested as well. On September 11, 2021, I tested positive for COVID-19, as well. My symptoms were mild in the beginning but eventually worsened. On September 17, 2021, I started having shortness of breath. I called my friend and my parents to notify them that I could not breathe. Then I immediately called 911 for an ambulance to come and take me to the hospital. I was admitted for a few days. I told the hospital staff that I was not well enough to go home yet but was released with a low oxygen reading which required a breathing tank. On September 20, 2021, I was at home, but feeling very tired, weak and experiencing a lot of discomfort. One of my friends came and stayed with me overnight and they noticed I was getting worse.

On the following day, September 21, 2021, I called Urgent Care and was informed by them that I should have remained in the hospital. 911 was called and I was readmitted to the hospital. I was rushed to the ER. Once I was examined, they found double pneumonia, four blood clots in my lungs and I had suffered a mild heart attack. While in the ER as well, my oxygen saturation readings dropped to 50 percent. The doctors asked for my family contact information to notify them of my condition; the doctors mentioned to my parents that they did not think I was going to make it, BUT GOD who is rich is mercy. After hearing of my condition, they immediately came to be with me in Tennessee. After being admitted back into the hospital, I had emergency surgery to remove the blood clots from my lungs. I was taken to ICU where I remained for one month until I was discharged. My oxygen saturation readings were 83 percent to 50 percent, continuing to fluctuate up and down for weeks. This required me to have 30 liters of oxygen per minute to assist with my breathing.

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I remained in the hospital for a month fighting all those illnesses. My body was very weak, and I was unable to walk due to so much trauma. But my FAITH remained strong. At times I thought I was going to die because my condition would become rocky. I am so very thankful to God for my Anointed Praying Parents, Family and Friends, who had everyone, everywhere praying for me, “The prayers of the righteous definitely availed much.” As the days progressed along with my condition beginning to improve, the hospital started me with physical therapy to learn how to walk again. I started seeing God turn things around. Day and night I remained prayerful, calling on the Name of Jesus, listening to my praise and worship music. I even sang out loud my own written song, “Keep Holding On”; it ministered and encouraged me to keep holding on. As the days continued to progress, I started seeing more of the handiwork of God working on my behalf. My oxygen saturation readings were increasing from 80s to 90s, and my body strength was improving; yes, it was nobody but God!! I continued to sing, listen to preaching, praying and fighting like crazy! See, I was coming out because of the Blood of Jesus!! It was a fight for my life, I knew God was with me.

In October 2021, I was released from the hospital. Many of the hospital personnel told me, “I was not the same woman who was admitted a month ago. They stated that they “saw a glow on my face.” That was a healing glow, one of God’s virtue healing power! I was sent home with home care nurses who, for four months, assisted me, encouraging me daily and telling me that I was going to make it. When I returned to church after recovery, I continually pushed myself while ministering THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK

through praise and worship while sitting in a chair, because I was unable to stand. I am thankful to God for his continued added strength daily, for it is by him that I live, move, and have my being. Thank you to the PAW, Inc., family for allowing me this opportunity to share my testimony. I pray that I have encouraged someone’s faith to always believe in God’s Divine Healing. I thank God that he spared my life. I will never take it for granted again.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR ALL THE THINGS...

HE HAS DONE! Denita Gibbs is a singer, songwriter, and recording artist. A native of Birmingham, Alabama, now residing in Nashville, Tennessee. Since relocating to Nashville, Denita is a member of the Greater Christ Temple Apostolic Church (PAW, Inc.) under the pastoral leadership of Bishop Sherman Merritt. With six siblings, she knows and embraces the importance of family, and effective mentorship. When Denita is not on the road, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

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PAW TV ad?

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By Olivia Ridgell

“I

want him to be tall and fit, I want him to have a good job making 6 figures, I want him to have a nice car and be close to his family. I want him to be extremely good looking. Oh! And be a great man of God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” That was me in my early 20’s. Hear me out. I was told by almost every married woman that entered my life to write a list, a list detailing what kind of man I wanted to marry and so I did.

This list needed to contain details about what I wanted him to look like, what kind of money he needed to make and even what kind of car he needed to drive. By the time I was done, this man had to be an attractive, money-making, fashion-conscious man of God with an equally amazing personality that I was head over heels in love with. I wrote the list, prayed on that list, studied that list, and memorized that list. I lived by that list!

“THE LIST” became my lens, I saw every man I met.

Through this list, these men didn’t stand a chance. In my early to mid-twenties, I was in and out of little mini relationships, all the men looked good on paper, which made me so confused about why these relationships didn’t work out. They had the money, the cars, the height, the looks, but something was missing.

It wasn’t until one of the relationships ended badly that I finally realized what I was doing wrong, I was listening

to “THE LIST”, choosing according to “THE LIST,” living by “THE LIST”! But “THE LIST” was wrong! It was so wrong. One night I had become so emotional about my singleness, I got on my knees and asked Jesus to help me. I needed to know what I was missing. I needed to know why “THE LIST” wasn’t working. So, I asked Him, and He told me. He said, as clear as day, “You’re missing ME” … BOOM, everything became clear. I should’ve known! HE knows what I need and want more than I know what I need and want! I immediately grabbed the list and ripped it apart! I will never forget the freedom I felt; a weight fell off my shoulders. If you are single and reading this, I want you to rip your list apart right now and let God show you what you want and need. Trust me, it works.

“I feel like I can walk down a busy road with a blindfold on and feel totally safe because my husband makes me feel 100% protected.” This is what I tell people when I describe my husband. Feeling safe and protected was a need for me! He’s also handsome, strong, kind…I could keep going! We started dating in April of 2019, got engaged in July of that year and got married on March 22, 2022. It was the most beautiful evening. We couldn’t have my “dream” wedding because of COVID, but that didn’t matter. I was marrying the love of my life! Trust me, letting God lead is the answer, there is hope for you! Don’t give up! Your person is out there; you just need to let Jesus show you!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Olivia Ridgel lives in St. Louis, Missouri, and attends Bethesda Temple Church, where Suffragan Bishop Julian Johnson is the Pastor. Olivia enjoys serving in the Arts Department and Women’s Ministry. She is a playwright and has written and directed two plays.

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PAW HISTORY

REVEREND

The Early 1900’s

JOHN SCHAEPE

R

everend John Schaepe, the year 1903 in Hawaii without Christ in his life and unable to find work decided to commit a crime. There on the waterfront of Honolulu a mugging was about to take place as a sea captain was soon to pass him. John with a 38-caliber pistol on his person ready to excute his plan, was stopped by God who had another plan for his life. A sound struck his ears, a sound of music, and instead of executing a crime, he followed that sound and found a Salvation Army Mission. There he heard testimonies that made him desire “a better way of living.” He returned to his room where he was converted and then quickly joined the Salvation Army.

On February 3, 1906 Schaepe testifies that God “baptized me with the Holy Ghost,” and he spoke in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. This would have placed his experience occurred prior to the Azusa Street revival. It is probable, however, that it was actually in 1907 when he received his “baptism,” since he was apparently working in Southern California, breaking horses, at the time the revival broke in Los Angeles.

