International Assembly August 12 - 17, 2008

General Overseer R. E. Howard writes...


I have been praying about the International Assembly that is coming in less than four months. Preparations is going on around the International Offices and it is exciting to think of all we might share and experience as we gather together August 12-17, 2008. Let me mention a few of the plans to you:


Awake-- our theme--praying for an Awakening from God among us all

Prayer Awakening--with Kay Horner leading the Assembly in intensive prayer each morning

Awake to Vision--with the General Overseer--sharing the International Offices vision on Tuesday morning

Awake to Our Call--with the General Presbyter of Europe/CIS/Middle East, Bishop Clayton Endecott on Tuesday evening

Awake to the World Harvest--with the General Presbyter of Africa, Bishop Sherman Allen, on Thursday evening

Leadership Awakening--with our special guest, Dr. J. Doug Stringer, of Turning Point Ministries International, speaking to leaders on Thursday and Friday morning

Awake to the Spirit--with our special guest, Bishop Jerry Macklin, Second Presiding Bishop of the Church of God in Christ and Pastor of Glad Tidings Church of God in Christ in Hayward, California on Friday evening

Awake to the Young Harvest--with Palma Hutchinson and Kathy Creasy, Youth and Children's Ministries Directors on Saturday evening

Awakening Challenge--with the General Presbyter of the Caribbean, Bishop Brice Thompson on Sunday morning

Each Assembly we realize that the help we need from the Lord will come through prayer. As we seek God for an Awakening touch over this movement, which spans ministry in 130 nations, we want to cover the Assembly with prayer. Please join with churches and leaders all around the world asking God for an Awakening visitation. We are proclaiming Sunday, June 29, as our Assembly Day of Prayer. The prayers of your church, united with 10,000 other congregations, calling on the Lord will certainly mount up in the heavens. We are believing together for all of us to Awake to new heights of ministry for the glory of God.

We will be receiving a mission offering that will go to Africa. We will call this offering African Harvest Cry where the growth is more than we can keep up with. This African Harvest Cry offering will be used for Harvest Activity, Leadership Development, and Church Buildings. Each church is asked to bring a special offering towards this. To keep up with the monthly African Harvest Cry offering, register at our website- http://www.cogop.org/ to receive the "Connections" COGOP e-mail newsline.

COGOP-Implements-Proxy System-For General Assembly

This is how it will work:


All Representatives that carry a local church proxy, properly certified, meeting the deadlines, etc., will be registered on Monday of the Assembly by an Independent agency ... a company hired to manage the proxy process. They are not affiliated with COGOP and have no stake in the outcome, as they are merely professionals hired to manage the logistics and assure the integrity of the process.


The proxy-carrying representative will be issued a voting card that is bar coded. Lose it? Lose the vote.


There will be x number of seats on the floor of the Sommet Center during the business sessions designated for those carrying the proxies, and ONLY them.


When the time comes for expressing the proxy on an issue, there will be about 15 strategically placed electronic stations at which the proxy holders will be able to usethe bar-coded credential to register "yes/no" "for/against" or whatever the two options might be ... "A/B."


The independent agency will tally the results (pretty much immediately) and report them to the person presiding.

North America Presbyter in Pelham

Once again our North America Presbyter, Bishop Sam Clements and wife Linda from Cleveland, Tennessee were in the state for a week end revival with the Pelham Saints. Billie and I along with Pastor K. T. and Frances Martin enjoyed a brunch with the Clements. That night Brother Clements preached a wonderful anointed message and I along with Bishop Clements, Pastor Martin and State Presbyter William Noe ordained two new deacons at the close of the service. Congratulations to Deacon Mike Folker and Deacon Wayne Chance.

The 2008 Pastors School

The 2008 Pastors School
July 21-25, 2008
Beeson Divinity School
Samford University
Birmingham, Alabama

A four-day conference held on the campus featuring workshops, plenary sessions, Bible studies, round-table discussions, and fellowship opportunities to renew and equip pastors and their families.

