COG Local Missions Representatives

Save the Date: Love the World

2012-01-26T10:02:00.001-05:00

In the coming days, your pastor will be receiving a save the date postcard to highlight a change to our upcoming Love the World offering. As LMR, we wanted to make you aware of the changes by clicking the above image. We look forward to an even greater year of giving so that we may Love the World!

Missouri LMR Training Conference

2012-01-18T16:12:00.001-05:00

The impact of a strong World Missionsvision and program is priceless in reaching and evangelizing the world at large. Jesus called his disciplestogether and gave them instructions on how to impact the world with His gospel message.It is simple: Go, preach, baptize, and make disciples. Therefore, we are to take seriously thesame lesson. We must do everything we can to take the message of the gospel toall men and women.

With this in mind, the Missouri StateWorld Missions Board decided to bring our Local Missions Representatives togetherfor training in order to help them plan their annual missions program. On Saturday,February 25, 2012, LMRs from across Missouri will meet at the Bonne Terre Churchof God in Bonne Terre, Missouri for our first annual LMR Training Conference. The conference will meet in the morningat 9:00 a.m. and conclude with a special meal function at lunch. It is designedto share various methods for involving the local congregation in the ministryof World Missions.

Missions Representative Charles Duncanis slated as our keynote speaker. He, along with Chairman Ira Lee Sandefer ofthe Missouri State World Missions Board, and host pastor and board memberStephon Clevenger, will present the inspiration, information, andimplementation needed to bring complete local church involvement in evangelizingour world.

Chairman Sandefer said, “It is our goalto bring every LMR, their pastor, and anyone interested in the World Mission’sprogram together to give them the tools they need to build their local church missionsprograms. This will be accomplished by helping them understand their role as aLMR, giving them clear ideas and suggestions for missionary support. We willemphasize prayer, activities, fundraising, and the importance of annual WorldMissions conferences for the local church.”

Those interested in attending theMissouri LMR Training Conference can obtain more information by contacting theMissouri State Executive Office or by calling Stephon Clevenger at 573 358-3633.Also, information can be obtained by e-mail at pastorils@sbcglobal.net.

Join us in prayer and attendance to beequipped for the challenge of Christ to go, preach, baptize and make disciples.

Bishop Ira Lee Sandefer

Missouri State World Missions Board,Chairman

Pastor of Smith Avenue Church of God, Sikeston, Missouri

Missions Trip to Ecuador

2012-01-04T15:42:00.001-05:00

The following letter was sent to World Missions by LMR Glenda Abbe from Raleigh, NC.

I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and I pray thatyou will have a blessed new year!

Three ladies and I just returned from a mission trip toEcuador. I’ve been going there for 19 years, and it's always great to see oldfriends.

We spent most of our time in ministry with the QuichuaIndians, teaching at a Quichuan ladies bible school on the first day. We alsoministered in a large Spanish church where many rededicated their lives to Jesus.One Sunday night, we ministered in a church where the pastor had recentlydreamed that special guests would be visiting. To his surprise, we were thosespecial guests, and God moved mightily in hearts that night. We visited other nchurches, where many were filled with the Holy Spirit.

We had the opportunity to visit El Comedor (The Dining Room)where 80 children came for an after school meal and received great teaching.

There was a two-day conference for the women and change wasevident in their lives. We saw them becoming more confident and saw joy filltheir hearts. Although this was a conference for believers, there was anunsaved lady and her daughter who attended and accepted Jesus. We heard many otherwonderful testimonies of what God did in their lives during the conference.They were excited to take home 3 to 4 items of clothing that we brought to share.One night, the ladies had a beautifully decorated banquet for couples. A coupleperformed a matrimonial dance in their native costumes.

One highlight of our trip was the opportunity to share at anall girls high school where we witnessed about 125 girls come down to acceptJesus in their heart.

Matthew 28: 19-20 tells us "Go therefore and makedisciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and ofthe Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I havecommanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Thisis the command that we followed!

May God bless all of you who have contributed and prayed aswe work to spread the gospel!

Glenda Abbe

LMR

Raleigh, NC

Relieving a Missionary's Burden

2011-12-15T15:31:00.001-05:00

Times are tough!

However, God has not only prepared provision for all yourneeds, He has also provided enough for you to bless someone else—for His sake!

The great statesman, Winston Churchill made this observation;“we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

Our missionaries have put that wisdom into practice. Theylive life giving out of the abundance of their heart. Missionaries faithfullycommit fully to the task of showing Christ’s love. They exercise faith in Godand faith in you and me to do our part to keep them at their global place ofservice.

Relievinga Missionary’s Burden (video link for cogwm.org here) is a short videovignette that explains the tough times our missionaries are going through dueto a shortfall in donations. Would you please watch it, pray and then demonstrateyour faith through an act of support?

www.cogwm.org is a way togive securely and easily online. The Project Number 770-0014 designates generalmissionary support or you may want to give to a specific missionary.

Another way to help is to put the link to the video on yourFacebook page so others may see and understand the role we all have.

Someone else said; “Nobody can do everything, but everyonecan do something.”

See thevideo by clicking here. (YouTube)

DonateOnline by clicking here.

Vision in Affliction

2011-11-30T11:22:00.001-05:00

The stories and testimonies of all our missionaries are wonderfuland inspiring to hear. Often, one such testimony comes along which webelieve will be a blessing to you.

Such a testimony comes in video form for you to experience: Vision in Affliction (click link for video) - Neil and Jennifer Lawrence.

I believe you and those with whom you share this testimony willidentify with the Lawrences as they are in the crucible, yet know thatGod is working in their behalf. Neil was in a Gospel Crusade in Ugandawhen his vision began to fade. You simply have to see this video tounderstand how God has worked and is working in their behalf.

Please respond on the blogspot or to my email as to how the Lord used it to touch your life.

The Mission of the Church: Missions.

2011-11-17T10:51:00.001-05:00

“The mission of the churchis missions.” The church is filled with individuals who each haveunique God-given abilities to fulfill their role in the mission. But first,Christians must be educated about their world and how to reach it. For thisreason, providing a platform for missions education has become a vital role oflocal churches.

Missions education is a critical component of World Missionsand relies on the development of missions programs in each local church. Thedevelopment of an annual World Missions Conference is an important step towardestablishing a vibrant missions program in your local church.

Like the idea but don’t know where to start? The manual,“How to Host an Effective World Missions Conference at Your Local Church”, is akey resource to help you plan, promote, produce and evaluate a World MissionsConference in your local church

Why a World MissionsConference?

Some people think the idea of hosting a World MissionsConference sounds old-fashioned and dull. It’s true; a World MissionsConference could become a dusty old tradition if we ignore current trends andfail to take advantage of the technology and tools available to us.

We live in a world that is much smaller than the world ofour grandparents. Cell phones, the Internet and countless media outlets havemade Marshall McLuhan’s “global village” a reality. The mission field thatseemed dark and mysterious 50 years ago is now a place we see on TV, in themovies and, sometimes, even on vacation.

We live in a day when we interact with people from othercountries and cultures on a daily basis. We see them at work, chat with themonline, watch them on TV, etc.

With the changes we see around us today, a World MissionsConference is more important than ever and can continue to be an exciting andanticipated event of the church calendar.

As local congregations become more and more familiar andcomfortable with people from other cultures, it becomes increasingly importantfor us to show them the great need these people still have for God—the needthey have for missionaries who will share the gospel with them.

As a celebration, a WorldMissions Conference in your local church will:

ENCOURAGE a greater missions awareness through exposure to missionaries and nationals from the field.

GIVE members of your church a better understanding of what God is doing through the Church of God in different countries of the world.

INTRODUCE your church to missionaries, missions field personnel, and the many ministries of Church of God World Missions

INVOLVE each department of your church in conference preparation, allowing them to feel a part of the Great Commission.

PRESENT the current needs of missions, giving church members an opportunity to respond with prayer and financial support.

ENLARGE the vision of your local church, creating a greater burden for the lost.

IDENTIFY local people who want to get involved in missions.

CELEBRATE God’s faithfulness to His church around the world.

EDUCATE the church about missions needs.

RAISE financial support for the worldwide work of World Missions.

TEACH local church members how to prepare for the lost around the world.

CREATE a local church with a global perspective.

HELP your local church discover how it can fulfill the Great Commission.

--Copied from the revised“How to Have a World Missions Conference at Your Local Church” manual.

New LMR DVD:

2011-11-10T14:06:00.001-05:00

I have just completed a brand new DVD that gives adescriptive breakdown on the responsibilities of the LMR (local church missionsrepresentative).

The purpose of the video is to inform the LMR on how toorganize and develop a missions program for the church you represent. It can beshared with your missions committee to advise them on how to plan your missionsprogram and how to work together to encourage your congregation’s involvement in the Great Commission.

The DVD contains information about Church of God WorldMissions and offers assistance in choosing missionaries, missions projects andorphanages to support.

Included in the video are some of the highlights of the 2011LMR Rally and Celebration.

This LMR video will be sent to all new LMRs in their LMRwelcome packet. If you are currently an LMR and would like to have one of theDVDs, please e-mail jpyeatt@cogwm.org orcall 1-800-345-7492, ext. 7366.

Lives Changed: The Impact of the LMR Rally and Celebration

2011-11-02T11:29:00.000-04:00

Below is a letter received by Doyce Connell, an LMR whose life was impacted by the LMR Rally and Celebration.

GreetingsSister Judy,

I would like to share a portion of the impact the 2011 LMR Rally andCelebration has had on my church, my pastor, the missions ministries and me. Iattend Bread Of Life Church of God, Byron, Georgia, with Pastor Bill Stuckey,and the rally was life-changing for us.

Permit me to share what has happened in my life since February 2010. My wife,Linda, who is a registered nurse, turned the corner in the hall at work andunknowing to her, a steam pipe was leaking. She took a bad fall, injuring her back. Thisended her career as an RN. We received a large reduction in our householdincome, approximately $5,000 per month. Had I not known God's Word and HisPromises, I would have thought that we were about to begin starvation. I toldLinda this: ‘do not buy any more groceries until all the food has been cookedand eaten from our large deep freezer, then unplug it.’ We took militaryshowers and used kerosene lanterns to light our house. God helped us throughit. Even though Linda most likely will never work again, we Praise God throughit all! He has met every need.

All of my life my heart has been toward World Missions. Every time I listenedto a missionary speak, my heart would burn inside. It was February 18th, 2010and I had had enough of the burning in my heart. I had had enough of everydaylife. My desire is to live an extraordinary life, and I needed closure on several things goingon in Linda's and my life. It seemed that satan was having a field day with us.So I drew a line in the sand, and said, ‘Today our lives will begin to change.’So, I began a 40-day fast. During that fast, I asked God what was going on inmy heart when I listened to missionaries speak. ‘Lord are you calling Linda andme into missions?’ At the end of the 40-day fast, I did not see lightningflashing. I was very hungry, weak, and had lost weight. But God begin to movein my life. It's as if he showed me another facet of Himself. Extraordinarythings begin to happen, people would begin to come to my desk at work say, ‘GodBrought Me here to hear what you had to say,’ They had received a message fortheir life to move them to greater victory in their situations.

My whole year seemed to be nothing other than World Missions. Around August2010 the Lord laid a message upon my heart that was just burning inside me andI asked, Lord, where and to whom would I deliver this message. Shortly afterthat, my pastor came to me and said, ‘Doyce, I want you to speak at a Wednesdaynight service,’ so I agreed, and he set it up for October. Then, on September15, my wife had a car accident. The car was totaled, and she was bruised badlybut had no broken bones. She was laid up for the next several months because ofthe accident. With all of that going on, the pastor forgot he had asked me tospeak, and I didn’t remind him. In November, Linda went into the hospital for14 days with staph infection of the lungs. I felt like our world was caving inon us. Around the same time, my pastor received an application requesting himto send an representative to the LMR Rally and Celebration 2011. Back in August2010, I had shared with my prayer partner that I sensed I was to be themissions director for our church. I didn’t say anything to my pastor or anyoneelse. I knew that if I were to be that missions director, the Holy Spirit wouldbring it to fruition. So, my pastor approached me and asked if I would be thelocal mission representative for our Church. He said, ‘I know your heart is inMissions, would you like to attend the LMR Rally and Celebration?’ At that timein my life, Linda was injured and very sick, and we were both somewhatdiscouraged. I held off on the missions application for a month and a half,then decided, by faith, I would fill it out and send it.

In December 2010 I begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I heard theLord speak in my spirit, ‘Doyce, don't get ahead of Me.’ I was puzzled alittle, but I marked it in my heart and went on with life. In January 2011,Pastor Stuckey came to me and asked if I would like to be the missions directorfor our church. The very same wording that I had said to my prayer partner theprevious September. Wow!!! I knew the Holy Spirit was moving in my life. Then,my pastor said to me, ‘I want you to speak at a Wednesday night service.’ I agreed. At this point, I had neverspoken in a Church in my life. I spoke on that Wednesday night, and the powerof the Holy Spirit came down and touched lives! Two weeks later, Linda and Iwere visiting a Church of God in Alabama where we had never been before in ourlives. After that Sunday morning service, the pastor asked if I would come backand speak the following Sunday. The Holy Spirit began setting me up to speakthroughout the year. We have seen lives changed, and I've received reports thatmissions giving is up in the churches where the Lord sent me to take themessage that he gave me in August 2010. To this date, I have spoken 10 times intwo states and three churches. I'm scheduled
to speak at a fourth church in the near future.

This brings us to the impact of the LMR Rally and Celebration. While at therally, I met and talked with a lot of the missionaries, pastors, and long-timeLMRs. I came home so blessed and challenged, not knowing what the next step totake. My pastor had asked me to select a missionary for our local church tobegin supporting. I called and asked what missionaries had the most urgent needand learned about Tommy and Poppi Smith. I called Brother Tommy, and the HolySpirit canceled his next appointment, and he came to our church that Sunday andspoke for us. The service was dynamic, lives were challenged, and people havesince begun supporting him on a monthly basis. Our church has begun to grow innumbers and now is becoming very missions-minded. I've had people to share withme that they are now giving to missions regularly. Our church has given over$6,000 to World Missions since the LMR Rally and Celebration. We have a rather small church, but God is bringingnew families in almost weekly. Praise the Lord!

I met Dr. Hong Yang for a brief moment at the rally and there was such akindred spirit. He came and spoke at our church in October. The Power of theHoly Spirit came down in that service and I had testimonies from eight peopleof how the Spirit ministered to them under Dr. Hong Yang’s message. Dr. EstherYang also blessed us very much. Dr. Hong Yang and Sister Esther spent the nightat our house and we were able to talk and share God's Blessings that are in ourlives.

After Dr. Hong and Sister Esther spoke at our church, immediately, I had totake them to speak at a Mexican church in our community at 12:30 p.m. It wasanother powerful service. Dr. Hong asked for those who would like to have thefire of God in their lives for missions to come forward for prayer. About 15Latinos came forward and he called me to lay hands on each one of them and pray for them while following him. Ireceived such a blessing!

After Dr. Hong Yang left the Latino church, Linda and I lead them to Interstate75 South and they spoke at a Third Service in Live Oak, Florida three and ahalf hours later. They had a 3-hour drive when they left us. Wow!! Whatdedication. I was so encouraged by them. We have spoken of the possibility ofme traveling to China and Mongolia to minister.