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April, 1913 at the Apostolic Faith World-Wide camp meeting held in the Arroyo Seco valley of Los Angeles, while the young minister Schaepe listened, heard Robert E. McAlister revelation sermon. McAlister observed that in the Book of Acts, the apostles always baptized the newly converted, “in the name of Jesus Christ.” He emphasized that the Matthew 28:19 Trinitarian formula was not used. After hearing this revelation knowledge concerning the baptism in Jesus’ name, Schaepe was sufficiently inspired by the message that he spent the entire night in prayer. Toward morning, this “would-be preacher” raced throughout the camp shouting out his revelation on the power of the name of Jesus. The “revelation” on baptism, that the “name” of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit was “Lord Jesus Christ.”

The name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost was the name Lord Jesus Christ which name was part of the baptismal command posited by Peter in Acts 2:38 - i.e., baptism “in the name of Jesus Christ”- was the fulfillment and counterpart of the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 constituting baptism “in the name (singular) of

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DID YOU KNOW? Did you know that all translated versions of the Bible are not equal. For example, when we consider one of the most continuous controversial Scripture of the Bible, Matthew 28:19 which states: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” is still under so much scrunity and debate among monotheistc and trinitarian believers. This difference of belief in doctrinial teaching has caused great division in Christendom that has occurred because of it. Why? Many believe these were the spoken words of Jesus, Himself.

Reverend John Schaepe and family the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (which “name” Oneness believers hold to be that of Jesus.)”

This conclusion was accepted by several others in the camp and given further theological development by a minister named Frank J. Ewart who came to accept it, were rebaptized, and began to share their beliefs from the pulpit.

Out of these beginnings came the Oneness Pentecostal movement.

In 1917, Schaepe was living just blocks from the Arroyo Seco comp ground at 6340 Arroyo Seco Avenue. He remained in that general area, moving a short distance to 3810 Eagle Rock Boulevard, where he remained until his death. He is buried in Valhalla Cemetery in Burbank, California.

(To be noted: the name Schaepe is often misspelled Scheppe in a number of sources) References: Pentecostal Assemblies of the World 1916-2015 (100th Convention Celebration) Souvenir book APOSTOLIC ARCHIVES INTERNATIONAL INC. apostolicarchives.com The Bible Trinity, and Matthew 28:19 & Nicaea and the Nicene Council of AD 325

By Rev. Marvin M. Arnold, D.D., Th.D.

However, a man by the name of Shem-Tob was a Hebrew who possessed an ancient Hebrew Gospel of Matthew that dates to early time. Shem-Tob’s Hebrew Book of Matthew is the most accurate text of the First Gospel now existing. It contains a fullness of readings that are not in any of the Catholic Greek Bibles. Its fullness of monotheistic reading adds to its immense value. This book underwent a different process of transmission than the Greek, since Jews preserved it, and thus independent from the Catholic Community. (George Howard, Hebrew Gospel of Matthew, Mercer Uni Press, Georgia, 1995, p.190). When we say independent it is meant Catholic scribes did not have access to it, it was in Jewish hands and protection.

Therefore, this Scripture reads as follows in the Hebrew Book of Matthew: [Matthew 28:16-20] states: “(16) After this when his twelve disciples came to Galilee he appeared to them in the mountain where they had prayed. (17) When they saw him they worshipped him, but there were some of them who doubted him. (18) Jesus drew near to them and said to them: To me has been given all power in heaven and earth. (19) Go (20) and (teach) them to carry out all the things which I have commanded you forever.”

Verification, that Shem-Tob, F.C. Conybeare, and Eusebius of Caesarea, all verified that St. Matthew 28:19 ended with Jesus’ wording like this: “Go, make disciples of all the nations in My Name, teaching them to keep all things which I have commanded you.” Therefore, no one in the entire Bible was ever baptized using the formula of baptism found in our Bibles today according to Matthew 28:19 so when did the change occur?

The Catholic Church has admitted that its leaders changed the wording in St. Mt. 28:19. It admits that its founders inserted the Triune Titles. The Catholic Encyclopedia II, page 263, states: “The baptismal formula was changed from the name of Jesus Christ to the words Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by the Catholic Church in the second century.” (Joseph Ratzinger, Introduciton to Christianity, pp. 50-51, 53) The Lord Jesus of a purely orthodox Hebrew culture would not have uttered a plural Godhead sentence like Mt. 28:19, it would have conflicted with singleness of the Godhead in Isaiah 43:11 and Deut. 6:4. Even today the pious Jews consider the Trinity Godhead and the Triune baptismal Formula in Matthew to be blasphemous.

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DIOCESAN BISHOP ELLIS FARRINGTON, OBE, CM, JP A Man Called, Chosen and Sent by GOD

B

“Be thou faithful until Death and I will give you a Crown of Life.” Revelation 2:10

ishop Ellis James Farrington was born to the proud parentage of Victoria Farrington nee Leadon and Robert James Farrington on 8th September, 1934, in the settlement of Cargill Creek, Andros.

BISHOP’S FAMILY Bishop Farrington married his life partner Mother Daisy Farrington nee Mackey of Bowen Sound Andros in 1955. They were married for 67 years. This union were blessed with twelve (12) children. Carolyn Farrington, Philip Farrington, Minister Rosalie Farrington Wilkinson, Victoria Mackey Farrington, Suffragan Bishop Dr. Sharon Rolle, District Elder Ellis Farrington, Evangelist Sharmie Farrington, Suffragan Bishop Dr. Anthony Farrington, Pastor Derek Farrington, Arnette Farrington, Kenwood Farrington, and Kirkwood Farrington. Bishop and Mother Daisy considers District Elder Dr. Roosevelt Kamiller Whyms as a blood son.

CALL AND SENT BY GOD TO SACRED MINISTRY

Bishop Ellis Farrington wanted his elder cousin Wilfred ‘Preacher’ Mackey to lead the church but Preacher insisted that he would follow Bishop Farrington. He served as Assistant Pastor under the Pastorship of his Uncle Pastor Austin Leadon. Bishop Farrington had a great desire to spread the faith. He turned the Assistant Pastorship to his brother Bruce Farrington who became the Assistant Pastor.

Bishop Farrington along with his brother Suffragan Bishop Bruce Farrington, Suffragan Bishop Wilfred Mackey, Bothers-in-Laws District Elder Thomas Mackey and Assistant Pastor Nathaniel Mackey became known as the “Jesus Only” People. Their names became synonymous with the “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism” movement. They turned the Andros Community upside down with their fiery and charismatic sermons.

Bishop noticed an outstanding brother in the Church who he viewed as a potential leader, and they built the Highway Pentecostal Church. Elder Nathaniel Curtis was ordained as Pastor of that Church, in Blanket Sound Andros.

Bishop Ellis Farrington began to evangelize by boat and foot, the next settlement, Bowen Sound. He walked 9 miles through the sea at low tide many times to reach his destination.

He suffered great hardship and personal prosecution but preserved for 8 years as an Evangelist transporting the faith and the Gospel of Jesus Christ to that Settlement. This was especially hard since his Mother-in-Law was a staunch Anglican Catechist. He often endured death threats and his siblings often became very concerned for his life. However, the Lord granted him favor with his father-inlaw and some of his brothers-in-law and after eight years of hard work, he established the Bowen Sound Pentecostal Church, Bowen Sound Andros, Bahamas in 1967.

