district leadership in memoriam ministerial updates€¦ · vincent newfield and his wife, allison,...
TRANSCRIPT
In MemoriamHerbert Albright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9/8/2017
G Calvin Fowler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9/9/2017
Doyle Ankrom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9/13/2017
D W Wartenbee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10/13/2017
Stella Satterfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10/27/2017
Elva Hoover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10/27/2017
William Marcink . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11/7/2017
James Routh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11/8/2017
EDITORSDon Miller, Executive Editor Rhonda Amer, Managing Editor
The Assembly Messenger is the official publication of the Southern Missouri District Council of the Assemblies of God . It is published quarterly by the Southern Missouri District Council . Products and/or services advertised in the MESSENGER are not necessarily endorsed by the Southern Missouri District Council .
SUBSCRIPTION RATE: Individual - $7 .00/yearChurch Bundles of 5 - $30 .00/yearSingle copy - $1 .35/each
Ministerial UpdatesNew PastorsZachary Hindman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Stockton, AGRyan Goeden . . . . . . . . . . . .Springfield, New Life AGJames Bradford . . . . . . . . . . . Springfield, Central AG
Transfers In:Christopher Wiggs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KY Brenda Pantleo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pen Fl David Pantleo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pen Fl Kelly Presson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MI Anthony Basham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KY Daniel Macy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OK John Heide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S Cal James Gunter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OK Pablo Moreno . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Midwest Latin Sharon Holmquist-Lasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Potomac Joshua Sousa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IN Jeffrey Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NNED Jason Smith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S TX Channing Snively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AR
Transfers Out
John Leonard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S CalKeith Tyler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ILBrock Swartzentruber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .N TXKristie Morris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ARChristopher Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KS
Executive PresbytersSuperintendent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Don MillerAssistant Superintendent . . . . .George Westlake IIISecretary-Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . Stan WelchS . E . Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brenda HensonN . E . Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jack HembreeS . W . Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gary AnkromN . W . Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason St . John
District MinistriesBusiness and Finance . . . . . . . . . Rhonda AmerChurch Planting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jerry HarrisChurch Development . . . . . . . . . . . Greg PerkinsMissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stan Welch Women’s Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . .Sherry WelchChurch Growth & Ed . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim CalvinYouth/Men’s Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . Darin PoeRoyal Rangers . . . . . . . . . . . . Jerry MillhouserGirls Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . .DeShae Thrasher
Fifty Plus Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . John HeideCross Pointe Camp . . . . . Curtis & Cindy Washam
Sectional PresbytersCape Girardeau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Phil RoopClinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D . Eugene EkstrandJoplin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ken RobinsonKansas City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John MartzKennett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Charles ClarkPark Hills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dan RossSaint Louis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joe ZarroSedalia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jeff HigbieSpringfield North . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brad McAteeSpringfield South . . . . . . . . . . . Ted CederblomSullivan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Danny KempVan Buren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott ReynoldsWest Plains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tom FortnerEthnic Presbyter . . . . . . . . . . . . . Yvonne Bailey
District Leadership
Kevin Boggs: fill-in ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (417) 380-1149 kevinlboggs@yahoo .comCarol Brown: Available for fill in ministry, revivals, women’s
services and/or retreats 314-378-7438 revcb@juno .comMichael Campbell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .660-624-1672
mike .joan .horseranch@hotmail .comRev. Thomas Canter: fill-in ministry . . . . . . (314) 550-2222 Evangelist Terry Carter: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 417-773-4151 Edward Catron: Weekend/fill-in ministry . 417-
742-3045 or hazelned@gmail .comRandall Darden: weekends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .918-946-6550 randall .darden .jr@gmail .com Julie Perkin (Stout) Davenport is available for services,
women’s ministry meetings, etc. (816) 304-6244 or [email protected]
Rev. Dennis DeLine: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(816) 524-7543Michael Dobony: fill-in ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . .417-429-1841 safety & child protection trainingRonald Duncan: fill-in ministry, revivals, interim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 636-586-8151Jim Ellis: fill-in ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .928-303-9553 jim@nwsministries .comTed Furry: revitalization ministry . . . . . . . . . . . 417-448-9353 tedfurr@yahoo .comSophia Garcia: Hispanic or English Ministry: Women,
Marriage Enrichment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .417-881-1919Sue Harper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .573-429-7018Rick Ianniello: interim, fill-in min . . . . . . . . . . 816-322-6825 chaprickianniello@sbcglobal .netDelana Ingram: fill-in ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 856-577-1227JOYSONG - Quartet ministry with a portfolio of music
that covers every style . Contact Cindy Mountjoy, dataintry22@yahoo .com, 816-720-2948 .
