messenger Welcome Pastor Don & Vicki Miller Superintendent The Assembly January/February Volume 73, N0.1

Transcription

1 January/February Volume 73, N0.1 The Assembly messenger Welcome Pastor Don & Vicki Miller Superintendent

2 MINISTERIAL UPDATES New Pastors: Exeter, A/G...James D. Alverson Irondale, A/G... Heather N. Zimmerman Linn, Family Worship Center...Matthew Lee Rich Hill, Myrtle Tree Fellowship...Robert Titus Slater, A/G... Dean L. Clemmer Springfield, Bethel A/G...Nicholas DeRosa Union, A/G...Carl E. Bay Transfers In: James Alverson... Mississippi Todd M. Bowen...Peninsular Florida Robert Caldwell...Illinois C. Steven Domingue... Wisconsin/N. Michigan Elizabeth Davis...Kansas W. Allen Davis...Kansas Joshua Dryer...Oklahoma Rocky D. Ferguson... North Texas Eric J. Graffam... South Carolina Robert G. Haynes...Oklahoma Daniel Odean...Indiana Henry Reiber... Alaska Jesse Reimers... South Carolina Donald L. Stevens...Illinois Jeremy Stinnett...Kansas Sarah Stinnett...Kansas Gary W. Thomas...Illinois Alan J. Tofflemire... Mississippi Nancy Tofflemire... Mississippi Wayne G. Welborn...Illinois Transfers Out: Joshua D. Andrew... Wisconsin/N. Michigan Joseph Arnold... North Texas Gregory R. Bennett... Southern California Inboem Dean Cho... Georgia Charles J. Crowder... Kentucky Matthew B.T. Dehnert... Minnesota Derek L. Dewitt...Indiana Robert K. Fairchild... Arkansas Mark Gallo... Tennessee John W. Harbold...Pennsylvania/Delaware Emily E. Hartsell... Mississippi Russell D. Hartsell, Jr... Mississippi Kenneth L. Hellmer...Rocky Mountain Kimberly A. Hellmer...Rocky Mountain David E. Jackson... New York Jessica S. Jackson... New York Christopher J. Joseph... Minnesota Chap. Michael S. McDonald...Potomac Jerrica (Peryer) Matrone...Rocky Mountain Logan B. Miller...Northern Missouri Mitchel A. Smith... Minnesota Alyssa C. Staley...Illinois Craig R. Stiefel... Indiana Dawn C. Tuthill... Nebraska Kevin A. Walsh...Arizona Nathan Whidden... Indiana Kevin A. Zurrica... Pennsylvania/Delaware Rev. Thomas Canter: fill-in ministry... (314) Kevin Boggs: fill-in ministry...(417) Randall Darden: weekends Michael Dobony: fill-in ministry safety & child protection training Ronald Duncan: fill-in ministry, revivals, interim Jim Ellis: fill-in ministry Ted Furry: revitalization ministry Sophia Garcia: Hispanic or English Ministry: Women, Marriage Enrichment Rick Ianniello: interim, fill-in min Delana Ingram: fill-in ministry Richard Johnson: pulpit ministry, weekends or interim Kirk Metzger: fill-in ministry, weekly evenings, Sundays Bil McGarity: fill-in ministry emphasis on miracles Executive Presbyters Superintendent... Don Miller Assistant Superintendent... Bill Newby Secretary-Treasurer...Stan Welch S. E. Region...Darrel Loughridge N. E. Region...Mickey Davis S. W. Region... Alvin Blackard N. W. Region... Lowell Perkins District Ministries Admin./Stewardship...Rhonda Amer Missions/Men s... James G. McHaffie Women s Ministries... Sherry Welch Church Growth & Ed.... Jim Calvin Youth Ministries... Darin Poe Royal Rangers... Jerry Millhouser Girls Ministries...Carol Brown Fifty Plus Ministries... John Heide Items of Interest NEEDED: Dependable school buses for mission endeavors. Contact Pastor Dwayne Maynard at First AG, Sikeston, MO at NEEDED: Free Piano for Woodland Manner Nursing Home - Contact Gerald Stewart HELP NEEDED: Construction teams for the Rosebud Reservation. Funds and materials provided for 150 homes. Contact KC Kopaska at Available for Ministry District Leadership Vincent M. Newfield: Crystal Nickel: fill-in ministry hoperestored@live.com John Piraino, Jr.: fill-in ministry, weekly evenings, Sundays Kelly Pryor: fill-in ministry / kellypryor@centurytel.net Michael Rattenne: fill-in ministry Jack Robinson - fill-in, interim Gerald Stewart: fill-in ministry Chris Tankersley: fill-in ministry ctank81@hotmail.com Phil Tanner fill-in ministry Matthew Thomas: fill in ministry H. Gene Thrasher: fill-in ministry, weekend revivals Ryan Winters: fill-in ministry / ryanlw5@aol.com Matthew Woodroof: fill-in ministry mattwoodroof@hotmail.com Sectional Presbyters Cape Girardeau...John Chamness Clinton... D. Eugene Ekstrand Joplin...Ken Robinson Kansas City...George Westlake III Kennett... Eugene Poole Park Hills... J. C. Moore Saint Louis...Jack Hembree Sedalia...Trevor Hayes Springfield North...Gary Ankrom Springfield South... Ted Cederblom Sullivan... Danny Kemp Van Buren...Michael Evans West Plains...Tom Fortner Ethnic Fellowship... Yvonne Bailey AVAILABLE: Davisville AG has a 91 Ford 15 passenger van, maintained, in good condition. Call Pastor Walter at or AVAILABLE: M3 Hammond Spinet Organ, 2 manuals, pedals. Call Valeetha Rose In Memoriam Alonzo Thomas (LI) 10/2/11 Alva R. Sill (OR) 10/5/11 Thelma L. Hough (OR) 10/5/11 Marvin D. Gilliam (OR) 10/17/11 EDITORS Don Miller, Executive Editor Rhonda Amer, Managing Editor The Assembly Messenger is the official publication of the Southern Missouri District Council of the Assemblies of God. It is published bimonthly by the Southern Missouri District Council. Products and/or services advertised in the MESSENGER are not necessarily endorsed by the Southern Missouri District Council. SUBSCRIPTION RATE: Individual - $7.00/year Church Bundles of 5 - $30.00/year Single copy - $1.35/each Contact the District Office at: Phone: Fax: info@somoag.org 2 2 January/February 2012 Assembly Messenger