An opportunity presented itself to establish the work in BARC Community, North Andros and he established the worked under the Pastorship of another outstanding religious son, District Elder Wilfred Mackey. Further, he established New Highway Pentecostal Church under the Pastorship of his Cousin Pastor Dolly and Leroy Hanna.

CHOSEN TO BUILD THE LORD’S WORK

In 2003, Diocesan Bishop Farrington started a work in Nassau. Transformation Ministries was established in January, 2003 under the leadership of his daughter Suffragan Bishop Dr. Sharon Rolle and his son District Elder Ellis Farrington and along with his adopted son District Elder Roosevelt Whyms established Faith In Christ, Long Island.

While Bishop was training and working as a Captain the oneness Apostolic Movement came to Andros Island. His older uncle Austin Leadon had moved to Nassau. His uncle worshipped with Bishop Simeon and David Dawkins. While in Nassau the Lord spoke to the Late Pastor Austin Leadon to come back home to Andros. Bishop Farrington and his older Uncle, the Late Pastor Austin Leadon, his brother Bruce Farrington and others accommodated the Late Bishop Ellington Forbes, Late Bishop David Dawkins and others who came to establish the faith in Cargill Creek, Andros. The first Church Little Power House was built from the pine forest.

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Bishop David Dawkins, appreciated and noticed the valuable contribution of Bishop Farrington, therefore, when the opportunity came to promote to the Office of Suffragan Bishop, Bishop Dawkins, without reservation, promoted him to the Office of Suffragan Bishop citing his loyalty, commitment and accomplishments within the Diocese.

Bishop Ellis Farrington, sat as the Chairman of the Andros District Council over 48 years.

In that capacity he overseed five (5) churches in Andros, Bahamas. Further, he also served as the President of The Andros Christian Council. He is a respected member of The Bahamas Christian Council and his advice was often sought on national issues.

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He was mentored and worked very closely with Bishop David Dawkins who sought his advice in resolving complex religious issues. In 2007, he was elevated as Diocesan Bishop of The Bahamas State Council of the Pentecostal Assemblies of The World at their summer Convention in Los Angeles, California, USA. Under his leadership the Council spread to Turks and Caicos, Florida and Jamaica. In 73 years he never missed more than one Annual General Convention and Council Meeting.

Diocesan Bishop Farrington was a man of outstanding spiritual legacy. He passed this legacy onto his children. His children remain dedicated to the building up of the Kingdom of GOD. Among his household are seven ordained spiritual leaders: Suffragan Bishop Dr. Sharon Rolle, Suffragan Bishop Dr. Anthony Farrington, District Elder Ellis Farrington, District Elder Roosevelt Kamiller Whyms, Senior Pastor Derek Farrington, Evangelist Sharmie Austin, and Minister Rosalie Farrington A CHOSEN MAN OF GOD Many are called but few are chosen. Bishop Farrington was a CHOSEN man of GOD. The hand of GOD on his life was evident. He walked humbly before GOD. GOD was with him. His character was unblemished.

There is no question that Bishop Farrington was a stalwart of the faith. His name will be added to the Hall of fame of faith alongside Abraham and the faithful saints. He was a friend of GOD. SUNSET - A CALL BACK TO THE SEA AND GLORY! As it is in the beginning. So shall it be in the end.

On Sunday, 9th of October, 2022, Bishop Farrington heard another call and he returned to his beloved sea. He told the church on that day that GOD had visited him Saturday 8th October, the night before. He said GOD changed everything. He said he wanted a big celebration and he wanted everyone to come. Later that day, he insisted that he be taken to Adelaide Beach. Carried away by a wave of Glory. Bishop was pronounced dead at 4:55pm.

There is a new name written down in GLORY! Mission accomplished!

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PAW THRO

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OWBACKS

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PAW THRO

Collage

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OWBACKS

Collage

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2022 has come and gone. In December, you’ve watched brands and business launch sales and inventory closeouts.

Now, you’re sitting at your desk, contemplating whether to close your business down, pivot or to go full throttle. Perhaps 2022 was great but had a few hiccups…or maybe it was mediocre and you see a need for change. I promise you…I understand. I’ve been on both sides of the coin.

Sometimes we find ourselves on the hamster wheel of building a business. There are many reasons for this…life altering events that cause you to be inconsistent in your business, FOMO (fear of missing out) decisions or simply a lack of motivation. Perhaps you are so caught up in the everyday tasks that you forgot that this isn’t a sprint… building a business or a brand is definitely a marathon. One way to kind of shake off anything preventing growth, is to revisit or reevaluate where you stand with brand footprint.

Building a strong brand is crucial for the success and growth of your business. A well-defined brand not only helps customers identify and remember your products or services, but it also sets you apart from your competitors and establishes trust and credibility in the market.

I have to be honest with you, building a business/brand is not easy but it is definitely possible! I’ve seen a business do really well with a major launch at the very beginning and then lose steam 6 months down the road. I’ve also seen many businesses that had lots of hiccups at the outset, learn from them, and then move on to become very successful brands.

Building a business/brand requires time, effort, and strategic planning to create a unique and compelling brand that resonates with your target audience. Here are few helpful tips:

1. DEFINE OR REDEFINE YOUR BRAND IDENTITY This might include your mission, values, and the unique qualities that make your business stand out from the competition. Consider your target audience and what sets your products or services apart from others in the market.

2. DEVELOP OR REVIEW YOUR BRAND STRATEGY Your brand strategy should outline how you will communicate and market to your target audience. Take some time to create a brand messaging framework, defining your brand voice, and identifying the channels and tactics you will use to reach your audience.

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BUSINESS TIPS

BRAND IDENTITY 3. CREATE A VISUAL BRAND IDENTITY This is a visual representation of your brand, including your logo, color palette, font, and other visual elements. These elements should be consistent across all touchpoints and reflect your brand’s values and personality.

4. BE CONSISTENT Ensure that all of your branding elements are consistent across all channels and touchpoints.

This will help to establish trust and credibility with your audience and reinforces your brand’s identity in their minds.

5. PLAN Even if you can only plan 2-4 weeks out versus planning for the entire quarter, that’s a good start. I’ve found the most success when there is a plan in place. Impulse decisions can prevent us from seeing the clear picture and the potential effects of our decisions.

I’m embarrassed to say how many times in the past that I’d made an impulse social media post only for it to be a total flop.

6. CHECK-IN Regularly check in with your customers and gather feedback to ensure that your brand is still meeting their needs.

Developing a brand that connects with the people who matter most is the ultimate goal of any great start up business or branding strategy. An effective brand is simple, dependable, unforgettable, and inspiring and allows you to communicate your deepest core values to your customers. It can help differentiate you from your competitors, attract and retain customers, and ultimately drive business success.

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BOOK REVIEW

The Late Great Honorable Bishop

JAMES A-1 JOHNSON PROFOUND l IMPECCABLE l EXTRAORDINARY EFFECTIVE l UNFORGETTABLE

A MIGHTY, MIGHTY GOD The Gospel has to do with our Lord Jesus Christ, the son of the virgin who bore Him, and didn’t lose her virginity.