For more information go to: http://www.beesondivinity.com/

Hackleburg's Groundbreaking for New Church

April 12th at 2:00 p.m. was the ground breaking for the new church building in Hackleburg, Alabama. These new facilities are across the street from the present church. Former pastor Brian Sutton and Overseer L. V. Jones were speakers at this great event with the present pastor Clint Knowles. The Saints that assembled in the vacant lot were all excited and thanking God for bringing this about. Work was to began the next week. For more details go to http://www.aplacefornewbeginnings.blogspot.com/

North America Presbyter and Wife

Billie and I entertained Bishop Sam Clements and his wife Linda at a brunch this morning. Pastor Joey Mojica and his wife Lisa were also able to join us. The Clements are in a week-end revival at Bessemer-Hopewell Road Church . Brother Clements is our North America Presbyter from Cleveland, Tennessee. We welcome the Clements into the great state of Alabama. God bless.

College and Career

Hey College and Career adults! Our web site Full Cup Cafe is up and running....Check it out and contact Liz Knowles at knowles510@gmail.com to give her moral support and stay in contact. She is eagerly waiting to hear from you.

Death of Retired Minister Ruth Norton

Ruth Norton was born 1921, passed away April 12, 2008 . She joined the Church of God of Prophecy 1952, began her ministry 1955, licensed 1974 and retired 1985.

Sister Norton pastored churches in Altoona, Boaz, Lincoln, and Guntersville. As direct result of her ministry four (4) new churches were organized.

Those who knew Sister Norton speak highly of her as a person and as a minister. She loved God; her family; her friends; helping others and fulfillng her calling in the ministry. She will be missed by many.

Countdown To Transformation---ICM 2008

In just 34 days children's ministers from throughout North America will come together to experience TRANSFORMATION! Here are some highlights of this year's Institute.

TONY SUTHERLAND
Tony Sutherland, Children's Worship Pastor at Free Chapel under Pastor Jentezen Franklin -- is a featured guest at this year's Institute. The KidPak worship band as well as the Lil' Pazaz children's dance team from Free Chapel will be ministering with Tony on Friday night. You won't want to miss Tony's inspirational message from God's heart to you and the awesome worship of the KidPak worship band and the Lil' Pazaz children's dance ministry team.

DICK GRUBER

Dick Gruber, a creator of Children's Ministry University -- online and co-host of the Children's Ministry Talk pod cast is also a featured guest. Dick will be sharing his expertise in the areas of evangelism, children's worship, creative ministry, and leadership.

EXHIBITION EXPLOSION!

This year we are inviting a variety of children's ministry publishers and resource providers to participate in an exposition of the latest in curriculum, ministries, and resources. There'll be demonstrations, give-a-ways, and blue-light specials and you can be sure to leave with an armful of great children's ministry resources.

MEET THE TRANSFORMERS!

Ministry spotlights and an on-site tour of local children's ministries will introduce you to children's ministers who are leading their ministries to TRANSFORMATION. Learn from them about the frustrations and joys of pursuing transformation in ministry. Take away creative ideas and words of wisdom that can be used to bring transformation to your ministry.

CHANGED TO REFLECT HIS GLORY

As all ICM alumni know, ICM is about Him. Each morning you will experience transformation as Kay Horner teaches transformational truth from God's Word and invites you to respond in prayer and worship.

Come be with us at this year's Institute of Children's Ministry, May 21-24, at the Peerless Road Church of God of Prophecy in Cleveland, Tennessee. Experience transformation, reflect His glory.

For more information, click here.

Church of God of Prophecy International Offices PO Box 2910 Cleveland TN 37320

Get the MapQuest Toolbar, Maps, Traffic, Directions & More!

Collinsville High School Outreach

Hey everybody! Just got back in the office from Collinsville, AL. Today, I was invited to be a part of a school outreach. Matt Rose, No Trespassing (Drama Team), and myself were given the opportunity to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to 7th-12th graders at Collinsville High School. This morning as I was getting ready, I received a text message from Matt simply saying, "Give me Collinsville, lest I die!" Matt and the Collinsville church have been driven by the Holy Spirit to reach every middle/high school in their county. Folks, this is the fifth school they've been in and this is only their sixth month so far! The fields are ready... but are we?