3 Moving Forward Superintendent Don Miller First of all, Vicki and I cannot thank you enough for how graciously we have been received by this District as the new Superintendent! Your calls, cards, s, etc. of congratulations and encouragement have been such an uplift to us as we have walked through the most radical transition of our lives! Let me quickly update you on where we are in this change process. As per the direction of the Executive Presbytery, I assumed the duties of the District Superintendent at the moment we were declared elected. We resigned from Ash Grove Assembly (where we have pastored for the past twenty-five years) on October 23. We moved out of the church parsonage to a home on the Southwest side of Springfield on November 12 and said our farewells to the beautiful congregation at the church on November 13. We left with great memories, dear friends, and excitement about both our future and theirs To be honest, though Vicki and I are humbled by the opportunity to serve the District in this capacity and overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task, we feel that God has been strategically preparing us for years for this moment. We believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that God has brought us to this place for such a time as this! Vicki and I have been a part of this District for nearly all our lives. I was raised attending Houston Assembly of God and began preaching at age 16. Then, I started attending Central Bible College in Vicki and I were engaged during my Junior year and we married in July of Upon my graduation from CBC, we took our first staff position as youth pastor at Ozark Assembly of God. After two years there, we served for two years as associate pastor (with emphasis on youth and children) at Bolivar First Assembly of God. Then, in 1986, we began our ministry as senior pastor at Ash Grove. Throughout the years, we have served in various roles in the District. Vicki served for a number of years as District Missionettes Director. I have served as District Youth Secretary, Assistant District Church Growth and Education Director, Presbyter and then Executive Presbyter. Along the way, we have endeavored to grow in leadership skills and knowledge to be prepared to serve in the Kingdom in whatever way God has desired. We have diligently prayed for wisdom from God for as Proverbs 19:21 states: Many are the plans in a person s heart, but it is the LORD s purpose that prevails. We look forward in the upcoming months to getting to know many of you better. We welcome the opportunity to visit with you and to minister to your congregations. Our heart s desire is to be a pastor to the ministers and their families but also to cast vision for what God can do as we work together for a common purpose. There is great anticipation in our hearts as we look to the days ahead. We will endeavor to build on the foundation which has been laid by those who have gone before us and with God s help, determine to lead this District into an exciting new season of growth and spiritual renewal. Please continue to pray with us and for us as we walk together into the bright future of the Southern Missouri District. Great days ahead, Pastor Don Miller District Superintendent Women in Ministry Retreat Host and Speaker: Vicki Miller I am excited to invite you to the 2012 Women in Ministry Retreat, March 9 and 10 at Cross Pointe Retreat Center. It is my privilege to provide you with the opportunity to get away for time to renew your spirit by hearing the word and interacting with women who can identify with your ministry opportunities. We all face our own set of challenges, some unique and others very identifiable, but one thing remains: we are all women given purpose by our Heavenly Father. I encourage you to take this time, away from distractions, to be built up by your sisters in Christ. Leave refreshed and encouraged to be all you can be for the kingdom! Keynote Speaker: Karen Yancey, Kansas District Network Development Director January/February 2012 Assembly Messenger 3

