Saturday, February 21, 2009

Subject: URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!!!!!

Greetings to you dear brother John (Doroshuk)!

There is some concern and turmoil in the religious field of Armenia. The Parliament of Armenia is currently passing a law which will formulate proselytism in a very unfavorable way. Namely, preaching will be legally persecuted as a criminal charge of one year imprisonment or will be fined 50,000 USD. The point is that according to this act no other religious group except for the Armenian Apostolic Church can preach and have converts. We would kindly ask you to support us with your prayers.

On February 23 the Parliament will vote for the changes the first time. It must be voted 3 times then the president will sign. I think this can take nearly a month.

On March 8 we are going to organize an event. March 8 is the Women's day. We plan to do a big outreach.

In fact it can be dangerous to distribute invitations home to home or whatever. To tell the truth I need wisdom from God to understand how to continue leading Evangelism.

I know only one thing very strongly---I cannot turn back from Evangelizing people.

WE NEED PRAYER SUPPORT!!!!!

Blessings,
Samvel

Thursday, February 19, 2009

EMERGE (formerly known as Teen Talent)

Emerge will function as the enrichment program of youth ministries.

The EMERGE Program has a four-fold objective:

1. Discern the gifts and calling upon the lives of youth
2. Develop the abilities and gifts that God has entrusted to them as stewards
3. Devote these gifts to the Lord for His glory alone
4. Deliver souls from spiritual and physical darkness using the gifts God has entrusted to their care

Trevor and Aileen Reid
International Youth Ministries

A W A K E N I N G S

Awakenings is a youth led, multi-generational prayer movement that encourages and engages youth to seek the fullness of the Holy Spirit in their lives, churches and community.

OBJECTIVES

Create an opportunity and atmosphere for youth to seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit

Unify in prayer for the fulfillment of God’s purpose in the lives of our youth (Eph. 4:13)

Train youth leaders, youth and young adults how to sustain a prayer movement in each local youth group

Inspire our youth and young adults to “pray without ceasing.” (Eph. 6:18; 1 Thess. 5:17)

STRATEGY
The Awakenings strategy consists of the following components:

1. Local/District/State/Regional Awakenings. State/Regional/District directors would organize youth groups in their area at least twice a year for concerted prayer. These concerts of prayer would include youth, parents/caregivers, pastors and leaders.

2. International Prayer Network. A 24-hour prayer chain consisting of youth and parents around the world.

3. Participation in various teen prayer movements (e.g., See You at the Pole, Pray 21)

Trevor and Aileen Reid
International Youth Ministries

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Gordo, Alabama

Sunday morning, February 15th Billie and I were at Gordo church to ordain Deacon Olen Pritchett. The attendance was good and the spirit was very up lifting. We were served a wonderful meal following the service. The church is to be commended for their beautiful facilities. Thanks to their Pastors, Damon and Teresa Rose for their untiring leadership.





Thursday, February 12, 2009

OPERATION OMEGA STRATEGY

Operation Omega, the International Youth Ministries exists to equip the Church and the emerging youth leadership to Reach (evangelize), Raise (disciple), and Release (deploy) the Omega Generation for Christian service in the power of the Holy Spirit.

REACH – The Church of God of Prophecy has a rich and long history of evangelizing youth. We intend to both continue and build upon this evangelistic heritage through concerted efforts to insure that our local and regional youth leaders are intentionally and regularly reaching out to community youth and reaching-in to churched youth. This is accomplished through:
Youth Camps
Omega Conferences
Youth Retreats
Revivals
Y.M.I.A.

RAISE – To strengthen the discipleship, personal development, and ministry skill of youth leaders and youth. Discipleship refers to the priority of Spiritual Formation through spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, fasting, etc.), Sanctification, Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Gift Awareness/Assessment. Personal development refers to the priority of personal and holistic maturity (i.e. sound stewardship practices, honing of relational skills and servant leadership principles). Sanctification and Spirit Baptism will emphasize victory over sin, receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and yielding to the Holy Spirit in life and ministry. Lastly the area of gift assessment and development gives priority to the development of spiritual gifts as honed in our churches and used in Christian service for the gospel. This will be accomplished through:
Teen Talent
Youth Harvest Training (Formerly IYC)
Y.M.I.A.*
Prayer Network
Leadership Development