My Pastors, Bill and Brenda Stuckey are rejoicing at the impact that missionsin making in our church. Sister Brenda has spoken recently in church and sharedhow missions is impacting her personal life and the lives of people in ourchurch. Pastor Stuckey is also amazed at the impact. Sister Brenda said she could see the Holy Spirit all over meas I speak about World Missions.

Afterone Wednesday night service, I met with our Missions Committee on the front row of the sanctuary. While discussing missions and how we propose tosupport World Missions, a normally quite lady, who is 71 years old gave amessage in tongues and an interpretation. Wow!!!

So, to all those who put together the LMR Rally and Celebration, God is movingin a mighty way through your efforts and prayers! I would personally like tosay thank you to everyone who had a part in it. We have yet to see the extentof the impact that the rally made in the lives of the LMRs.

We Love You all,
God Bless You,
Doyce Connell

Lee For Haiti

2011-10-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

LeeUniversity has chosen the rebuilding of the La Saline Church of God in Port AuPrince, Haiti, for the 2011-2012 missions Week Project. Not only are Leestudents, faculty, and staff already at work, but an invitation has beenextended to local churches to join with them.

LeeMissions Week is named the “Dee Lavender Missions Week” in honor of Dee, a 22year old Lee student who, while spending her summer on a missions internship inPanama, Central America, became sick and died. Her words to her parents, “Iknow I’m where God wants me to be,” still motivate us to fulfill the GreatCommission calling on our own lives.

TheLa Saline Church is in a strategic location in Port Au Prince. It is on ahighly traveled road across from where big-rig trucks load shipping containersto distribute goods all through Haiti. La Saline is also just down from thegigantic City Market. In addition, this church was the first project for Churchof God World Missions. In 1951, the 6^th Ave. Church of God in LenoirCity, TN, donated the monies used to building the first building for this keychurch.

“Leefor Haiti” means rebuilding the vital educational facilities of the church aswell. La Saline provides a quality education for both necessary academic andspiritual equipping, and also for job training. This qualifies Haitian youth tobe able to find work that will sustain them and their families. In a countrywith 90 percent unemployment, trained and willing workers who love Christ willhave an impact on the country.

Perhapsyour heart still contains a vision to help change Haiti. Much work is underwayand the Church of God congregations are working hard to rebuild and restoretheir ability to influence communities. (Make preceding sentence a link toHaiti Update 2011 https://www.cogwm.org/index.php?option=com_online_donate&task=addOnlineDonate&projectID=102-9190&Itemid=467)If so, please donate to Lee for Haiti through secure online giving (Project 102-9190);or call 800 345-7492. Your gift, given by March 2012, will be matched by theLazarus Foundation, a partner with Lee University in changing the lives ofchildren and youth.

Youtoo can join with Lee University to change Haiti. Now, it’s up to you!

ByGrady Murphy

Pray For Our Missionaries Countdown Video

2011-10-06T09:49:00.000-04:00

Announcing a brand new tool to help raise awareness for Church of God Missionaries: "Pray for Our Missionaries" pre-service countdown video!

Missionaries face a dual ministry. They must care for the peoplein the place where God has them and they must care, minister to, andrelate to their partners who pray for and support them. Truly they arepeople who need the favor of God.

Would you take five minutes to view this new pre-service (or anytime) countdown that asks for prayer and show as many of our long-term missionaries as we could pack into the time?

If you need a DVD of this countdown, please write gmurphy@cogwm.org or call 423 478-7187 (Cathy Coile).

Blessings as you raise missions awareness!

What I See Affects My Heart – Missions Video Resource

2011-09-28T09:44:00.000-04:00

Missions Video Resource Promo (click here)

“I won’t believe it until I see it!” All of us have heardthis statement before. We understood the scenario, but the story told wasbeyond a reasonable frame of personal experience.

The people who sit in the pews of our churches may also have the same feeling about missions. “I’ve never heard of that,” or, “Idon’t believe anyone would live that way!”

Sometimes we have to show people—let them see with their owneyes, hear with their own ears, and feel the emotion—through a video from themissions field.

Missions Video Resource is a subscription-based, quarterlyshipped video tool that will help young and old, men and women, boys and girls havean understanding of pursuing the Great Commission. Priced at only $19.99 forfour mailings (12 consecutive months), MVR is an affordable tool with which youcan easily share a missions experience.

Perhaps you’ve never considered the powerful motivationthese missions video vignettes contain. Please consider taking a few minutes toview this video of Arlene Miller sharing a testimony of God’s intimateknowledge of the unexpressed needs of a missionary. Or maybe even this videoof long-time missionaries, John and Kathy Hayes, who are doing amazing ministryin the Amazon area of Brazil.

Couldn't you use these 8 – 10 videos andhigh-resolution photos to motivate and speak to the hearts of your local churchmembers?

We firmly believe when people see, hear, and feel themissions message, they will find a way to accomplish what God speaks to theirhearts. Now, more than ever, it is time for each of us to do our part insharing the love of God with all people, everywhere!

To subscribe, call (800) 345-7492 and ask for Cathy Coile(ext. 7187), or email videocommunications@cogwm.org.

“Mine eye affecteth mine heart…”Lamentations 3:51 KJV

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Arlene Miller: “A Box of Chocolates” - http://www.cogwm.org/index.php?option=com_video_catalog&vid=00329g(1).mp4

John and Kathy Hayes - http://www.cogwm.org/index.php?option=com_video_catalog&vid=00376.mp4

MVR Video Promo - http://www.cogwm.org/index.php?option=com_video_catalog&vid=00314.mp4

Fresh Anointing Power for LMRs

2011-09-14T14:07:00.001-04:00

As a LMR or servantof God, Satan desires to attack you. You are his enemy!

God allows yourtrial because He wants to make you “devil-proof!” That does not mean you willnot be attacked again, but you will be trained to stand! It is all part of Hispreparing you for greater service, greater anointing, and expanded usefulnessin His kingdom.

Furthermore, theLord is trying to strengthen you against the devil’s wiles. He is raising abody of believers who have faced the devil, who have been strengthened againsthim, and who know his devices and are not afraid of him! God is saying, “Onceyou understand why you are going through this, you will have taken back all theground you lost. You will be in control again—by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Once Elijah’s trialwas over (I Kings 19), he would never run again. He now had a sense ofdirection and he was reassured in his spirit. You see, God was preparing tosend him to nations to raise up kings, leaders and prophets!

God told Elijah,“Go, return on your way…anoint Hazael as king over Syria…anoint Jehu as kingover Israel. And Elisha…you shall anoint as prophet in your place” (I Kings19:15-16). Elijah had been given fresh anointing power. He was in controlagain!

“So he departed fromthere” (verse 19). Elijah came out of the cave to do God’s will! He did nothave to shed a river of tears. No, he simply had heard the Word of the Lord!

Beloved, the onlyhold the devil can have on you is fear. And you must shake it off in faith. Youhave to say, “I am not going down. God is going to give me a fresh anointingfrom Heaven—He is going to use me!”

Do you believe thatGod is not finished with you—that He is teaching and training you for betterthings? He wants to speak to you in your cave of despondency. He wants to tellyou what to do and where to go—He wants to bring you out!

So get out of yourdespair and shake off the bondage of fear and depression! Depart from yourcave. You will discover that the moment you get up and walk out, the anointingwill flow!

*Note from Judy Pyeatt – this article waswritten by the late David Wilkerson who went to be with the Lord April 27,2011. If you are an LMR, please allow the Holy Spirit to minister to youthrough this article. Your pastor appointed you as the LMR of your local churchbecause he has confidence in you to help him lead your congregation in reachingthe harvest field – the Great Commission – the heartbeat of God. The field isripe and ready for harvest. Please do not neglect your call!

How To Pray for Missionaries by David Wang

2011-09-13T09:25:00.002-04:00

“Don’t come, please.At least, not yet,” I said to the prospective missionary family. So critical isintercessory prayer to the success of missionaries on foreign fields. Irecently asked this young family to mobilize 20 people to pray for them, evenbefore they applied to join Asian Outreach as missionaries.

The couple wereinitially surprised at my insistence on this condition. But as I explained myreasons for doing so, I could sense that they were beginning to see their needfor prayer warriors. Just the week before I had met with them, we learned of amissionary family being kidnapped in the region they were wanting to go to.

This was not anisolated incident. Almost on a yearly basis, missionaries are being captured,kidnapped or even killed in that part of the world. And here I had thisbeautiful, enthusiastic family preparing to go to the same area to serve theirLord and His people.

InvadingEnemy Territory

The battle we faceis a spiritual conflict. It must be fought and won by men and women of God whoare willing to intercede for missionary families as they invade enemy territoryheld uncontested for centuries. Satan does not meekly give up his prey. Hecounterattacks fiercely in many unexpected ways. The missionary must haveintercessors who stand alongside, praying on a regular and systematic basis.

- One ofthe most effective strategies Satan employs to hinder missionary activity is toattack the health of missionaries and force them to return home. Recognitionthat it is not God’s will that Satan strip the mission field of workers throughinfirmity

(Psalm103:3; 107:20; Isaiah 53:5). Recognize that it is the will of God for His

children to have health and strength to carry out His work (Jeremiah 3:6;

John 10:10, 3 John 2).

- Pleadthe protection of Jesus’ blood over the body of the missionary. Hostileclimate, language barriers, strange customs, oppression of the enemy anddifficult circumstances can take their toll on the missionary.

- Pleadthe protection of Jesus’ blood over the mind of the missionary.

- Pray themissionary may know God’s rest and peace (John 14:27; Hebrews 4:9).

- Praythat the missionary will refuse to accept any accusation from Satan against afellow believer. Satan may defeat a missionary through placing suspicions inthe minds of other missionaries concerning him or her.

- Pray forGod’s discernment and power to be given to break through the powers of darkness(Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:6; Psalm 27:14; 31:24).

- Pray forthe missionary’s safety. Missionaries usually travel extensively in their work.Pray for their safety as they travel. In many parts of the world, terrorism isrife. Forces that seek to stop the preaching of the gospel are arrayed againstthe missionary.

- Pray forthe safety of each individual member of the missionary’s family (Psalm 91:11).

- Pray forthe love of God to fill the heart of the missionary. Missionaries live inabnormal, difficult and often dangerous situations, and the natural love of thehuman heart will fail many times. Without the love of Christ filling the heart,adversity can induce hardness of the heart, impatience, sharpness of speech,anger and prejudice (Romans 5:5).

- Pray forGod’s love to fill the missionary’s heart with love for his or her fellowworkers (I John 4:7-8; I Peter 4:8).

- Pray forGod’s love to fill the missionary’s heart toward the people he or she isreaching (Matthew 5:43-44).

- Pray forthe anointing of God to rest on the missionary. How easy it is to labor in thearm of the flesh, depending on one’s own strength, wisdom and ability, but howfutile. Satan only mocks us for he recognizes no power, but the power of God.

- Praythat the missionary may be continually filled with the Spirit (Luke 4:18; Acts1:8; 4:31,33).

Satan does not meekly giveup his prey. He

counterattacks fiercely inmany unexpected ways.

- Pray forrevival. More is accomplished in a few weeks through revival than isaccomplished in years of ordinary labor. God has promised to pour out HisSpirit in these last days on all flesh. This means on all flesh who seek Him(Joel 2:28-29).

- Pray forthe establishment of the national church. In these uncertain days, themissionary may be driven out of a country at any time. But if the nationalchurch is established, the work will go on.

- Praythat disciples will be made in every national church. Disciple making is thekey to world evangelization (Matthew 28:18-20).

- Pray forBible schools and their teachers.

- Pray fornational pastors and their families.

- Pray formore laborers. All occupied fields are short of labor and more missionaries areneeded to enter new harvest fields (Matthew 9:38).

- Prayknowledgeably. Inform yourself of the specific prayer targets of the mission fieldthrough the missionary’s newsletter.

- Prayconsistently. Be specific, systematic, and steadfast in praying for real anddefined needs (I Thessalonians 5:17).

- Praybelieving. Jesus said, “Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that youreceive them, and you will have them” (Mark 11:34).

- Pray inthe Spirit. The Holy Spirit is One “called alongside to help” (Romans 8:26-27).

- Prayusing Scripture. When you are praying for your missionary, use Scripture likeEphesians 1:15-19.

- Praywith fasting. It works! Fasting added to prayer will break any stronghold ofSatan (Mark 9:29).

- Exerciseyour authority over Satan. It is in prayer that the binding and loosingministry God has given us is accomplished. Satan must be bound in situationsand the children of God loosed from his power (Matthew 18:18; Mark 16:17-18;Luke 9:1, 10:19).

- PraiseGod for the answers. Give God the praise due Him for answered prayer. As youpray, praise Him for the answers before they are manifested. Prayer is mighty,but prayer with praise is mightier! Around the world missionaries areexperiencing God’s visitation. Their victories will continue as you pray, andsoon we shall rejoice together with Christ for all eternity!

(David Wang isInternational Director of Asian Outreach International Ltd. in Hong Kong, andpublisher of “Asian Report.” As adapted in “Mission Today ’94, Berry PublishingServices. It is reprinted with permission).

Seven Reasons to Go by Floyd McClung

2011-09-08T15:47:00.000-04:00

That world is covered in spiritual darkness. Four billion people out of the 6.9 billion on this planet never heard the good news of Jesus, and are separated from Him by spiritual darkness, and even in some cases, deep deception. I have listed the reasons that compel me to go, and why I ask others to do the same, below.

However, these reasons will remain just one more list of things we "ought to do" someday, unless we submit our inner motivations to Jesus. May I request that you join me in thinking for a few moments about our reasons to make Jesus known to others? Would you please ask the Lord to speak to your heart as you read through this list?

The Lamb is Worthy

At the end of time people will gather from every tribe and tongue and nation around the throne of God to honor the Lamb of God, all worshipping in their redeemed cultures. They will gather joyously around the throne of God and celebrate the victory He has won on their behalf. The One who died a shameful death to redeem the peoples of the earth will be the object of honor and praise for all eternity. All of history will be consummated in the praise of the One who gave Himself for us. He died to make us a kingdom of priests. He set us free from religion and fear and superstition so we might freely enter His throne room of grace. Everything is headed for that day. All we do that has meaning will find its fulfillment at that celebration. May it come quickly, Lord Jesus! This is the mission of God, and that is the mission of the church of God. The church's ultimate purpose is not the programs we offer to people or the missionary outreaches we do, or our budgets or faith giving, our missionaries dressed in strange costumes, not even about the lost people or the needs of hurting millions. It is about Jesus, the Lion who became a Lamb, the Redeemer of the all peoples, the Savior of the world. He is our great goal. It is for Him. We go to others so Jesus will receive the just reward of His suffering.

The Lost Are Dying

Most of earth's population will spend eternity separated from God if they do not have a chance to hear the Good News of God's salvation. Eternity is real, and though many people believe theoretically in hell, they don't really believe that a “good God will send people to hell.” May God impress deeply on our hears the terrible reality of man's lostness without a savior. Men and women need forgiveness of sins. There is no other way for that to happen than Jesus. It is by hearing, believing and calling on His name that people are rescued from a certain, eternal, separation from God.

The Poor are Suffering

We can easily become immune to the horrendous suffering of the victims of drought, famine, poverty and injustice. It is only by the grace of God than our hearts can be filled with the compassion of Jesus. The Bible says that when Jesus looked upon the crowds, He had compassion. May we have the same response, whether it be to a neighbor in need, a child's face in a Christian advertisement, or a news broadcast from the Horn of Africa. We know the statistics, we hear and see the faces, may we now become hardened to their plight. There are only two ways to maintain genuine compassion: getting involved with the poor, and maintaining a lifestyle of personal devotion and prayer for the poor.

