Southern Missouri District ESSENGER. Now. is the TIME!

Transcription

1 M Southern Missouri District FALL 2018 ESSENGER Now is the TIME!

2 Executive Presbyters Superintendent...Don Miller Assistant Superintendent...George Westlake III Secretary-Missions... Stan Welch S. E. Region...Brenda Henson N. E. Region... Paul Scheperle S. W. Region... Gary Ankrom N. W. Region... Jason St. John District Ministries Chief Financial Officer... Rhonda Amer Church Planting... Jerry Harris Church Development/Men s Ministry...Greg Perkins Missions.... Stan Welch Women s Ministries Sherry Welch Church Growth & Ed.... Jim Calvin Youth Ministries... Austin Westlake Royal Rangers... Jerry Millhouser Girls Ministries... DeShae Thrasher Fifty Plus Ministries...John Heide Cross Pointe Camp... Curtis & Cindy Washam Kevin Boggs: fill-in ministry or kevinlboggs@yahoo.com Carol Brown: Available for fill in ministry, revivals, women s services and/or retreats or revcb@juno.com Michael Campbell: mike.joan.horseranch@hotmail.com Rev. Thomas Canter: fill-in ministry..(314) Evangelist Terry Carter: Edward Catron: Weekend/fill-in ministry or hazelned@gmail.com Julie Perkin (Stout) Davenport is available for services, women s ministry meetings, etc. (816) or dgdavenport@sbcglobal.net Rev. Dennis DeLine: Ronald Duncan: fill-in ministry, revivals, interim FOR SALE: Hammond Spinet Organ, FREE to good home. Contact: Eva Leach District Leadership Glad Tiding Assembly is selling: Church Pews with Cushions. There are 4 different sizes to choose from ranging from 10 feet in length to 25 feet in length and 39 Pews in all. Asking $50.00 for each or best offer. They are in great shape and would be great pews for an established church or church plant. Contact Wes Hansen or Pastor James McIntosh at (417) Buyer is responsible for pickup. Hammond 125 xl organ: For A/G church or youth group in Missouri Southern District or North Arkansas. It s almost like new...come and get it, if you need it: Mike Keeton, 1560 County Road 933, Alpena, AR Available for Ministry Items of Interest Sectional Presbyters Cape Girardeau.... Phil Roop Clinton... D. Eugene Ekstrand Joplin... Ken Robinson Kansas City...John Martz Kennett... Richard Ross Park Hills... Dwight Jones Saint Louis... Joe Zarro Sedalia... Jeff Higbie Springfield North.... Brad McAtee Springfield South... Ted Cederblom Sullivan Jerry Beers Van Buren... Scott Reynolds West Plains...Mike Dillinger Ethnic Presbyter....Yvonne Bailey Sophia Garcia: Hispanic or English Ministry: Women, Marriage Enrichment Sue Harper: Rick Ianniello: interim, fill-in min or chaprickianniello@sbcglobal.net Kevin Larsen: Fill-in ministry Kirk Metzger: fill-in ministry, weekly evenings, Sundays Bill McGarity: fill-in ministry; emphasis on miracles Rev. Naomi Merritt is available for services. (314) or naomimerritt@att.net Gerald Stewart: Intercessory Prayer Call for prayer any hour Matthew Thomas: fill-in ministry Mel Rowland of Ironton: fill-in ministry Life360, Springfield, has 75 choir robes to give away to a church that could benefit from them. The robes are ivory with dark green stoles. Contact Christian Fauth at if interested. WANTED: New Life Humansville: We are looking for padded chairs for our sanctuary. Contact Pastor Carl Long Approximately 50 song books to use in our RV Ministry. Don t throw those old books away; let s recycle them! Contact John Heidi In Memoriam Bruce Gunn... 5/20/2018 Darrell Massey, Sr /23/2018 Vernie Asher.... 6/1/2018 Betty Graham.... 6/13/2018 William Barker /10/20108 Ministerial Updates New Pastors Lebanon, First AG.... Kenneth Fent Des Arc, AG... Brent Reed Chaffee, AG....Joseph Carpenter Cassville, AG.... Paul Homan Kansas City, Pebble Creek... Jack Cooke Ironton, Arcadia Valley.... Adam Logan Eldon, First AG... Arthur Walker Bunker, New Life AG.... Ronald Walter Carthage, Grace Pointe AG... Jeremiah Johnson Transfers In: Carl Miller.... NM Maribel Miller.... NM Mary Hiteman....IN Lyle Ellis.... OH Paul Homan...IL Lattis Campbell.... AK Sharlotte Campbell.... AK Scott Osenbaugh... KS Sydney Osenbaugh.... KS Todd Williams....S TX Jeffrey Bryant.... AR Adam Logan.... NM Arthur Walker.... KS Justin Elleman....R Mtn Steve Morris.... AR Brandy Meade...IN Jeremiah Johnson... SC Rachel Johnson... SC Jamie Smith.... KS Isai Leal.... MI Elizabeth Smith.... GA Gina Hyatt....N Cal/Nev Transfers Out Alexis Salensky.... GA Theodore Furry.... KS Warren Boyd.... OR Alma Boyd... OR Brandon Smith.... Pen Fl Andrew Stafford....NO MO Jacob Buchanan.... Potomac William Hiltz.... N NE Rodney Whitlock....N Cal/Nev Laura Scott....IL Robert Trout.... KS 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 quarterly by the Southern Missouri District Council. Products and/or services advertised in the MESSENGER are not necessarily endorsed by the Southern Missouri District Council info@somoag.org somoag.org facebook.com/somodistrictag 528 West Battlefield Rd. Springfield, MO Fall 2018 Assembly Messenger 2