4 Assistant Superintendent bill newby January 2012 A YEAR FROM NOW? Trying to hear what God wants us to do and get it laid out and in motion; will we be doing this a year from now? No, this is not a reference to the fact that death can be imminent for any of us I m talking about the continued shaping of our world into what seems to be an easy fit for the predictive Biblical passages about the end of this age. Consider the rapid advance of militant Islam worldwide. People who have little moral compass are no match for those who have a strong moral compass. So, Europe is easy prey for people who do not believe in moral relativism. Consider the weakening military strength of the United States. It is my opinion that the U. S. military needs to be out of the way or we would just go take out the anti-christ And consider the candidate for anti-christ that some are suggesting: the Twelfth Imam, who is being anticipated by the part of the world under Iran s influence. The Twelfth Imam is the Muslim messiah and is being touted as the one who will lead the entire world in peace as its leader after he has destroyed his enemies! So, is all this going to fall into place in 2012? Or is it going to be like some of my other expectations.like I expected Israel to take out Iran s nuclear operations in 2010? Either way, I love the focus of the scripture. For we are God s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). And, You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit fruit that will last. (John 15:16a). Therefore the message to me at this point is: get your work done! Whatever it is, just do it! That kind of focus can help simplify life and ministry just get er done! May our limitless God bless each of us as we press on into this new year to do his will for his glory! 2012 SECTIONAL COUNCILS DATE SECTION PRESBYTER LOCATION TIME TUESDAY, Feb 7 Kansas City George Westlake III Garrozo s Ristorante 12:00 Sectional Luncheon Meeting MONDAY, Feb 20 Cape Girardeau John Chamness Dexter/First A/G 11:00 a.m. Meeting 12:00 Sectional Luncheon Kennett Eugene Poole Portageville A/G 5:00 p.m. Sectional Dinner 6:00 p.m. Meeting TUESDAY, Feb 21 Park Hills J.C. Moore Harvest Christian Center 10:00 a.m. Meeting followed by lunch St. Louis Jack Hembree StarBridge Christian Center, Wildwood 3:00 p.m. Meeting THURSDAY, Feb 23 Sullivan Danny Kemp Rolla/Calvary 10:00 a.m. Meeting, Sectional Luncheon Sedalia Trevor Hayes Jefferson City/First A/G 3:00 p.m. Meeting followed by dinner FRIDAY, Feb 24 Clinton Eugene Ekstrand Osceola/First A/G 12:00 Sectional Luncheon, Meeting follows Joplin Ken Robinson Marionville A/G 6:00 p.m. Meeting MONDAY, Feb 27 West Plains Tom Fortner Cabool A/G 12:00 Sectional Luncheon then Meeting Van Buren Michael Evans Winona A/G 6:30 p.m. Meeting TUESDAY, Feb 28 Springfield South Ted Cederblom SM District Office 10:30 a.m. Meeting Springfield North Gary Ankrom Springfield/Northside A/G 12:00 Sectional Luncheon,1:30 Meeting 4 January/February 2012 Assembly Messenger