God brought Him into the world and let Him carry all of our sins and die for them and [He] never lost His holiness.

Now, you’re looking at the might of God. You’re looking at miracles. You’ve looking at God manifesting His glorying a most unusual way.

THE GREATEST QUOTES OF JAMES [A-1] JOHNSON

A treasury of kataphatic expressions exalting the matchless Name of JESUS can be yours

ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY! WWW.PAWBOOKSTORE.COM Words from Bishop Horace E. Smth, M.D.,former Presiding Bishop [PAW] states this:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. McNeese began preaching at the age of 19, was licensed by the P.A.W. at age 23, appointed assistant pastor of Bethel Star Apostolic Church in Vine Grove, Kentucky at the age of 24 under the leadership of Elder Herman J. Fountain and was ordained in 1989 under the direction of the Honorable Bishop Curtis E. Montgomery, with then presiding Bishop James “A1” Johnson as the officiant and speaker.

“Bishop James A. Johnson was known and spoken of by both secular and spiritual leaders and persons of influence across multiple sectors of society by the moniker...

“A-1 Johnson.” Only persons who have consistently achieved at the highest ranks and conducted themselves with certifiable excellence are described as such. His astute intellect, combined with his pristine character and spiritual interity, intertwined with an easily approachable personality and fatherly affect, made him a vessel of God that continues to add value to the Body and Glory to God.”

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Pastor McNeese is an army veteran and as such, he traveled throughout Europe, teaching and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He has always had a passion for biblical accuracy. At the age of 25, he founded a church in 1985 in West Germany where he began his pastoral ministry and subsequently, in 1986 established Apostolic Bible College, formerly McNeese Bible Academy, as a training institute for members of his congregation, One Way Apostolic Assembly.

Dr. McNeese is an autodidact and a strong proponent of non-traditional Christian education. He holds no secular degrees or degrees via honoris causia, opting instead for self-study and quality BBS, MBS and Ph.D. diplomas from International Seminary, Christian Bible College, and Aenon Bible College, all religious institutions, respectively.

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A

ccording to a 2019 statistic almost 60% of U. S. adults are living paycheck to paycheck. Even more startling, 18% of those made $100,000 or more.

There are three basic reasons why individuals and families struggle: First, many folks are financially illiterate and find it difficult making right choices with money. Secondly, a vast majority of working adults are overextended, they have just as much going out as they do coming in. Lastly, a lack of consistent stewardship.

Deuteronomy 8:18 declares “God gives us power to gain wealth.” We should earnestly pray and educate ourselves on how to be supreme stewards over His bountiful blessings to us. Here are three basic principles to help us achieve that goal: Spend some, save some, and give some away.

SPEND This principle is important because it impacts the capacity to save and give. Without question, spending is one of the rewards of labor. Admittedly, very few people have a difficult time spending money. Spending includes servicing monthly bills, paying for the emergencies, shopping, and entertainment. If expenditures are equal to income, then we fall into the paycheck-to-paycheck conundrum.

The only way out of that malaise is to gracefully reduce expenses immediately. The next step is examining the reasons why it is a struggle for the ends to meet. Are you living above your means? Are you shopping to keep up an appearance? Are you emotional shopping (spending during times of heightened sadness or stress)? Carefully and honestly reflecting upon these questions may solve some of the mystery of financial mismanagement.

SAVE In January of 2022, CNBC reported that 56% of Americans can’t afford to cover an emergency expense with savings.

Saving money is critical to financial vitality. Not only must we save to respond to impromptu life events, but we should have enough savings to obey the gentle prodding of the Holy Ghost to minister to the necessities of the saints.

Did you know if you save $19.18 every week, you’ll have THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK

MONEY MATTERS

Stewardship $1000 at the end of the year? One of the surest ways to save is to make it automatic through payroll deductions. If that’s not an option, most online banking accounts allow automatic transfers from a checking to a savings account.

In addition to saving, every working adult should invest a portion of their income towards retirement. While investing can be a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be undertaken alone. Consult a reputable licensed professional to help you navigate through the myriad choices available. Simply put, saving helps us avoid catastrophe in the short-term, while investing builds wealth in the long-term.

GIVE Giving may be the most underappreciated principle of handling our finances. Unfortunately, there are many people who have the willingness to be generous in giving but lack the ability. To avoid being in this quandary we must dutifully discharge the tasks of spending and saving.

Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “…God loveth a cheerful giver.” We should be willing to give to our family, friends, and those in need. In addition, we should gleefully support churches, institutions, and organizations that nurture us spiritually, culturally, and intellectually. I have adopted the 3 s’s approach to giving—Spontaneous, systematic, and strategic. Spontaneous giving means we can respond quickly without concern that our finances will be negatively impacted. Systematic giving is fixed and sustained over a prescribed length of time. Strategic giving is closely aligned to our core values. Whatever matrix we chose to adopt as a format for generosity should be deeply rooted in our belief that giving is the prerequisite to receiving.

Pastor Phillip Thompson is privileged to serve the historic Bethlehem Temple in Flint, Michigan. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and has taught many seminars on how money works.

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BECOMING DR. JUNE HAIRSTON

A First-Generation College Student Journey First Gen Path To College

J

une Summers graduated from Soldan high school in 1965 in Saint Louis, Missouri. As one of thirteen children, June said, “I wanted to go to community college, but I knew a four-year college was out of the picture.” Her parents encouraged her to pursue her dream but did not have the money to send her. “I broke down and started crying and thought there was no hope for me.” Her mother could pay for her first quarter of community college, but it was up to June to find a way to pay for the rest. She did not know it then, but this initial support and encouragement from her family set her on a path that would change her life and the lives of generations. June worked during the day to pay for her night classes. It wasn’t easy, but she made it work. “That’s how my community college experience started, with tears, disappointment, and hard work.”

was time to return to school. “I saw my life going before me without completing my degree. I got so upset one day that I left my job and drove around the city. I just happened to pass Seattle University.” She parked in front of the psychology building and, by chance, was greeted by the Dean. “He showed me that with my previous credits, I could graduate in one year with a BA degree in psychology. That information motivated me to finish my degree.” With a growing family of two children, June graduated with her first degree from Seattle University in 1975. Her sister Shirley Houston graduated with a BS in Nursing in 1974.