Kevin Larsen: Fill-in ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .417-379-8441 Rev. Mearl (Eddie) Kendall: (916) 413-8309 twoexokies@
yahoo .com Kirk Metzger: fill-in ministry, weekly evenings, Sundays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 417-207-1543Bill McGarity: fill-in ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .583-392-1316 emphasis on miraclesRev. Naomi Merritt is available for services and can be
reached at (314) 609-1252 or [email protected] Newfield and his wife, Allison, are speakers bring-
ing hope & healing to those battling sexual addiction . 314 .225 .5887 www .jailbreakthebook .com
Crystal Nickel: fill-in ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469-237-6101 hoperestored@live .com John Piraino, Jr.: fill-in ministry, weekly evenings, Sundays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 417-280-6352Jack Robinson: fill-in, interim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .417-885-0050 Evangelist Tom Shockley: Isaiah 61 Ministries (417) 522-
5345 or (417) 536-9686, [email protected] or www.facebook.com/isaiahsixty1
Gerald Stewart: Intercessory Prayer Call for prayer any hour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .417-593-6086
Chris Tankersley: fill-in ministry 417-576-2377 ctank81@hotmail .com
Matthew Thomas: fill-in ministry . . . . . . . . . . . .618-401-1014Ryan Winters: fill-in ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .417-485-3079 618-967-0055 / ryanlw5@aol .comMatthew Woodroof: fill-in ministry . . . . . . . . 828-332-1008 mattwoodroof@hotmail .comMel Rowland of Ironton: fill-in ministry ...573-576-8453
Available for Ministry
FOR SALE: Hammond Spinet Organ, FREE to good home . Contact: Eva Leach 417-881-8447
Glad Tiding Assembly is selling: Church Pews with Cushions . There are 4 different sizes to choose from ranging from 10 feet in length to 25 feet in length and 39 Pews in all . Asking $50 .00 for each or best offer . They are in great shape and would be great pews for an established church or church plant . Contact Wes Hansen or Pastor James McIntosh at (417) 866-2434 . Buyer is responsible for pickup .
I have a Hammond 125 xl organ for A/G church or youth group in Missouri Southern District or North Arkansas . It’s almost like new . . . . .come and get it, if you need it: Mike Keeton, 1560 County Road 933, Alpena, AR 72611
Items of Interest
417-881-1316
somoag.org
facebook.com/SOMODistrictAG
528 West Battlefield Rd.Springfield, MO 65807Winter 2017 • Assembly Messenger2
What shall I give my wife for Christmas? As the special day approaches, I often ponder that
thought! Sorry, no spoilers here…just conversation. If I ask her what she would like, she will tell me there is nothing that she needs. But if I will be attentive in the days and weeks before Christmas, there will be small hints that I can detect of items which she would like to have. But if I am not alert, I will miss those simple cues. Since I love my wife so much I want to show it with a gift which will demonstrate how special she is to me.
It is a tradition that we buy loved ones and friends gifts during the Christmas Season. I have often thought of the irony of this practice. We are celebrating Jesus’ birthday…and we are buying each other gifts. How would you feel if it was your birthday and everyone bought each other gifts?
Of course, it is a challenge to figure out what to give Jesus for His birthday. What do you give a per-son who has everything…literally? Yet, all along the way, He has given us small hints as to what He would like to have.
1. Unity- Jesus would like nothing better than for His children to get along. He stated this in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another, (ESV). Again, in His final earthly prayer before He is arrested, we see His heart, “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you…”(John 17:21, ESV). By showing love to each other, we show our love to Him. We demonstrate to those around us that we are His.
2. Relationship- John 15 gives this beautiful illus-tration of our intricate connection with Jesus by com-paring our relationship to vine and branches. In that
passage, Jesus says, “Abide in me, and I in you,” (John 15:4, ESV). If you ask Jesus what He wants for His birthday, He would tell you that nothing would please Him more than to spend some quality uninterrupted time with you. The whole reason for His coming was so that our relationship with God could be restored. When we make prayer no more than a laundry list of our petitions, we have missed the true purpose of the exercise. Prayer is really about relationship; spending time with God and hearing His heart.
3. The Lost being found- We often find a person’s deepest desires by what moves them. In Matthew, we are told that Jesus was moved with compassion when He looked out over the masses who were lost, walking around like sheep with no shepherd. No doubt with tears in His eyes and pleading in His voice, He urges the disciples to pray that the Lord of the harvest would send forth laborers into the harvest, (Matthew 9:38). Nothing would please Jesus more than us putting forth the effort to see someone else come to repentance. He is not willing that any should perish. God loved the world so much that He gave us His Son.
In this brief article, I have in no way exhausted Je-sus’ wish list. I would challenge you during this season and in the months to come. Take time to ask Jesus, “What would you like for your birthday? What can I give you that would bring you joy?” I believe then as you read the Word and listen to the Spirit, Jesus will give you simple clues which will assist you in giving Him just the right gift to show your unfailing love for the One who loved you first! Let’s be alert so we don’t miss His hints. Then, let’s deliberately determine to demonstrate our love by giving Jesus what He would like for Christmas.
SUPERINTENDENTDon Miller
What Do You Want for
Christmas?
Winter 2017 • Assembly Messenger 3
Teacher, licensed minister, editor and author Donna Howell has a powerful voice in the Christian world. Her book, Radicals: Why Tomorrow Belongs to Post-Denominational Christians Infused with Supernatural Power, speaks of how we, as followers of Christ are radicals for God when we truly follow His voice.
Donna has also co-written several books such as Redeemed Unredeem-able: How Eternal Salvation Is Available to Everyone and Final Fire: Is the Next Great Awakening Right Around the Corner? Her newest book about the role of women in ministry meshes with Radicals and is scheduled to be released in time for the Refresh Ministry Women Breakaway 2018.
Donna lives in Crane with her husband and two children.
Register Online at FreshenItUp.org and see how you could possibly win a FREE registration with lodging and meals.
Prize valued at $99.
How would you celebrate Christmas if there were no gifts to buy, wrap, place under the tree, or open? Most of us have never known a Christmas like that. It’s fun to plan, shop, keep secrets, and experience our loved ones’ reactions to their freshly-unwrapped expression of our love. Giving is good; a God-given part of who we are as his children. We give gifts as a reflection of God’s Great Gift to us.