5 How to Have A Secretary-Treasurer Stan Welch stanwelch@somoag.org How can we cope with the day that we are living in? The sense of security we had from living in America is gone. We face uncertainties of every kind, life at its best and at its worst brings to all of us problems that seem to be more than we can handle. What we all need is a fresh new beginning! Jesus promised a new beginning, a new hope, when He said, You must be born again. Nicodemus wondered how you could have this new beginning. [4] Nicodemus said to Him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother s womb and be born? As we go into this New Year and face 2012 you may be filled with questions, wondering is there any hope for something fresh and new? I believe the answer for a new beginning is found in Jesus words to Nicodemus in John 3:8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit. It is the power of the Holy Spirit released in our lives and in our ministries that insure us that we can have a new fresh beginning. Let me share with you three reasons why I know that we can have a new beginning by the power of the Holy Spirit. 1. THE WIND BLOWS. (A description of the ceaseless action of the Holy Spirit.) The Holy Spirit is continuously at work to fulfill God s plan of bringing new beginnings for all of us. -The Holy Spirit was at work in creation to bring a new beginning to the disorder that was in the earth. Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. [2] The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. The Holy Spirit was waiting for the Word to speak then the Holy Spirit s power caused the spoken Word of God to happen. Genesis 1:3 Then God said, Let there be light ; and there was light. I know the Holy Spirit is continually hovering over the troubled waters of our lives to bring fresh new order and a new beginning to the disorder and chaos that fills our lives and even our ministries. -The Holy Spirit never stops His work of calling all that are thirsty to the life giving water. Rev. 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come! And let him who hears say, Come! And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. It is the Holy Spirit that is hovering over our life looking for the opportunity to do His creative work in our lives! 2. THE WIND BLOWS WHERE IT WISHES. (A description of the Sovereign freedom of the Spirit.) The Spirit is working in sovereignty wherever He pleases to bring a new beginning. The Holy Spirit can be no more controlled than the wind. -It is exciting to know that the Spirit is continually moving and He is free to blow His fresh winds of new beginning wherever He wishes! He chose to bring a new beginning on the day of Pentecost and He is still choosing to move today into our lives with a fresh wind of life and new beginnings. Acts 2:1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. [2] And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. - It was the sovereign blowing of the Holy Spirit that brought Nicodemus to Christ that night. It would take the sovereign moving of the Holy Spirit to give Nicodemus a new beginning and bring him into the Kingdom of God. -The sovereign moving of the Holy Spirit has brought you to a place of new beginning. Welcome Him into your life and He will do a wonderful work of making all things new. 3. THE WIND BLOWS WHERE IT WISHES AND YOU HEAR THE SOUND. (A description of the Indisputable evidence of the working of the Holy Spirit.) The Holy Spirit gives us indisputable evidence of his working as he gives new beginnings in the lives of people! -There is always evidence of a fresh new beginning when the Holy Spirit is at work. In creation, the Holy Spirit brought order out of chaos! On the day of Pentecost there was evidence of power to witness. There is always evidence in the life of the believer. 2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. -I can t explain about the blowing of the wind, but I can feel its effect. I know that the Spirit is blowing and bringing new beginnings all around this world and the effects can be clearly seen and felt. The wind of the Spirit blew until the Iron Curtain fell and now the Gospel is being preached in the former USSR. Cuba has closed its doors to missionaries, but it could not stop the blowing of the Spirit of God and the Church of Jesus Christ is growing as never before. China s Great Wall could not stop the blowing of the (continued on page 6) January/February 2012 Assembly Messenger 5

6 Administration/stewardship Rhonda Amer DOING THINGS BETTER IN 2012 Goal setting can be very exciting, but even more enjoyable is reaching those goals! One of the key components to success is to mix faith with common sense. Set the bar high, but not impossible! The first of each year is a great time to set business and financial goals, as well as, MAKE A BUDGET! Here are a few ideas that you might want to consider as you begin this new year. 1. Make a Budget 2. Pay down your credit cards 3. Save for a down payment on a house 4. Start a retirement fund 5. Create an Emergency Fund Too many goals become overwhelming and set us up for failure. Use wisdom, be strategic, and pray for direction as you go into this Year 2012, which is full of amazing possibilities. (continued from page 5) Spirit and today a powerful Church is alive and well in China. In America we see the wall of self-centered materialism has encircled this nation, we have seen the destruction of our society from the inside, but the Wind of the Spirit is blowing and Sparks of Revival are starting to burn across our nation. -In my life I have experienced the Spirit as His life giving breath has made all things new; He has given me a new beginning. -So as we face a new year with new challenges I am encouraged to know - we can have a fresh new beginning because John 3:8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit. Dear friends, Sherry and I pray that this is a year of fresh new beginnings for you, your family, and the ministry that God has entrusted into your care. Blessings! Stats on The Importance of Stewardship Training Giving from Childhood: People who do not give philanthropically as youngsters are less likely to do so as they mature and age. No Training: Only 2 to 4 percent of seminaries and only 1 to 2 percent of Christian colleges and universities teach biblical financial principles at all. Uneasy Subject: Generally, pastors are reluctant to use the word money. Uncertain Value: Many pastors feel they are irrelevant to the financial process and that money is not a core spiritual value. Untrained Pastors: Eighty-five percent of pastors are untrained in the theology of stewardship and have no books in their libraries on Christian stewardship, money or giving. Problem in Marriage: Sixty percent in marriage counseling identify money as a major problem. Low Giving: While church budgets typically are planned with the assumption that congregants will give only 2-3% of their incomes, most pastors do not cite this as an indication of lukewarm faith. Giving as Maturity: When asked how they measure the spiritual commitment of their congregants, only one out of 10 pastors mentioned financial giving as an indicator of spiritual maturity and commitment. (These stats were taken from Generous Giving and are accumulative responses from a variety of denominations) 6 January/February 2012 Assembly Messenger