June met Roland, her future husband, while attending community college. He was in the military and just returning from the Vietnam conflict. She married Roland in 1968 and moved to Seattle, Washington. While waiting for her in-state residency to apply for college, June worked at a daycare center in administration. Working at the center allowed June to attend school studying Music and Early Childhood Education at Seattle University, paid for by her job. After leaving the daycare, June also lost her ability to continue her studies, which placed her education on hold. After several years, June decided it

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Graduate School Dr. June’s graduate degrees were not any easier to achieve. Common to many first-generation college students, June was unfamiliar with graduate school. June met Sharon Kern, from Albuquerque, New Mexico, during a PAW convention. Sharon was visiting UW for a summer study and needed a place to stay. June opened their home to Sharon, and she encouraged June to apply to graduate school. “She said, ‘June, you ought to go into graduate school. Promise me you will apply.’” Not only did Dr. June apply to the UW and get admitted into her program, but she also finished a two-year program six months early, earning a master’s in Educational Psychology with a concentration in College Counseling in 1978. In March of 1979, June was hired at the UW in Student Affairs as an Activities Adviser, worked for six years, and had Heather in 1981 and Ashleigh in 1985, when she decided to take time off to focus on family. June returned to the UW as an Academic Adviser/Counselor in 1990. It was just in time to be with her two sons (Roland Jr and Russell), now students at UW. In 2006 June applied to the doctoral program in Education, Leadership, and Policy Studies. She later learned that she was one of five students out of three hundred applicants selected for the doctoral program. Dr. June believes that her strong personal statement (based somewhat on her work with students in OMA&D) set her apart. “I felt so humbly honored to have been admitted.” However, between admission and completing her Ed.D. in 2015, June battled with breast cancer in 2012. June said, “I did not have time for breast cancer. You know, I was focused, and I did not want to get distracted.” June took time away from her studies to focus on her health and well-being, and as soon as she was able, she jumped right back into completing her doctorate, working full-time.

Legacy Dr. June has spent her career encouraging and supporting UW students to reach for the stars and achieve their dreams. She has led by example to the university, the students she serves, and her family. Being a firstgeneration college student, she passed on the lessons she learned to her children and grandchildren. “It was easier for them because they had somebody who had already blazed the trail.

Education is a crucial element of the Hairston household.

Dr. June has five children and two unofficially adopted children. “Four of my five children have graduated from college. They went to college with us, as we studied in UW’s Suzzallo library.” We left the boys in the children’s section while Roland and I studied upstairs.” Attending a university was an expectation. “Our kids knew they were going to college because their mom and dad both had degrees.” Of her thirteen grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren, five are college-age. Of those five, one graduated with a STEM degree and is pursuing Medical School, two are pursuing their bachelor’s degrees, one at UW, and the other is a transfer student planning to attend UW winter quarter in 2023. Another grandson is a U. S. Army veteran with college credits, and one is pursuing a career in the arts.

A great point of pride for Dr. June is the Husky legacy in her family. Roland Jr. and Russell studied Sociology.

UW recruited Russell to play Husky football and admitted him as a red-shirted freshman. “It was an exciting time on campus when the Huskies won two consecutive Rose Bowl games, lost one, and then won the National Championship game, known as the ‘Whammy in Miami’ [in 1994]. During this game, Russell intercepted the ball and took it to the ‘HOUSE’ for a touchdown, turning the tide for winning the game!”

June Summers of Saint Louis, Missouri, with some tears and disappointments along the way, her faith, and a lot of grit and perseverance, is now Dr. June Summers Hairston, director of the Pacific Northwest Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) in STEM. She changed the course of her family’s lives for generations to come. Dr. June coined the phrase, “Few are called to impact the masses, but many are called to impact a few.”

She’s thankful to have impacted both.

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SUNDAY SCHOOL MATERIALS PRE-ORDER DEADLINES:

SPRING [March, April, May] - Deadline: January 15th SUMMER [June, July, August] - Deadline: April 15th FALL [Sept., Oct., Nov.] - Deadline: July 15th WINTER [Dec., Jan., Feb.] - Deadline: October 15th

VISIT WWW.PAWBOOKSTORE.COM OR SCAN QR CODE TO ORDER

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IPYPU

ELDER ST. CLAIR BOOKER (1933)

ELDER RAYMOND L. ROBINSON (1934 - 1945)

DEACON REGINALD JONES (1946 - 1949)

QA AND

INSIGHT FROM THE NEWLY ELECTED IPYPU PRESIDENT

PASTOR KYRON SHORTER

ELDER VIRGIL COX, JR. (1949 - 1951)

1. Congratulations on becoming the 21st President of the International Pentecostal Young People's Union (IPYPU) and the first to represent the West Coast. To start, share with our readers a little about yourself.

While attending school, the Lord began expanding my responsibilities in PYPU allowing me serve as local Youth Pastor, regional director, and teen director in the legacy California District Council. I found myself growing in Supply Chain Management and Procurement (aerospace and defense industry), traveling globally negotiating contracts and supporting the new wave of commercial and defense aircraft. Eventually, I became a Director in Corporate America and Pastor/President & CEO of the greatest church in the whole wide world, Bethesda Temple Church of Apostolic Faith in city of Los Angeles, CA. Plus, IPYPU President on top of all!

My greatest honor is being husband to my wife of 11 years, Lady Terrah Shorter and the father of 3 amazing children, Kyah (10), Kameron (8) and Kristopher (3). I'm just as content reading bed stories, cooking dinner and helping my kids with their homework as I am problem solving a long-term sourcing agreement, counseling young people, singing or preaching at a youth service. My journey from just being a kid in San Diego, to being a leader in the city of Los Angeles, of all places, is mind-blowing but a testament that God will raise up the unlikely to do great things for His honor.

2. What is your vision for IPYPU during your term and what lasting value do you hope to bring?

ELDER CHARLES W. WATKINS (1951 - 1958)

DISTRICT ELDER WILLIAM ABNEY, JR. (1958 - 1963)

ELDER DAVID L. ELLIS (1963 - 1966)

DISTRICT ELDER WALTER WATKINS (1963 - 1966)

DISTRICT ELDER RONALD L. YOUNG (1969 - 1973)

DISTRICT ELDER NORMAN L. WAGNER (1973 - 1976)

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My vision for the IPYPU during this administration is to build off the great foundation of previous administrations (namely the Perdue and Morrison administrations) to continue building an IPYPU that WORKS for its young people. An IPYPU that is robust, innovative but challenges the sophisticated nature of a diverse IPYPU constituency. The truth of the matter is most of our young people aren't preachers and singers and need ministry that is wholistic and expansive for areas of living that support their natural and spiritual development as well as advances the kingdom. My vision includes re-kindling and re-affirming the apostolic mandate that propels our young people to move from stationary and stagnate to discovering their“why”with the tools, skill sets and spiritual insight to launch into the deep.

My vision is seeing our young people leave our worship encounters with the Holy Ghost and the tools necessary to build generational wealth, advance professionally and navigate successful singlehood and marriage. Too often we leave our gatherings with a good dance and that's it. My vision is seeing our administration be ambidextrous in our ministry approach, and modules and challenge what healthy living looks like for young people by increasing our use of technology and making our worship experiences comparable in areas to professional networking meetings. This administration is about that WORK (our acronym for the administration). This work entails having crucial conversations with our Presidium and organizational leadership about the waning support of our PYPU's on the local level and ways our young people can get a seat at the table in helping better position our organization long-term.

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3. This year, IPYPU celebrates its 90th anniversary!

What does leading one of the oldest, charismatic and thriving young people auxiliaries mean to you?

90 years is remarkable. Whenever I see the term union, I think of a commitment. A conscious, intentional, and cogitative commitment despite opposition, resistance and despite ups and downs.

The 90-year story of the IPYP-Union has been just this, preserving through times of challenge and using innovation to keep the generation connected to our great organization and God. To be leading an organization where the motive and commitment of each of its leader is empowering our young people and leading them to stronger walk with Christ is an honor. What I don't want to do is make the mistake of honoring an anniversary without any accountability to the future.