Back to the question: How would you celebrate
Christmas without the gifts? We should be reminded that Christmas is not about the what, but rather about the who. We know that. We say that. Do we live that?
Whether gift-giving is or isn’t a big part of how you celebrate Christmas, may each of us be challenged to remember that God the Father gave us the Greatest Gift—His only son, JESUS. Without Him there would be nothing to celebrate.
The (Greatest) Gift
Winter 2017 • Assembly Messenger4
REFRESH MINISTRY WOMENVicki [email protected]
We love to get gifts ! Who does ? We do ! Who is we ? All of us !
“It’s the thought that counts”......meaning.....even if we don’t like a given gift; we still like it. Why ? Because it’s a GIFT!
Gifts speak to us. Gifts tell us things. Gifts make us feel certain emotions.
“I was thinking of you” “I remembered!” “You are valuable to me” “I care about you” “I appreciate you” “I love you”
There are small gifts, large gifts, surprise gifts, insignifi-cant gifts, significant gifts, practical gifts, extravagant gifts, disposable gifts, priceless gifts, birthday gifts, anniversary gifts, Christmas gifts, random gifts, gifts that keep on giv-ing, etc, etc, etc.
The Gift I’m specifically thinking of is.....Myrrh. Aro-matic Incense extracted from a plant that was predominately used for perfume (or preparing of a body after passing). This is THE GIFT !
The Gift I’m specifically thinking of is.....Frankincense. Incense that was used predominately for ceremonial purpos-es. This fragrant pleasure was taken from trees in Asia and Africa. It exuded a familiar aroma that spoke of promi-nence, position and pomp. This is THE GIFT !
The Gift I’m specifically thinking of is....Gold. The pre-cious, yellow metallic element that has always represented wealth, riches, importance, significance and lavishness. THE long-standing monetary standard. This is THE GIFT !
These are all amazing gifts that represent many things....some obvious, some not so obvious wonderful gifts !
I’m thinking more of a cave, with a stone trough for feeding livestock that was a timely, unexpected gift....that allowed the most significant birth that has ever taken place to have “a place”, though there was no room in the Inn, nearby. This is THE GIFT !
THE GIFT......THE EXTRAVAGANT, SIGNIFICANT, PRACTICAL YET PRICELESS GIFT..... wasn’t the Myrrh, it wasn’t the Frankincense, it wasn’t the Gold, it wasn’t even the cave (with built-in trough).
*THE GIFT was.............OPPORTUNITY THE GIFT was the OPPORTUNITY to have redemp-
tion, relationship, restoration, reconciliation, resuscitation of life !
God, in His loving, giving, creative and personal way, gave us THE GIFT.....we know.....JESUS, EMMANUEL (or Immanuel).
God with us...THE GIFT.....not just to be with us...He was and is (and is to come).... but to be our OPPORTUNI-TY to have life. THE GIFT allows us to have life: bountiful, exuberant, generous, full, overflowing, abundant life ! THE GIFT gave us (all of us), the OPPORTUNITY to have a personal relationship with God, through THE GIFT....that DOES keep on giving.... Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace....His name shall be Jesus. He will save His people from their sins.... He is OPPORTUNITY. THE OPPORTUNITY. OUR OPPORTU-NITY to be the recipient of the greatest and most prolific GIFT ever given.
THE GIFTTHE ONLY, UNIQUE SON OF GODTHE WAY, THE TRUTH AND THE LIFETHE OPPORTUNITY
The Gift
Winter 2017 • Assembly Messenger 5
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENTGeorge Westlake III
I know that most of you have not spent much time think-ing about what I would want for Christmas. So I thought I would have an article on the subject. Just a joke!
As I look at the gifts that were brought to Jesus by the wise men, I want the same gifts He received from these men from the East of Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. I want what these symbolize in my life!
Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. [11] And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
These precious gifts were probably used to finance their trip and stay in Egypt. King Herod had called for all the boy babies to be killed and Jesus was taken to Egypt for safety until King Herod was dead.
What I want us to look at is what these gifts represent for us today from the Word of God. I want the same gifts as they gave to Jesus, Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh! Just as these gifts were needed for the journey and stay in Egypt, so we will need these gifts to keep us in our journey and stay in this life. I. I WANT GOLD THIS CHRISTMAS:
-Gold was and is valued because of its rarity, beauty, and workability. The purer the gold the more valued! Psalm 12:6
-The Word of God is Gold of more value than any gold of this world. Psalm 19:7-10
-The Worship of God required Gold. All the things used in worship in the tabernacle and temple were either gold or they were overlaid with gold. The gold of worship for us today is to worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!
- Someday I’ll worship on streets of pure gold! Rev. 21:21 -The Works for God must be Gold. 1 Cor. 3:11 For no
other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. [12] Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, [13] each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. [14] If any-one’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. [15] If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
- When the Gold of the Word and Worship is in my life then the trials of life can produce the pure Works of Gold in
my life! Job 23:10 But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. II. I WANT THE FRANKINCENSE OF GOD’S AMAZ-ING GRACE.
- Frankincense was the perfume (incense) of the sanctu-ary of worship. Exodus 30:34-37
In the worship of the Old Testament there were many animals for sacrifice. Blood flowed like a river at the altars so there was the smell of a slaughterhouse, but the frankincense made sure that the smell was pleasing to God and man.
