From The General Overseer

Once more let us say from the International Office we wish all of our ministry network a glorious Christmas celebration filled with Love, Joy, and Peace. This has been a great year of ministry around the world and among our people. Even in difficult times the gospel is not hindered. It is possible that many will give the gospel a hearing in hard times when they would ignored such things before. And though economies may be slowed and funds may be lower, I know the ministries around this church are stepping in to let the hurting know that Jesus is the Healer, the Helper, and the Hand of love they are looking for today. It is a joy to serve such a family of ministry as the Church of God of Prophecy.

Already my spirit and prayers are beginning to turn toward the exciting time of consecration and seeking coming as we anticipate the Fast For Awakening 2009. Even now in December my prayer times have been touched with a new sense of hunger. I know that this is the grace of God calling me, and all of us, to enter this New Year with a season of prayer, fasting and seeking for God's touch on our ministries and lives. His work cannot be done without Him. I invite you to keep returning to our web site where we will have reminders of the Fast For Awakening 2009, twenty-one days of seeking God spanning 130 nations and 12,000 preaching points. As we humble ourselves and pray the promise says that we will hear from heaven. Make plans to join us this January in the Fast For Awakening 2009.

On the first twenty-one days of January 2009 let the Church of God of Prophecy unite together in prayer. Jesus has told us, "If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

As God calls prayer warriors together across this body of ministry we will be activating this great promise of Christ. In addition to our unity in hunger to seek God together, we can unite in agreement on specific needs as well. Here we offer you one simple prayer focus for each day we unite on one simple need.

Saints know that God is going to hear us in our hunger and in our unity. Based on this knowledge I claim I John 5: 14-15 as our victory even before we pray our first prayer in this twenty-one days. "And if is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us: An if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."

My friends we are seeking God and we are united around His gospel. Who can stand against us? I John also affirms our faith saying, "whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith." (5:4) Join me in believing God for great things as this New Year begins.

The International Office would be blessed greatly by the prayers of this church family. As we focus on our core values of Prayer, Harvest, and Leadership Development we pray that God will make us more and more effective in facilitating strong ministry throughout this network.

Prayer is the hidden secret behind the work of God. Let's ask God to send a call to prayer down over our ministries worldwide. God does not intend that the church do His work alone, but through prayer God wants to enter the church and accomplish His will.

Harvest is the call God has given this church and many others for this very day of opportunity. Pray that God will pour into us a fresh passion for souls much like Rachael wept for children. May we weep for the birth of new children into the Kingdom.

World Missions is a call to every local church in the Kingdom. Pray for new zeal and inspiration to give for the missions.

The Young Harvest is a call that is gripping hearts in this era. With such potential in the lives of youth, and such evil attacking them, now is the time to rescue the next generation for God's glory. Pray for success in evangelization of the young harvest.

Local Churches are the heart beat of God's growing Kingdom. There in the family of God gathered together all the operations of Kingdom transformation are applied. Pray for local churches to be filled with God's presence and power to be the life centers God intends them to be.

Developing Leaders is the key to completing all that God has placed before this worlds ministry to accomplish. As we pour into leaders we will tap the multiplying power of God to minister powerfully.

Pastors are the key. Pray for Pastors today. Pray for their ministries, their outreach, their strength, their vision, their families, their health, their protection, and their provision. The enemy is out to destroy these precious God called servants but we can pray a hedge of Divine protection around them and Divine help for them.

South America is operating without a full time General Presbyter. Pray for the leadership team that is bringing help and guidance there.

Six Nations in South America face specific challenges in ministry, Uruguay, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Colombia. Let's pray that God will bring His Divine help for each one of these to rise and flourish in the harvest.

In Central America, our General Presbyter has recovered with the healing help of God. Pray that these nations will flourish and Brother Santiago will receive continuing strength.

Pray for three nations in Central America; Nicaragua, Mexico, and Beliz. The first two are strong as national ministries while Beliz is younger work. All of these need the guidance of the Lord as they step into new doors of opportunity to reach out.

North America is in a time of distress nationally. Let's pray together that God will use this for His glory and many will turn their hearts and lives toward the gospel.

