News from the Field
Throughout the world The Church of God is actively engaged in furthering God's Kingdom and His Church. "News from the Field" is provided to keep members and friends of the Church abreast of the latest reports and happenings within the Church. Displayed on this page are the ten most recent reports. We encourage the web audience to browse previous articles by utilizing the categories or archives displayed to the right.
National Convention in Colombia
July 29, 2008 - World Missions DepartmentCategories: Womens Missionary Band, World Missions Department
In the day session Field Secretary Donaldo Acosta preached an encouraging message about the covenant. Many were blessed with some enquiring, with great interest, about this covenant. There is great potential for growth in this part of the country!
Saturday night the National Overseer edified the people with a wonderful address. He encouraged them to be faithful to the Lord and the Church. Outreach among the downcast and outcast of the country, with an emphasis on revival, was encouraged.
Between sessions, while walking in the market area, we encountered some people who were holding up a sign stating THERE IS NO GOD. There were some who were arguing with them. The Church members with us broke out into singing. A crowd began to gather. Having lost the attention of the crowd they took down there sign and left.
Sunday morning a baptismal service in the sea was planned. Singing, worship, praise and a message was enjoyed by all. There were 10 people baptized in water. What a special time we had at the sea!
Sunday night service was held in a soccer park. National Overseer Carlos led us in a wonderful time of worship. The National Youth Leader then presented the youth of the country. Their testimonies, special songs and instrumentals were a great blessing.
With the crowd at a spiritual fervor Field Secretary Ray D. Dupre was invited to minister. Preaching from the words of Jesus he encouraged revival among the followers of Jesus. He emphasized faithful, fervent service to the Lord. Oh how the Lord moved over us all.
At the close of the service a time of fellowship was enjoyed then all dispersed to their field of labor. By God’s help another year will bring even more growth to this country. These people are stirred up and serious about working for the Lord.
Heritage Day 2008
July 28, 2008 - Field Secretary's OfficeCategories: General News
Heritage Day 2008 will long be remembered by those in attendance for the sweet presence of the Spirit felt by all. From the opening comments of Field Secretary Robert F. Strong to the closing congregational prayer one knew God’s smile was on the Church as she celebrated her heritage.
The arranging for this year’s celebration was put into the capable hands of Field Secretary Robert F. Strong. He is to be commended for his prayerful preparation for and excellent moderation of this day of activities.
Thanks to Brother Melvin McGriff the atmosphere for celebrating our heritage captured the attendees as they entered the doors to a beautiful arrangement of artifacts as well as reproductions of markers and the entrance to Fields of the Wood. This unusual display as well as Brother McGriff’s keen knowledge of each item kept us in fellowship with each other before and after the service as we reminisced of our being involved in and with many of the items on display.
Scripture reading and comments by host pastor Bishop L. W. Carter marked the opening of the service. Most importantly though, his excitement moved and prepared us for worship.
General Overseer Stephen E. Smith’s excitement for the celebration was manifested as his comments turned into a wonderful short sermon with great spiritual fervor. Following his lead each on program continued in that same spirit!
Congregational worship was led by Sister Janet Talley with other worship music provided by the Tennessee State Choir and Sister Mary Shelton. Oh how we did sing unto the Lord!
Bishop Melvin Byers State Overseer of North Carolina connected our heritage to the Bible Prophecies. His insight into the word was a wonderful blessing and great encouragement to us all. Following him Bishop Ray Dupre State Overseer of Tennessee showed a media presentation that included video, audio and photos from the past.
Each event brought us to a spiritual level that prepared us for the sermon to come, and oh what a glorious sermon it was! No one other than Bishop Clive Jared State Overseer of Virginia/West Virginia could have brought this special sermon. At the youthful age of 80 years this man reminisced and preached one of the most powerful Heritage Day sermons ever in our history of celebrating our heritage. God bless you Brother Jared and may He give you many more years to nurture and encourage the Church.
The blessings received during this Heritage Day Celebration caused a slow departure of the attendees as they lingered after the dismissal. What a wonderful witness this was of God’s presence at the celebration. It truly could be said, “THIS IS HOW IT USED TO BE!”
Paraguay Holds National Convention
July 21, 2008 - World Missions DepartmentCategories: Womens Missionary Band, World Missions Department
With the theme "Ye are the Light of the World" (Matt. 5:14) we began the National Convention in the country of Paraguay June 27-29, 2008 at the local church Capiata San Lorenzo with 50 delegates. God admonished us to begin sending the light into this lost world. It is necessary for many to encounter to way and we as the church enlighten the way as Jesus.
Five were reclaimed, one saved, twenty sanctified, and one received the covenant of membership. We thank the Lord for His love and the World Mission Department for supporting this convention. God bless and continue praying for the country of Paraguay.