7 Practicing Forgiveness CROSS Pointe camp Curtis & Cindy Washam, Directors Forgiving others is not an option for the believer. Jesus said If you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father in heaven forgive you. In this world where sin has caused pain and the devil has done his best to destroy every life, forgiveness is the door to God s healing power. There is no hurt or pain too deep that our release in forgiveness will not bring healing of the hurts that we receive in this life. It is surprising how many Christians and even Christian leaders who feel they can harbor bitterness and unforgiveness in their lives. The comment made many times is it s just too painful to me, I m not ready. Or, my hurt is more severe than others, surely God doesn t expect me to forgive that. But the truth is that allowing unforgiveness to stay in our hearts, hardens it, and stops the flow of the Holy Spirit. The reality is that the pain, from hurts in our emotions, will be healed, when we decide by our will to obey God and forgive. The very action that seems so hard is what allows us to be healed by God s love and power. Allowing unforgiveness to remain not only hardens the heart but allows demonic oppression into your life. Unforgiveness and bitterness actually causes us to be held in bondage to painful memories and negative emotions. The negative emotional pain, that surrounds an offence, then effects our physical bodies and robs us of the peace and joy that God intends for us to have. The following are some truths that will help in the process of forgiving. 1. Forgiving someone does not mean that you are saying that the offence is okay. Actually, for true forgiveness to take place, honesty about the hurt is needed. 2. Forgiveness is an act of your will that is done in obedience to God. For the Christian, it is not an option. 3. When we do our part in forgiveness, God will do His by enabling our heart to be changed and to heal the effects of the hurt. 4. We must forgive even if the offender does not acknowledge the offence. 5. Agreement in prayer, with another Christian, may be needed to follow through in forgiveness. A test of whether you have fully forgiven is that the emotional pain will be gone. You can remember the hurt, but your heart will be healed. God wants us to live in such freedom that any topic of our life could be raised and there would not be a negative emotional reaction. When we do our part by walking in forgiveness, then the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your heart and mind through Christ Jesus. Church planting James G. McHaffie mchaffie@somoag.org Missionary Church Planters and Developers Andrew and Sheri Austin, newly appointed US Missionaries, called to present the Gospel to the Bosnian people. Since St. Louis has the largest Bosnian community in the world [outside of Bosnia], we will base our mission here. Our mission is to help Bosnians plant churches by reaching them with the Gospel, restoring the broken-hearted, and raising up disciples who will reach more Bosnians more effectively both in the U.S. and in Bosnia. Here are a few surprising facts: Over 60,000 Bosnians in St.Louis! No USA evangelical Bosnian Church! Over 50% have a Muslim background! Andrew has a B.A. from Central Bible College and an M.A. in Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College Graduate School. Sheri has a B.A. in History and Cultural Studies from St. Stephen s University in New Brunswick, Canada. She also completed a year-long missions training program with the Navigators in Colorado Springs. The Austins have two children, Ian and Alena. Andrew and Sheri will need the support of Southern Missouri Churches to accomplish this important task. Please consider scheduling them for a service. To support the Austins, their account number is: January/February 2012 Assembly Messenger 7

8 MISSIONS James G. McHaffie 8 Advantages of Missionary Itineration Continued from the last issue. 3. A missionary will bring welcome news to the local congregation of what God has done. Missionaries bring reports of souls saved, miracles, crusades held, churches planted, new Bibles schools established, etc. Every congregation thrills at the report of what God is doing in a country. The person in the pew needs to know he or she is a part of something larger than the local church. 4. The most important reason for itineration by our missionaries is to have opportunity to enlist prayer partners. When the missionary encourages a congregation to take their personal prayer card, they are saying, Please, please pray for us! Every missionary will be going where Satan does not want the message of God s love preached. Prayer is needed to protect and empower the missionary to accomplish the task. Note: Two Additional points will be discussed in the next issue. 8 January/February 2012 Assembly Messenger