- Today our lives are touched by the stench of sin and it takes the amazing grace of God to take the foul smells of our lives and make us a sweet smelling aroma to God and all those around us. 2 Cor. 2:14-16
-The frankincense of grace is the sweet smell of the di-vine! Song 1:3; Malachi 1:11; Ephes. 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.
- I want a gift this Christmas that will last for eternity. I want the frankincense of grace in my life! III. I WANT THE MYRRH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT’S ANOINTING IN MY LIFE!
- Myrrh was the principle ingredient in the holy anoint-ing oil. Exodus 30:22- 33
- Nothing could be used for service to God without this anointing oil applied!
- We will never be useful for God without the anoint-ing of the Holy Spirit on our lives! Jesus would not allow ministry in the Church until the Oil of the Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost. Luke 24:49 Acts 1:4-8
- If we want to be able to minister in power and author-ity, we must have ‘myrrh’, the anointing of the Holy Spirit, in our lives.
You can’t go out and buy these items. - The Gold of the Word, Worship, and Works only comes
to those seek after them. 2 Tim. 2:15- The Frankincense of Grace only comes by faith. Ephes.
2:8-10- The Myrrh of the anointing of the Holy Spirit comes
to those that ask! Luke 11:13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
Sherry and I wish you a blessed and peace filled Christ-mas and wonderful, productive New Year.
The Gifts I Want for Christmas
Winter 2017 • Assembly Messenger6
EXECUTIVE SECRETARYStan [email protected]
“Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path,” is a verse familiar to most followers of Christ. How can the Word be a lamp or a light, if there are no Bibles anywhere to be found?
Just a few years ago Southeastern Congo was one of those places where it was difficult to find any New Testament
or Bible. During the uprising, rebel forces had confiscated and destroyed every Bible they could find. Not only were the believers left without Bibles, but only a few pastors had been able to hide their Bible somewhere in the forest prior to the raid. Those who were without the written Word depended on verses they had previously memorized or they walked or rode bicycles for miles to find someone with a Bible or a Bible portion to be able to write down some verses on whatever paper they could find.
Three years ago, the Southern Missouri District started
giving so that Congolese pastors would be able to have French Full Life Study Bibles and a one volume commen-tary, and for believers to have their very own Bible. The women at the women’s retreats that fall dug deep in their purses to give this greatest GIFT, and then went back to their churches to work hard and raise more funds. Churches gave so that once again those who have so little in this world would no longer have to live in total or partial spiritual darkness, but would have the Word, which gives LIGHT to their spiritual walk.
In the last couple of years when the Congolese in Lubumbashi and the villages throughout that area of Congo celebrated Christmas, the pastors were able to open their Bibles to Luke 2 and read the story of Christ’s birth to their congregations. This was made possible because Southern Missouri individuals and congregations gave a lamp and a light, the GREATEST GIFT.
Please prayerfully consider inviting these missionaries to your church giving them opportunity to share their heart.
Southern Missouri District Itinerating Missionaries
Returning Home on Furlough
Jacobs, Amy & Ryan702-776-2175
Leighty, Branden & Samantha417-299-2772
SensitiveJason & Georgina
816-914-0686
Lwali, Sevo & Kristina417-343-9757
Smart, Jack & Beverly417-849-1160
SensitiveJohn & Pam
417-429-0104
Tilden, John & Juliana417-699-0562
Snavely, Andrea & Darla417-350-2613
Courter, James & [email protected]
SensitiveSaloam
417-246-1142 Lovelace, Joshua & Carmen [email protected]
Turney, Mark & [email protected]
Higgins, Gary & Cindy417-581-4220
Caszatt, Clinton & Jane573-489-0643
SensitiveJustin & Anna417-389-4315
Chaisson, Norried & Doris4417-414-3775
Galyen, Dean & Peggy417-459-6140
SensitiveDevin & Ruth
417-827-4955
Ross, Victoria417-866-9297
Shimansky, Mykola & Heather417-731-7941
Moore, Rebeckah417-251-5489
Rybarczyk, Tony & Susan417-861-2282
SensitiveRichie & Maya425-336-3734
Galyen, Shawn & Deborah417-693-9732
Hinton, Rose417-230-0600
Porter, Eric & Trisha417-830-5126
Castleberry, Terry & Babs417-522-3233
Dell, Peter & Rachel417-619-2109
Babin, Kevin & [email protected]
The Bible-The Greatest Gift
Carrol Deal
Winter 2017 • Assembly Messenger 7
MISSIONSStan Welch
Our SaviorChristmas is such a wonderful time of the year with
hustle and bustle from activities and gift-giving. The unfortunate part is the busyness easily takes away from the real reason we celebrate Christmas – the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. As believers, may we challenge ourselves to be intentional to emphasize this GREAT GIFT as a testi-mony to the world of the true meaning of Christmas!
This photo depicts a true pastor’s heart. J.C. Moore, Irondale Assembly, is only one example of the many wonderful pastors we have in Southern Missouri. We are thankful for the “gift of a Pastor”.
The GiftOur Pastors
The most important tax benefit available to ministers who own or rent their homes is the housing allowance. Ministers who own or rent their home do not pay federal income taxes on the amount of their compensation that their employing church designates in advance as a housing allowance to the extent that the allowance represents com-pensation for ministerial services, is used to pay housing expenses, and does not exceed the annual fair rental value of the home (furnished, plus utilities). Housing-related expenses include mortgage payments, rental payments, utilities, repairs, furnishings, insurance, property taxes, additions, and maintenance.