This is how it all went down. CHS gave the team two hours. At 1 o'clock, 7th-9th graders gathered in the auditorium and at 2 o'clock 10th-12th gathered. So for two full hours, CHS, during school hours, allowed Gospel ministry to go forth. Praise the Lord! Now let me stop right here! Don't tell me we can't reach our schools. Don't tell me we can't pray in school. Don't tell me revival can't break out in high schools all over Alabama. We can, if we really want to, take back the school system here in Alabama. What are you doing to reach the schools in your area? Today is proof that they're reachable.

Back to CHS. In both assemblies, No Trespassing ministered a song, by the group, Kutless called "Run". They did a wonderful job. Also, Matt Rose preached a powerful message to both groups. Guess what he preached? Jesus Christ and Him crucified. That's all! As Matt preached this Good News, the students were hooked. During the first altar call, 75 students came up front and accepted Jesus, as their Lord and Savior. Round One ended with 75 decisions for Christ!

Now, of course you know, we were itching for round two. At the end of the second altar call, there were 42 students up front rejoicing, because they also accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. You do the math. 75 + 42 = 117! One hundred and seventeen students at Collinsville High School confessed and called upon the name of Jesus! This is where the church and church services belong! In the streets! Amen!

I have had an amazing day. Truly, today is the day of Salvation! I'm telling you this beautiful story, because I believe we, as a church, can reach this generation. I believe we can reach the students of Alabama. Do we want the harvest bad enough? If our answer is "Yes" then I hear God say, "Go!"

Tim Beck
Hydrate '08

Church Planter From Siberia

It was our privilege to have Bro. Dmitry Kavaleuski from Russia visit the Hopewell Church in Bessemer. As a called Missionary and Church Planter to Siberia he shared fresh testimonies of God's power and grace. His commitment to obey God's plan for his life from a very young age inspired us all. God is using him and his family in a mighty way and he knows the Holy Spirit is in control. While in Bessemer, Bro. Dmitry and I met with our State Bishop Bro. Jones for a special breakfast. Bro. Dmitry wanted to share with Bro. Jones of an opportunity he had with an independent Slavic Church in North Alabama. His prayer is perhaps a future connection between them and the Church of God of Prophecy in Alabama. How wonderful it would be to have a Russian Work in Alabama. There will be more information concerning this Ministry and Bro.Kavaleuski's visit to Alabama. I would like to give thanks to Bishop Brian Sutton for introducing Bro. Dmitry to us and his Ministry in Siberia. They have a special connection that will prove how God moves when we work together.

Blessings,

Bishop Joey Mojica

Kairos Prison Ministry

I've had a few folks ask me how it went. The short answer--awesome! I asked a few of the Kairos veterans on Friday night if the first 2 days are usually this good. They all said there was something extraordinary with this one, it's like everybody is opening up a day earlier. And it proved to just keep getting better. Here's just a few things I noted during the closing. It's safe to say that I think everyone there will never be the same. Satan has lost and is losing a lot of his best work...

One of God's "Special Forces" I'll call him, a wonderful man of God serving life there with a powerful call and anointing to spread the gospel, put it like this during his testimony. This facility is desecrated ground. It's a world within a world dedicated to evil. It's where evil is swept out of society and housed in one festering location. (Tell me if that doesn't give you chills about the environment these brothers experience.) But then he went on to say that Jesus died for every soul there and God loves every man there in spite of themselves and He wants to forgive if we'll just receive. You can experience freedom anywhere on the camp through the presence of God!

One young man with tears in his eyes said he'd never been to church before, had been locked up all his life, and that nobody ever loved him but his momma until this weekend. Another a pretty hardened big guy testified in tears how when he came to prison, his family abandoned him completely. No visits, no calls, no letters, like he died. For the first time in years, he's completely at peace and all that bitterness and hatred is gone. He said he'd committed himself to follow Jesus and described it as signing a blank check for Jesus to use him however He can.