Therefore, for me, this 90-year celebration is not only an opportunity to reflect on where we have been, but where we are headed. I could argue the IPYPU is one of the formidable youth organizations in the world, let alone any denomination. For 90 Years, the IPYPU has been instrumental in the rearing development of doctors, attorneys, government officials, engineers, administrators, and athletes. My hope is that this administration will push us into the next 90 years with agenda of progression, revival that will leave our young people renewed, and a sense of obligation and duty to embrace every fashion of being Apostolic.

4. Who, out of the former IPYPU Presidents, inspired you in your life and what was your favorite preaching message of theirs?

And certainly, what can I say about my sister, Evangelist Freda Morrison. She is the real deal. Not only do I admire her for her poise, tenacity, and grace as the first ever female president, but she is also perhaps one of the most creative and innovative leaders I've ever worked with.

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(1976 - 1982)

(1982 - 1988)

(1989 - 1992)

(1992 - 1995)

ELDER NOAH NICHOLSON

First up, is our IPYPU Workers Conference to be held March 15th- 18th, in Charlotte, NC. This will be an opportunity for all our young pastors and youth leaders to receive great instruction and training to jumpstart their administrations and have meaningful dialogue with our Bishops. April 26th-29th, we are headed to Columbus, OH for our Annual Empowerment Conference at Church of Christ of Apostolic Faith, which happens to be the place we held our first ever PYPU service back in 1933. In July, we are headed back to St. Louis, MO for the Summer Convention where the celebration continues. Lastly, the President's & Leader's Retreat is headed to the NYC Area this Fall 2023.

(1995 - 2001)

ELDER JONATHAN ELLIS (2001 - 2004)

ELDER DAVID HOLLIS (2004 - 2007)

ELDER CHRISTOPHER COLLIER (2007 - 2014)

This is only Part 1 (Act 1) of the celebration, and we believe our constituents and supporters of IPYPU are going to be excited about hearing from IPYPU legends and the voices of now.

6. Tell our readers how to stay connected with upcoming IPYPU upcoming events.

ELDER JARRETT PERDUE (2014 - 2018)

Listen, if you haven't done so, you must download the IPYPU app EVANGELIST FREDA MORRISON (available on all app stores)!

(2018 - 2022) It is a game changer and the first place to visit for all our events, offers and the latest buzz on all things IPYPU. And its free! Visit the IPYPU website online at www.ipypu.pawinc.org to find everything IPYPU related and of-course the exclusive place you can now purchase limited edition IPYPU merchandise. Lastly, follow us on every social media platform - Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube and Twitter. I encourage you to send us an email at community@ipypu.org to be added to our exclusive email distribution list to know what exciting events are happening on the local and national level.

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PASTOR KYRON SHORTER ( 2022 - CURRENT )

Wow, that's a great question. I've watched and gleamed from so many of our former IPYPU Presidents to talk about certain ones without sharing how each have impacted me is a chore. Without a doubt, I appreciate my big brother Elder David Hollis. He came into my life spiritually during a period of transition in my life and literally took the time to mentor. Every time Elder Hollis came to California it always seems that either my twin brother Kevin or I were his amour bearers. Elder Hollis was with me on the 91 freeway when I received the call from Bethesda Temple in Los Angeles that I had been ratified as their new Senior Pastor.

I owe my start in IPYPU to Suffragan Bishop Noah Nicholson. He faithfully brought the IPYPU to the West Coast and gave me my first job, as a teenager, leader of the clergy procession and head teen usher at the West Coast Jubilee. In addition, having Pastor Jarrett Perdue support as I was elected as the new PYPU President for the Southern California District Council was game-changing.

On the other hand, when it comes to the preaching of former leaders, let's just say I have worn out many cassette tapes and CDs from Bishop Norman L. Wagner's “Saints in Babylon", Bishop Howard Tillman's “It's just a Shadow", Bishop Charles Ellis' DISTRICT ELDER THOMAS W. WEEKS “From Tears to Joy", to Elder David Hollis“I'm In Between”messages that were all preached on the West Coast were fire. But the preaching Pastor Perdue and Evangelist Morrison did at the last convention....all I ELDER HOWARD TILLMAN can say is wow.

5. Can you give some insight about what IPYPU has planned for the 2023 year?

The IPYPU has big plans for this administration as we attempt to turn the corner from the long period ELDER ANDREW TURNER that limited our in-person gatherings. It just so happens that our administration begins with our 90th Year Anniversary. The IPYPU has decided to take Disneyland approach to our 90th Celebration and celebrate this historic milestone over a 2-year ELDER CHARLES H. ELLIS, III period. We have divided the celebration in Act 1, which we are celebrating in 2023, and Act(s) 2 in 2024. So, 2023 is going to be bananas for our IPYPU constituents and supporters.

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THE PAW REPORTER Your Source for Church News and Information Bishop Theodore L. Brooks, Sr. Presiding Bishop Maxie D. Dobson, CPA (Retired) LLM Executive Editor Wyatt McDowell, JD, Senior Editor CONCORD BAPTIST CHURCH V. CHURCH MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY, 2021 WL 6095643 (W.D. Mo. 2021) Church’s Failure to Cooperate With Its Insurance Company Excused the Insurer From Duty to Pay the Church’s Insurance Claim This case addresses the question of whether an insurance company remains liable on an insurance policy to the insured church when the church fails to cooperate in the investigation of the insurance claim(s).

FACTS This case arises from an insurance policy Church Mutual issued to Concord Baptist Church to insure its properties. Subsequently, Concord Baptist Church claims it sustained substantial property damage after a severe storm on March 27, 2020. Church Mutual received the claim on March 31, 2020.

demand for appraisal and requested that Concord Baptist Church submit any documents supporting its claim. On November 24, 2020, after Concord Baptist Church informed Church Mutual that its appraiser would be reappraising the entire claim, including damages that Church Mutual had already issued partial payments for, Church Mutual requested that Concord Baptist Church submit a revised demand for appraisal.

Concord Baptist Church also suggested to Church Mutual that its appraiser’s estimate would be over $2,000,000. On December 3, 2020 Concord Baptist Church submitted a revised demand for appraisal.

On December 4, 2020, Church Mutual notified Concord Baptist Church that to move forward in the appraisal process it would require a proof of loss form, supporting documents, and a representative to submit to an examination under oath (“EUO”). Church Mutual reiterated its requests in a letter dated December 10, 2020, after Concord Baptist Church did not respond.

On February 18, 2021, Concord Baptist Church filed suit alleging Breach of Contract and Vexatious Refusal to Pay (action against any insurance company to recover a loss under a policy).

On April 2, 2020, and April 13, 2020, Church Mutual’s third-party adjuster, Crawford & Company, met with Concord Baptist Church’s representative to inspect the damage to the property. On May 26, 2020, Crawford & Company issued an estimate based on the engineering report completed after the inspections. As a result, Church Mutual issued two partial payments to Concord Baptist Church totaling $237,852.24.

DISCUSSION

Once the payments were issued, a disagreement arose between the parties as to the amount of loss. On June 3, 2020, Concord Baptist Church sent a demand for appraisal to reevaluate the damage to its property.