Unfortunately, many churches fail to designate a por-tion of a minister’s compensation as a housing allowance. This deprives their minister of an important tax benefit that costs the church nothing. Ministers who live in a church-owned parsonage that is provided “rent-free” as compensation for ministerial services do not include the
annual fair rental value of the parsonage as income in computing their federal income taxes. The annual fair rental value is not “deducted” from the minister’s income. Rather, it is not reported as additional income anywhere on Form 1040 (as it generally would be by non-clergy workers). Further, ministers who live in a church-provided parsonage do not pay federal income taxes on the amount of their compensation that their employing church desig-nates in advance as a parsonage allowance, to the extent that the allowance represents compensation for ministerial services and is used to pay parsonage-related expenses, such as utilities, repairs, and furnishings.
NOTE: The parsonage and housing allowance exclusions ONLY apply in computing federal income taxes. Ministers CANNOT exclude them when computing their self-employ-ment (Social Security) taxes. (reprinted - Church Finances by Bates & Hammar)
Housing Allowance
Winter 2017 • Assembly Messenger8
BUSINESS AND FINANCERhonda Amer [email protected]
It seems every year at this time Lisa and I have the same conversation, “What are we going to give to our kids and grand-kids for Christmas?” Do you have that same problem? I know of some people who shop all year long for Christmas and seem to have it all together. Bless their hearts! For what it’s worth, we are not those people.
Our solution seems to be simple. We ask them to give us a Christmas list. Sometimes it takes a while to get the list, and sometimes we get, “I don’t want to make a list, just get me anything.” When we do have a list, it sure makes our shopping a whole lot easier. If you’re not doing this for your family, I would strongly urge you to ask for “a list”, but be aware, this same list went to the other grandparents too.
Now to the spiritual. As believers, we are asked to give our lives to Christ, so we do our best to do what we think He wants us to do. We read the Bible, pray, go to church, give our tithes and offerings because that is what we believe God wants us to do. Is it really? Have you ever thought about getting a list from God so you know what He really wants you to give to Him? Does He even have a list? If He does, where is it? Is it the Ten Command-ments? Sure looks like a list to me. How about the Beatitudes? God has several lists for us, and if there is one list that stands out above them all, it is found in John 17 in the prayer of Christ.
This prayer for us is all about God’s glory and the holiness He wants to see in our lives. Just like the high priest would enter a temple where God’s presence was, Jesus Himself entered God’s presence and prayed for us. He prays the list he desires us to give to Him. We are supposed to be the answer in the world. Wouldn’t it be great to know that who I am, what I do, and how I do it is the answer to God’s prayer for me and the world? In John 17, Jesus prays four very specific things that are the gifts that you and I can give to God.
Do God’s will! After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. (John 17:1a NLT) What does the word “glory” mean? To be glorified means: to make manifest hidden values and hidden riches. Bring it out into the open, to show it so everybody can see. God says I want to glorify Myself and My Son; I want to show everybody in the world what I’m like; I want to show everybody the kind of love that I have; I want to show everyone the extent I’ll go to reach out to mankind. He glorified Himself.
The road to God’s glory in our lives is all caught up in one word – obedience. God’s kind of obedience; obedience that comes out of love because we know who He is. The disciples heard Jesus say Father glorify Yourself by showing Your glory through Me. The only way that could happen was through Jesus’ obedience to go to the cross. Philippians 2 tells us that He was obedient to the point of death. The real glory of life, a truly glorious life, is doing God’s will. The greater my obedience, the more I do God’s will, the greater glory for His life and His cause.
Live without fear! I am coming to you; I will not stay in the world any longer. But they are still in the world. Holy Father, keep them safe by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they will be one, just as you and I are one. (John 17:11 NCV)
He prayed that we’d be protected, we’d live pure lives, and we’d
live distinct lives...in the world. If we’re the light of the world, how’s the world going to see it unless we’re here? If we’re the salt of the earth, how’s the world going to taste it unless we’re here? When Jesus prayed for us, He didn’t pray for us to be taken out of the world. He prayed that we’d be kept safe within this world. Why? Because He knows what evil and sin are capable of and how it af-fects people who do not know Him.
When I’m living in fear of the world and Satan, that’s not an answer to Jesus’ prayer. Yes, the world and Satan are real. But remember, God is real, Jesus is real, and so is His prayer. I don’t have to run scared and hide out. I know He’s willing to protect me from all those things because of what Jesus Christ prayed, what He’s done, and what He’s willing to do in my life. That’s the se-curity that you and I have as a believer. God is with me to protect me; not from things that may happen, but through those things that will happen!
Be willing to grow! Make them holy by your truth, teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. (John 17:17-18 NLT) This verse is not talking about spiritual perfection. It’s talking about growth and maturity. It’s talking about being separated, set apart, for God’s spe-cific purpose and growing in that purpose. It’s about being used for God’s purpose. The more we live by His truth, the more mature we become, and the more influence we will have in our community.
Connect to believers! I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one - as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. (John 17:21 NLT)
Jesus desires us to have the same kind of relationship that He has with God. If you and I would work on developing our relation-ship with God and other believers, we could never imagine all that He could do. He’s talking about unity, not the kind of unity you get by meetings and voting, but unity that comes by being united with Him. Unity in believers is sometimes hard to imagine. You would think all Christians would be in unity...NOT! The unity Jesus prays for is unity of purpose, “so that the world will believe you sent me.”