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Church Property Purchased
July 3, 2008 - Field Secretary's OfficeCategories: Evangelism Department
E. Roger Ammons, overseer of Michigan, is pleased to report the purchase of a church property in Niles, MI. The building has over 5,100 square feet. The church was able to secure a $50,000 land contract with no interest or down payment. Payments are only $250 per month, and a final balloon payment is due in ten years. We thank God for His goodness in providing this property.
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2008 Summer Convention Schedule
June 15, 2008 - General Overseer's OfficeCategories: Calendar of Events
Each year across the globe, the states and nations of The Church of God hold conventions to promote the ministry endeavors of the Church. The following conventions are currently scheduled for the summer months:
State/Region |
Date |
Location |
|---|---|---|
Alaska |
May 30-June 1 |
Anchorage, AK |
NM/AZ/CO/TX (West) |
June 13-15 |
Albuquerque, NM |
MS/LA/TX (East) |
June 14-15 |
Vicksburg, MS |
ID (South)/CA/NV/UT |
June 19-21 |
Caldwell, ID |
WA/ID (North)/MT (West)/OR |
June 27-28 |
Kennewick/Pasco, WA |
Virginia/West Virginia |
June 27-28 |
Roanoke, VA |
Georgia/Florida |
June 27-29 |
Perry, FL |
WI/IA/IL (North)/MI |
July 3-6 |
Indianola, IA |
AR/KS/MO/OK |
July 11-13 |
Pocahontas, AR |
IL (South)/IN/KY/OH |
July 11-13 |
Elizabethtown, KY |
PA/DE/MD/MA |
July 11-13 |
Uniontown, PA |
South Carolina |
July 11-13 |
To be Announced |
Tennessee |
July 11-13 |
Cleveland, TN (Zion Hill) |
Alabama |
July 18-20 |
Bessemer, AL |
SD/MN/MT (East)/NE/ND/WY |
July 18-20 |
Isabel, SD |
North Carolina |
July 18-19 |
Brown Summit, NC |
Nation/Region |
Date |
Location |
|---|---|---|
Philippines |
April 25-27 |
Romblon, Philippines |
Canada (West) |
June 6-7 |
Vernon, B.C., Canada |
Canada (East) |
July 3-6 |
Indianola, IA |
England |
July 4-6 |
Birmingham, England |
Puerto Rico |
July 10-13 |
To Be Announced |
Mexico |
July 18-20 |
To Be Announced |
Dominican Republic |
July 25-27 |
Santo Domingo, Dom. Republic |
BTI Held in Cleveland, TN
May 29, 2008 - BTI DepartmentCategories: Bible Training Institute
Leadership Pastoral Development (Jared Nolen, Reporter)
We thank God for the opportunity to take part in this course. We have enjoyed times of anointed teaching and rejoicing. We have been instructed from the course material and life experience from years of ministry. It is our heartfelt desire that we can go upward and onward to better our service for Christ and His glorious Church, which compels us to pursue the objectives in this course. We truly desire to know Him!
1st Term Class (Katlin Horton, Reporter)
The theme for our class is “Knowing Him in His Sufferings”. This year’s first term has in attendance, four women who are dedicated to knowing Him. We have learned many wonderful things from the wonderful teachers. In our Old Testament class, we are discussing the many kings, prophets, and covenants of the Old Testament. Our pastoral class, led by our General Overseer, is teaching of the lifestyles which those who are in the Church must live in order to be effective in service to God and His Church. The business class is teaching us how the Church business is to be conducted. In our Bible doctrine class, we are learning of the promises and blessings of God along with the requirements of His Word. Our auxiliaries class is a challenging opportunity, as we take turns doing devotions at the beginning of class. We are learning about the responsibilities of each Auxiliary. The ladies in our term have been blessed in each class and service.
2nd Term Class (Chelsey Anders, Reporter)
Praise the Lord for BTI! This year our theme for the whole school is “Let Us Know Him.” It is taken from Philippians 3:10, which says, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.”
The second term class is composed of seven students of varying ages and backgrounds. Our class president is Brother Michael Weigand, a lay minister from Virginia. Our vice president is Brother Alan Mack, the pastor of The Church of God in Vidor, Texas. Our secretary is Sister Yvonne Stephens, the State BTI booster from Antioch, Tennessee. Our treasurer is Sister Leandra Morris, the regional and a local VLB Leader from Kentucky. Our class reporter is Chelsey Anders, from Virginia. Our female counselor is Sister Byers, the wife of the general CPMA Leader and state overseer of North Carolina. Our male counselor is Eric Hogan, the assistant VLB Leader at his local church in Virginia.