On June 9, 2020, Church Mutual acknowledged the

Missouri courts have consistently acknowledged an insurer’s right to a complete investigation of a claim, including examinations, and have found that the insured’s failure to assist in the investigation precludes (rules out) any coverage. To deny coverage, an insurer

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First, Church Mutual alleges that Concord Baptist Church failed to comply with the cooperation agreement in its policy.

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must prove: (1) a material breach of the cooperation clause; (2) the existence of substantial prejudice as a result of the breach; and (3) the exercise of reasonable diligence to secure the insured’s cooperation.

First, Concord Baptist Church’s failure to provide, or the untimely submission of, a proof of loss form constitutes a material breach of the cooperation agreement.

Also, if the insured fails to submit to an EUO before commencing the lawsuit, that also constitutes a material breach of the cooperation agreement.

Second, when Church Mutual requested more information to effectively evaluate the revised demand for appraisal, including the proof of loss form, supporting documents, and an EUO, the failure to comply by Concord Baptist Church substantially prejudiced Church Mutual because it could not possess all the information needed to investigate the claim.

Lastly, the insurer must prove that it exercised reasonable diligence to secure the cooperation of the insured. More specifically, the insurer “must present evidence to show what steps it took to locate insured and to secure his cooperation in defending the action.”

Here, Church Mutual exercised reasonable diligence in attempting to secure Concord Baptist Church’s cooperation. As soon as Church Mutual received Concord Baptist Church’s revised demand for appraisal it sent a letter the next day requesting that Concord Baptist Church submit a proof of loss form, supporting documents and comply with an EUO. Concord Baptist Church did not respond. Church Mutual followed up by sending another letter on December 10, 2020, reiterating its request for a proof of loss form, supporting documents, and an EUO. Concord Baptist Church once again failed to respond or submit the documents. Instead of responding or submitting documents to Church Mutual, Concord Baptist Church filed a lawsuit. Based on these facts, Church Mutual exercised reasonable diligence to secure the cooperation of Concord Baptist Church.

requests for information. Church leaders should be aware of this requirement and understand that a failure to cooperate in a timely manner may result in the denial of insurance benefits, including both a legal defense and indemnification (coverage for damages and other costs associated with the claim). Source: www. churchlawandtax.com.

Numerical Decline in Young Americans Who Trust in Christ One survey after another shows increasing numbers of young people leaving the church. Gallup reported this year that belief in God had declined 10 percentage points in about 10 years. According to Barna, the percentage of Americans who qualify as “practicing Christians” (meaning they identify as Christians, prioritize their faith, and have attended church within the past month) has dropped from 50 percent in 2009 to 25 percent in 2020. Source: Christianity Today, September 2022, p. 11) Fewer Than Half of Americans May Be Christian by 2070, According to New Projections America has long prided itself on being a country where people can choose whatever religion they like.

The majority has long chosen Christianity.

By 2070, that may no longer be the case. If current trends continue, Christians could make up less than half of the population — and as little as a third— in 50 years. Meanwhile, the so-called nones — or the religiously unaffiliated — could make up close to half of the population. And the percentage of Americans who identify as Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists and other non-Christian faiths could double.

Those are among the major findings of a new report from the Pew Research Center regarding America’s religious future—a future where Christianity, though diminished, persists while non-Christian faiths grow amid rising secularization. Source: https://religionnews. com (09/13/22).

CONCLUSION Concord Baptist Church failed to show substantial compliance with the cooperation agreement contained in the insurance policy, which relinquishes Church Mutual from liability. When a claim for breach of contract fails, so too does a vexatious refusal to pay.

BOTTOMLINE Most insurance policies impose a “duty to cooperate” on the insured. This means that a church, as the insured, must cooperate with its insurance company in any investigation, or in responding to reasonable

THE CHRISTIAN OUTLOOK

The PAW Reporter is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is distributed with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. “From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations.”

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RECIPE

RECIPE PAGE SMOTHERED PORK CHOPS

Ingredients • • • • • • • • • • • •

6 pork chops 1 lg. onion sliced ½ pt. fresh sliced mushrooms 3 heaping T. all-purpose flour ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. garlic powder ½ tsp. black pepper 2 T. milk 3 c. water 3 T. cooking oil (used or fresh) ½ pt. fresh sliced mushrooms Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder to sprinkle on chops

Instructions Using 1 cup of the above water, add in the flour, chicken bouillon cube, garlic powder, milk, salt and pepper. Stir and set it aside.

Now sprinkle both sides of the pork chops with extra salt, pepper, paprika and garlic. Fry the meat in the skillet with 3 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat, allowing to brown 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Remove the meat from the skillet, leaving about 3

Heavenly Delights Cookbook Bethesda Temple Church Sisterhood-Sisters of Joy

tablespoons of the oil dipping in there. Now add the sliced onions and mushrooms, sauteing about 2 minutes. Remove vegetables from skillet. Stir in the flour mixture for 1 minute. Add the water, re-add meat, onions and mushrooms. Cover with a lid and simmer for 30 minutes. The gravy will thicken as it simmers. Serves 6.

CHICKEN LASAGNA NIKKOLE LEE-SELDON

Ingredients • • • • • • •

Lasagna noodles Cream of broccoli Old-fashioned jar Alfredo sauce 1 can petite diced tomatoes 1 sm. yellow pepper 1 bag chicken breast strips Mexican or 5 cheeses, shredded cheese

Instructions I get the frozen chicken strips and cook in the skillet. Season with Ms. Dash. Cook pepper in the skillet to soften, then add to the cream of broccoli. Let simmer a little, then add all together the Alfredo, peppers/cream of broccoli and chicken.

Mix together in a bowl. Layer: noodles, mixture, diced tomatoes; repeat. Add cheese on top. Heat oven at 3500, then bake for 50-60 minutes.

Saints, if your church has published a cookbook, and you would like to be featured in this segment of our magazine, please send a copy to: The Christian Outlook: 3939 Meadows Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205

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GOD CREATES THE WORLD PUZZLE

Genesis 1:1 ‐ 2:3 1 2

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12 13

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ACROSS

3 Empty, and destitute of the vegetation, and living creatures which were afterwards brought forth. (Gn. 1:2) 4 When did God create the world?

(Gn. 1:1) 3 words 5 The earth had before been covered with water; but now the water and the dry land were __________. (Gn. 1:9) 6 When God finished all that he created, He __________ it. (Gn. 2:3) 7 Another word for likeness. (Gn. 1:27) 8 What moved upon the face of the waters preparing the earth for being brought into an orderly form. (Gn. 1:2) 10 How did all things come into existence? (Gn. 1:20) 2 words 11 On which day did God end all the work of creation and rested? (Gn. 2) 16 How many lights did God create to bring about the seasons upon the land. (Gn. 1:16)

Bible Trivia

9 What command did God give the various kinds of fish, birds, animals that were created? (Gn. 1:22) 12 Everything that God created was very __________. (Gn. 1:25) 13 When God finished all that he created, He __________ it. (Gn. 2:3) 14 Brought into being out of nothing.