Christmas is a time to think about HIS purpose in our lives and how we can unite with others to do something for HIM. This list from Jesus isn’t for us or even about us, it is for those who do not know Him. As we flourish in His will, living secure and confident in Him, growing close to Him, uniting with Him and His people, it sets the tone for us to impact our communities and our world for HIM!
Please be in consistent prayer for our Church Planters as they assault enemy territory, raise budgets, and develop leadership that will impact their communities and their world for Christ.
Blessings,Jerry and Lisa
The List
Winter 2017 • Assembly Messenger 9
CHURCH PLANTING Jerry Harris
The PERFECT Gift! GIFTS are such a big part of Christmas these days, it’s hard to ignore. I’m sure we’ve all felt the pressure of just what to give the special people in our lives. After all, when you make the effort to give a gift to someone, you want to hear: “It’s just what I’ve always wanted. It’s PERFECT!” We know Christmas isn’t really about the gifts WE give or re-ceive, but about the gift HE (God) gave. His gift was perfect because… It was the Perfect Timing. Ga-latians 4:4 says: When the time had fully come (at the perfect
time), God sent His Son… It was the Perfect Selection. Matthew 1:21 says: “...you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins." And, it was the Perfect Presen-tation. Luke 2:12 says: “...you will find a baby wrapped in swad-dling cloths and lying in a man-ger." No fancy or ornate wrap-ping...just Jesus. The perfect gift speaks for itself. Christ is NOT just another pretty package under the tree nestled among the tinsel, glitter, and lights! CHRIST is The PERFECT Gift to meet YOUR need by a God
who loves you and wants to RE-STORE you to himself. All that’s really left, is to RECEIVE it! John 1:11-12 (ESV) says: He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. Merry Christmas to you! Greg Perkins, Director
“ We really appreciate the training we received...it is GOLD!”
“ We really appreciate the training we received...it is GOLD!”
“We are encouraged and ready to grow.” “We are encouraged and ready to grow.”
Church Development & Rural Compassion Partner For 24-Hour Training
Church Development & Rural Compassion Partner For 24-Hour Training
“...this event has been an answer to our prayers!” “Another ripple has been started to reach people who need compassion.”
Retreat 1 February 23-24, 2018
Speaker: Alton Garrison Assistant General Superintendent
Assemblies of God
Sponsored by SMD Church Development Sponsored by SMD Church Development Sponsored by SMD Church Development Sponsored by SMD Church Development
Fulfill Your God-Given Vision & Take Your Church to the Next Level!
The Training is FREE Space Limited to 25 Churches E-mail [email protected] for details.
Winter 2017 • Assembly Messenger10
CHURCH DEVELOPMENTGreg [email protected]
Don and Vicki MillerSuperintendentRefresh Ministry
George and Annette Westlake IIIAssistant Superintendent
PresbyteryFirst Row: Joe Zarro, Brad McAtee, Ted Cederblom, Eugene Ekstrand
Second Row: Jeff Higbie, Jason St. John, George Westlake, Don Miller, Stan Welch, Gary Ankrom, Brenda Henson, Jack Hembree, Danny Kemp
Third Row: Scott Reynolds, John Martz, Phil Roop, Dan Ross, Ken Robinson, Chuck Clark, Yvonne Bailey, Tom Fortner
Stan and Sherry WelchExecutive Secretary/Missions
WM Director
Merry Christmas from Southern Missouri District Team
Winter 2017 • Assembly Messenger 11
Jim and Pam CalvinChurch Education
Greg and Di Ann PerkinsChurch Development
Rhonda AmerBusiness and Finance
Darin and Heather Poe, Gavin and Cassidy Poe, Nick and Megan Bearden
Youth/Men
Jerry and Lisa HarrisChurch Planting
Carrol and Gayle DealResource and Development/Missions
Winter 2017 • Assembly Messenger12
Curtis and Cindy WashamDistrict Prayer Coordinators/
Cross Pointe Directors
Our Support StaffKevin Parkison, Jennifer Swartzentruber, Nancy Cook, Sharon Julian, Angela Kramer, Parker Hastie, Tim Rickman
Not Pictured – Sylvia Avery, Gretchen Hatcher
John and Judy Heide50 Plus Ministry
DeShae, Mark and Emma ThrasherGirls Ministries
Jerry and Brenda Millhouser Royal Rangers
Winter 2017 • Assembly Messenger 13
I am so thankful for the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ!
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life”
John 3:16Our Heavenly Father gave the best He had. He gave
His only Son. No greater sacrifice had ever been made. No greater gift has ever been given.
The gifts from our Heavenly Father are endless, but these are some gifts that I personally hold dear!
The Gift of His Love“I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting
love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” Jeremiah 31:3
The Gift of His Grace“For by grace you have been saved through faith,
and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
The Gift of His Peace“I am leaving you with a gift, peace of mind and
heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:27
The Gift of Hope“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you
completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13
The Gift of Purpose“For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord,
plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jer. 29:11
My prayer for all of us at this Christmas time is that we will take the time to love and adore the greatest gift we have ever been given, Jesus Christ!