The Church is Commissioned

Jesus commanded us to go, and go means a change of location. We have been commissioned to go, teach, baptize and make disciples. There are people waiting for us to obey, whether it be the villages of North Africa or the mountains of Tibet. They wait for our obedience. The issue is not whether or not we are called. All are called. All are commissioned. It is a matter of location, of those in the church will join with God in sacrificial obedience. Willing hearts hear His voice. The Lord Jesus said to His disciples, "As the Father sent me, so send I you..."

The Believers Are Perishing

Without a vision greater than the pleasures of our culture and the comforts of life, we will perish. By joining God on mission, we find a vision worth dying for and worth living for. It is not enough to send our money, because money does not have to lay down rights, weep, or give itself. It is not enough to send native workers, because native workers cannot pray, love and disciple in our place. God uses people to reach people. He uses people to encourage faint hearts. If for no other reason, we must go for our sakes. If not, we will surely perish. For the sake of the church we must give our very best, lest we die from lack of sacrifice, from lack of personal involvement. If we will not, we will perish.

The Father is Waiting

The highest motivation for preaching the gospel is not what lost or needy people receive from our efforts, but what God receives from our love for Him. Joining God’s mission is first and foremost about God. He created the nations to seek after Him and find Him (Acts 17:24-26). He brought them into existence so they might find their satisfaction in their Creator (Revelation 4:11). The Father is waiting. He longs for the worship and obedience of His creation. He made the nations. He made them for a purpose. Like the father in the parable of the prodigal son, God is yearning for the peoples of the earth to come home to Him.

The Spirit is Moving

We are living in the time of the greatest revival in the history of the church. There have been times in church history when the Spirit has moved on one continent, and then other times when the Spirit has moved on another continent. What is unusual about this period of history is that the Spirit of God is bringing millions of people to Himself, simultaneously, on every continent. The church is growing mightily in China, Indonesia, India, Korea, Latin America, Africa -literally all over the world. God brought down the Berlin wall, and the communist governments of Eastern Europe, and now His Spirit is tearing down walls of fear and cultural separation that hide Muslims and Hindus and Buddhists from Jesus. It’s God's gracious invitation and the Church’s sacred privilege to participate in this unprecedented move of the Holy Spirit. Who would want to miss out on what our Father is doing on the earth?

God has chosen this time to gather people from all the peoples of the earth in a way He has never done before. It is the will of God for the Church to be part of what Father is doing. The Church is what God is doing; He is raising up a people for Himself from among all the peoples of the earth.

A New Missions Team Welcomes Missionaries

2011-08-31T10:33:00.004-04:00

I want to share how God used the new missions team at Living Waters Church of God in Marysville, Ohio to welcome the Massengills. The team consists of Steve and Barb Daum, Jessica Bolt, Joyce Lyon, and Elizabeth Shrewsbery.

In planning for the Massengill’s visit, Joyce informed us that she works for The Hampton Inn in Marysville, and that she was able to use her employee privileges to get a discounted room. As I began to email Bro. Massengill with the confirmation of the room, I was prompted by the Spirit to personally offer his family a second night, and tell him about the zoo nearby. When I sent the email, he replied quickly saying that it would suit them well as they had promised the girls a trip to the zoo while in the States. They intended to go while visiting in Texas prior to coming to Ohio, but the temperatures were so high they could not go, and the girls were disappointed. He said that our offer would help fulfill their promise to the girls. After that, I called Pastor Marcum and told him the plan, and he was touched and said the church would pay for the second night! I was elated to think that by obeying a prompting like that, we could bless this missionary family so much! God is so good!

After I told the team about the lodging plans, Steve and Barb Daum said they wanted to do welcome baskets, and that Steve wanted to meet and greet the Massengills when they arrived at the hotel. Since we were given 4 complimentary tickets to give to the Massengills and their children, I decided I would tag along to greet them as well.

On Friday, when they arrived, Steve and I met them at the hotel, and Steve presented them with a beautiful fruit basket that Barb made. She had also 2 little baskets for the girls that contained fun shaped sunglasses and some play rings with big diamonds in them, and other sparkly things and some special drinks. I presented them with a welcome card and the zoo tickets from the team. We visited with them for about 1.5 hours and took pictures, then let them rest until Sunday.

As I thought about Sunday service, I remembered we needed to provide food for the family, but that they had a long drive to Marietta, Ohio, and needed to arrive there by 5:30 p.m. After talking to pastor, I decided to offer them a home-cooked meal at the church before they left, unless they wanted to drive a while and then stop to eat on their own. Vance responded that they rarely get a good home-cooked meal! I enlisted a friend who is a cook in the church and is normally in charge of church dinners for us, and she organized and set up tables for 20 people. She decorated beautifully! We cooked 8 lbs. of English cut roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, fresh green beans, cole slaw, fresh sliced home grown tomatoes (donated), cucumbers (donated), and angel eggs (sanctified deviled eggs, donated by Barb Daum). The Massengills said they enjoyed the time of fellowship as well as the food. We all enjoyed it too!

We enjoyed making the Massengills feel loved, and many agreed that Bro. Massengills presentation was one of the best we’ve ever heard!

Together in the harvest,

Ruth Eastman, Marysville Ohio

Living Waters Church of God

LMRs Respond to the LMR Rally and Celebration

2011-08-18T09:43:00.004-04:00

Good morning, Judy,

I hope you are happy about the success of the Local Missions Representative Conference.

Some words that I could use to describe the Local Missions Representative Conference are: outstanding, exceptional, first-rate, marvelous, and extraordinary. But, really, the conference surpassed words of description. The presentations were very insightful, the booths were informative, and the conference was well-organized.

I’m confident that the World Missions department will reap many benefits for the conference.

Donald G. Bennett, D. Min.

MDSOM Coordinator

Ministerial Development/School of Ministry

Dear Judy,

I hope you're enjoying some well-deserved rest after having really outdone yourself with all your preparations for this past weekend's LMR rally. We just wanted to thank you for all the effort you put into it and to let you know what a blessing it was for us. (To quote Steffen: You did "an awesome job"!)

We appreciated having the opportunity to attend and were really impressed by how smoothly everything seemed to go (particularly the timeliness of the transitions between the many speakers who offered a wealth of practical information). I'm confident that it was a really beneficial event for the LMRs, and hopefully World Missions will see the positive results of it very soon.

Have a lovely week!

Lisette & Steffen Schumacher

Dear Judy,

Hello, My name is Ruth Osborne and I had the privilege to attend the LMR Rally. I just wanted you to know that I had a great time. My pastor tell us often that we need to celebrate people when they visit our church. I have to tell you that I felt celebrated when I left Cleveland on Saturday evening. The rally was very informative and educational. I have had it on my mind to write and tell you how much I appreciate all the work you and your staff put into it. Thank you so much and I look forward to attending again.

Ruth Osborne

Judy,

It has been a little over two weeks and I am just getting back from our travels. However, I haven't forgotten about our time spent in Cleveland! It was great meeting you and everyone in Cleveland. Congratulations and thank you; the LMR conference was fantastic.

I appreciate all of your efforts in organizing such a great conference and helping my wife and I feel so comfortable. I will be speaking with Pastor Chris Fraley in the coming week and look forward to speaking with you about organizing a local World Missions conference here in New Jersey.

Thanks again and God Bless you!

Pete Stahl

Abundant Life COG

Freehold, NJ

Dr. Leroy, Judy and entire World Missions staff:

I just want to take the time to let you know how much I (we) appreciated all the hours of planning, coordinating, calling, e-mailing, and confirming you all gave for the LMR Rally.

I know Judy is the LMR Consultant, and when God impressed upon you all, in these last days, that His heart is for the souls of this world, you responded and went to work. God is always looking for sensitive and responsive servants who will act on the Lord’s direction in obedience…and you did. Thank you!

My prayer now is that we (the LMRs), have seen, heard, and experienced God’s heart for souls. I pray that we are obedient to the promptings to work hard for our missionaries.

I Chronicles 4:23 says that some were the potters, and some dwelt with the plants and hedges and that they dwelt with the King for His work. We dwell anywhere and everywhere and I pray, like you, that the Father will count me among the faithful souls.

May God continue to lead and bless you until He comes!

Diane Falco

LMR

Baldwinsville, New York

To all LMRs who attended the recent LMR Rally and Celebration:

2011-08-10T08:24:00.001-04:00

This is a reminder to check out the Missionary Profiles DVD in your rally bag. The DVD contains approximately 350 active project profiles. If you are looking for a specific project, this DVD will be very useful to assist you in choosing the project that most interests you and your congregation.

Please feel free to make additional copies to distribute to anyone interested.

If you have questions about any of the projects, we encourage you to contact us at 1-800-345-7492 or email jpyeatt@cogwm.org.

Local Missions Representatives Rally & Celebration DVD Set Now Available

2011-08-02T16:15:00.005-04:00

The four (4) disc DVD set from Saturday’s session of the recent Local Missions Representative Rally is now ready to be shipped. Priced at $20.00 per set (including shipping) or $5 per individual DVD, you can access the following sessions:

Disc One	Item 00417B

Core Values of World Missions	Douglas LeRoy
Training Workers: Education & Literature	Bill George
Donor Services	Ken Blanton
Video Tools for You	Grady Murphy
Developing Missions Awareness	Molly Cox

Disc Two	Item 00417C

Partners In Missions
	Men and Women of Action	Teddie Bennett
	People for Care and Learning	Jennifer Tollefson
	Volunteers in Medical Missions	Stoney Abercrombie
	Children of the World	Richard Baker
	Women’s Discipleship	Wanda LeRoy

Knowing Our Missionaries		Calvin Wood
Missionary Card Ministry		Virginia Lilley
LMR Interaction		Douglas LeRoy
Commissioning Service		Aubrey Maye

Disc Three	Item 00417D

Missions Representative Panel	Ben McGlamery
	Chuck Duncan
	Bob Daugherty
	Gary Tygart
	Ray Sanders

LMR’s Share Ideas	David Smoot
	Mike Hendel
	Charlene Cureau
	Ruth Eastman
	Kathy King
	Robert Sheppard

Disc Four	Item 00417E

Song by Dr. Tim Hill	Till the Land
Sermon: “The Great Commission Challenge for the Local Church”	Dr. Tim Hill

A wonderful overflow of ideas and motivation come from the numerous speakers involved. You can benefit from these presentations as you absorb the vital information.

There are three ways to order.

1 – Call 1800 345-7492 and ask for Cathy at ext. 7187

2 – Email your order to missionscommunications@cogwm.org

3 – Follow the link on www.cogwm.org

Local Missions Representatives: Bridging the Local Church and the Global Missions Harvest!

LMR Rally and Celebration: A Success!

2011-08-01T09:09:00.001-04:00

“I’ve been an LMR only a few weeks, and I wasn’t really sure what I should be doing, but now I am going back to my church with the tools I need to do what I think will be a good job,” commented one of last week’s LMR seminar attendees.

Several hundred Local Missions Representatives (LMRs) gathered in Cleveland, Tennessee, July 22 and 23 for a celebration and rally led by World Missions personnel, designed to train them for promoting missions in their churches.

The LMRs began the weekend event with a Friday evening worship service, including music, drama, greetings from General Director Douglas LeRoy and host pastor Mitchell Maloney, and keynoted by a sermon by General Overseer Raymond F. Culpepper. The general overseer, who has strongly emphasized Great Commission ministry during his tenure, challenged the participants to fulfill their missions calling.

The fast-paced schedule on Saturday exposed the group to more than a dozen missions leaders, missionaries, and experienced LMRs, who shared methods, techniques, and plans that lead to effective missions programs for local churches.

Assistant General Overseer Tim Hill highlighted the Saturday afternoon worship time, and the event concluded with a commissioning service led by veteran missions pastor, Aubrey Maye, of Virginia.

The next event of this type on a national level is tentatively set for 2013.

LMR Rally and Celebration This Week: July 22 and 23

2011-07-18T15:43:00.000-04:00

We are so excited about the LMR Rally and Celebration coming up this weekend! Response to the event has been extraordinary, with over 500 registrants. This meeting is going to be an opportune time for individuals who love missions to get involved and learn about our missionaries and other projects we are involved in.

One of the focus points of the meeting will be an opportunity for our participants to meet and get acquainted with career missionaries and learn of their urgent needs.

Information will be provided by World Missions Donor Relations Supervisor Yolanda Guy, and her team. They will have valuable input and suggestions pertaining to the urgent needs of the career missionaries and keeping them on the mission field.

We look forward to a special message on Friday evening by Church of God General Overseer Dr. Raymond Culpepper. The service will also feature a Parade of Nations and World Missions choir.

The Saturday seminar will be a full day, beginning at 7:55 a.m. and lasting until 5 p.m. with various speakers, such as veteran LMRs, missions coordinators and Assistant General Overseer Dr. Tim Hill, speaking in the afternoon.

If you have not made plans to attend, we invite you to come and enjoy this meeting in which we are involving ourselves in the Great Commission of Jesus Christ!

See you there!

The Importance of Sharing the Love of Jesus

2011-06-28T08:45:00.002-04:00

When Pastor Dale Carter of the Lighthouse Community Church of God appointed me as the local missions representative (LMR), I prayed that God would guide me and show me what needed to be done.

Two bulletin boards and a map have been placed in the church. These bulletin boards have the profiles of the six missionaries that our church supports and also of our Missions Representative, Charles Duncan. The map is used to mark where each one of the missionaries is located.

Every month God is showing me how important the role of LMR is to the local church and to World Missions. It is important we provide housing, food, and clothing, but most importantly to share the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.

On the Men and Women of Action website I found a quote, "The goal of MWOA is to assist other ministries so they may fulfill their calling.” That is what the LMR is also doing by being the bridge between the local church and World Missions to help others not only to know about Jesus, but also to know Jesus in a close relationship.

Donald Webster
Local Church Missions Representative (LMR)
Lighthouse Community Church of God
Ottawa, KS

World Mission Resources

2011-06-27T10:41:00.000-04:00

Many resource materials are available to assist you in your support of Church of God World Missions. Use these materials to educate your congregation about missions and to raise awareness of what God is accomplishing around the world through the work of World Missions and the support of congregations like yours. If you don’t find what you need here, contact us, visit your local Christian bookstore or do an online search.

Web sites – The World Missions Web site (www.cogwm.org) contains a wealth of information about the church’s work around the world. You can find information on various Church of God ministries and regions, as well as links to other missions-related organizations, ministries, journals, magazines and online services.

Videos (MVR) – Topical videos are available to highlight the needs and ministries of missionaries and projects around the world. Enrollment in Missions Video Resource gives you a quarterly video package that includes the latest missions videos and related materials. An annual subscription is $19.95.

Printed materials – At your request, Church of God World Missions will send you printed materials related to general missions education of the world that interest you. Available printed materials include booklets, books, brochures, and children’s literature. If we do not have the materials you need, we can help you locate them.

Duties of the LMR (local church missions representative):

2011-06-24T10:19:00.000-04:00

The LMR is appointed by the pastor and acts as the key force for missions activity and promotion in the local church. The LMR works with the pastor and church leadership to establish and maintain a World Missions program in the following ways:

· Communicates with World Missions, missionaries and missions personnel about the church’s selected missions projects.

· Prepares periodic reports about the church’s missions activity.

· Distributes Save Our World magazine and other missions publications to church members.