(Gn. 1:1) 15 That which is above and around the earth, which we call sky (Gn. 1:6) 16 How is the abyss of waters described? (Gn. 1:2) 2 words DOWN

1 According to Gn. 2:19, from where were the birds and animals formed?

2 God caused the light to shine out of __________. (Gn. 1:15‐16)

WORD BANK Be fruitful Create Darkness Firmament God said Good

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Image In the beginning Sanctified Sanctified Separated Seventh

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Spirit of God The deep Two Void

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43

ADOPT-A-SOUL

WITH ADOPT A SOUL PRISON MINISTRIES

From Darkness to Victory My Come Back Apostle Demetric A. Johnson / Previous Adopt-A-Soul Participant

“As I was walking out, I glanced at the magazine rack and saw something that caught my eye and tugged at my spirit a feeling I had not felt in a very long time.

A magazine I will always believe changed my life that day-The Christian Outlook.”

PART 2: continues from Nov/Dec 2022 issue

I

n September of 2018, I was released from Liberty Correctional Facility. Excitement some would say to be understatement to the feelings for which I felt that glorious day. Finally free from that dark place full of hope and aspirations for my future. Sadly, within a 24-hour period reality hit me like a brick. As I thought, not only was I a convicted felon but also was wrongfully labeled for a crime I didn’t commit. A label I would now wear for the rest of my life. My former friends and colleagues no longer spoke to me, some even whispered behind my back when they saw me. I had been in the restaurant management business prior to incarceration for over 20 years, yet couldn’t even find a job there, because

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of this label. I was finally hired by one restaurant General Manager based on my experience. Yet when it was sent to their HR Department, I received an email saying they’d chosen to rescind their offer of employment but wished me the best in my continued job search. These types of emails flooded my inbox and suddenly that feeling of despair began to sit in again. As if sensing it I received a brown envelope one day in the mail from Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc. inside it was The Christian Outlook and within these pages I found once again the Adopt-ASoul segment. But this time the article was a letter for which I had written while incarcerated. I must admit the words did not seem like my own and took

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~ AN OUTREACH TOOL ~

Jesus states: “...I was in prison, and ye came unto Me.” Matthew 25:36 on a totally different meaning as I read them. Here I was free but sinking back into that darkness. When my own voice spoke from these pages and touched me in ways I simply cannot explain. I immediately entered a 3 day fast for I knew that I needed a word that only God could give me. Clarity and direction that could and would come only from Him. During this time the story of Abram came to mind when it was time for his elevation, he was required to trust God step out on Faith and move away from all that he knew, cherished, and called life itself. So many times, God directs us to make such a move, yet our fear supersedes our faith. But just as Abram we must trust God that if he has given the vision, He too will give the provision. I will admit like so many others, I wrestled with this thought in my mind and questioned if the direction was really from God. I went to men and women of God for whom I trusted and sought their counsel. Some just told me to pray more while others spoke of all the negative aspects of such a drastic move. As I began to integrate myself back into Ministry, I began to hear that small still voice say “MOVE.” However, again, my fear of the unknown outweighed my faith and I remained in Florida.

In May of 2021, I found myself incarcerated again for violation of probation. Not because I had committed a crime but because I was homeless. And according to the State of Florida I was in violation because I was required to have an approved address. For the next 42 days I would sit in the Local County jail asking myself was this how my life would be. Then one night as I lay meditating, I heard that small voice again say “MOVE,” and at that point I promised God as long as He would go with me and guide me every step of the way I would obey and follow Him unconditionally. On June 22, 2021, I was released from The County Jail and 5 days later I was on a bus headed wherever He led me.

I would find myself in Columbus, Georgia, a place I had never been and nor had ever thought of going.

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But since arriving I have seen God move like never before in and around me. I met the most amazing person someone for whom loves, accepts me for me and supports me despite my past, and the lies which were told and the consequences that followed. We will be married in March of this year. I have had the opportunity to partner with a nonprofit for which embodies the very essence of the things I believe, teach and stand upon. One for whom loves despite as Christ Himself loves us. The Non-Profit group Lovebecause 4:19 has shown me that through my love for Christ and those for whom He has created my healing arises. I am no longer a statistic; I am a creature wonderfully made by God for His purpose and unto Him I give all glory. Today, I am free!

Free from the pain of rejection, free from the selfdegradation, free to love me as God loves me, and truthfully becoming all, He has created me to be. I went from “You’ll be Back” to a respected part of community. Free from being known as a number to being Apostle Demetric A Johnson, free from a cold iron bunk to a homeowner.

In conclusion if I were to be able to say anything to my brothers and sisters still behind the fence I would simply say trust yourself enough to trust God. His Word declares that He knows what is best for you and His desire is that you should prosper and not fail. Hold firm to the promises of Deuteronomy 28:1-13 and know that indeed you are more than a conqueror. Look not on your present but focus on your future. A future preordained by God and set aside for His divine will and purpose. We have all tried to do it our own way and if we be honest that way has led to failure in the worst way. Now let us try it His way, knowing well that in Him there is no failure. For you are His own and He loves you like none other. We have all made mistakes, whether intentional or unintentional but they do not have to dictate or categorize our future. The pit is all too often the very place we find the light. But once you find it never let it go. Allow it to guide you and in it you’ll find the VICTORY that once eluded you. That light being the very Son of the Living God.

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~ AN OUTREACH TOOL ~ THIS IS WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!

ADOPT A SOUL PRISON MINISTRIES

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

Please Read!

Dear Christian Outlook / PAW Headquarters. My name is ------------ and I would love to receive my own Christian Outlook magazine / P.A.W. Yes, I don’t understand anything about Pentecostals or Apostolic, but I’m into a homosexual lifestyle and the person that I’m into this lifestyle with, I don’t know how to put it into words, but is sort of trying to make a change. And they were brought up P.A.W. ApostolicPentecostal and they told me that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost is a title!

Now, I get that, because I can be a father and a son! But when I read these power overcoming testimonies in the Christian Outlook, and how ya’ll churches come together to fellowship and worship God, it’s amazing to me. I have a life sentence to do, and I been locked up now 11½ years, I’m from _____________, Fl, and I need special prayer that the Lord helps me. If it’s possible I would like to request a special prayer request for me, family and kids, and a Holy Bible to read.

l BECOME AN INSPIRATIONAL

WRITER/MENTORS Dear saints, inspirational writers/mentors here at the PAW headquarters are needed. We receive such letters on a weekly basic from souls who are ripe for the picking, but the laborers are few. These souls need our helping hand to lead them into all truth. Please email Mona at: pawmona3939@gmail.com to become a mentor. l BECOME A SPONSOR

Dear saints, we need sponsors as you have read here in this letter. Many letters come in requesting our Christian magazine, along with any other books, Bibles/Study Bibles we can donate. For only $25 you can help sponsor a soul with some of these requested materials by scanning the code below.

l DONATIONS

Dear saints, if you donate any amount of $50 or more, we will send you our additional outreach tool for church or for you personally “Preparation-End Times” pamphlet, with your four line customized wording of your choice.

Please visit: www. pawbookstore.com and click the following: The Christian Outlook Adopt-A-Soul then make your donation selection.

For more details, please call Evangelist Mona Thomas-Green @ 317.547.9541 Ext. 230.

God bless ya’ll Name

THECHRISTIANOUTLOOK@PAWINC.ORG

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