9 LFTL Tour 2012 men s ministries James G. McHaffie mchaffie@somoag.org Cook Team Monday, March 26 Tuesday, March 27 Thursday, March 29 Friday, March 30 Sunday, April 1 Southeast Northwest Southwest Northeast Cape Girardeau Section Bethel AG, Cape Clinton Section First AG, Osceola West Plains Section First AG, Mansfield Cape Girardeau Section First AG, Dexter Sedalia Section New Life AG, Barnett Joplin Section Kessler Auditorium, Neosho Sullivan Section Recklein Auditorium, Cuba Kennett Section First AG, Malden Kansas City Section Evangel Temple, KC Springfield North Section First AG, Lebanon Park Hills Section First AG, Potosi All banquets start at 7:00 PM sharp. Van Buren Section First AG, Van Buren Kansas City Section Pebble Creek AG, KC Springfield South Section Park Crest AG, Springfield St. Louis Section TBA Kansas City Section First AG, Warrensburg Men s Retreat September 28-30, 2012 Speaker: Alton Garrison DETERMINED January/February 2012 Assembly Messenger 9

10 50 Plus Ministries John Heide WHAT: ADULT CAMP MEETING Renewing the Call WHEN: May WHERE: Cross Pointe Camp and Retreat Center Rocky Mount, MO WHO: Special guest speakers Reverend David and Carolyn Nelson. Former superintendents of the South Dakota District, Musician, Missionary, Bible Conference speaker. WHAT ELSE: Great music, sing alongs, delicious food, 50 Plus Olympics, Informative workshops WHY: Because the 50 plusers are so important to God. Come believing God for a great time in His presence and with other believers! Registration is now open for this years Camp Meeting & Fall Trip (Sept 24-29) to Savannah, GA Information has been mailed to each church Go to for more information on events or call Southern Missouri District Adult Camp Meeting Renewing the Call Here I am Lord.Send Me! Guest Speaker: Dave & Carolyn Nelson Join Us Great Services Great Music Great Workshops Great Food Great Fun Register..today! May 17-19, 2012 Cross Pointe Camp Rocky Mt., MO John Heide 50plus Ministries Director johnheide2002@yahoo.com Send Registration to: SMDC 50plus Ministries 528 W Battlefield Springfield, MO Phone Registration Nancy 10 January/February 2012 Assembly Messenger Missouri School of Ministry 2012 Course Schedule Class Day Avail Online Reg Deadline Certified Licensed Ordained Feb 4 Sep 1, 2011 Dec 20, 2011 Christ in the Intro to Corinthian Correspondence Synoptic Gospels Theology Correspondence BIB114 THE 211 BIB313 March 3 Jan 3, 2012 Jan 27, 2012 Intro to Pent. Doctrine New Testament Survey Poetic Books THE114 BIB212 BIB322 March 31 Feb 1, 2012 Feb 24, 2012 Acts: Holy Spirit at Work Old Testament Survey Preaching in the in Believers BIB214 Contemporary World BIB115 MIN325 May 5 Mar 1, 2012 Mar 23, 2012 Prison Epistles Romans Church Administration, BIB117 BIB215 Law & Finance MIN327 June 2 Apr 1, 2012 Apr 27, 2012 The Local Church Intro to Homiletics Pentateuch MIN123 MIN223 BIB318 July 7 May 2, 2012 May 25, 2012 Intro to Hermeneutics Eschatology Prayer & Worship BIB121 THE245 THE311 Aug 4 Jun 1, 2012 June 29, 2012 AG History Missions, Effective Leadership Intro to AG Missions & Governance MIN251 MIN261 THE142 Sep 8 May 2, 2012 May 25, 2012 Beginning Internship Intermediate Internship Advanced Internship (12 wks) (12 wks) (12 wks) MIN191 MIN291 MIN391 Oct 6 Aug 1, 2012 Aug 27, 2012 Relationships & Conflict Management Pastoral Ministry Ethics in Ministry for Church Leaders MIN381 MIN181 MIN281 For additional information:

