Thursday, October 14, 2010

Fields of the Wood


October is always a special month for tourists/visitors to the Fields of the Wood --due to the beautiful Fall colors of the leaves.
Last weekend was a big time for us here at the Park--a beautiful wedding took place at the large altar, with the reception held on the cafe patio. It was a formal affair.

Two large charter buses brought 100 people from a church in Atlanta, plus all other church vans, R.V.s, pickups, cars and motorcycles. The large church group came early and stayed all day, having devotions at different areas of the park, and eating in the cafe. Youth groups come, Seniors, families, and many church groups.

People are being saved--it's amazing when they walk up the steps to the altar, the time they spend in reading all the scriptural markers. One day Wayne was walking up to the altar and he looked and was touched by what he saw--many little children kneeling at the altar. Lives have been changed when people come thru our gates. Several days ago a large bus with a youth group came and we had reserved tables for them--upon their arrival, Jenna met them and heard them speaking in a language she did not understand. She asked one of the leaders where they were from? He said, "Some are from Belarus, the Ukraine, Russia, and I'm from Estonia." There were 35 young people and they loved the Fields of the Wood! One of them said "We're going to bring back hundreds--you have been so nice to us." God's presence is felt greatly by all who come! We always hear, "God Bless America!" I say, "God Bless the Fields of the Wood!"

Jenna Allen, Fields of the Wood Gift Shop/Cafe Manager.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

S.O.P.A.S At Camp Boothe


September 15th the camp site was roaring with excitement as students from all over the state and four from Tennessee gathered for four days of teaching from Dr. Hector Ortiz, Bishop Mark Menke and Bishop Adrian Varlack. They were not disappointed as these teachers taught with anointing and shared from their heart. Each one left with excitement about being a member and minister in the Church of God of Prophecy. Some made the statement "They wish it could go on and planning to attend the one next year".
Above is a picture of Dr. Ortiz, Dolly Ortiz and Bishop Mark Menke. Not shown is Bishop Varlack due to a funeral he was involved in. We thank each professor for their commitment to teaching and timely instructions in these SOPAS. We also thank the students who took time out of their busy schedules to enhance their calling/ministry.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Winfield New Church

Picture of new congregation on Sunday, October 10th. Another new member was received into the church.

Monday, October 4, 2010

New Church Organized in Winfield

Wow! What an awesome day yesterday at WCFC!!
From the very first opening prayer tot he last amen the presence of God was upon us. You know without the anointing we're not much anyway. Three years in the making and we now have a local Church of God of Prophecy in Winfield, Alabama. Praise the Lord!!

What a very humbling experience for Sister Joan and I to have crossed this milestone in our life. That our God would choose little ol' us to be a part of something so big as planting a church for Him.

We were so honored to have our local Area Presbyter John B. Butler, the State Overseer L. V. Jones and the North American Presbyter Sam Clements with us for this momentous occasion.

The Praise and Worship Team did an outstanding job leading us into the worship that the Lord so deserves. We are so blessed with the talent on this team.

Enough can't be said about the Leadership we have here in the state. It's a privilege to serve under the leadership of Bishop Jones.

Bishop Jim Williams represented Pastor Brian Sutton and Cliff Haven (Sheffield). This church truly hears from the Lord. Early on during the plant these wonderful brothers and sisters partnered with us through offerings. I might add this kept us afloat during some very lean times. And once again yesterday the Cliff Haven church came bearing gifts of a donation for $1,000.00. Thank you Pastor Sutton and Cliff Haven, we love you.

Bishop Clements brought an outstanding message/word. He preached out of Acts 20:32. What a timely word to build us up. Brother Clements also came bearing gifts a check for $3,000.00. Wow what a day! These monies will be applied to the purchase price of property located on Highway 129 just north of Winfield and off of I 22. One day our goal is to erect a church building on this property that you will very proud of. I would also like to mention that Bishop Clements is calling for every member in North American to donate just one dollar to go toward the planting of new churches across North America. He told me yesterday if only half the membership in the U.S. would have given to this project, he could have written us a check for $50.000.00. My prayer is that we members in America get behind this.

After the message we then went into conference and formally organized the church. I still like the old term "we set her forth".

I am still rejoicing over the 23 members we accepted yesterday. Already several others have approached with a desire to become part of this family.

Great things are ahead! I'll leave you with what Bishop Clements said to us "Think big, very big"
Please keep us in your prayers

Blessings
Pastor Dewayne Smith