Another and by looks I'd have guessed he was the hardest guy in the room on Thursday. On Saturday night, he testified of his first "church" experience ever, his first "love" experience ever, and said it felt so good to be foregiven. He gets out in a few weeks and wanted us to help him find a church that would "accept HIM."

His comment was a real eye opener for me. I rejoiced in knowing He's God's now, but I'm also very concerned for this reason. Knowing what I've told you about his appearance, this thought hit me. How would the people in most churches, even my own, react if he walked in. If he was with me or somebody else as a friend or guest, maybe it'd be fine and some people would accept him, but averall, I fear most people would probably try to avoid contact with him. What if he came in alone??? He's got a certain look, a well trained distrust of people in general, and naturally has a hard time opening up or initiating friendship because of the walls he's built in a place where you ordinarily trust on one...If a church (my church, your church, any Christian church, doesn't matter) uninvited or unwelcomed a hurting person like this who is trying to adapt back into society and comes to the only source of unconditional love and kindness he's ever been introduced to, they are not fulfilling the great commandment and are no truly representing the body of Christ. Those are big words,but the great commandment is what it is. I have a new resolve to do my very best to show God's love at all times. You never know when it matters in someone's life.

Thank you for the prayers and support, and continue to lift up these men. Your prayers absolutely primed the pump for this weekend.

Your brother in Christ,
Eddie Mitchell

Ministering at Lovelady Center

This weekend I had the opportunity to speak at a place called the Lovelady Center. The Lovelady Center is located in the East Lake neighborhood of Birmingham. The Lovelady Center is a nine to twelve month intensive faith-based program that ministers to both women and children. These women come to the Lovelady Center because they are appointed by the courts, or they are just coming out of the prison system, or they check themselves in, due to the fact, they have nowhere else to go. This is a recovery center and through the leadership of Brenda Spahn, not only do these women recover, but they are forever changed by the power of God. Matt Denard and the Storehouse ministry extended this invitation and I am so honored they did.

The place filled up quickly as we arrived and as we started the service, there was only standing room. Pastor Matt sat the atmosphere with the opening prayer. The women were on the edge of their sits as Brother Larry begin to sing the song "I Won't Complain." You see, Brother Larry had been a addict for 40+ years, but now he is free and singing about the goodness of our Savior. The Storehouse had two eye opening drama's that night. After the second drama, everyone was standing on their feet shouting and clapping as praise consumed the room. As I approached the stage, the Holy Spirit captured all of our hearts. I simply shared my testimony and the pure Gospel. The pure Gospel. Yes! That's right. And by the way, the pure Gospel was and is still enough! Sunday night, we saw 19 women respond to that Gospel. These ladies received salvation and deliverance. As we gave the altar call, the women came, running to the altar, with tears streaming down their faces.

This is ministry. This is where the Gospel belongs. This is what Jesus meant when He said, "GO". As I'm typing this report, I am reminded of a saying, "The gospel is not something we come to church to hear, but something we go from church to tell." This past Sunday night was not about us. No. It was not about Matt Denard, the Storehouse Ministries, or Tim Beck. Sunday night was about the Gospel and the Gospel is all about Jesus, the Victorious One. Let's go. Let's speak. Let's see His salvation cover the whole earth!

This is the day of Salvation.

Tim Beck
Hydrate '08

Pastors' Intensive Seminar

Pastors' Intensive Seminar
Spring 2008

Creating Multi-ethnic Congregations

As a result of its universities, medical research centers, hospitals and health care centers, aeronautical and technological research centers, and expanding industries and job opportunities, Alabama has become home to people representing dozens of national, ethnic, linguistic and cultural groups. While some would see the inflow of numerous and diverse groups as a political and economic challenge, the Church should see it as an opportunity to extend the Kingdom of God, and to edify the Body of Christ among the many "nations, tribes, peoples and languages" in our communities. The world has come to us. The mission field is found outside our doors.