Merry Christmas from the Welch’s. You are loved and appreciated!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
Winter 2017 • Assembly Messenger14
WOMEN’S MINISTRIESSherry [email protected]
2017 Fall Retreats on The Lake
“Trust Without Borders”
Men’s Retreat 2017
Winter 2017 • Assembly Messenger 15
Darin PoeMen’s Director
Merry Christmas ! Give the gift of time this Christmas. In the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, make
sure you take the time - for time. Moments shared together. Memories made because time has been spent on the most important things - the people in our lives. It has been said that time is the greatest gift. We all know that God has given us the greatest gift in His Son. But, if you think about it, time is a result of this gift. We get to spend eternity with Him. Make sure you give gifts this Christmas that will last the longest. May God bless this wonderful season!
2018 Tour Dates
April 9 - 13Mark your calendar
NOW!
————————————
Go towww.somomen.comto access all information about Southern Missouri Men’s Ministries' Events
and Programs!
300 + Bible Studies for MenBuilt around: IDENTITY - Find your place in Christ regardless of your past or the questions you have about God.RELATIONSHIPS - Deepen your relationships with family and friends.PURPOSE - Courageously fulfill your place in serving the Lord.VISION - Seek deeper commitment and lead the next generation in the fullness of Christ.
Found at www.men.ag.org
Winter 2017 • Assembly Messenger16
Southern Missouri Youth MinistriesDirector - Darin [email protected]
southern missouri youth ministries - www.smymonline.org
“God’s gifts put man’s best dreams to shame” - Elizabeth Barrett Browning
This is so true. Our imagination can come up with some pretty great dreams, goals, even gifts. The gifts of God, however, are infinitely better. The opportunity for relationship with Him is a gift. The hope of eternity with Him is a gift. The knowledge that He is with us is a gift. And, the list goes on…
As we all navigate the busy-ness of this season, may the Lord remind us that His gifts are the greatest. May you enjoy His gifts this Christmas and may you share those gifts with family and friends!
Don’t forget to send in your Speed the Light money by December 18. We need to make sure it all gets over to the National Office by the end of the year.
Thank you for making our missionaries’ needs a priority in your student ministry and church!
May the Lord bless our efforts and offerings!
UNITE 2018February 1 - 3Branson, Mo
with Terry Parkman
Winter 2017 • Assembly Messenger 17
Make plans now to attend Camp Intercession, scheduled May 11-12, 2018, at Cross Pointe Camp & Retreat Center in Rocky Mount! This year’s special speaker will be Rev. Doug Clay, recently elected general superintendent of the Assemblies of God. You won’t want to miss this exciting weekend of prayer, intercession and dynamic messages from our new general superintendent! The Friday evening service will begin at 7 p.m. in the tabernacle, and a service will be held Saturday morning immediately following breakfast.
Special room rates are available at Cross Pointe Hotel. For more information or to make a reservation, call 573-365-0600 or email [email protected].
Pictured above: Cross Pointe staff Chancey Dummermuth, Jesse Ward, David Vernon, Sheila Smith and Misty Adolphson
Pictured below: Matthew, Cara, Niah, Malachi and Cora King
Save the Date
General Superintendent Clay to Speak at Camp Intercession What a wonderful time of the year this is as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ—our Savior and greatest gift! As 2017 draws to a close, we reflect on another great season of camps and retreats at Cross Pointe. This year alone, thousands of lives were touched by the power of the Holy Spirit. We also celebrated 75 life-transforming years at our district campground—what an incredible legacy!
On behalf of everyone at Cross Pointe, have a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!
Curtis and Cindy WashamCross Pointe Directors
We would like to thank those who helped on Camp Work Day, as well as church groups that have volunteered at the campground this past year. Recently, teams from Peace Chapel in Fair Grove and Countryside Assembly in Bolivar helped tear down the existing house (pictured above) for our exciting waterfront makeover debuting next summer. Also, Countryside generously donated a large smoker for meal preparation at Cross Pointe events. We greatly appreciate their assistance in helping to improve our district campground facilities! For information on future volunteer opportunities at Cross Pointe, call 573-365-0600 or email [email protected].
Jesus Is Our Greatest Gift!
A Note of Thanks ...
Winter 2017 • Assembly Messenger 19
CROSS POINTE CAMPCurtis & Cindy Washam, Directors
Plan to be a part of the Southern Missouri District annual Royal Ranger Commander’s Conference. The purpose
of this conference is for the leaders to receive additional training, learn some new ideas, enjoy some good Christian fun and fellowship and above all receive a “Spiritual Up-lift.” There will be lots of information to take home that will help the leader to be better organized and successful. This conference is for all Royal Ranger leaders and their spouse.
You will enjoy this conference and will go home encour-aged to reach more boys for Christ. It will be worth your time and money! The General Business Session on Saturday morn-ing will be a time to discuss and make plans for the various activities held in the District like Pow Wow, FCF Outings, etc. At lunchtime, on Saturday, we will present the Leader Service and Pastor Awards.
On Friday night there will be a Royal Ranger Rally at 7:00PM. After the Rally, there will be an auction to raise funds for the District Royal Ranger Campgrounds. So, if you have some items that you could donate to the auction that would be great!
FREE TO PASTORS: Pastors may attend Ranger Basics or Rangers Essentials, the first two courses of the Ranger Minis-try Academy, at no cost.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULEFRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2018 8:00am Ranger Basics & Ranger Essentials & First Aid/CPR begins 3:00pm Registration Begins 7:00pm Rally 8:00pm Fellowship & Auction Time
SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2018 7:00am Registration/coffee & donuts 8:00am General Session 8:30am Ladies Activities 10:05am Workshops begin 11:45am Lunch at church and presentation of Leader Service & Pastor Awards 1:00pm Workshops & training continuesThe Gift of Mystery
2018 DISTRICT ROYAL RANGERS LEADERSHIP TRAINING CONFERENCE
April 6 - 7, 2018at
Oak Grove Assembly of God1320 S. Oak Grove Ave.Springfield, MO, 65804
Registration Fees: (Includes lunch on Sat.)$25.00 or $30.00 for non-chartered by March 15th.