· Maintains a missions bulletin board or interest center in a high traffic area of the church. (Materials and suggestions for keeping this area fresh and interesting are available from your state missions representative or World Missions.

· Keeps missions prayer requests before the church.

· Finds creative ways to help the pastor emphasize World Missions during regularly scheduled services and gatherings.

· Works with all church departments to ensure a consistent missions emphasis in their programs. (The Church of God offers many age-appropriate programs for missions awareness. They include: Mission Possible, YWEA, Men and Women of Action, People for Care and Learning, Children of the World and Operation Compassion.)

· Is or serves on the church’s missions committee.

· Works with the missions committees or other local church leaders/laity to organize an annual World Missions Conference.

· Performs other missions-related tasks as assigned by the pastor.

For more information about LMRs or to find out how you can fill that role in your local church, contact your state missions board chairman or World Missions. You can also get more information by contacting Judy Pyeatt at jpyeatt@cogwm.org or call 1-800-345-7492, ext. 7366.

Supporting World Missions

2011-06-16T13:41:00.001-04:00

In 1910, R. M. Evans and his family became the first Church of God missionaries. Since then, the church has grown to include nearly six million members in 179 countries and territories outside of the U.S.A. and Canada.

Such phenomenal growth is the result of the Holy Spirit moving through the lives of thousands of financial supporters, prayer warriors, missionaries and national workers who have committed themselves to the Great Commission.

Today, Church of God World Missions is a bridge between those whom God has called to “go” and those He has called to “send.” World Missions prepares workers for evangelism, church planting, leadership development and other ministries of compassion. It also offers specialized training programs and materials to educate churches about missions.

Everyone has a responsibility to fulfill the Great Commission, and Church of God World Missions can help you identify your role. Call World Missions at 1-800-345-7492 or go to www.cogwm.org for more information and ideas on how you can get involved in World Missions. Find a way to share the information with people that are interested in missions.

Prayer Changes Everything!

2011-06-14T08:16:00.000-04:00

If you are planning a World Missions Conference, your greatest tool is prayer. Pray before you begin anything, while you are planning, and after you have completed everything. Pray when the conference is coming together perfectly and pray when nothing seems to be going right. It is easy to get caught up in planning, but don’t forget that prayer is the single most important part of conference preparation.

This is Just the Beginning:

Hosting a World Missions Conference at your local church can be one of the most rewarding events of the year. In addition to this blog, you can find a wealth of information at Christian bookstores and on the Internet. With a little time and research, you can find the resources you need to plan a local World Missions Conference that uniquely meets the needs and goals of your church.

Why a World Missions Conference?

2011-06-02T09:22:00.002-04:00

Some people shirk at the idea of hosting a World Missions conference because it sounds old-fashioned and dull. It’s true, a World Missions Conference could become a dusty old tradition if we ignore current trends and fail to take advantage of the technology and tools available to us.

We live in a world that is much smaller than the world of our grandparents. Cell phones, the Internet and countless media outlets have made Marshall McLuhan’s “global village” a reality. The mission field that seemed dark and mysterious 50 years ago is now a place we see on TV, in the movies and sometimes, even on vacation.

It used to be missionaries were the only people we ever met from Timbuktu or Singapore. Now, we interact with people from other countries and cultures on a daily basis. We see them at work, chat with them online, watch them on the evening news and see them around town. Much of the curiosity and mysteriousness about other countries is gone.

Despite these changes, a World Missions conference is more important than ever and can continue to be an exciting and anticipated event on the church calendar.

As local congregations become more and more familiar and comfortable with people from other cultures, it becomes increasingly important for us to show them the great need these people still have for God—the need they have for missionaries who will share the gospel with them.

As a celebration, a World Missions conference in your local church will:

ENCOURAGE a greater missions awareness through exposure to missionaries and nationals from the field.

GIVE members of your church a better understanding of what God is doing through the Church of God in different countries around the world.

INTRODUCE your church to missionaries, missions field personnel and the many ministries of Church of God World Missions.

INVOLVE each department of your church in conference preparation, allowing them to feel a part of the Great Commission.

PRESENT the current needs of missions, giving church members an opportunity to respond with prayer and financial support.

ENLARGE the vision of your local church, creating a greater burden for the lost.

IDENTIFY local people who want to get involved in missions.

CELEBRATE God’s faithfulness to His church around the world.

EDUCATE the church about missions needs.

RAISE financial support for the worldwide work of World Missions.

TEACH local church members how to prepare for the lost around the world.

CREATE a local church with a global perspective.

HELP your local church discover how it can fulfill the Great Commission.

Attention: All LMRs (local church missions representatives)

2011-05-31T15:00:00.001-04:00

World Missions has registered over 400 LMRs and missions-loving people to attend the LMR Rally and Celebration to be held at the North Cleveland Church of God, July 22 and 23, 2011.

The area hotels are filling up quickly and we are getting new registrants everyday. If you are interested in attending, please do so as soon as possible if you desire to participate in this first national missions rally.

A note of information to LMRs that have already registered:

You will receive a letter in early June with your hotel confirmation along with other pertinent information regarding the rally.

Please notify Judy Pyeatt at jpyeatt@cogwm.org if you have to cancel your attendance in order for us to release your reserved hotel room.

LMR Rally and Celebration: Location Change

2011-05-17T10:08:00.003-04:00

Location of Meeting Changed To:

North Cleveland Church of God

335 11th Street

Cleveland, TN 37320

(Adjacent to Lee University)

July 22 and 23, 2011

Due to the number of LMRs and other missions-loving people who have registered to attend the LMR (local church missions representative) Rally and Celebration, World Missions has changed the location of the meeting to the North Cleveland Church of God.

Originally, the meeting was planned to be held at the Westmore Church of God in Cleveland, TN. However, because of the overwhelming response from missions representatives, missionaries, and missions committees, it has become necessary to move the Friday and Saturday meeting to a larger facility.

All registrants please make note of this; we will be notifying all registered participants of this change by letter, email or phone call.

The Rally and Celebration begins on Friday evening, July 22, at 7 p.m. The service will include a Parade of Nations and the World Missions choir. Dr. Raymond Culpepper, general overseer of the Church of God, will be guest speaker.

We will begin Saturday morning at 8 a.m. and continue throughout the day until 5 p.m. Various presentations will be conducted by leading LMRs throughout the U.S., along with World Missions leaders and representatives.

Dr. Tim Hill, assistant general overseer, will be guest speaker in the afternoon.

Register Now for the LMR Rally and Celebration!

2011-05-10T14:23:00.003-04:00

Church of God World Missions is planning their first national LMR Rally & Celebration!

Please mark your calendar and save the date for this important event to be held on July 22-23, 2011 at the Westmore Church of God in Cleveland, TN.

All LMRs, missions pastors, missions committees, and missions loving individuals are invited to participate in this Friday evening and Saturday event. World Missions will provide housing and food for the LMR and spouse; the LMR will only be responsible for transportation. You may invite your missions committee and anyone interested in knowing more about World Missions, however, guests, other than LMRs, are requested to cover their hotel accommodations. Food for the Saturday meeting will be provided for all who attend. Arrangements have been made with special rates for area hotels. World Missions will reserve rooms for everyone when you register.

The kick-off service on Friday begins at 7 p.m. with the Parade of Nations, World Missions choir and Dr. Raymond Culpepper (General Overseer of the Church of God) as our guest speaker.

On Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., our Rally and Celebration will continue with LMRs, World Missions personnel, missionaries, and pastors sharing missions with one another.

Dr. Tim Hill (First Assistant General Overseer) will minister in the afternoon, and all LMRs will have an opportunity to win a free missions trip.

Childcare will be provided during all services!

Please email jprice@cogwm.org or call 1-800-345-7492, ext. 7201 to register attendance.

Halverson Hooked on Helping Less Fortunate Keep Warm

2011-04-04T11:18:00.005-04:00

When Shirley Halverson of Winter Haven, Fla., began to crochet nearly 35 years ago, little did she know at that time how far-reaching her new hobby would become. Shirley had no plans to make anything large of it, other than to enjoy it as a hobby. She quickly learned the craft, and she made afghans, sweaters, and other items.

Through the years, she gave the items to family and friends. Now she desires to expand the ability to make and send crocheted sweaters to others.

“I enjoy crocheting as a hobby, but I also see it as a way to help less-fortunate people keep warm,” Shirley said. She believes the Lord showed her the need for the sweaters years ago. Shirley and her husband, Gary, served as missionaries to Guatemala for more than 10 years. While there, she taught many in the country to crochet.

A member of Winter Haven Church of God, Shirley enjoys using this talent to help people. Shirley’s hobby has grown into a ministry as a result of her passion for God and to be a blessing to those in need. She invites others to help her in this mission.

“The Lord game me the desire and talent to bless others with sweaters,” Shirley said. “Finding people who need them isn’t a challenge. Getting the materials for the sweaters and then sending them are challenges,” she added.

Shirley’s first mission to provide a sweater to someone in need was about two years ago. She sent the sweater to a child she supports monthly through Child Fund International in Honduras. This ignited a desire in her to bless others with the hand made items. In December last year, Shirley’s desire to expand the project deepened after she sent eight sweaters to Honduras for the girl’s family. She also sent sweaters to Guatemala.

Shirley makes infant, children’s, and adult sizes. She has 10 more sweaters completed, and is waiting to see where she can send them.

“I would like to get some of the sweaters to the people in Japan because of the recent disasters there,” Shirley said. Her heart was deeply touched by scenes of how cold it is there right now.

For more information on how to help Shirley, contact the Winter Haven Church of God in Winter Haven, Florida.

Stirring Up a Heart for Missions

2011-03-24T11:48:00.003-04:00

Hosting a World Missions Conference at your local church is a wonderful way to bring the needs of missions to the hearts and minds of your congregation and to help them discover how they can get involved in fulfilling the Great Commission.

In the days, weeks and months leading up to your conference, and afterwards, flood your congregation and community with missions knowledge and information. Use missions quotes and scriptures on church correspondence. Add missionary testimonies in sermons and Sunday school lessons. Include missions songs in your praise and worship and special music. Show missions videos. Make your church's commitment to missions obvious by adding a link to missions resources or pages about your missions project(s) on your Web site.

A visit to your local Christian bookstore or an online search will provide you with a wealth of missions-related resources to help you stir up the heart of your local church for missions. Visit www.cogwm.org for Church of God World Missions materials and for links to other missions sites.

Remember, if you are enthusiastic about missions, your enthusiasm will be contagious. If you are enthusiastic about missions, your commitment to the lost should be obvious to anyone who visits your church.

LMR Carol Johnson: Missions Trip to Honduras

2011-03-11T15:00:00.003-05:00

A 2010 missions trip was scheduled with our church, Griffin Center Point, to return to Rio Colorado, Honduras, to finish work on the children’s wing of a medical clinic addition to a church we built in 2009. The missionaries, Sue and Don Boyer, had arranged for us to do a Vacation Bible School at one of the local schools. There was only one problem for me: money! I have been on six missions trips before, but this time I didn’t have the $1100 that was required for the trip. My heart was pounding with a feeling of “go”. One of my sons, a veteran of 27 missions trips, always said that money should never stand in your way when it comes to missions, and that God would provide. I decided to send an e-mail to the church directory, offering to bake cakes to raise money for the trip. The next week I received a card from a young man in Minnesota. He had attended Griffin Center Point for a short time before work took him away, but was still on the e-mail list. In the card was a check for $1,000. He said he had been praying for God to show him where to sow the seed that was in his hand. Orders for about 40 cakes also came in, which supplied every need for the trip. My son was right.

Once in Honduras, we would take a one-hour bus ride up the mountain to Rio Colorado and the beautiful Lenca Indian people every morning. Each trip up the mountain would start with the men quickly putting the roof on the new building.

We found out that a school higher up the mountain was one that had never been visited by a missions team. What a wonderful opportunity God provided for us. We loaded the bus and started out for our first day of VBS. After a few miles, the bus driver stopped, got out and came back shaking his head. The rains from the day left the road impassable. He said we’d never make it. All the ladies agreed that God wanted us to go to these children and that we all had two feet! We started walking toward the school dragging our suitcases of VBS materials with us. When we reached the children, it was worth the walk.

We were able to spend three days with them doing crafts, singing songs, telling stories and ending with games, prizes, clowns, candy, and passing out school supplies.

It’s been ten months since that trip, but very few days go by without me thinking of the babies on the mountain. When it’s cold and I’m lying in my warm comfortable bed, I am suddenly aware that they are hundreds of miles away lying on a dirt floor and my heart breaks all over again. I pray for them. I pray that the seed sown during those days will grow and bring them to a saving knowledge of Jesus. I can then rest again, because I remember that Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. That includes the babies on the mountain in Rio Colorado.

Mission to Colombia

2011-03-08T14:38:00.005-05:00

Denise Cotto, LMR for the New Bern Church of God in North Carolina, recently took a missions trip to Cota, Colombia.

The attached pictures show where she and her team took food, clothing and other gifts to the poor children attending a school in Cota, an orphanage, and various other places. Denise is a friend and mother to these children, and her love for them is strong. The ministry of New Bern Church of God brought joy to these wonderful children.

See attached photos

Macas, Ecuador Baptism Celebration

2011-03-03T09:18:00.003-05:00

We had a marvelous month in February among the people of Macas, Ecuador. God has blessed His church and His mighty Spirit moved among the Shuar Indians and others in a powerful way.

On Sunday, February 27^th, 57 members of the Macas Church of God arrived in Chambira, about 3 1/2 hours from Macas, at 11 in the morning. We joined three other church families from around the area. This is the second such event to occur for our churches in Ecuador. In 2010 the host church was Macas, but this year it’s Chambira. There were 250 sisters and brothers that celebrated Jesus with singing, praise and worship. What a joyful time! Gloria Dios!

After Pastor Miller Gonzalas delivered a Spirit-filled message, the believers gathered around those to be baptized in the River Cabanya. What a wonderful time to praise the Lord and give thanks for His mercy and salvation! We all were in awe of His blessings. We took many pictures during and after the baptisms, but pictures never do justice to the power of the event! After the baptism, we all ate and continued to enjoy the fellowship amongst each other.

Pastor Gonzalas is pastor of the Macas Church of God and is supported through Metro Church of God in Alabama, as well as others who support many of his other projects that reach the Shuar Indians of Ecuador. We all are very grateful for what the Lord is doing to reach the lost of Ecuador and for all who participated in helping this ministry go forth for His glory! Eight people were baptized on Sunday; seven from Macas Church of God. This particular baptism number does not include other baptismal occasions that occured in other areas of Ecuador with Bro. Miller and the Shuar Indians.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit ..." Matthew 28:19 (NIV)

Our Focus for the month of March: Stillwater, TX Will Be Coming to Macas, Ecuador!

These fabulous warriors for God are courageous in their team efforts to reach the Shuar Indians. They pour their talent, time and finances into reaching the lost and going into the deepest parts of the Amazon. Pray for them as they prepare for this significant outreach to the Shuar. These wonderful people and their church have formed a God ordained relationship with Pastor Gonzalas and Ecuador!

Preparation for the Second Annual Shuar Teaching Seminar is underway for June 22-June 26, with Dr. James Lee presiding, and his lovely wife, Margarita, translating. This will be a 5-day event with an expected attendance of 300 people. We also anticipate thousands to attend the Friday night community wide concert and evangalistic outreach.