For years, the prevailing approach to ethnic ministries within our culture has been to organize "ethnic churches" within racial and language groups. So, we have "white churches," "African-American churches," "Hispanic churches," "Korean churches," etc., etc. Unfortunately, though perhaps unintentionally, this has reinforced divisions and even prejudices within the Body of Christ. Ethnically divided churches do not fully represent the truth that the "walls of partition" have effectively, once and for all, been broken down by the cross of Christ. In Christ, national, racial, ethnic and economic divisions have been erased. We are indeed one body in Christ.

Therefore, in many communities throughout our country a different approach is being taken to reach people of diverse racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds. That approach is to welcome them into our congregations. A multi-ethnic approach to worship and ministry has the potential to increase understanding and appreciation of our differences, and enrich our ministry and worship experiences. The resulting fellowship can nurture and strengthen the unity of the Body of Christ. It can also be a catalyst for mission endeavors in the native countries of those who live in our communities.

In our Spring Pastors' Intensive Seminar, we will consider the possibilities of creating multi-ethnic churches. Our guest speaker is Richard Stryker III, a native of Liberia, Africa. In October 1991, Brother Stryker became the interim pastor of Bethel United Methodist Church in Memphis. In June of 1992, Bethel UMC, an African-American congregation, and Epworth UMC, a predominantly Euro-American congregation, merged to form Good Samaritan UMC. He served as one of the two first pastors until June 1994, when he moved to Atlanta. Brother Stryker has also served as pastor in Birmingham and Sylacauga.

In June 2007, Brother Stryker was appointed Superintendent of the Southeast District of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church. He has degrees from the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary, Memphis Theological Seminary, and he is presently a doctoral student at The School of Theology, the University of the South. His doctoral project is on multi-ethnic churches.

We encourage you to be with us this weekend, Friday evening and Saturday morning, April 11 and 12. Registration will begin at 4 PM, and dinner will be served from 5- 6 PM. Preliminaries will begin at 6:30, and the seminar will begin at 7 PM.

Pastors' Intensive Coordinator,
Phil Pruitt

Richard L. Stryker - A Brief Introduction

The Reverend Richard Lane Stryker, III was appointed Superintendent of the Southeast District of the North Alabama Conference in June 2007. Prior to becoming a superintendent, he served as pastor of churches in Liberia, Tennessee and Alabama. He is married to Jennie and their son is Waddy.

Reverend Stryker is a graduate of the Liberia Baptist Theological Seminary (Bachelor of Theology 1986), and the Memphis Theological Seminary (Master of Arts in Religion 1989 & Master of Divinity 1993). He is enrolled in the Doctorate of Ministry program at the School of Theology University of the South. His project is on Multi-ethnic churches in the United Methodist Church in the Southeastern United States.

In October 1991, he became interim preacher of Bethel United Methodist Church in Memphis. In June of 1992 Bethel UMC, an African-American congregation, and Epworth, a predominantly Euro-American congregation, merged to form Good Samaritan UMC. He served as one of the two first pastors until June 1994 when he moved to Atlanta, Georgia.

In North Alabama he served as pastor of Rising Star UMC in Hobson City (1997-2000) St. Paul UMC in Birmingham (2000-2002) and St. Thomas UMC in Sylacauga (2002-2007).
He is author of many articles, essays and a book entitled "Forged from Chaos: Stories and Reflections from Liberia at War.

He has received awards for evangelism, social justice and commitment to a better community.

Condolence Book

Dear Friends,

We are pleased to announce that an online condolence book is available should you wish to send a greeting or message in tribute to Brother Frank E. Howard. The online condolence book may be accessed by visiting http://webapps.cogopmedia.com/memorial/Frank_Howard.html . Tributes will be compiled and presented to the family.

Please feel free to share this link with others who might wish to extend their sympathies or tributes with the family.

Shaun McKinley | Administrative Liaison to the General Overseer

Proxy Deadline March 31

ATTENTION ALL Pastors! Yesterday March 31, was the deadline for you to have your Assembly Proxy information in to the State Overseer. If you have not sent yours in yet it MUST be in by Friday, April 4 to be included in the Assembly process of deciding business for the COGOP! Your local Church will only have the right to make an expression on COGOP business if the proxy is sent in to your State Overseer. As of today only approximately 25% of churches have sent in their Proxies to the State Overseer's office.