$35.00 or $40.00 for non-chartered after March 15th.$15.00 for the ladies activities
(plus food & lodging)
Winter 2017 • Assembly Messenger20
ROYAL RANGERSJerry [email protected]
The beauty of Christmas is upon us from the glowing trees, smiles on children’s faces and the shiny wrapped
presents. Christmas has always been an exciting time of year since childhood, but as the years go by it changes a little. However, the excitement has been rekindled in the “wows” and joy that comes over my two year old’s face when she sees all the beautiful scenes of Christmas. The surprises as she calls them, when she reaches her hand into an unwrapped present excited to see what is in inside. Mystery truly is a gift that teaches us to have hope and faith for what is to come. In scripture Ephesians 5:32 speaks of mystery, “The mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.” Paul is speaking in this passage of marriage, a familiar concept, but the mystery is that Christ has come to be joined in marriage to the church. What a wonderful mystery that the baby Jesus lying in a manger is our Savior that came and died to purify us from our sins. As a bride prepares herself for her wedding by purchasing a white dress that is pure is snow, so those who accept Christ as their savior and confess their sins
are made white as snow. Christmas isn’t really the same without snow and the beautiful village scenes of homes and stores blanketed with snow. So is the beauty of a life being changed and purified by our Savior Jesus.
In Girls Ministries discipleship, each age level has spe-cific scriptures to memorize and Biblical principles to learn that help develop and grow a girl in their gifts and abilities. In addition, each age level has two colors that accompany the stage of growth they are in. For all ages, one of the colors that remains the same is white that stands for purity. It is important that as young ladies who follow Christ we remember the importance of purity in all areas of our life. Especially at Christmastime, as we see the glow of white Christmas lights and blankets of white snow may our hearts be reminded of the mystery of Jesus.
May we remember as we open each gift to reveal the mystery of what is inside that the mystery of who Jesus is, longs to be revealed in the heart of every person. Will you help someone unwrap the gift of mystery, that is Jesus, this Christmas season?
Handpicked & Beautiful TourSave the Date
March 3 . . . . Southeast Region - Malden,MissouriMarch 17 . . . Southwest Region - Nixa,MissouriMarch 24 . . . Northwest Region - Camdenton,MissouriApril 14 . . . . . Northeast Region - Rolla,Missouri
The Gift of
Mystery
Winter 2017 • Assembly Messenger 21
GIRLS MINISTRIESDeshae Thrasher
A Christmas story is told of a mother who was looking for baby Jesus who had mysteriously disappeared from
the family’s manger scene. She looked behind the wise men, the angels and animals but could not find the small figurine. Giving up she began to prepare breakfast for her family. As she opened their bread box she surprisingly saw the “baby Jesus next to a loaf of bread. As her young four year old son sleepily entered the kitchen she asked him, Larry, do you know how baby Jesus got in the bread box?” “Yes mommy, I put him there because Daddy said Jesus was the bread of life!” That simple act became a family holiday tradition and
was repeated every year until Christmas morning when the family reverently carried the baby Jesus from the bread box and laid him in the manger.
The gift of God is exactly that...the gift of God himself, the Word made flesh in the form of Jesus! The bread “sent down from heaven.”
Jesus is still the best gift we could ever receive. For those traveling through the Second Half of life God’s PRESENCE is the best PRESENT we could ever unwrap and enjoy, not just for a few days, but for an eternity.
Join us October 1-9th 2018
for a spectacular Lighthouse Tour trip to Door County. WI
Romans 6:23
The gift of God...
Winter 2017 • Assembly Messenger22
SENIOR ADULT MINISTRIESJohn [email protected]
On October 15, 2017, Superintendent Don and Vicki Miller commissioned Zach and Alana Hindman as
Senior Pastors of Stockton A/G.
Minister’s Spiritual Renewal 2017
We’re so thankful for the timely ministry of our new General Treasurer, Rick DuBose, at Minister’s Spiritual Renewal. Messages that touched on God’s Revelation, Atmosphere, Vision, Dreams and the process to get there impacted the hearts of many. The worship team from our host church, Grace Community in Branson, led us into an atmosphere of worship for each session. A great time of food and fellowship closed out Monday evening and an amazing time together at Oh Happy Days Gospel on Tuesday morning provided wonderful music, fun times, and a whole lot of laughter.
Kent and Robin Kassinger were commissioned as Senior Pastors of Herculaneum First A/G, on September 24, 2017 by
Superintendent Don and Vicki Miller.
Winter 2017 • Assembly Messenger 23
4 2 3.James River ChurchSouth Campus - Ozark
M O M E N T U M 18Deve lop ing HEALTHY LEADERS
Bui ld ing HEALTHY MINISTRIESRick Ross
SUPERINTENDENTNORTH CAROLINA ASSEMBLIES OF GOD
SENIOR PASTORCALVARY CHURCHNAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS
Randal Ross
NONPROFITUS POSTAGE PAID
REPUBLIC, MOPERMIT 99
SOUTHERN MISSOURI DISTRICT COUNCILOF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD528 WEST BATTLEFIELD ROADSPRINGFIELD, MO 65807