A long time friend of Dr. Lee and Margarita, Pastor Ken and Lisa Albin of Save the Nations Church in Fort Lauderdale will lead a team to Macas from June 20-June 27. This team will consist of approximately 10-15 young people who will minister to 5 Shuar churches that are about 2 hours from Macas. All of us are extremely excited about how the work of the Lord is growing in this small part of the world; glory to the Lord!

We ask your prayers as Pastor Miller, the church, and all the teams prepare for the mission ahead. We are expecting our Lord to pour out His Spirit and lead us in all the right ways to go. All for His glory!!

Thank you,

Ron & Dean Johnson

LMR goes on Medical Mission Trip to Gwembe Valley (Lusaka, Zambia)

2011-02-23T15:58:00.000-05:00

Local Missions Representative, Queen Williams, from Temple of Praise in Canton, Ohio shares her experience:

“I answered the call!”

Last year, my husband and I were on a 21-day fast to seek God’s direction in our lives. I realized that when you put your trust in God and allow Him to speak to you, He will do it! One thing I prayed about during this fast was my nursing career. The Lord spoke to my spirit saying, “I have been preparing you to be more than just a nurse! I allowed you to become a nurse and now I’m taking you to another level of ministry which I have called you to do.” I was struggling with my nursing career! Struggling with what people will think and the loss of income. I needed an answer from God and what He wanted me to do. I asked the Lord to open the door and order my steps. All during the time of our fast, I kept hearing the Lord say, “I have prepared you to be a nurse for the nations!”

Just before the fast ended, I received a call from a lady from another church. She said my name came up in a missions meeting because the medical missions team from the church was planning a trip to Lusaka, Zambia, and they needed another nurse to go with them. I knew, without a doubt, God was at work and that He had given me several scriptures from His Word. He was clearly making the way for me to bless the Zambian people. I became so excited as to how God was going to use me there – even though I didn’t know where the money was coming from for the trip.

Through prayer and seeking the Lord and making some phone calls, I received a phone call from my former employer who provided more than enough for the trip.

The trip to Lusaka changed my life! I had the opportunity to minister to the poor and needy, the sick and afflicted as well as worship with these precious people. Our team was able to use our medical skills to provide much needed attention to the people there. We were able to supply them with several different kinds of medications and treat over 1,200 patients in 3 ½ days. They were so appreciative and thankful for everything we did to help them.

Instead of us changing their lives, they changed us with their smiles, their humbleness, and their worship.

This entire experience has been life changing for me as well as the others on the medical team. We will never be the same!

HEADS UP! Some Comments about Past, Current, and Future World Events, from a Biblical Perspective: Part 2

2011-02-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

How long is a generation? One outstanding Bible scholar has researched this and based on information found in scripture believes that 52 years is a good answer to this question. The beginning of the generation that Jesus was referring to was not the generation in which He was living, for all the things He spoke of did not come to pass then. He was speaking of an end-time generation. Not many years ago some thought it should be taken as the generation beginning in1948, when Israel was restored as a nation, but the events that have come to pass have not fulfilled the things that were to happen in the generation Jesus was referring to. A better date is thought to be 1967, when Israel gained control of all of Jerusalem. Supposing that to be the beginning of that generation, we add 52 years to 1967 and that gives us 2019. Since “all these things be fulfilled” includes the 7-year tribulation period, 2019 – 7 = 2012! Since it is strongly believed that the rapture of the true believers is to take place before the start of the tribulation. That indicates that we are possibly very close to the rapture. Jesus said that no one knows the day or the hour of His coming (Matthew 24:36; 25:13).

After the Roman invasion and destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 and the nearly two millennia following, there has been the fulfillment of the words of Jesus in Luke 21:24, “And they [the Jews] shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the time of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” Additionally, the Bible tells us that in the end times God will bring the Jews back into their land, the land of Palestine, and will restore them as a nation. This happened in May 1948. The rebirth of Israel is depicted in a vision that God gave Ezekiel, Chapter 37, in which God breathes live into the dry bones that Ezekiel saw. In verses 11 and 12 it says, “these bones are the whole house of Israel”…”Thus saith the Lord God; Behold my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves [the lands into which they have been driven], and bring you into the land of Israel” (emphasis and interpretation added). The Jews returning from all over the world to the land of Israel has been occurring primarily since the 1800s, and it is still going on today! Has there ever been a nation or people group, other than Israel, that was conquered and dispersed, to come back as a nation after nearly 2000 years? No! This is an illustration of the hand of God in keeping His promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Our redemption that Jesus spoke of in Luke 21:26 is first the return of Christ to rapture (catch away) the saints (I Thessalonians 4:16-18) to save the believers from the tribulation which God is about to pour out on the wicked, and secondly to return to earth from heaven, with the saints following Him, to set up His thousand-year reign over it.
Not all scriptures related to the above senario are given, but are some that I could quickly think of and list. Friends, let's not be careless in looking for and being ready for the rapture of the saints. If we are, even though we say we are Christians, we can become like the foolish (unwise) virgins Jesus spoke about in Matthew 25:1-13. In Mark 13:33-37 Jesus tells us three times that we are to be watching for His coming. Friends, we are already living in perilous times. It is more important than ever that we be living for Christ like the scriptures tell us and be looking for His return. The scriptures say He is coming for those who like the wise virgins of Matthew 25:1-13, are prepared and looking for His coming.

Friends, we are living in some of the most awesome times of mankind. Years ago, Billy Graham said that if he could chose anytime in history in which to live, he’d choose to live now because he believes we are living in the generation in which Jesus will return. To be ready and prepared for His return, it is most essential that each one of us is “born again” as Jesus described to Nicodemus in John 3:1-17. To do this you can decide right now to give your life to Christ and start following Him in a new life. The following is a prayer you can pray to receive Christ as your Lord and Savior. Pray humbly and sincerely with an attitude of genuine repentance, submitting yourself to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Pray this prayer now.
Lord Jesus, I come to you needing you to be my Savior. Thank you for dying on the cross to save me from my sins. Please forgive me of all my sins. I repent and turn away from sin and receive you as my Lord and Savior. I surrender and commit my life to you. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Guide me throughout the rest of my life and help me to faithfully follow you and become the person you want me to be. Amen
Having sincerely prayed this prayer, you can be assured that you are born again (saved) and have eternal life. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me hath everlasting life,” (emphasis added). Start your new life in Christ by reading and studying the Bible (start with the Gospel of John). Also, start fellowshipping with other believers and attending a good Bible believing church regularly. Set aside a period of time each day to pray and read God’s Word. Ask the Lord to fill you with His Spirit. He will lead you by His Spirit as you trust Him and yield yourself to Him.

I encourage you to live a holy, righteous life, set apart from this world. However, anytime you sin repent of it and ask God for forgiveness (I John 1:9). You can become a person greatly used by the Lord. You are to be His ambassador in this world, helping others to come to new life in Christ, off the road to hell, and possessing the gift of eternal life.

This article written by Dr. Noel L. Caldwell
LMR, Columbia, SC

HEADS UP! Some Comments about Past, Current, and Future World Events, from a Biblical Perspective: Part 1

2011-02-16T10:47:00.003-05:00

The riots and conflicts now happening in Egypt could eventually lead to an Egyptian government that becomes strongly anti-Israel and voids any existing peace treaty or peace relationship it has with Israel. If Jordan goes the same way, Israel will be surrounded with enemies which plan to destroy them. And now, the U.S. seems to be less willing to support Israel. Also, the debt crises of our country and/or the possibility of a large terrorist attack upon us could leave the U.S. in a position in which it could not lend much if any military support to Israel.

Such a situation described above can embolden Israel’s enemies to attack it to wipe its people off the face of the earth. Such an attack could become the Gog-Magog war described in Ezekiel 38 and 39, led by Russia and a confederation of Islamic nations. Relationships among these countries to launch such an attack on Israel are very much in place now. According to the prophet Ezekiel, God will intervene and bring about a supernatural defeat of Israel's enemies. This war could happen before or shortly after the "catching away" (rapture) of the saints. This war might lead to or be precipitated by the fulfillment of Isaiah 17:1 which says that Damascus "is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap." That could be the results of a great earthquake, a nuclear attack—perhaps by Israel in defense of itself, or some other action against it.

After the Gog-Magog war, the tide will eventually come against Israel again under the Antichrist (the “beast” in the book of Revelation). The Antichrist or preceding international leaders will arrange a 7-year treaty (covenant) with Israel, guaranteeing it protection from its neighbors (Daniel 9:27). However, the scriptures say that in the middle of the week (week of years - 7 year period) he will break the treaty and come against Israel, go into their rebuilt temple and proclaim himself as God. This is known as the "abomination of desolation", meaning that the desecration of the temple, which causes the Jewish people to flee Jerusalem making it desolate (Matthew 24:15-20, Mark 13:14). At the end of the 7-year period of tribulation described in Revelation chapters 4-18, the nations of the world will come against Jerusalem and God will come against them (Zechariah 14:2-5). The Armageddon battle occurs (Revelation 14:19-20; 16:16) and Christ returns to Jerusalem, slaying the wicked with the brightness of His coming and with the sword that goeth out of His mouth. He sets up His millennial reign over the entire world (Matthew 24:27 and Revelation 19:11-16).

Events are moving fast on the prophetic scene. Jesus said that just prior to His return we would see "distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth; for the powers of heaven shall be shaken" (Luke 21:25b, 26 KJV). The tsunamis and large hurricanes throughout the world in recent years, including Katrina, produced outstanding manifestations of “the sea and waves roaring.” Matthew 24 describes other things that will happen before the return of Christ and the end of the world (better translated as the end of the age). Essentially all these things have already happened. They include nations and kingdoms (ethnic groups) rising against each other, false prophets arising to deceive many, iniquity abounding, the love of many (for Christ and the gospel) waxing cold. The gospel of the kingdom (vs. 14) has been preached in essentially all the world. In Mark 13 and Luke 21 many of these warnings are repeated. Also, in Mark 13:8b we are told, “there shall be earthquakes in diverse places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.” These things are happening at an increasing rate. In Luke 21:26 Jesus said, "When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh" [emphasis added]. Friends, these things have already begun to happen! Jesus said that when these things happen "This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled" (Matthew 24:34, Mark 13:30 and Luke 21:32). The “beginning of sorrows”, as stated in Matthew 24:8 and Mark 13:8b, could mean that we are currently experiencing the “birth pangs” of the coming tribulation period.

To be continued in the following post.

Dr. Noel L. Caldwell
LMR, Columbia, SC

The ABCs of Personal Involvement in the Great Commission

2011-02-10T14:01:00.001-05:00

(Matthew 28:19,20)

A Affirm urgency of Great Commission.
B Believe in Holy Spirit enablement.
C Confess Christ with biblical authority.
D Develop skills to witness effectively.
E Engage in forming receptive relationships.
F Form faith to visualize transformation.
G Gain respect with convincing dedication.
H Hold firmly to spiritual values.
I Inspire by demonstrating consistency.
J Join forces with other believers.
K Kneel prayerfully for impact opportunities.
L Learn contagious ways to relate.
M Magnify fruit of church life.
N Nurture friendships for spiritual growth.
O Offer assistance for special needs.
P Partner with pastor in mission.
Q Question hesitation to express faith.
R Respond to questions and misunderstandings.
S Spotlight the blessings of salvation.
T Touch with acts of kindness.
U Utilize every method of evangelism.
V Volunteer for community service projects.
W Witness with tact and wisdom.
X X-press confidence in conversion results.
Y Yield to Holy Spirit promptings.
Z Zero in on positive outreach possibilities.

Carol Johnson: LMR from Griffin Center Point Church of God

2011-02-08T14:39:00.003-05:00

The Griffin Center Point Church in Griffin, Georgia celebrated its 3rd Annual Missions Convention this past weekend, February 5-6, 2011. Over 85 international dishes were prepared and enjoyed by the 300 plus who attended the missions banquet on Saturday night. The theme, "You SERVE," directed the hearts of the people to pray, give, and go in obedience to our Lord's mandate to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Pastors Tracy and Lisa Stone led the congregation as commitments were made through faith promises to help finance the 2011 Griffin Center Point missions projects. Our hearts were challenged by the ministry of World Missions Field Director Ken Anderson and his wife Karen, who oversee World Missions operations in Brazil, Central America, and Mexico. With dedication like the Anderson’s, my faith was renewed knowing that the Church of God is alive and well on the mission field. We were also honored with the presence of Dr. & Mrs. Sevron Sebran, currently missionaries to Brazil. The Sebrans have ministered in over 55 countries. What a blessing to have them with us.

The Sunday morning service began with our Children of the World March and the Parade of Nations, representing over 150 countries collectively. In the service, our pastor commissioned a seven-member team that left Monday morning for an eight day short-term missions trip to Flores, Guatemala. What God will do through our church, and your church, is limited only by the determination to SERVE. Will You SERVE in 2011?

Carol Johnson, LMR
Griffin Center Point Church

LMR Rally and Celebration – Point of Interest:

2011-02-04T12:03:00.001-05:00

If you keep up with our LMR blogspot, you should know that Church of God World Missions is hosting its first LMR Rally and Celebration taking place in Cleveland, TN. at the Westmore Church of God. The event will take place Friday evening and Saturday, July 22 and 23, 2011.

The deadline for registration is April 18, 2011. If you register before this date, you will receive the discounted hotel rates. Also, there will be a drawing for a free missions trip, and a week’s vacation in Hilton Head, SC (given by an anonymous donor who loves missions), for those who register by April 18.

By registering early, it makes planning and preparation of materials for the meeting more convenient.

Please scroll down or visit www.cogwm.org for more information about the LMR Rally and Celebration!

If you have any questions, please email Judy Pyeatt at jpyeatt@cogwm.org or call 1-800-345-7492, ext. 7366.

How can I reach out to a needy world? (Jonah 4:5-11)

2011-01-27T10:49:00.001-05:00

Try to see the world through God’s eyes.

A speaker from your church urges members to cook dinner once a month for a local homeless shelter. Habitat for Humanity wants to build four low-cost homes in your neighborhood. Your daughter wants to spend next summer helping AIDS patients in Rwanda. You have the opportunity to vote for or against a candidate who will cut services to legal and illegal aliens. What will you consider as you respond to these issues?

We all have a strong sense of self-protection. Peel away the surface layers of polite and good behavior and underneath we find the question, “What’s in it for me?” Or, conversely, “Could I be hurt by this?” We want to laugh at Jonah sulking in the shade of his God-provided vine. But Jonah had every reason to ask those self-protective questions. He could definitely be hurt by God’s kindness to this capital city. In fact, years later in 722 B.C., Assyria flooded Israel with troops, conquered the nation, deported the people, and resettled the land with aliens. Jonah may have had those fears in mind as he watched Nineveh and hoped for God’s judgment.

But God saw it differently. He saw a body of people who couldn’t tell right from wrong but had called on Him for mercy. Jonah needed that same view, and so do we.

Words to Remember: “But the Lord said….‘In that city of Ninevah there are more than a hundred twenty thousand people who cannot tell right from wrong, and many cattle are also there. Don’t you think I should be concerned about that big city?’” (Jonah 4:10, 11)

LMR Testimony: Jane Roberts

2011-01-20T09:12:00.001-05:00

Eleven years have come and gone since the first Appalachian Christmas Project in Freeburn, Kentucky. In many ways, it seems like yesterday that this project was introduced to the ladies of Men and Women of Action as a needy area for a Christmas project. I never thought that it would become such a vital part of my life. A love and respect for the people of Appalachia has grown in the hearts of all of us that have been involved in this wonderful experience.