11 royal rangers Jerry Millhouser GOLD MEDAL The Gold Medal of Achievement is the highest award that a boy may earn in the Royal Ranger Ministry. The GMA was presented to six young men during the past several months. These boys completed 24 of the Royal Ranger merits plus 24 of the Orange and 24 of the Brown Bible Merits; completed a GMA Christian Service Project, served in a leadership position for six months and wrote a 500 word Essay on The Value of Royal Rangers. From Central Assembly in Springfield; Joshua Wendt, Jesse Wilson, Matthew Klika and Josh Clark achieved this award. Also, Tytus Breashers and Josiah Jensen received the GMA Medal at First Assembly in Bolivar. Congratulations to these young men for their achievement. Registration includes lunch on Saturday *$25.00 ($30 non-chartered) through March 15th. *$35.00 ($40 non-chartered) after March 15th. *(plus food & lodging) $ Ladies Activities Special Training on Friday Ranger Essentials First Aid/CPR 17th Annual District Royal Rangers OUTPOST COMMANDER S CONFERENCE April 20-21, 2012 Central Assembly of God 1301 N. Boonville Ave. Springfield, MO Plan to be a part of the seventeenth annual conference. The purpose of this conference is for the leaders to receive additional training, learn some new ideas, enjoy some good Christian fun and fellowship and above all receive a Spiritual Uplift. There will be lots of information to take home that will help the leader to be better organized and successful. You will enjoy this conference and will go home encouraged to reach more boys for Christ. It will be worth your time and money! The General Business Session on Saturday morning will be a time to discuss and make plans for the various activities held in the District like Pow Wow, FCF Outings, 2012 National Camporama etc. This year there will not be a banquet on Saturday night. After the last workshop on Saturday afternoon we will have a closing ceremony where the Commander Awards will be presented. Free to Pastors: The Rangers Essentials Training Course which is part of the Royal Ranger Leadership Training Course will be held all day on Friday. TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FRIDAY, APRIL 20, :00am Ranger Essentials Course begins 8:00am First Aid/CPR begins 3:00pm Registration Begins 6:00pm Workshops & LTA Training 7:00pm Rally 8:30pm Fellowship & Auction Time SATURDAY, APRIL 21, :00 am Registration/coffee & donuts 7:00am Registration/coffee & donuts 8:00am General Session & Council & ladies activities 10:35am Workshops begin 12:00 noon Lunch at church 1:00pm Workshops 4:00pm Closing Session, Awards & snacks for all commanders and their spouse January/February 2012 Assembly Messenger11

12 youth Darin Poe Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. ~Benjamin Franklin As 2012 begins, I pray that you will carry out this thought of Mr. Franklin. May the Lord strengthen you to win the war against the earthly struggles of the flesh. May you fulfill the scripture and as much as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18) And my hope is that you are a better person today than you were a year ago. Set your course now for this year and determine to grow yourself into that better person. Have a Blessed 2012! National Youth Day is April 15! Celebrate & Highlight Students and Student Ministry! Current Missionary Needs = $735,404 resources Stats Survey: Sexual Harassment Pervasive in Grades 7-12 It can be a malicious rumor whispered in the hallway, a lewd photo arriving by cell phone, hands groping where they shouldn t. Added up, it s an epidemic student-onstudent sexual harassment that is pervasive in America s middle schools and high schools. During the school year, 48 percent of students in grades 7-12 experienced some form of sexual harassment in person or electronically via texting, and social media, according to a major national survey being released by the American Association of University Women. In all, 56 percent of the girls and 40 percent of the boys said they had experienced at least one incident of sexual harassment during the school year. The DARE - The Dare will coach your teens to become the passionate and authentic follower they desire to be. This 30-day challenge will help students with their commitment to Christ and to be who Jesus created them to be. 12 January/February 2012 Assembly Messenger

13 CHURCH GROWTH & EDUCATION Jim Calvin JBQ Districts March 30-31, 2012 Chesterfield, West County A/G Camp 1 July 9-13 (Kansas City, Clinton, Sedalia) Evangelist: James Kennison Camp 2 July (Springfield, Joplin) Evangelist: James Kennison Camp 3 July (St. Louis, Sullivan, Park Hills) Evangelist: Gretta Meeker Camp 4 July 30-Aug. 3 (Cape, Kennett, Van Buren, West Plains) Evangelist: Mark Ferren NOTE: Pre-registration is due one month prior to attending camp! National BGMC Day March 11, 2012 BGMC Goal 2012 $215,000 Visit for lots more information on all our events coming in 2012! January/February 2012 Assembly Messenger13