Church Planting in North America is the great passion of North American General Presbyter, Sam Clements. Let's unite to pray that God will give a mighty surge of new churches of all kinds to this land.

In the Caribbean the strongest national industry is often tourism. This means that the struggles of North America are automatically transferred over to this region. Pray this area will experience heavenly reviving also.

Leadership is vital in this area of ministry. As the Caribbean steps into a new era of ministry and outreach pray that God will raise up leadership on all levels and in all of these nations.

Asia holds the majority of the world's population. Pray that God will raise up new young emerging leaders and send forth laborers into the great harvest of this Continent. This is the day of gospel opportunity in Asia.

Europe/CIS/Middle East continues to experience humanistic challenges in the west, much like North America. Pray that the lands of the Great Awakening would once more be filled with great gospel success.

Europe/CIS/Middle East continues to experience revival in the east. Let's pray that the revival influences there will spread further and overwhelm all other influences in this land. Pray that the eastern revival will flow to the west in Europe and into the Middle East.

Africa is a land where the harvest has erupted into great church planting and growth. Pray for the Lord of the Harvest to supply the multitude of needs now being seen and felt in this great continent.

Africa has experienced such growth that we are now praying that God will send great help to support this growth. Pray for resources to flow into the national offices of the church in Africa. God can bring help from within Africa and from without.

R E Howard

Calera District Meeting

Sunday night, November 30th, District Coordinator Ken Humphries conducted a District Rally at the Calera church. Guest speaker for the service was Overseer L. V. Jones. Several churches and pastors were present to enjoy this time of refreshing. Soups and deserts were served following the service and everyone enjoyed the fellowship and looking forward to the next area meeting.

Fayette Church

Sunday morning, November 30th, we were with Pastor Leland and Gail Lowery at the Fayette church worshiping with the wonderful people there. It was so good and encouraging to see new faces in the congregation and oh... the Spirit of worship was so great. The Lord is doing a work in the people at Fayette and they are on the move. If you have read you Alabama Update lately, you will notice that several new members have been added. Praise the Lord for the people at Fayette.... and keep doing what you are doing. God is answering prayers!

Fast To Awakening 2009

Once more this year the leadership of the International Offices invite the Church of God of Prophecy family all around the world to join us in a Fast for Awakening 2009 as we begin the New Year. It has been a great strength infusion over the past two years to begin the New Year with 21 days of fasting and seeking God for His blessings over our efforts to answer His call and carry His gospel forward in the world. This year I cannot imagine beginning the year without such a season of seeking and hunger for God.

The most pronounced lesson that we have learned over the last two years has been that Christ is the head of the church and that we can do nothing without Him. Amazingly the most simple lessons seem to be the ones that keep returning as new revelations along the journey. Just as our flesh bodies are the frail temples for our soul and spirit to use, the church here on earth is the frail vessel for Christ to fill and then work through to accomplish His will in the world.

I know of no better way to welcome and to empower Christ's filling and working in the church than through fasting and prayer. So this January we are looking forward to another wonderful season of setting aside our desire for food and lifting high our desire for His will to be done and His presence to lead our ministries fresh and new. Fasting has always been a means of pressing our flesh cravings down, a form of crucifixion, and seeking Christ's presence and power. In a real way we are joining Christ in Gethsemene saying, "Not my will but thine be done."

With this understanding that we are the vessels and Christ is the treasure that fills us and empowers us, we can all declare that we need God in our areas of outreach and ministry. In the broad scope let me point you to our three Core Values as we consider fasting and seeking God for the first 21 days of 2009. Prayer, Harvest, and Leadership Development are the three values God has laid on our hearts from the General Presbyters' table.

Prayer
Perhaps we could ask God to raise up a mighty prayer hunger for God and His personal touch throughout out ministry area. There are so many aspects of application for this great value, revival, renewal, awakening, empowering, leading, etc.

Harvest
Perhaps we could pray that God will work with us, in us, and through us to see where He is opening ministry opportunities and to carry us into those divinely prepared ministries. Again, many harvest goals could be mentioned for prayer.