In November, 2010, we went to Huntington, West Virginia to be with Pastor Darrell and Monica Buttram and work with them at their inner city church. We were there in 2005 but the need is still as great as it was then, perhaps even more so.

Each year at Christmas, we participate with the Buttram’s and their congregation to distribute food, clothing, blankets and other Christmas gifts. During the distribution of these various items, we have had the opportunity to witness to lost souls in this community. One gentleman asked one of our prayer partners to tell him how to be saved and he gave his heart to the Lord.

We have had the privilege to be involved in many missions trips and projects. It is such a blessing to see the volunteers working in many ways to repair homes and churches as well as providing food and toys for needy families. To see the smiles on all the faces is a great blessing.

We received a lot of publicity during a special Christmas party for the less fortunate. People waited in line for hours to receive gifts, hot wassail, hot cocoa and cookies. Newspaper reporters with cameramen came for interviews and there were two large articles in the paper with great photos. Three local television stations sent numerous reporters and cameramen several times during the week to cover the event. The news reporters were blessed to see the ministry that was taking place to help the people of the community have a good Christmas for their families.

Being involved in missions has been a great blessing in my life!

Jane Roberts
LMR for Oak Park Church of God in Mobile, AL

A New Year, Another Opportunity!

2011-01-18T10:46:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

We are beginning a brand new year – 2011!

The Christmas season has come and gone and here we are, at the beginning of another year. It seems like only yesterday since we entered into the year 2000!

At the close of each year, I think most of us examine our lives and try to remember what we have done with the year that we are leaving. At the same time, we find ourselves making an effort to make some changes in some of the things we are not exactly pleased with in our lives.

Every year, my heart is set on doing more for the Lord in the new year. Some of us plan on dieting and exercising to find ourselves saying at the end of the first week, “oh well, I’ll start again on Monday.”

In the year 2011, my desire is to develop a better relationship and closer connection with the LMRs (local church missions representatives). Working with over 1,000 LMRs makes it difficult for one person to go the extra mile; however, in the year before us, it is my purpose to assist you and do every thing I can to make your job easier.

The World Missions Department is making a special effort to get our churches more informed and involved in 2011. Most of our congregations, (over 6,000) in the United States, do not know how Church of God World Missions operates. They are not aware that we have over 300 missionaries on the field as well as many short-term missionaries. They do not know we have over 100 orphanages and over 100 Bible schools outside of our country that we support.

Due to the lack of knowledge, we are planning our first national LMR Rally and Celebration to be held Friday evening and Saturday, July 22 and 23, 2011 in Cleveland, TN., at the Westmore Church of God.

This meeting will begin on Friday at 7 p.m. with a “Parade of Nations” along with a special World Missions Choir. General Overseer Dr. Raymond Culpepper will be ministering to LMRs, missionaries, missions committees and all other missions loving individuals that are interested in attending.

We will begin our Saturday meeting at 8 a.m. with Dr. Douglas LeRoy, general director of World Missions, presenting “The Work of World Missions”. The celebration will continue throughout the day until 5 p.m. with several guest presenters including LMRs and missions leaders from various churches and other missions personnel.

First Assistant General Overseer Dr. Tim Hill will speak on “The Great Commission Challenge for the Local Church”.

The sessions will include panel discussions involving our missionaries and missions representatives.

Each LMR in attendance will be presented an LMR Training Certificate for participating in this event. There will be a drawing in the afternoon for a free missions trip. There will also be a drawing for an LMR to receive a free vacation for one full week to Hilton Head in South Carolina. This is a gift given to us by an anonymous donor.

Please plan to make every effort possible to attend this wonderful celebration. It is going to be a great opportunity to learn about World Missions and receive answers to any questions you may have about how the department operates.

You may register by emailing jprice@cogwm.org or call 1-800-345-7492, ext. 7201.

See you in Cleveland in July!

Christmas with Emma's Kids

2011-01-05T11:24:00.001-05:00

This past Christmas, Emma's Kids were visited and served a meal by a Men and Women of Action team from North Cleveland Church of God. Their favorite food was prepared including chicken and rice, vegetables, soda and more! The children received individual gift bags, soccer balls, clothes, shoes, mosquito nets, toy cars and hand made dolls, personal items, etc. In addition to the children receiving gifts, The Emma’s Kids multi-purpose building got a new emergency exit door, a much-needed freezer and much more! These wonderful people brought with them an immeasurable amount of love.

The team's giving was not complete until they ministered to and gave food and gifts to over thirty widows.
James 1:27

Even though time was limited, they managed to do personal evangelism to all that would listen. Their servant hood attitudes, warm hearts and flexibility will always be remembered. The team made this Christmas season extra special. To that we say thank you!

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). This is the reason for the season.

------------------------------

The day Moses and I arrived to Mufulira from the United States, I saw one of our first Emma's Kids, Illunga. He was standing in a security uniform guarding the Barclays Bank ATM machine. I was not expecting to see one of my chosen kids. I first met him many years ago in an entirely different setting. I raised my head and gave God thanks, "Lord it has been worth every battle and every challenge."

It was in 1997 when I first met Illunga on the street. He would often beg, fight and steal, as his home was sleeping in the corridors. He came from Congo and was abandoned at a very early age. The Lord targeted him and brought him into the ministry. We did not have much to offer at that time; no dorms, no steady income. The ministry had just begun. Faith was the tool we possessed the most.

It did not take long to realize the street kids were not accepted. When trying to enroll them in school, they were not welcomed, as their reputations followed them. For this reason, Emma's Kids started its own Christian school. God had a good plan for the street kids, which included Illunga. When love was demonstrated through action, Illunga began to change. Emma's Kids was the only home and family Illunga ever knew.
Jeremiah 29:11.

Isaac Katontoka and Costa Kalenga are preparing for ministry and have enrolled in Church of God Bethel Bible School, right here in Mufulira. The souls they reach will be because your investment. Collins Mwenda continues in aircraft mechanical engineering. His dream is to further his education in aeronautical engineering.

This semester, Frederick Sunga and Aleck Yowela will complete two years in an electrical training institute.

Rodger, Moses, Emma's Kids and peace workers have managed to cultivate and plant 6 acres of maize, and they’re still plowing. Thank you Family Worship Center for your continual support. This will assist us in feeding the kids as well as give tithes and offerings to evangelism and the poor.

From reaching out on the street to the first child in 1997 to cultivating and planting the 6 acres of maize this week with the kids assistance, we say thank you. Our kids are making a difference in this community, in Zambia, and all over the world. If it were not for your giving, none of the above would be possible.

Merry Christmas to all of you who have labored with us during the 2010 year. Your efforts have never been in vain. May you have the most prosperous New Year ever.

God bless you.

Sincerely In Christ Jesus,

Saundra, Rodger, Moses, Emma's Kids and All Volunteers

What is Christmas about?

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Christmas is about God’s love for a creation in rebellion and about His gift of His son, Jesus, for our redemption. The essential truth about Jesus as understood by the Christian faith has been summarized in the following way:
Christ came;
Christ died;
Christ rose from the dead; and
Christ is coming again.

We are living between His resurrection from the dead and His coming in the clouds of glory. At Christmas we celebrate the glorious coming of the incarnate Word of God, through the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem, as we continually rejoice in the Lamb of God offered on Calvary for the sins of the whole world and His victory over death, hell and the grave, as we look forward to His glorious appearing.

What He provided for us who live between His death and His coming is truly glorious. We had sinned and sin left us guilty, condemned, separated, and dead. But God through Christ provided: (1) Forgiveness (pardon) and for all our faults and failures and every type of sin and offense against His Majesty, (2) Justification or reinstatement vis-à-vis His Law and Justice; (3) Eternal life for our death; (4) Reconciliation to His person with all the enmity, dissolved and gone; (5) Cleansing, Sanctification and deliverance from every letter that bound, or would bind us, bringing with it victory and rejoicing; (6) the Promise of the Father, Baptism in the Holy Spirit administered by Christ Himself, according to Acts 2:4; and (7) the glorious Hope of His Coming. But He also made us His body; His hands, His heart, His lips, His feet that He might love, speak, touch, and serve others through us.

And also He knows that we, as did He, face a multitude of demonic forces that are determined to stamp out the truth and the light; but He ever lives and makes intercession for us, as does His Holy Spirit, praying through us, as He empowers us (1) to fulfill the impossible calling to love God with all our hearts and our neighbors as ourselves and (2) to finish the apostolic mission to take the glorious Gospel of God concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord to all the world.

May the glow of His love rest upon us, and the fire of the Holy Spirit burn brightly on the altar of our hearts, as we celebrate His birth this year.

Merry Christmas 2010!

Contributed by James and Virginia Beaty

MVR: Missions Video Resources

2010-12-15T09:47:00.001-05:00

A Quarterly Media Missions Tool

Missions Video Resource is a subscription based service which allows churches and individuals to share a vision of the field of souls.

Currently available on DVD, MVR arrives at your door each quarter, loaded with video vignettes, missionary and country profiles, high resolution photos and World Missions publications in reproducible form.

SUBSCRIBE NOW –

MVR includes:

• 4 to 10 video vignettes including missions tools such as missionary videos, stories from the field, countdowns, missions and the local church and missions classics.
• Current General Assembly World Missions service
• Catalog of videos
• World-wide information – children’s ministries, disaster relief, educational information, missionary news, country profiles

Cost is $19.99 per 12 months.

Email Cathy Coile at ccoile@cogwm.org or call 1-800-345-7492, ext. 7187.

Reaching Souls Beyond The Doors Of The Church

2010-12-08T11:40:00.000-05:00

Luke 14:23: “And the Lord said unto that servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”

New Testament churches were meant to be outdoor agencies as well as indoor institutions. It was never the intention of Christ that the membership of His church confine their activities within a church building located at a certain street intersection. It was His plan that the church should go out after the lost (Luke 15:4).

The mission of the New Testament church was a roadside (John 7:37), a wellside (John 4:13-30), a seaside (Luke 8:27-40), a bedside (Luke 8:49-56), a tableside (Luke &:44-50), and outside-the doors mission (John 4:30-45).

I. THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH

Jesus had but one mission on this earth, and that mission was to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10).

When Jesus called Zacchaeus out of the sycamore tree, went home with him for lunch, and won him to salvation, in the face of the criticism of the people who witnessed it, He explained His actions by saying, “the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Jesus further said to His disciples, “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.”

It is therefore the purpose of Christ to use His disciples to win the world to Himself. Thus, Jesus instituted the church for this definite purpose. He intends that His church shall perform other tasks, but its supreme task is to bring the lost to Christ.

II. THE VALUE OF REACHING SOULS BEYOND THE DOORS OF THE CHURCH

It reaches people who otherwise would never be reached by the regular worship services of the local church.

The great numbers of deluded and unconcerned will never be worn for Christ unless the church goes beyond her doors.

These neglected folk are not as difficult to win as the gospel-hardened handful who attends the worship services occasionally. The value of reaching these new converts always deepens the spiritual life of the church. To see their tears and hear their words of joy breaks up the stiffness and melts the spiritual chill which tends to bother many church members. Reaching beyond church doors breaks down class distinctions and creates understanding. It brings in new workers with a vision for a vigorous program of evangelizing other areas.

III. OPPORTUNITIES FOR REACHING SOULS BEYOND THE DOORS OF THE CHURCH

The church that looks for an opportunity to bring men to Jesus will always find it. Jesus said, “Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest” (John 4:35).

A. The Slums—Slum areas are great opportunities for the church to reach beyond her doors. Slum areas are not confined to the crowded cities, but are also found in rural sections. Often mill towns, oil fields, and farms are plagued with slums. Poverty, insecurity, fear, and sin are prevalent among the inhabitants of these areas. Little is being done to reach them. Their philosophy of life is twisted. They have been crushed and many times feel sorry for themselves. They are filled with hatred and bitterness. They tend to blame others for their failures. They merely exist from day to day. They are easy prey for crime. They constitute a cancer in the body of the community. The gospel must penetrate among these people. And strange as it may seem, anyone could be a resident of this environment, even the most outstanding people in any local church. The mercy and grace of God makes the difference.

B. Industrial Areas—These areas are filled with the labor element of the nation, many of whom do not own their own homes. They live in crowded apartment houses without adequate facilities for the family. These people are important. What they think is important to the nation, city, and community. They furnish the breeding ground for some movements which are detrimental to the human race. Here is one of the greatest opportunities for the church to reach out beyond her doors.

C. New Housing Areas—New housing areas are springing up overnight in all the great cities of the nation. There are acres upon acres of beautiful homes standing now in places that were open fields and swamps only a few months ago. It is therefore the responsibility of the church to go beyond the doors and bring these people to Jesus Christ.

IV. THE CRY FROM THOSE BEYOND THE DOORS OF THE CHURCH

“I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul” (Psalm 142:4).

Such a cry as this should create a responsibility on the part of the church to go beyond her doors with a message of hope and care.

The outside world is asking, “Does anyone care; will anyone help me?” There are multitudes around the world who are crying and screaming for help. They are not begging for natural bread, but for spiritual enlightenment and life. The forces of evil seek to kill hope and faith. While it is true there are those that do not seem to care about the souls of dying men, and this is to be regretted, but at the same time there are those who do care.

God cares, His Son cares, the Holy Ghost cares. Also, the church that is reaching beyond her doors cares.

The concept of this church is “The world is her parish and her goal is to evangelize it before Jesus comes.”

It is because of Him that we have a church, and for this reason we do care for those beyond the doors of the church.

Fall MissionLine 2010: Available Now!

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The 2010 Fall issue of MissionLine is available online by clicking here! After clicking on the link, you will be updated on what Church of God World Missions is doing around the world, along with other LMR's across the country!

What is Missions?

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Missions is primarily going, doing and sending.

I. Missions Means Giving –

Jesus commanded us to “go into all the world.” “Go,” He said, “and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19). “Go and preach the gospel to every creature,” (Mark 16:15). “Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” (Matthew 10:6). “Go” with the full gospel. “Teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you,” (Matthew 28:20). “Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,” (Matthew 28:19). Living Letters paraphrases; “Go and make disciples in all nations, (Let the church continue to go, and don’t let up until I return,)” Jesus said. “For oft as ye eat this bread and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till He comes,” (I Corinthians 11:26). “Go …and lo I am with you always even unto the end of the world,” (Matthew 28:20). Jesus warned, “No man having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God,” (Luke 9:62). The one calling not overcrowded is the missionary calling. Missions means Going!

II. Missions Means Doing—

Regardless of where and how you read Christ’s Great Commission, you will find it filled and running over with action packed verbs. Verbs suggest doing. Doing suggests a calling. A calling from God, who said, “Whom shall I send and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me,” Isaiah 6:8). A calling from Macedonia, “Come over and help us,” (Acts 16:9). And a calling upon God, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed?” (Romans 10:13-14).

Doing suggests Believing. When God called messengers, He promised if they would go, He would go with them, prepare the way before them, and the hearts of the people to hear. The Bible pronounces blessings upon those who believe and condemnation upon those who believe not (John 3:18). The scriptures exhort us to “Believe in God and in Jesus” (John 14:1); Believe and thou shalt be saved (Acts 16:31). All things are possible to them that believe (Mark 9:23).

Doing suggests Hearing. “How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:17). God’s word commands men to hear. “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:9). It also warns that “Many shall turn their ears away from the truth and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:4).