14 WOMEN S MINISTRIES Sherry Welch wms@somoag.org Women s Department Annual Events with Purpose Women s Ministries Prayer Retreat The New Year begins with a prayer retreat at our beautiful Cross Pointe Camp and Retreat Center. We focus our prayer on Family, Pastors and Churches, Our District, and Our Country. Women s Ministries and Girls Ministries For All Women Spring Conference This conference provides training for women to be effective in their place of ministry. On Friday evening there is an emphasis on one s personal relationship with God. On Saturday there are workshops that offer training, tips, and encouragement. Treasure Chest Rallies/Sectional Level These rallies allow women across the District to come together with a mission s emphasis and receive items for the Treasure Chest Commissary Room. Fall Women s Ministry Retreats Fall Retreats are held on two consecutive weekends. Our purpose and desire is that women in the local church will become closer and unite together to do great things for the Kingdom of God! Various sessions pertaining to the needs of women today are available, and opportunities to participate in New Missions Projects are offered each year. Unlimited times of praise and worship during altar times conclude each service. LIFE Awards and Celebration Rallies/Sectional Tour This tour starts at the end of September. These rallies provide opportunities to reach the women that do not attend the Retreats, and present to them the Missions Projects for the coming year. Awards are also presented at this time. Christmas Project Events/Sectional Level This ministry honors our retired ministers, widows, and retired missionaries with a monetary gift. Women s Ministries 2012 Calendar of Events JANUARY Sectional Prayer Tea s Director and Rep meeting (TBA) FEBRUARY 26 National Women s Ministries Day APRIL Women s and Girls Ministries For All Women Conference AUGUST Women s Ministries and Girls Ministries Rep s Meeting SEPTEMBER 13 Women s Ministries Rep Meeting EAST Women s Ministries Fall Retreat EAST 20 Women s Ministries Rep Meeting WEST Women s Ministries Fall Retreat WEST 19 Women s National Touching the World Fund Day 22 Women s National See you at the Altar Day SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER Sectional LIFE Tour (TBA) NOVEMBER Sectional Christmas Project Events (TBA) 14 January/February 2012 Assembly Messenger

15 girls ministries Carol Brown God is in Control! Winter will be in full swing by the time you read this article. I trust you are staying warm and well fed. I am so happy for God s provision for me and my family. There have been times in the past when we had to totally trust God for what we needed. With health issues and medical bills sometimes it seems we are all alone but God proves Himself faithful on every hand. I remember a time when Dan, my husband, was out of work because of a surgery. There was very little income from the babysitting job I did at the time. That of course was not enough to pay bills. We had church family who brought food and even helped us move! We thought we had no money but God had hid $400 in Dan s wallet! He did not know it was there and when he found it, he put it back where it had been. When he told me about it, it took him five minutes to locate it again! God is faithful. He knew we would need it at that time and not on the vacation we had taken the money out of the bank for. So if you are having a difficult time remember God is still in control. If you are faithful to serve Him and do the work of the Kingdom He has given you to do, He will take care of you! Remember if you forget God in the good times, you can t expect Him to remember you in the hard times. Because He is a forgiving God and continues to try to prove Himself to us, he will help us even if we have failed to serve Him faithfully. But, oh the joy of serving Him and knowing that He is going to work the miracle for you if you need a miracle! Keep Trusting Him!! Pennies for Packs Pennies for Packs One church set out a jar for people to put their change in to raise money for the District Girls Missions Project, Back Packs for Native American Children. Boonville River of Life reports one of the young ladies who came to the Sports camp is now attending the Girls Ministries and Church! Praise the Lord. The girls loved the music and singing of Kelley Shannon! Tri-Lakes Church reports they had a Blast at their Sleep Over. 28 showed up for the event. They also have 4 Sponsors and 2 Coordinators who have finished their Leadership Training and become honor Sponsors! So proud of our ladies!! January/February 2012 Assembly Messenger15

16 98th Southern Missouri District Council April 16-18, 2012 Business begins at 2:00 p.m. MONDAY! MONDAY NIGHT Celebration Service Don Miller TUESDAY NIGHT Missions Rally John Bueno WEDNESDAY NIGHT Ordination Service Bryan Jarrett Hosted by James River Assembly, Ozark, MO SOUTHERN MISSOURI DISTRICT COUNCIL OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD 528 WEST BATTLEFIELD ROAD SPRINGFIELD, MO NONPROFIT US POSTAGE PAID REPUBLIC, MO PERMIT 99