Leadership Development
Perhaps we could seek God to raise up an army of harvesters and ministers to reap in this glorious season of harvesting around us. The list will span from developing new emerging leaders, to fortifying our current consistent and strong leaders.

Also as we pray here in the United States we will be joining the Awakening America movement that is led by Bishop William Wilson. Material for information about the Awakening America season of fasting can be easily found at their web site or by contacting the International Center for Spiritual Renewal. We are not alone in this season of seeking. Many other ministries have felt the tug of the Lord on their hearts to seek Him early for this year of ministry. Let's remember the promise of God from Jeremiah as we join together for this Fast for Awakening 2009, "Call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things that you do not know." As we seek God together I am expecting great and mighty things to come from God.

Florida Coast Regional Ladies' Retreat

"Awake The Day Dawns"

And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we belived. Romans 13: 11 KJV

Ladies started arriving at beautiful Ramada Plaza Beach Resort, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida November 21st. and did not leave until the 23rd. What a time they had! I heard several say they would like to stay another day.

The attendance dropped a little from last year but the expectation and excitement were just as high. Sister Cathy Payne and her staff were ready from day one. They ministered to and encouraged those in attendance. God met many needs and changed many lives this week end.

On the way out, whether they were new retreaters or the old stand-bys, they were heard to say "We are already planning for next year".

We all left this retreat feeling more awakened and determined that we would not let the cares of this life luge us to sleep, but stay alert, working and watching for His Return.

Cottondale Community COGOP

Our church in Cottondale made the Tuscaloosa news in the paper. Click on the web site below.
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20081113/NEWS/811130281/AP

North America Overseers Appointments Announced

We are pleased to announce to our church body the appointment of two new overseers for North America. On January 1, 2009 Timothy Coalter will assume the responsibility of overseer of South Carolina and Woodroe Thompson will assume the responsibility of overseer of Canada East.

Timothy Coalter and his wife Kelly were married in 1979 and began their ministry that same year serving as national evangelists for two years. Following those two years they went into the pastoral ministry and have served in that role for the past 27 ½ years. The pastorates have included Marion, Ohio, two years; White Oak, North Carolina, three years; Winston Salem, North Carolina, one year; Harvest Ministries in Roanoke, Virginia, sixteen years; and Peerless Road, Cleveland, Tennessee for the past 5 ½ years.

Brother Coalter attended Tomlinson College receiving an Associates Degree in Business Administration; he has done undergraduate studies through Liberty University and is presently pursuing a Master of Arts in Church Ministries with an emphasis in Ministry Leadership at the Church of God Theological Seminary. He presently serves the International Offices on the Tomlinson Center Board and the International Office Ministerial Review Board.

The Coalters have two daughters, Amber and Robyn; and one son, Corey. Their daughter Amber is married to Jason Williams and they have one granddaughter, seventeen month old Grace Kelly, and they are expecting their second child in April 2009. Daughter Robyn is married to Chris Vernon. Their son Corey serves our country in the United States Navy.

Bishop Coalter states, “South Carolina has a rich heritage, a good name, and a promising future. Kelly & I are honored to be partnering with the ministry and churches of this great state to advance the cause of Christ."

Woodroe W. Thompson was born in St. Thomas, Jamaica and later moved to Kingston, Jamaica. In 1980 he migrated to Hamilton, Ontario met and later married Pauline Jacqueline Williams in 1983 and they relocated to Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. He was very active in his local church and pursued theological studies with the School for Advanced Biblical Studies in Toronto. He attended Sea forth Secondary School in Kingston, Jamaica and is presently pursuing his Master of Divinity at Tyndale Seminary in Toronto. He began his licensed ministry in 1989 and he and his wife have served as pastor at Kingston, Ontario and presently are pastoring at North Park Worship Centre in Brampton, Ontario. This church has just celebrated their 15 Anniversary at their present location which has grown from 60 to just over 500 in attendance. They are now holding two worship services on Sunday mornings. Pastor Thompson has also served as district overseer and National Youth Director for Eastern Canada.