Doing suggests Telling. “And how shall they hear without a preacher” (Romans 10:14). A preacher is a prophet, a forth-teller, a proclaimer, a herald of the “Good News” of God to lost sinful men. Every Christian is under orders to tell every person possible about Jesus. The Hymn writers describe it well, when they exclaim, “Tell Me the Story of Jesus,” “Tell Me More About Jesus,” and “Wonderful Words of Life.”

III. Missions Means Sending—

“How can they preach, except they be sent?” (Romans 10:15). Thank God for those who are willing to be sent. Like Isaiah, who said, “Here am I, Send Me” (Isaiah 6:8). Like Jesus and His disciples who declared, “As the Father hath sent me, even so send I you” (John 20:21). Many have accepted His Call and are spending their lives fulfilling His Great Commission!

Thank God also, for those who are willing to send. Sending suggests giving. The giving

time, talent, positions, possessions, and self. Giving scripturally, systematically and sacrificially. Giving because “God so loved, that He gave.” Sending suggests Supporting. Backing the missionaries up with the assurance of their cause by public defense, support and promotion. Being willing to pay the cost, furnish with funds, and to assure those who go of extended support.

Sending suggests Sustaining. It means to supply with sustenance, as provisions sustain existence. It means to appropriate the spiritual resources of Heaven through prayer and fasting. As John Raleigh Mott said, “Everything vital to the missionary enterprise hinges upon prayer,” It means to buoy up, to keep one’s mind and spirit from sinking or giving way. Sending also suggests a Sender. Just as God sent His Son, Jesus, and Jesus himself sent His disciples, even so, the church sends her missionaries to the far flung harvest fields of the earth. Thank God for those who are willing to spend and be spent. “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of Peace and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:15). A true missionary is God’s man, in God’s place, doing God’s work, in God’s way, for God’s glory.

Missions is the heartbeat of God, and also the heartbeat of His Church. Missions means Going, Doing and Sending. Yet, the quality of these will greatly depend upon the quality of our being. In reality, there are no options. If we stay here, we are to go and do Here, and with all the strength and resources that we can muster—send there! If we go there, be assured it is because someone is Doing and Sending Here, in order that we can go and do there, that which Jesus has told us to do. And who knows, by going and doing, possibly we can also send back here, or out there somewhere “Till He Comes”—“Until All Have Heard!”

            For God so loved the World, not just a few

            The wise and great, the noble and the true,

            Or those of favored class or race, or hue,

            God loved the world. Do You?

Pastor and Church – Developing a Proactive Missions Church

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Theology of Missions

The very essence of missions is sowing and reaping. In the Old Testament, the most prominent idea of Pentecost is the feast of harvest. In the Acts 2 account of the day of Pentecost, the Early Church leaders experienced an initial harvest of 3,000 souls. So,
Pentecost and Harvest are inseparable, both in word and in practice. Today, as we sow the seed (the Word) around the world, we can expect a continual harvest to take place.

Your Church can be a Missions-minded Church?

The thing that is essential and significant in missions is the purpose and call of the church. The heart, purpose and call of the church is for souls – the same yearning from the heart of God. Therefore, to do God’s work, the size of the congregation is incidental.

A Proactive Missions Pastor?

Church members emulate what the pastor exudes in word and in deed, especially what they see and hear from the pulpit. In terms of missions, a starting point would be to respond to this question: How can I attempt something for missions? Consider this twofold plan (1) Develop a missions attitude and a mission statement. A proper attitude is this: In the heart of God, missions is never incidental, and neither should it be with us In terms of a mission statement, your heart for missions easily can be included in your general church mission statement. For instance, one church has as its inclusive mission statement, simply this: Preach, Teach, Send: To All People In All the World.

Then, (2) Develop a program of consistent, visible and proactive missions emphasis:
. Appoint and utilize a local missions representative and missions board.
. Conduct a full-blown missions convention/conference annually.
. Set missions giving goals.
. Emphasize missions each month with an offering and a missions report.
. Keep missions visible with a bulletin board, display table and/or national flags.
. Preach missions often and have a missions guest as often as possible.
. Take trips to the mission field with key leaders.
. View missions comprehensively: “You shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth,” Acts 1:8.
“The harvest is not measured by the grain in the barn, but by the wheat still standing in the field.”

Missions Facts You Should Know

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1. By the year 2020, the world population is predicted to be over 7.5 billion people. There are approximately 12,000 etholinguistic peoples within the nations of the world.

2. Sixty percent of the world’s languages do not have the Scriptures.

3. There are 482 cities of over 1 million inhabitants and 20 cities of over 10 million. Tokyo/Yokohama has 28 million and Mexico City has over 18.1 million.

4. All Christian religions, including Catholics, make up nearly 2 billion of the world’s population. It is estimated that Pentecostal/Charismatic Christians now number over 460 million of the total of Christians.

5. It is evident that missions endeavors are working, because it is projected that by the year 2025, 83% of the world’s Christians will live in the non-Western world.

Church of God World Missions is making a tremendous impact in the world:

6. Our current missions works in the world are strategically located close to at least 70 unreached people groups. We have already penetrated several of these.

7. The Church of God is the largest evangelical church in the country of Guatemala in Central America with over 1,800 churches and 93 congregations of 500 or more.

8. In the European countries of Belgium and Romania, the Church of God has the largest congregations of any Protestant church.

9. In North and Central Africa, the Church of God has over 4,000 congregations in 32 countries.

10. One of the fastest growing areas in the Church of God is India. Yet, there are over 310 people groups that have not been engaged by a Christian organization.

11. It is estimated that 1.8 billion wait to hear the gospel for the first time. Yet, only 5,000 to 7,000 missionaries work among the unreached. In contrast, in 1981 there were 435,000 Avon cosmetics representatives.

12. Everyone can do something for missions. For instance, the average American family could give $1,200 per year to missions by not eating out once a week.

SAVE THE DATE – July 22 & 23, 2011 NATIONAL LMR RALLY & CELEBRATION

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Stimulating Missions Involvement

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A church can be stimulated to growth in its missions interest and involvement if a few people commit themselves to making a concentrated effort on behalf of missions in their church.

Their goal should be: to develop a commitment that involves the total church in world Missions on a year-round basis. This goal affects all efforts at stimulation, because it demands constant evaluation of:

1. Whether all efforts acknowledge the existence of the church’s many age groups and educational channels, and
2. Whether all efforts are consistent in their relationship to each other in their timing and their character.

Working together, the pastor and missions committee of a church can effectively organize and implement a program of education, exposure, challenge and personal involvement in missions.

Each church and age group within each church will respond differently to particular efforts at stimulation, so there are no general established guidelines that can be used which will guarantee success.

There are many articles, pamphlets and books that give ideas and suggestions, however. The following are a few suggestions which will help you creatively determine ways your church might be encouraged to increase its missions involvement.

1. Pray as individuals and as groups, that God will increase your congregation’s heart for missions.

2. Hold a Missions Conference on a regular basis, involving your whole congregation. Include national Christians in your program when it is possible.

3. Bring Missions into Your Homes. Have missionaries in your homes for meals and housing, when possible. Adopt them as friends, and have children adopt missionary children as friends and pen pals. Families might correspond with missionaries using cassette tapes.

4. Develop a Missions Education Program that uses appropriate and diverse educational materials, year-round. Teach about God’s heart for the nations to all age groups and in all educational channels in your church.

5. Involve Some Church Members in Cross-Cultural Study and Cross-Cultural Experiences, and have them come home and share what they learned. Befriend some international students in your community, or send a team of church members on a short-term missions assignment.

6. Send Your Pastor to the Mission Field, or some members of your congregation, or their return, what they learned.

7. Build a Resource Center on Missions for your church, containing printed material, pictures, books, audiovisuals, research on unreached peoples, etc. Publicize the resource center, and use it.

8. Visually Stimulate Congregation Members to think about missions and the congregation’s missionaries by means of: bulletin inserts, a world map indicating where your missionaries are serving, an often changed bulletin board with up-to-date information and missionary pictures, travel posters, slides and film strips, etc.

9. Consider Designated Giving and/or Faith Promise Giving as a stimulus to faith and involvement in missions.

10. Expose Your Church to Missionaries. Gain knowledge of the daily life of your missionaries, their personal histories and testimonies, and their ministries. Give them adequate time and encouragement (public and private) so they can share honestly with your church while they are home on furlough.

Counting the Cost: Equipping Laity for the Demands of Missions Today

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This article highlights ways in which pastoral leadership can train lay workers in the areas of servanthood, commitment, and a discipling lifestyle.

Essential for local church missions leadership are three characteristics: servanthood, commitment, and discipling. As you consider training laity for missions leadership, your training process should produce servants ready to commit the time and energy necessary to seriously contribute to discipling the nations; that is, reproducing historic, Biblical Christianity among peoples previously non-Christian.

As a pastor, the ultimate responsibility of shepherding this training process will fall squarely on your shoulders. What steps can you take? Modeling the results you desire is the key. It is extremely difficult to push adult men and women in a new direction when they do not see the pastor taking the same steps. It’s the difference between “Go to it!” and “Follow me!” The role of the pastor as model is critical, especially when the direction suggested is a costly one. Begin training laity to count the cost of Christian missions by allowing them to see your efforts.

1) Servanthood means sacrificing recognition. It has been said that God can do many things with us if no one gets the credit. Consider ways in which you can transfer recognition for achievement from yourself to a team of people working together (e.g., missions committee). Become a master of working behind the scenes as one ready and willing to fill in the gaps as well as take up-front leadership.

2) Servanthood means deferring to others. It is a wise person who recognizes another as better equipped to handle a given assignment. God has given gifts to the Body of Christ to equip it for its ministry. These spiritual gifts are given to individuals in varying degrees. Learn how to identify and develop gifts and abilities in others, even if in doing so you work yourself out of a job.

3) Commitment means a tighter schedule. All work fills the time allowed for it. Consequently, we should be able to accomplish more through better time management. When your missions committee begins meeting weekly for three or four house, everybody’s calendar will groan aloud. Be ready to share with your laity how you are solving the time problem. Illustrate how you try to keep professional, family, personal, and recreational commitments under control.

4) Commitment means accountability to others. When we make significant changes in our lifestyle, we need the willpower of others to help us stick with it. Draw around yourself those you are training in a supportive fellowship. Share with each other your successes and failures. Listen to each other. Subject your schedules (etc.) to each other for the sake of the increased commitments you have made to the church’s missions ministry. In this way you cope with new challenges and stresses as a team.

5) Discipling means a concern for people. Bringing a people to obedience in Christ (discipling a nation) has a dynamic in common with discipling individuals: The cornerstone of a discipling ministry is attention to people as opposed to administrative tasks. Make every effort to prevent administration from soaking up all your energy. Spread task responsibilities among your lay leadership, whenever possible, through the skills of delegation. Continually visualize the people who will be involved with and influenced by your missions ministry.

6) Discipling means a bigger picture. It is easy to be satisfied with maintaining status quo. Yet, the nature of the Great Commission is an advance into new territory. Try to grasp the magnitude of the task before the Church. Prevent yourself from relaxing in the assurance that you can make budget again this year. That budget (etc.) needs to grow. Evaluate your efforts against the key objective for Christian missions: Who are the people who now have an opportunity to become Christian because of your church’s missions ministry?
Servanthood.
Commitment.
Discipling.

Three costly marks of the leadership of the missions-minded church. Pastor, as you model these characteristics, you move a long way toward training laity to count the cost of a Biblical missions ministry.

Special Assistance for the Church Staff

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Pastor - Releasing responsibility to your missions committee

Your church will go no where in missions without your personal, genuine and enthusiastic efforts. If you’re not behind your congregation’s missions ministry, your church will soon lack a mission’s ministry. You are the initial key to an effective missions program.

But did you know that your personal, genuine and enthusiastical efforts cannot ensure a significant missions involvement for your congregation? Your critical pastoral responsibilities often prevent you from giving missions all the attention it warrants. What is more, missions should be the ministry of your entire congregation. Unless you can release significant responsibility for missions to your lay leadership, your church’s missions ministry is probably less than it could be and certainly less than it ought to be.

How can you turn over responsibility for missions to your missions committee? Here are some hints that have proven helpful to other pastors.

1) Do Your Homework: Know the missions goals and program of your church. Your intimate knowledge of what needs to be accomplished to administrate your missions ministry enables you to know what responsibilities need to be delegated.

2) Know Your Limitations: Clarify those areas of responsibility you’re unable, timewise or abilitywise, to handle. These are areas your lay leaders need to “pick-up.”

3) Identify Congregation Responsibility: Recognize those aspects of your program which should be handled by the committee, regardless of your available time or abilities.

4) Develop Good Relationships. Work on establishing personal as well as pastoral relationships with committee members. Such friendships build trusting, respectful working relationships between pastoral staff and committee.

5) Take Your Time: Don’t expect your new committee to begin by doing everything just the way you would. Likewise, they won’t do everything right the very first time around. Things take time.

6) Build Their Self-Confidence: Increase your committee’s confidence in their ability to direct the missions ministry by (1) letting the committee handle as much as they can, especially policy decisions, but (2) never letting them handle anything (at first) in which they are bound to fail.

7) Communicate Your Expectations: Let your committee know what you expect from them. Endeavor to reflect those desires in committee structure and policies.

8) Keep Supporting Them: Communicate regularly with the LMR of the committee, make committee meetings a routine part of your monthly schedule, and always be supportive of your congregation’s missions ministry. Verbally affirm the importance of missions, and the missions committee, in the life of the congregation.

Try out some of these suggestions. See if these ideas won’t help you, your committee and your congregation towards an increasingly meaningful and effective role in God’s plan, world evangelization.

Organizing a Missions Committee in Your Church

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Officially forming a missions committee and validating its existence in your church’s by-laws gives the committee distinction and authority to carry out its work. Keep in mind that a missions committee is a working committee. While it has to do some planning to function well, it is primarily action-oriented. The steps you should follow to start a missions committee in your local church are the same, regardless of the size, age or location of your church.

1. Submit an official proposal to the church council. The proposal should include details about your reasons for starting the committee, purpose/responsibilities of the committee, size of the committee and how the committee will be selected and maintained.

Example proposal:

Whereas the constitution requires the conducting of an annual Missions Conference; and
Whereas it is our intention to have the best conference possible; and
Whereas we strongly believe that in order to achieve the maximum benefit from the conference we need to ensure maximum involvement of our people in both preparation and execution of the conference, be it resolved that the following by-law be adopted:

MISSIONS COMMITTEE:

This committee shall be responsible for planning and conducting the annual
World Missions Conference.
It shall be responsible through its chairperson to the pastor who shall also
serve as an ex-officio member of the committee.
The committee shall be appointed annually by the pastor’s council at least six months prior to the conference.
The size and composition of the committee membership is determined by the pastor’s council on an annual basis.

2. Make it clear how members will be chosen (appointment, election or by volunteering), who can be chosen (membership qualifications), how often they will be chosen and what will be expected of members (responsibilities, meeting attendance).

The committee may include representatives from each department and/or organization in your church or members may simply be appointed by the pastor or elected by the congregation. Stagger the terms of office of members to ensure continuity on the committee.

Qualifications:
• Deep, personal concern for missions
• True belief in Jesus Christ
• Passion to reach the lost and fulfill the Great Commission
• Active membership in the local church
• Willingness to spend time and energy educating others about missions
• Knowledge of missions and a desire to learn more
• Ability to communicate creatively and effectively
• Ability to work well with others
• Organization
• Commitment to carrying out the task

3. Itemize areas of responsibility for the missions committee. Take the time and thought to plan every phase of your conference so you know what needs to be done ahead of time, during the conference and afterwards.