Together, we chose 1 John 2:3 as our class theme. It reads, “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.” We also chose white as our class color and the peace lily as our class flower. Our class motto was “I read it in the Book...”
Second term was responsible for the service on Saturday night. The Holy Ghost was present from start to finish in that service. The day before, Brother B. G. Cox had been divinely healed. He was asked to testify about this miracle before congregational prayer. God used his testimony to open the floodgates of heaven. This led to a wonderful altar service, where both young and old alike were seeking whole-heartedly for the will of God in their lives. There was a hunger and commitment demonstrated by the youth. The Holy Ghost was a blessing to see.
Each class reinforces the others as we study different aspects of the Bible and the Church. It would be impossible to tell all that these classes teach us, so we will take only a brief look at each class. The first class of the mornings is Auxiliaries, taught by Sister Zimmerman. In addition to learning about the Auxiliaries, we are responsible for conducting a mini-service for each auxiliary. Next is our Pastoral class, as taught by Sister Wilson. In this class we learn the responsibilities of a pastor and how they apply to lay members as well as the ministry. Our teacher said of this of the class: “Honestly what I've seen in this class is a great interest in the caring, the needs, the fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord. A shepherd's heart has been displayed by everyone in here, even those who are not a shepherd. And to me that's very important to the work of the Church...” Next is the Life of Christ, which is taught by Sister Williams. The most memorable statement from her class is one she invented to explain Christ's existence prior to His advent. “Eternity left eternity, stepped into time to do His Father's will, and stepped back into eternity.” Brother Lofton teaches our Church Business class. Far from being overly legalistic, this class is more concerned with teaching us how to operate the Church in way which pleases God. Lastly, we have Doctrine, as taught by Brother Werkheiser. This class is full of discussion about the teachings and practices which the Church upholds.
We at BTI encourage all of you to plan now to attend next year's BTI.
3rd Term Class (Allene Cox, Reporter)
As she stepped up and across the platform, applause rang out among those assembled to view her accomplishments. She smiled and her heart swelled within her. She slightly adjusted her cap and tassel as she reached out to shake the hand of the dean and receive her diploma validating the last several years of study and hard work.
This is a picture to which some in our 2008 BTI graduating class cannot relate. Some have not graduated college. Some have not graduated high school, but they will complete this Bible school.
There are also those in our term who have graduated secular college with great honors. They too will walk to the platform this Friday to receive their certificate of completion for this Bible Training Institute.
Both groups of persons within our class are approaching our studies with great respect and honor to the study materials, instructors, and most of all divine revelation. From several states, the classmates have cried, laughed, and learned together.
The theme for our class is “Passionate to Know Him”. We selected this theme, recognizing that what people desire in their hearts is what they will work for the most. We are truly desirous and passionate to know all we can about the groom, who will return for His Bride some day soon. What does He expect of Her? What does He find attractive in Her? What can we do to prepare for His return? These questions are those which we are passionate to answer!
While some are passionate to get their degrees, positions or advancements; we want to be passionate to find His perfect will for us individually and corporately. There is no sin in advancing educationally, financially, or in status. However, this class wants to be sure that all of our lives’ passions pale in comparison to our love and passion for Christ.
The Holy Ghost has visited us greatly in the first week. Our classes, devotions, and services have been perfectly seasoned with anointed preaching and teaching, healings and signs which the Lord is passionate to impart.
If you ever have the opportunity to be in Bible Training Institute, please accept that blessing. Your life will not be hindered or halted for those two weeks of sacrifice. Rather, it will be enhanced. Maybe your passions will be changed or flavored so that you will also be passionate to know Him.
We appreciate all those from the surrounding area who attending our graduation at the Zion Hill church in Cleveland, TN. It truly was a time of celebration as we walked across the platform, adjusted our thoughts and hearts to receive the honor of being counted among those who had a passion to know Him.
Philippines Convention Report
May 12, 2008 - World Missions DepartmentCategories: Womens Missionary Band, World Missions Department
The following report was written by Jamie Lyn Verdan, reporter in the nation of the Philippines.
I’m very much grateful to share with you the goodness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ during the 21st Annual National Convention held in Odiongan, Romblon last April 25-27, 2008. This successful event was indeed a blessing for all of us. This activity helped us to be stronger and be more faithful in serving God. It was a great joy to see the faces of our brothers and sisters in Christ which gathered together and be united in one goal, to feel God’s presence, receive His blessings and most specially to give Him praise.
On the first day of the convention we felt the undying love of our Almighty God as His spirit joining us upon rejoicing Him. God’s Holy Spirit continuously flows on us upon listening to the inspiring and challenging message of the preachers. Pastors who delivered their message gave highlights to the wonderful theme, "Speaking the Truth in Love". Children of God, let us not be hesitant in speaking the truth, for the truth will make us free. The Victory Leader’s Band prepared an inspiring presentation which encourages the young people to be strong and strengthen their faith.