Pastor Thompson has traveled to Cameroon, Kenya, Jamaica and the United States sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Thompsons have two sons, Adrian Woodroe and Christopher Roland and one granddaughter, Mya Adrianna Thompson. Mya was born with a rare liver cancer, but through much prayer she is cancer free today and is a healthy toddler.

"Please join me in prayer for both of these new overseers and their families as they transition into new responsibilities."

Sam Clements
North America General Presbyter

Sister Jones birthday

Today the Office staff celebrated Sister Jones birthday. She is such a blessing to all the staff. Always willing to help and do whatever is needed at the moment. We all went "STIX" and enjoyed a great celebration meal.

Munford-Silver Run Deacons Ordained

Sunday, November 9th was a wonderful day for the Silver Run church. The Spirit and God's presence were truly real as Willie Sam Boyd and Roger Maffett were ordained as church Deacons. The church recognized their faithfulness and dedication through the years of serving. Overseer L. V. Jones, with the help of Pastor Charles Boyd and Deacon Carson Jerkins prayed the Ordination Prayer. The attendance was 40's - 50's with the families coming to show honor and respect to their loved ones being ordained. It was truly a milestone in the history of this church. We pray God's blessings upon Silver Run.

Harvest Celebration

Sunday, November 2, Anniston-Praise and Worship had a day of Harvest Celebration. They gave praise and honor to God for what was accomplished this past year. Pastor Smith led his people in praise as each leader told the good things that God had done.

Some of the congregation dressed in old fashion clothes and the ladies prepared a feast after the morning service. What a day of "thanksgiving"! Thank you Lord for your blessings on me....

70th Anniversary

Short Creek celebrated their 70th Anniversary on October 19th. Friends and former pastors were present to remember and tell of the "good old days". The ladies had a meal that would feed the congregation two to three times over.

That afternoon there was a singing with the Short Creek singers and also special singers Kevin Barrett and his niece Jennifer. It was a wonderful day with an attendance of 105.

Pastor Shane Pate is to be commended for his leadership.

Deaths to Report

Charlotte (Billy) Adams' , overseer's wife of Georgia, father passed away and the funeral will be Wednesday, October 29th, at 2 PM at the Hamilton Church of God of Prophecy in Hamilton, Mississippi.

State Director Donna (Ben) Howard's aunt, Joyce (Billy) Connell, died this morning, October 29th, at 3:30 AM. Arrangements are pending. Update....Funeral October 31, 11:00 AM at Kilgore Funeral Home in Moody.

Milton and (Jan) Couch, General Stewardship Director in Cleveland, Tennessee, mother passed away earlier this month.

Please remember all these that have lost a loved one.

Chickasaw Children's Crusade

Saturday, 18th of October, 6:00 PM, I went to Chickasaw for the first State Children's Crusade. The theme for the crusades is "Bigger Than A Giant". It was a wonderful time with the people that came out to worship. The attendance was 55 with 25 of those young people. We thank God for each one of them. There were puppet shows, singing, expressive worship and dramas that the kids did during the service. When the message was delivered 3 youth received salvation. Praise the Lord!

Look for the crusades in your area and come see what God is doing!

Donna Howard

State Children's Director

Summary Of Hydrate '08

Hydrate '08 has come to an end, and what an exciting time we experienced!

There were a total of 8 events in different cities around the state. There were 213 that were saved and 2,057 people attended. Many were healed, some were filled with the Holy Ghost, churches received new growth, and all were refreshed by Living Water. Our prayer is that the church would breakout of the buildings we find ourselves in and pour "Living Water" all over this dry land. If this prayer comes to pass, we (the church) will flood this nation with the glory of God!

We thank God for what was accomplished through this tour.

Tim Beck

Hydrate '08

Dora-New Haven

Sunday night, October 12th we visited the good people at New Haven. The Expressive Teams did a wonderful job of worshiping and teaching the small children to do the same. Goooood job...Keep it up. They had a guest speaker, Brother Danny to share his personal testimony how God had dealt with him and how he finally surrendered. God is still in the saving business....After service there was plenty of good food and good fellowship. They are a congregation that love God and each other. Brother and Sister Stanton are to be commended for their faithful leadership.