NEW!! Assembly Program 2012

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ASSEMBLY PRAYER 2012

CALL FOR ASSEMBLY PRAYER COVER ING

General Overseer Announces Prayer "March" to Assembly

There is excitement in the air around the International Offices as everyone has thoughts of the Assembly somewhere on their minds these days. There are under ten weeks remaining before delegates of the Church of God of Prophecy from all around the world will gather in Louisville, Kentucky for this very special meeting. Through this 'Connections' I would like to give a call for ten weeks of prayer cover for the International Assembly.

Everyone would love to see the presence of God descend on this Assembly working the glorious will of God among us. And most realize that prayer is the key to seeing that become a reality ten weeks from now. This week at the International Offices we are beginning ten weeks of prayer in the Upper Room each Wednesday at noon. This week the General Overseer's Prayer Council is beginning ten weeks of prayer sessions to cover the Assembly. The COGOP International Prayer Network has begun their Assembly prayers.

You are invited to join these church leaders in a ten-week prayer march toward our Assembly. Some will decide personally to make each Wednesday an Assembly prayer day. Some will make the Assembly a constant item on their daily prayer schedule. Some will join with others at church or in prayer groups this ten weeks. In any way that God may inspire, you are invited to join us for these ten weeks, covering the International Assembly of the Church of God of Prophecy with prayer that God will pour out blessings from heaven to empower us in Harvest ministry.

Ladies' Retreat 2012

May 19th closed one of the best Ladies' Retreats in history.  Director Donna Howard was at her best in preparing and spiritually directing the 183 ladies that came from all over the state for this annually event. 

We were blessed and overjoyed to have Dr. Tom Renfroe and his wife Sid to be our conference speaker.  What a soul stirring ministry they have as shared with us the lost of their only son and the miracle healing of Dr. Renfroe.  Each one pictured themselves in their situations and how their faith has sustained them.  Their experiences let us all know that whatever the enemy throws in our path we can be victorious, and an over comer through the blood of Jesus.  Their testimony of faith will be remembered for a long time to come.

Several ladies from different churches took on the project of decorating the tables for the Friday night banquet.  It is always interesting to see the many designs that they come up with based on the Retreat Theme.  Our Ladies are very talented! 

Each lady left this retreat with joy and uplifted, ready to return home to their place of ministry.  We were challenged by the Renfroes to become bold witnesses.  I believe Alabama Ladies are up to that challenge.  YES WE ARE!!



Assembly Announcements

Women's Ministries Assembly Missions Breakfast The Assembly Mission Breakfast has become one of the highlight ministries of the International Assembly.  The morning provides the opportunity to be transported to a beautiful island, an exotic jungle, or a historical city for breakfast, as representatives from around the world are seated at most of the tables as your morning host.  This year, while enjoying a plated Southern Traditional breakfast, you will learn about the work, needs, cultures and lifestyles, as well as the challenges these missionaries encounter, in their particular area of ministry. To learn more, click here .  To purchase tickets online, click here .

Amazing Race 2012 Assembly for Children Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed to help with this year's Assembly for Children.  Click here to view the dates, times and volunteers needed for each session.  If you or anyone you know will be attending the Assembly, and may be interested in helping with the Assembly for Children, please email cgpkids@cogop.org with your contact information and note the area(s) in which you are interested.

Teens in Ministry Opportunities for 2012 Assembly

"Teens in Ministry" is an opportunity for youth, ages 13-18, to minister to children during the "Assembly for Children".  Teens selected to serve in this ministry will participate in daily times of intercession for children, children's ministry training, and be directly involved in ministry to children. To learn more or to apply, click here .

Hackleburg Dedication

Hackleburg had their second dedication on Saturday, May 5, 2012.  They have rebuilt the parsonage, church and added a gym and youth center to the property that was destroyed by the April 27, 2011 tornadoes.  Several area pastors and their people; plus some from out of state that helped in the recovery, attended this happy and glorious occasion.   We were honored to have North America Presbyter, Bishop Sam Clements to preach the the dedication message.  Our Overseer, Bishop L. V. Jones prayed the prayer of dedication.  The church served refreshments following the service and those present were encouraged to look the facilities over. Pastors Clint and Liz Knowles, plus all their congregation, did a wonderful job of hosting everyone. We all rejoiced at a wonderful ending to a very sad situation.  But God is an all knowing God.  What a great God we serve!  To God Be The Glory!

Hydrate

If Only One…Worth It All!  By Director: Tim Beck

Amber was her name. I didn’t see her as I preached. During the altar call there were over 280 people standing before me. I spoke to them about confessing, believing, and surrendering. Surrender… yes, surrender. True conversion only occurs when we fully surrender. It is still an all or nothing Gospel. We must preach it the way Jesus did. After sharing with them, we prayed and as we prayed, tears fell. Close to three hundred individuals were passing from death to life that very moment. Then I gave the microphone to our field-coordinator, John Douglas and he proceeded to stress the importance of discipleship.

I quickly existed the stage and made my way to the bleachers. I was getting a birds-eyes view of the Harvest and thanking the Lord for His faithfulness. As I was thanking the Lord, a young lady tapped me on the shoulder and asked if I could pray with her friend. I said I would be honored too. She then led me to Amber, a 15 year old girl with her head in her hands sobbing. At first, I tried to speak with her, but she was way too upset to communicate with me. Her friend began to tell me her story. I then stopped this friend and spoke directly to Amber. I told her that I was willing to listen, if she was willing to talk. Then, I shared with her that I cared more deeply that she realized and that God brought my team and me to her school to share His love for her. Almost immediately, she wiped her tears and began to talk.

She told me she has felt abandonment all her life. Amber said she didn’t even know if her parents wanted her. Loneliness filled her life. She then told me that she had been a cutter. As I listen to her story my heart broke and I knew that if this event was just for her, it was worth it all. I then reminded her of my story that I told during the school assembly. Her story and mine were so very similar because from age 11 to 15, I too felt abandonment and suffered with loneliness. This gave me an opportunity to relate with her. I told Amber that when I called on the name of Jesus at 15, abandonment and loneliness fled from my life and I have never been the same. I asked her if she prayed with me from the stage and she told me, no. I quickly discerned why. I told her she didn’t even trust God and she completely agreed. She was so scared to let Him in, because she felt He would treat her as man has. I was able to assure her that God was not like man. That He would never leave her, forsake her, hurt her, or abandon her. I shared God’s promises in the Word for her and encouraged her to try Jesus.

Amber then prayed with me and asked Jesus to be the Savior and Lord of her life.  As we prayed, I felt the power of God fill the emptiness inside of her. Her countenance completely changed after we prayed. She told me that she felt abandonment and loneliness leave her as Jesus filled her. From that moment on, Amber will never be alone. Jesus, her Redeemer and best friend, will be with her until the end. These are the stories of Hydrate. Every event has people. Every person has a name. Every name has a story and in every story, Jesus is intervening with His power and grace.