Pastors' Retreat 2009

January 23-24 the Pastors' Retreat convened at Shocco Springs Baptist Convention Center. We had an attendance of 140. Several from Cleveland, Tennessee were present: Bishop Sam and Linda Clements, Bishop Adrian and Janice Varlack, Bishop H. E. Cardin, Jan and Milton Couch, and Cathy and John Payne and Janice Miller from Nashville, Tennessee. Brother Varlack led a devotion Friday night. Saturday morning Janice Miller taught a lesson on "Ethics and Character" (which is available at overseer@alcogop.org) We were also honored to hear what was happening at the other International Offices of those present.

Our people went away saying, "It was one of the best retreat they had been to and were looking forward to next year."

Spring AWAKEN Tour

Get ready for the coming tours of tours!! The theme for the evangelistic tour this year will be called "The Cure." The sole purpose of this tour is to awaken the Church of Jesus Christ to greater works. John 14: 12. Hence the name AWAKEN! Sadly, we live in a day and age where the church seems to be at ease in Zion. Asleep in the enemies hands. His left hand is humanism and his right prosperity. The Church must be challenged. I believe God has called us to do just that, with this tour. The writer of Hebrews tells us to provoke one another to love and good works. I truly believe with God's help and empowerment we can awake the sleep giant called the Church.

We are counting on you to help support these tours in your area. Begin praying and calling upon God for these events.

Saturday, March 7th-Hamilton, 6:30 PM
Saturday, April 4th- Huntsville, 6:30 PM
Saturday, April 25th -Bessemer, 6:30 PM
Wednesday, August 5th- Birmingham, 6:30 PM
Saturday, August 8th -Birmingham, 10 AM

Tim Beck
Youth Director

Belarus

I am writing to ask you to support us in your prayers as on Saturday our church van got into accident while taking women to women conference in Minsk. The weather was very bad, was snowing and was very slippy. ON the way back from conference guy from church was driving within Minsk heading to ring road as suddenly one young guy jumped from the pavement and wanted to get across the road.

Driver wanted to stop car, but it was too slippy and he crushed that young man. It was not on the pedestrian way, but not too far from it. The kick was strong, front glass had broken; front part of van was curved. Young man was taken to hospital, now he feels ok, nothing is broken, but he got very strong hit into his head. It looks like he is ok, but we pray that nothing serious will happen to him.

Women were had to leave car and look for way to get to Berezino during the night. Praise God they found a car and I met them in midnight in Berezino. Driver was taken to police in shock, filled all the papers and was dismissed after midnight and came to Berezino in 3 o'clock in the morning.

Situation is difficult and we felt heavy because of that. But then God showed me that everything could be much worse, guy could be killed and so on. So we praised God and had a powerful service on Sunday with one repentance. But situation is still need to be solved, so I would like to ask to pray for the following things:
For the guy in hospital to be completely healed and restored and do not have any consequences.
For the driver (his name is Sergey) and his mother as they both been shocked so much.
For penalty from police not to be too big, and for his driver license not to be taken from him...
for money to restore van as we need it very much (it will be at least 500$)
And for God's grace in this entire situation...
Thanks for your prayers. Enemy is attacking us from different sides, but God is our shield and protection.
May God bless you very much.

With love and blessing
Pastor Dema
New Life Church
Berezino, Belarus

From The General Overseer

Fasting For Awakening is in full swing all around the Church of God of Prophecy. We have received news of many churches that are participating in seeking God fervently through the first 21 days of this new year. And many more as individuals are joining in the unity of praying and fasting during these days. I came home the other night and heard my wife, Bess, ask my eleven year old son, Brett, what he wanted for dinner since Dad was not eating. He told her that he was going to fast for dinner himself. So the Lord is stirring the call to come closer to Him in hearts of all ages and in all places.

It has been rich through the first two weeks of this Fast For Awakening. The thought that we in the Church of God of Prophecy are also uniting with many many other believers around North America and around the world that have felt the call to set aside their meals and seek God to begin the year. We in this land are united with the Awakening America call to fast and there has been great inspiration for those who have been repenting for our land and the sins of the nation. Of course we know united prayer is powerful prayer.

Here at the International Office we have been praying together each day. In the morning as we start the day we have gathered in the Upper Room to seek God. There are often some leaders praying on when the hour is closing. Then through the noon hour we have invited all who want to pray to return to the Upper Room and dedicate the time to this season of seeking. Many days our prayers have risen like a chorus of voices all united in our desperate desire for God to send his help this year.

But the unity does not stop there. We have received reports from the nations, such as Nigeria or Congo, where the unity of seeking God has extended. In Nigeria the national leaders are gathering this week for intense intercession together while they fast. So be encouraged that your prayers are blending with seekers from all around as they ascend to the throne of heaven. There at the throne God is receiving a marvelous cry united for Awakening. Let's take on a 'second wind' as we pray through this last week, sensing that we are not alone, but united in our prayers.