RELEASE – To deploy the youth reached and raised in our ministries on every level of the field (local, regional and international) for credentialed and Church supported ministry. Our aim is to develop youth in preparation for service as Pastors, Evangelists, and Missionaries. In addition, we hope to equip our youth to function in the marketplace as tentmakers, strategically placed by God for the purpose of the gospel and God’s glory. Some areas youth can be released for service include:
Youth & Senior Pastorates
Y.M.I.A.*
Internships
Evangelists
State/Regional/National Directors

Frontline Leadership Conference

The Frontline Leadership Conference, held February 6th at Camp Boothe has received good reviews. We are so thankful for everyone who attended and we appreciate every teacher that traveled in from all the different locations as well as the home state of Alabama. Friday night was a wonderful night of worship led by Andrea and Glenn Mitchell. Brother Tony Burns gave a challenging devotion about Gideon's call in reference to us as "Leaders Called Out" for a purpose. Brother Larry Duncan taught a class for everyone about the foundation of "Worship". I will always remember the power point of David dancing with all his might between death and bareness. The class was informative, rich in thought, Bible truth, and heart provoking. The presence of our Lord drew near and called us into a time of Worship. It seemed to be His pleasure to bless us lavishly as we sat for a time; singing, praising, loving and worshipping the Lord. We truly sat in a heavenly place for awhile. Saturday brought excited people face to face with anointed teachers.

Thanks to these teachers:
Children's....Endecotts from Iowa;
Ladies......Brenda Gillum from Kentucky;
Men's ..... Mark Menke from Cleveland, TN;
Youth....Aileen Reid from Cleveland, TN;
Business........K. T. and Frances Martin;
Ministers......Phillip Pruitt and James Wallace;
Deacons.......William Noe and Charles Thornburg;
Worship......Larry and Susan Duncan of Cleveland, TN.

Much was shared and leaders left better equipped, better informed, inspired, rejoicing, encouraged and ready to fill their place on the "Frontline" of ministry for this year's work for our Savior and His Glory.

Donna Howard




Thursday, February 5, 2009

More Pictures From Pastors Retreat





Youth Missions In Action

Y.M.I.A. (Youth Missions In Action) seeks to engage the youth and young adults of the Church of God of Prophecy in world evangelism and acts of grace that communicate the love of Jesus to unbelievers, unreached communities and bodies of believers in need of assistance.

OBJECTIVES
  • To train youth leaders, youth and young adults in planning, serving and integrating mission service projects and missions teams within their local churches for the purpose of achieving the great commission and obeying the great commandment.

  • To introduce new streams of ministry for youth and young professionals.
  • To produce ministry and spiritual experiences that will connect COGOP youth to the international ministry of COGOP.

  • To serve the body of Christ and unbelieving communities.

  • To inspire a new generation of COGOP youth to live a missional lifestyle.

  • To create a missions council for the purpose of developing and fine tuning M.I.A.

Y.M.I.A. STRATEGY

The Y.M.I.A. strategy is to encourage mission opportunities first within the local community of the individual. Second, it is to encourage collaboration with National/Regional/State Overseers and Youth Directors to identify mission needs within their context. Last, to provide opportunities for leaders and youth to connect with missions needs abroad. This strategy is inspired from Jesus’ last command before his ascension. In this exchange He charged the disciples to receive the forthcoming outpouring of the Holy Spirit. After the Holy Spirit’s outpouring the Church would represent His kingdom in Jerusalem (local), Samaria (regional) and the uttermost parts (international) (Acts 1:8). Y.M.I.A. calls upon every young believer to be filled with the Holy Spirit and be missional in their lifestyle.

Y.M.I.A. TIMETABLE
  • Every two years, during the General Assembly, the International Youth Ministries department will announce a Y.M.I.A. project for all Youth of COGOP to support in finance, intercession, and fellowship.

  • Second, five major international mission trip options will be promoted over two years for local youth groups to support.

Y.M.I.A. CLARIFICATION

Local, District and State/Regional/National Youth Directors will facilitate their own area mission endeavors to encourage and spur area involvement. The aim of Y.M.I.A is not just for every youth to go on an overseas trip, but rather for every young person to practice a missional lifestyle beginning where they live.

Trevor and Aileen Reid

International Youth Ministries

Recognition For West Blocton

Dear Pastor Pate,
I trust that you and your congregation are doing well and enjoying the blessings of the Lord.