Use your planning notes to decide who will do what and make committee assignments. Depending on the size of your committee, many responsibilities may be too large for the members to do on their own. If this is the case, have members serve as chairs of subcommittees. If possible, use people who represent different departments and age groups in the congregation.

Who are we in Jesus Christ? II Timothy 2:3-6

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I am a part of the “Fellowship of the Unashamed.”

I have Holy Spirit power. The die has been cast.

The decision has been made. I am a disciple of His.

I won’t look back, let go, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is

secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking

small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions,

mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals!

I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions

or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized,

praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by presence, learn by

faith, love by patience, live by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is

narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my guide

is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised,

detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not

flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity,

negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity,

or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won’t give up, shut up, let up, or slow up until I’ve preached up,

prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop,

preach till all know, and work till He stops.

And when He comes to get His own, He’ll have no problems

recognizing me…my colors will be clear.

National LMR Rally and Celebration

2010-10-04T09:34:00.002-04:00

Attention all LMRs!

The World Missions department is in the early stages of planning a National LMR Rally and Celebration to be held in Cleveland, Tennessee, the weekend of July 22, 2011.

As soon as we have more information, you will be receiving a letter in the mail with a schedule of events, as well as more details about this exciting weekend.

Please SAVE THE DATE and make plans to attend this very special meeting.

Thank you, LMRs, for all you are doing in your local church to make a difference in reaching the lost around the world.

God bless!

A Special Message to LMRs: New Curriculum for Children’s Ministries

2010-09-27T08:58:00.002-04:00

Please ask your children’s pastor to consider ordering the brand new children's curriculum from Church of God World Missions, called The Great Commission Adventures! It is fantastic!

World Missions has launched a new curriculum for children ages 7-12. For $15, this 13-week study—for use on Sunday or midweek—is designed to take children on an adventure around the world. Using hands-on and interactive tools, kids will learn in a fun setting about the importance of sharing the gospel. Throughout the journey they will meet missionaries and learn about new cultures and customs. The goal of these lessons is to teach children their responsibility for fulfilling the Great Commission. In Matthew 28, Jesus instructed His followers to “go into the world and make disciples of all nations.” The new material will give children the knowledge they need to carry out this command!

Please call 1-800-345-7492, ext. 7201 to order this book for $15.00 or you may e-mail jprice@cogwm.org.

Quotes on Giving

2010-09-23T08:12:00.002-04:00

I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.

-Maya Angelou

When I chased after money, I never had enough. When I got my life on purpose and focused on giving of myself and everything that arrived into my life, then I was prosperous.

-Wayne Dyer

Pity may represent little more than the impersonal concern which prompts the mailing of a check, but true sympathy is the personal concern which demands the giving of one’s soul.

-Martin Luther King, Jr.

I hate the giving of the hand unless the whole man accompanies it.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Time and money spent in helping men to do more for themselves is far better than mere giving.

-Henry Ford

Giving is better than receiving because giving starts the receiving process.

-John Rohn

No one has ever become poor by giving.

-Anne Frank

I don’t think you ever stop giving. I really don’t. I think it’s an on-going process. And it’s not just about being able to write a check. It’s being able to touch somebody’s life.

-Oprah Winfrey

There’s a great joy in my giving. It’s thrilling. It’s exhilarating. It’s important to be a part of sharing. It is my love. It is my joy.

-W. Clement Stone

Giving is true having.

-Charles Spurgeon

You cannot hold on to anything good. You must be continually giving – and getting. You cannot hold on to your seed. You must sow it – and reap anew. You cannot hold on to riches. You must see them and get other riches in return.

-Robert Collier

For it is in giving that we receive.

-Francis of Assisi

Praying and Interceding Effectively for the Lost—Part 3

2010-09-16T09:32:00.000-04:00

This prayer is written as though praying and interceding for a person named Jim Smith. As you pray it for someone, just change the name and gender references (him to her) as necessary. Also, as you start praying, picture the person in your mind. As the Spirit leads you, insert personalized parts and additions to your prayer for that particular individual. Before praying for the person, prepare your own heart. Confess and repent of all sin that the Spirit brings to your mind, that there will be no elements of condemnation or encumbrances that could hinder you in prayer.

It will be of great help, if not essential, to find a prayer partner to intercede with you for this person. You should then pray for someone for your partner. Together, you can claim the promise of Jesus, given in Matthews 18:19. If you are led to couple fasting with your prayers, be obedient. Also, don’t give up. Be persistent! We wrestle with the invisible wicked spirits of the kingdom of darkness. Pray with your whole heart!

Dear Father in heaven, as I come into your presence, I give you praise and honor for the prayers you have answered and all your mercies and acts of loving kindness to us. I thank you for the great salvation that you’ve made available to all of mankind through your Son Jesus Christ. I thank you for my personal salvation made possible by your drawing me to you.

Now, dear Father, I lift up Jim Smith to you for his salvation. You know all about Jim, his past and all that is going on in his life and how Satan has deceived him. I come to you in faith, believing that your ears are open to my prayers and that you will act in accordance with your Holy Word. Now, I pray the following for Jim Smith:

1. That you will by the power of your Spirit draw Jim to you. Your Word says that with you “all things are possible”. Therefore, Jim can be brought to repentance and salvation.

Also, dear Father, your Word says that you are “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”. You and I love Jim and desire his salvation. I pray that Jim will not perish. You are not a respecter of persons.

2. I claim Jim for you because the price for his redemption has already been paid. He is rightfully yours, even though presently held by the enemy. I claim and take Jim for you, in the name of the Lord Jesus who died for him.

3. Father, I pray that Jim’s very thoughts and imaginations, including all lies and deceptions of Satan, be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and that the scales of spiritual blindness will be removed from him. May your glorious light shine into Jim Smith.

4. I pray that Jim will be drawn to an assembly of your children to hear the gospel. I pray that his conscience will be convicted so that you can bring him to the point of repentance and that he will listen and believe as he hears and reads your Word.

5. By the authority that is mine as your child, I BIND in the name of Jesus every deceiving spirit and spiritual strongman working in and against Jim Smith. I command you evil spirits to leave Jim now.

6. In the name of Jesus and by the authority that is mine as your child l claim the TEARING DOWN of all the works of Satan in the life of Jim Smith. This includes:

· His being loosed and delivered from all demonic strongholds influencing him in any way, especially those of the soul and mind,

· His deliverance from false religions, false doctrines, error, and his involvement in any and all forms of the occult,

· His deliverance from doubt, unbelief and atheistic teachings,

· His deliverance from addictions to drugs and alcohol and all other harmful substances that could be affecting him,

· His deliverance from the power and persuasion of Satan for the love of the world, including the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life,

· His deliverance from any hold of pornography and all ungodly sexual relations,

· His deliverance from any and all attitudes of racism, hatred, bitterness, anger, wrath, abusiveness, unforgiveness, resentment, jealousy, envy, and covetousness.

7. I pray that Jim’s life will be preserved so that he can come to Christ. Also, I pray that he will depart from ungodly company and conversations and from going to places of worldly activities.

8. Father, I present Jim Smith to you in the name of the Lord Jesus, and I pray that your will and purposes will be accomplished in his life. Use me and other believers to interact with Jim in ways that will help bring him into a saved relationship with you and as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

These things I claim and pray for Jim Smith, dear Father, on the basis of your love for him and your faithfulness to the promises of your Holy Word, and in obedience to the commission Jesus gave us to make disciples. I earnestly make this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son.

Praying and Interceding Effectively for the Lost—Part 2

2010-09-15T09:30:00.000-04:00

How to Pray Effectively for the Lost

If we learn to pray earnestly in agreement with the Word of God, I believe we can pray with greater faith. Remember, the Word of God is the sword of the Spirit. Can we trust God to be faithful to his Word? Indeed, we can! In Numbers 23:19 we read, God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent; hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? God’s Word has many promises that we can use and claim before the Lord in this spiritual battle.

The following are some prayer concepts and scriptures that have been used with good results in prayer for the lost. You can take your position of authority in Christ and use the Word against the enemy.

Mark 10:27 - With God all things are possible
II Peter 3:9 – The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
II Corinthians 10:4,5 – For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. We must recognize that lies and thoughts of doubt of the truth (from Satan), lead to disbelief which then leads to disobedience of God. The spiritual battleground is in the minds of people everywhere.
Matthew 16:19 – And I give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
The shed blood of Jesus Christ paid for our redemption. Although salvation is not automatic for everyone, the price for the purchase of everyone’s redemption has already been paid - for all people, including the unsaved. Thus, each person is in reality God’s purchased possession even though some are still held by the enemy. At the moment a person believes in Jesus, calls upon the name of the Lord and repents of sins, that person becomes saved (John 3:16; II Peter 3:9, Romans 10:13). By the grace of God salvation is free, a gift (Ephesians 2:8) – the price for redemption having already been paid. The sinner comes to Christ in prayer, repents, forsakes sinning, receives Christ and, thus, the gift of God. Salvation becomes a reality for him/her.

We must realize that no one comes to the Father unless he/she is drawn by the Father (John 6:44, 65). Therefore, we must pray that the Father will draw people to Christ. We must pray in faith, whole heartedly, not in the spirit of worry and fear, as is often done.

As we pray, lets us use the scriptures from Mark 10:27, II Corinthians 10:4, 5, II Peter 3:9 and other appropriate scriptures. On the basis that the redemption for all mankind has already been paid, when we pray in faith we must claim and take individuals for God in the name of the Lord Jesus because they are rightfully His. On the basis of His shed blood, claim by name each individual for whom prayer is made as God’s purchased possession in the name of Jesus Christ.

As we pray, we must bind spiritual strongholds and claim the tearing down of all the works of Satan in the lives of those we lift up to God. They are to be loosened from satanic deceptions and bondages. This includes false doctrine, unbelief, atheistic teaching and hatred with which the enemy might have polluted their minds and spirits. Pray that their very thoughts and imaginations will be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and that the scales of spiritual blindness will be taken away. We must claim their deliverance from the power and persuasion of Satan and from the love of the world – the lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and pride of life (I John 2:15,16). Pray, also, that their conscience will be convicted so that God can bring them to the point of repentance and that they will listen and believe as they hear or read the Word of God. Present them to God in the name of the Lord Jesus. Pray that God’s will and purposes will be accomplished in their lives.

Our prayerful intercessions for the lost must be persistent because of the enemy. Remember that we wrestle against spirits of darkness. Should it not be our duty to continually fight for the souls for whom Christ has died? Just as some must share or preach the good news of salvation, others must consistently pray to intercede and fight the powers of darkness on their behalf.

This is real warfare in the spiritual realm. Praying this way might be new to you, but thanks be to God that our spiritual weapons are mighty and our authority in Christ is far above all the authority of the rulers, powers and forces of evil. Therefore, the enemy must release those for whom we fight. This kind of warfare in the spiritual takes faith, patience, and persistence. In some cases the Holy Spirit might have you to couple fasting with your prayers for the lost.

Continue to pray for and follow up with new Christians even after they begin to be established in the faith. Satan normally renews his attacks in subtle ways. Help them to really become disciples of Christ.

Praying and Interceding Effectively for the Lost—Part 1

2010-09-14T11:07:00.004-04:00

For years I have prayed for the salvation of lost friends and loved ones. Fortunately, some came to Christ. Perhaps my prayers were in agreement with the prayers of others. Unfortunately, some slipped into eternity and I was not sure, and at times doubtful, of their salvation. In many cases, I sent e-mails, Christian literature and books, and made personal visits to add to my prayers for them.

Recently, I have given more thought to praying and interceding for the lost. Also, I have been reading more about spiritual warfare and how Satan and his demons attack us. In reference to Satan, Jesus said, The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: (John 10:10a, KJV). In their rebellion against God, they employ all kinds of clever and cunning strategies using lies, deception, oppression, and other means to keep people from believing and acting on the truth of the gospel. The world system, currently under the influence of Satan and his forces, is constantly promoting humanism and subjecting people to lies and doubts about the Bible and Christianity.

Among these lies is the theory of evolution started by Charles Darwin in Origin of the Species, and, more recently The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Most of our schools now teach evolution as though it is a fact rather than a theory. The Apostle Paul warned us about these deceptions in I Timothy 4:1 where he says, Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. Daily, our public media spew into our homes doctrines of devils, leading to thoughts of doubt and unbelief. Some of it is embedded even in TV commercials.

We Christians need to become more aware of this invisible spiritual warfare that is all around us. Beyond just awareness, we need to prepare ourselves to earnestly and effectively engage the enemy in this warfare. For too long we have given little attention to this spiritual conflict between the kingdom of God and Satan’s kingdom of darkness. For the most part, our participation has been to fight rather timidly and ineffectively out on the periphery of the battle lines. This spiritual war is the greatest, unending war since Eden. Human sufferings, current and past wars, and the innumerable evils we witness in life are just symptoms and outcroppings of this invisible spiritual war. Too many of its victims die separated from our loving Father.

It’s time for us to move into the thick of the battle and take up our positions, as Christian warriors, using the spiritual armor and weapons with which the Lord has equipped us (Ephesians 6:10 -18). There are many areas to examine and study in this spiritual battle, but for now let’s give some thought to how we can be more effective as we pray and intercede for the lost. We must do it now before more souls slip into eternity separated from God’s love.

This blog entry and the following two in this 3 part series were sent in by LMR Noel Caldwell from Columbia, SC.

Back to School: The Importance of Family

2010-09-08T08:54:00.000-04:00

Is Your Family Important?

Our summer vacations are now history and it’s time to get back into the routine. When the carefree days of summer are over, family members seem to take on larger responsibilities. This seems to be the time of the year when families reevaluate their priorities. Have you given much thought to what is at the top of your list?

God Ordained The Family

The traditional family is a picture of a mother cooking dinner for the family she loves; the laugh of a baby, the strength of the presence of the father. The family should be the first school and the first church a child ever attends. It is there that a child learns to pray. It is there that a child should see from his father how to treat his mother. It is there that a child should see from the mother how to relate to men. It is there, long before school begins, that a child should learn from his parents what is right and what is wrong.

Satan’s Attack On The Family

In America, the average marriage lasts seven years, with nearly half of those marriages falling apart within the first three years. The number of divorces in America has tripled since 1962. The relentless pursuit of freedom and abandonment of personal commitment have produced the pathetic condition of our children. Teen suicide has doubled in the last decade. No one can challenge the statement that in 2010 our kids are in crisis. The solution to the crisis facing the family is to uphold the biblical standard for families. The ideal standard for families is found in God’s Word.

Is Jesus Lord Of Your Home?

The Bible gives specific instructions to families concerning the relationship of parents to one another, parents to children, and children to parents. According to the Barna Report, only fifteen percent of church families pray together anymore. Can you say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord?”

Family First

My involvement in an inner-city ministry taught me a valuable lesson. The thing that moved me the most was when we fed the hungry and distributed clothing and school supplies. Mothers with little children came by and told me horror stories of how drugs had destroyed their family. One woman said, “I had to come here to get clothes and school supplies for my little girl because my husband is hooked on crack. I have to hide what little money I can get from him or he will take it and buy drugs.” I even met one family that had been living in their car for a month and our church was able to find them a place to stay. Satan has declared war on the family. We must declare war on Satan.

It’s never too late for God to turn things around in your life and home. You and your family can enjoy God’s richest blessings in this life and eternal life in the world to come.