We missed two ministers in this convention as they were not able to attend due to their sickness. They were Evelyn Verdan, National WMB Coordinator and Jeremias Ballenas of Panay Island. Let us continue to pray for them for their complete healing.
To God be the glory! Five souls were added to the Church as they gratefully took their covenant. We had a total attendance of 148. Heartfelt thanks to our National Overseer, Danilo M. Orcino, all local church pastors, and every member of the Church who offered their support to make this activity a blessing for all of us. Let us all continue praying for the appointees and every pastors in the Church.
To God be the glory!
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Spanish BTI Held in Arizona
April 28, 2008 - BTI DepartmentCategories: Bible Training Institute
The following report was submitted by Regional Overseer James R. Horne.
On April 10, 2008, I left Albuquerque, New Mexico to head three hours south to Hatch, New Mexico where I was to hold Revival. There was much excitement in my heart as the Lord has been blessing the Church in many glorious ways. It was a great blessing for me and my family to move to Albuquerque and pastor our new church there that was just established in September. I was heading to Hatch just feeling like God was going to do something extra special. The first two nights were Holy Ghost filled and with good attendance. On the third day we had a baptismal service and that night a bon fire. The Lord did move mightily and as the Holy Ghost convicted the young people, eight came forward and received salvation. The following night another sheep joined the fold. This was the second new member in Hatch in recent weeks, as another sister in Christ joined the Church at the District Convention.
I stopped and visited the church in Alamogordo, New Mexico and then headed west to Arizona. There were two independent congregations in the Phoenix area that had shown interest in The Church of God and we were able to host a Spanish BTI with the assistance of Brothers Pimentel (ID), Coronel (CA), Feliz (ID), and Castro (Guatemala). The commencement service of BTI was filled with the Holy Ghost and the message of the glorious Church of God was well received. On April 18th, we received seventeen new members and established a new Spanish church in Phoenix, Arizona, appointing Juan Gutierrez as pastor. There have already been several more who have expressed interest in joining the Church and we pray that in the days and weeks to come there will be others who will covenant themselves to the Church. There was also a mission established in Phoenix with another pastor who joined and we hope to organize there in the coming months.
On Saturday, April 19th, a man came into the church from off the street declaring that he felt a leading there. This man sought prayer for his body and soul. He gave his heart to the Lord and got saved that afternoon. There were many testimonies expressed that related how thankful these dear sheep were. One sister stated how she had heard this message and doctrine over 20 years ago, and that she was so glad that it was still alive. She was so thankful to be a member of The Church of God again. Another had a dream the night before that she envisioned a clear crystal sea but that she needed to remove “the world” from herself before she could step in. That night she did just that as she removed her jewelry and joined the Church.
Revival fire has definitely been burning in our area and it is clearly evident how the Lord is favoring His Church not only here but all over the world.
We are glad to report in the last several weeks: 9 saved, 1 baptized, 19 members added to the Church. Praise the Lord!
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Post-Release Update: The Church of God is pleased to announce that we received 9 additional members after the BTI in Arizona for a total of 26 in the new Phoenix church. (With the inclusion of 2 members in Hatch for a total of 28 in recent weeks.)
Missionary Serving in South Korea
April 21, 2008 - World Missions DepartmentCategories: Womens Missionary Band, World Missions Department
General Headquarters is pleased to announce that Sister Dodie Overdorff will serve as the first short term missionary for The Church of God. Sister Overdorff will travel to South Korea at the end of April and will serve the Church there until the end of July. Everyone is encouraged to keep Sister Overdorff and the work in South Korea in prayer during this special time for The Church of God.
Church Organized in Lawrence, MA
April 19, 2008 - Field Secretary's OfficeCategories: Evangelism Department
On Saturday, April 12, 2008, a new local church was established in Lawrence, MA (a northern suburb of Boston) with four new members. These include the pastor and his wife, Jose & Deloris Zorrilla, and another minister and his wife Vilvio and Marguarita Alcantera. Both brothers are evangelists and their wives are lay ministers. They have been serving the Lord for many years beginning in the Dominican Republic and now in the United States of America. This is a kernel to which many more members will be added. Some twenty people have been meeting wth Brother Zorrilla in their home and in rented facilities when available. These precious people are primarily from the Dominican Republic and have many contacts in their home country. We are already reaching out to other groups/ministers in the New England area.
During a concluding prayer of consecration for them and their work, the Holy Ghost gloriously blessed them confirming His pleasure with their joining and His divine blessing and anointing for their labor.
The previous report was submitted by James T. Smith.
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Update: The following photographs were submitted of the Lawrence church's new facilities of worship.
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