I would like to commend you and the West Blocton congregation for reaching 100% in Heritage Minisitries Association membership for 2009. Your committment to assist in preserving our heritage while pursuring vision is greatly appreciated.

You have the distinction of being the first congregation in the world to reach 100% for 2009. Congratulation !

If I can be of any service to your congregation, please feel free to contact me.Thank you for your support.

In Christ,
Paul Holt
Heritage Ministries Director

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Recommendation for Trial Deacon

Jim Seymour was recommended for Trial Deacon on February 1, 2009 by the local church at Huntsville-Mastin Lake. Brother Seymour has been faithful in his local church and the State of Alabama for many years serving in many capacities. God bless you Brother Seymour


New Reporting Address to Cleveland, TN

Minister's Quarterly Report now send to:

Church of God of Prophecy
Minister's Report
P O Box 2970
Cleveland, TN 37320-2970

For all other correspondence our mailing address remains the same:
P O Box 2910

Deborah Stockham
Secretary to General Overseer

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Men's Retreat May 1, 2, 2009

Dear Pastor,

Greetings in Jesus Name! I trust this letter finds you in the best of health and enjoying the blessings of the Lord! Things are beginning to settle down after a wonderful holiday season. I hope you and your family were able to enjoy the Christmas season together and that you were blessed beyond expectations. Celebrating the birth of our Lord is always a very special time.

Another special event that you don’t want to miss is just around the corner—Alabama Men’s Retreat. I am asking that you make a special effort to attend this year and that you will encourage the men at your church to come as well. The retreat seems to get better every year and we are expecting another great retreat this year. Help me pray that God will visit us in a powerful way.

Our goal is 150 men attending the retreat. We have fallen short of this goal the last couple of years even though attendance is on the increase. But with your support and participation this number can be a reality. Each man, you and I included, that attends is more than a number we are a man in need of spiritual strength. Every one of us has the responsibility of leadership in the home, church and workplace. This responsibility can, at times, create stress that may lead to both spiritual and physical health problems. Men’s Retreat is a great way to help relieve some of the stress and provide a time of refreshing in the “presence of the Lord.” I think we can agree that we all need a little “pick me up” every once in a while.

Please mark your calendar for Men’s Retreat on May 1-2, 2009. I am praying that nothing will happen to keep your from being there. I am also praying that the men at your church will follow your lead and come as well. Please post the enclosed flyer on the church bulletin board and ask your Men’s Ministry Director to boost the retreat. The pastor attending with the most men from his church will receive a full refund on his tuition (must be present for the entire retreat).

Also if you and/or any of your men play a musical instrument please bring it to the retreat. The music will add to our worship. We will close the retreat with our annual steak cookout at lunch on Saturday. Each man should bring his own steak wrapped in a paper bag with his name on it. The cooks in the kitchen will take it and put it in the cooler until noon Saturday. The men really enjoy this time of fellowship.

May God Bless you as you labor in His vineyard! For Men’s Retreat I am,

Sincerely,
Tony Burns

Men's Retreat


MAKE YOUR PLANS TO ATTEND

ALABAMA

MEN'S RETREAT

MAY 1-2 , 2009

CAMP BOOTHE

GREENPOND, ALABAMA


FEATURING MEN WHO desire to be

"men of prayer"


A WEEKEND OF FUN, FELLOWSHIP, AND Powerful worship!

Pray for the Retreat—
Come Expecting A Blessing!

STEAK COOKOUT;
BRING YOUR OWN STEAK—WRAPPED IN
A PAPER BAG WITH YOUR NAME ON IT!

HIGHLIGHTS
SPECIAL PRAYER-
ANNOINTED
SINGING TEACHING & PREACHING—

FREE TIME
LAUGHTER
RELAXTION & GOOD FOOD!

BRING A FRIEND
Help us reach the goal of 150 present.
Special door prize for the man who brings the most men who have never attended

All for only
$40
Send your application today to:
Camp Boothe, Church of God of Prophecy,
P.O. box 707, Bessemer, Alabama 35021

The camp will be open on Thursday night April 30th to those
Who Would like to come a day early in order to relax and
Enjoy A time of fellowship. A place to sleep only-- no meals.
Please add $5.00 to your application fee.

Early Registration Ends April 20,2009
Late Registration--$50