Hydrate 08 - Cliff Haven Church

Praise the Lord! This past weekend the Hydrate Team was in Sheffield, Alabama. We had an awesome time in the Lord. Pastor Brian Sutton and the Cliff Haven church were amazing to work with. Because of the hard work and dedication of the Cliff Haven Church, saying we had a successful event would be an understatement. There were between 200-250 in attendance. There were 17 souls saved! 16 in the altar and one outside of the church house. The Holy Spirit arrested all of our hearts! Folks were being healing, delivered and re-hydrated. One of the members of the church told me afterwards, "this event is exactly what we needed." The community came out and several told us they wanting to start attending the Cliff Haven Church. Folks, this is just the beginning! God is using this tour in amazing ways! I have so much more to share but time will not permit. I just want to say, "thank you" to the Hydrate team. You know who you are. I am so proud to be a part of such a dynamic group of people. Until next time...

Peace,
Tim Beck

General Overseer's Father

Bishop Sam N. Clements, North American General Presbyter sent this information today, (4/1/08).

We have received word that the General Overseer’s father, Brother Frank Howard, passed away at around 9:15 this morning. Please be in prayer for Sister Elva, former International Women's Missionary Director; the General Overseer, Brother Howard; Sister Kathy Creasy and other family members. Arrangements should be made later on today and we will notify you as soon as we receive them.

What People Expect of A Leader

Author of this article is unknown.

There are seven things sheep want from a shepherd:

1. They expect shepherds to be concerned for their safety. People want the assurance that their organization is wise enough to survive in turbulent times and will provide for their futures. A protector who is concerned with the welfare of his flock won’t hesitate to communicate the possibilities and the perils looming on the horizon.

2. They expect shepherds to know them by name. When a responsible shepherd enters the fold, his sheep respond to him because he calls them by name. We cannot underestimate the value of establishing a connection with every person on our team – even if that number is large. The bond is strengthened each time people hear us speak their names.

3. They expect shepherds to be gentle and kind. When people you serve are less than cooperative, it’s not an excuse for retaliation. As Dwight D. Eisenhower said about his war experiences, “You do not lead by hitting people over the head – that’s assault, not leadership.” If you feel the urge to lash out at those around you, get tough on yourself. That’s where discipline yields the greatest harvest.

4. They expect shepherds to rescue them. What is our response when one of our employees becomes distracted? Do we let him stay off course and struggle to find his way back, or do we stop what we’re doing and give him our attention? Jesus said a good shepherd would leave a flock of 99 to go after the lost sheep until he finds it. That’s true of leadership.

5. They expect shepherds to be unselfish. The president of a chain of stores was under pressure to cut costs. Much as he hated it, he was forced to eliminate the Christmas bonus for his employees. Later, the president was awarded a check of $20,000 for balancing the budget. He immediately divided it with his staff. People expect to participate in decisions that affect the quality, quantity, and climate of their work. It must be a partnership that includes rewards. When one succeeds, all succeed.

6. They expect shepherds to be sincere. A fellow who was flying to a business meeting found a bug in his salad. He fired off a letter to the airlines. By the time he got back to his office, a letter was waiting for him. He was impressed by what it said, until he saw a note stuck to the back, which said: “Send this character the regular Bug Letter.” Leaders can’t afford to be artificial. They must be genuine.

7. They expect shepherds to care deeply about them. If we truly don’t respect and love people, we should resign from any position of responsibility that involves personal contact. Sheep want shepherds who are sensitive and responsive to their personal and professional needs. As this sign posted on a bulletin board says, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

New Alabama Web Site

The new Alabama COGOP State Web site should be up and running by Wednesday, (4/2/2008), around noon. We encourage everyone to visit the new site often. The new site will include a calendar with State and General information. You will be able to download some forms that you may need to fill out your reports. The address will remain the same: www.alcogop.org - so check it out when you have time.