3 SUPERINTENDENT Don Miller Now is the Time: For Prayer Announcing 2019 District Prayer Tour Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts, (Zachariah 4:6). Since District Council 2012, we have been working diligently to do our part to see the God Given Great Goal (4G) for our District accomplished. (See box below.) We have gone through various restructures and change. We have added important new ministries and personnel to assist in accomplishing our vision. And we have seen progress. Though the Sunday Morning Attendance Average has not grown significantly, we are nose up with growth happening. We have seen many new places of worship raised up. Matter of fact, we are on track to see 15 new places of worship established in 2018! We have seen a number of churches which were plateaued or declining beginning to grow. Church after church has begun to aggressively reach out into their community. Throughout our District, we have seen a fresh move of God s Spirit. There is passion for the lost and excitement for the future. Yet, if we are to truly see the 4G happen, we must have a supernatural move of God. Only the empowerment of the Spirit in the lives of believers and the conviction of God drawing individuals to repentance will bring about the claiming of thousands who are currently away from God. God has been moving; but, we need an amazing flood of God s presence to effectively change the spiritual terrain of our District. And this urgent move will only occur when God s people call out in prayer. With less than 2 ½ years left to see the 4G accomplished by the end of 2020, we are placing extra focus on the first sub-goal of the vision: interceding for a move of God. At District Council 2018, I announced a major shift in our normal calendar of events for For decades now, each February the District Team has crisscrossed Southern Missouri in what is known as the Sectional Council Tour. Our District Leaders have met with each Section to chair the elections of sectional leadership and to share pertinent information about District resources and events. Next year will be extremely different! In 2019, the necessary Sectional Councils will be held by the individual sections in January. The entire District Team will not be present with the exception of at least one District Executive or Executive Presbytery being present where the sectional executive officers are being elected. This major modification will allow for a brand new event. From February 19-28, we will be holding our first ever District Prayer Tour. The District Leadership Team will be present and leading a focused Intercessory Prayer Meeting for each section. Our District theme for the prayer meeting, as well as for the entire year, is Open Heaven. We will be calling upon God and praying that there will be an Open Heaven over this District allowing the Spirit of God to rain down in a fresh way with anointing, conviction, and favor. I truly believe this District Prayer Tour could be a pivotal point for Southern Missouri. I am believing that prayers that are offered will assist in catapulting us into a fresh season of miracles, signs and wonders, salvations, Spirit baptisms, and an overall moving of the Spirit of God. You will receive more information at a later point. Don t even wait until then to intercede! Let s join our hearts in concerted prayer believing God to change the spiritual terrain of Southern Missouri and to grant us an open heaven. For it s not by might, not by power, but by His Spirit! Now is the time for prayer. God Given Great Goal That we will see at least 100,000 in attendance on any given Sunday in AG churches across Southern Missouri by the end of Sub-goals to Accomplish the 4G 1. Building a prayer network to intercede for a move of God 2. Seeing at least 100 new places of worship established in Southern Missouri by the end of Seeing at least 60% of our existing churches healthy and growing by the end of 2020 Fall 2018 Assembly Messenger 3

4 REFRESH MINISTRY WOMEN Vicki Miller Now is the Time Last fall, my husband learned that his cholesterol numbers were way beyond the normal range. When confronted by his doctor earlier this year, he was told he would need to go on medication to bring the cholesterol (both good and bad) under control. Nothing could have set him on a course for improved health more quickly than to be told he would need to be on that undesirable drug. Convincing the doctor that he could get the numbers in check, she agreed to give him four months of regular exercise (five times a week) and a modified diet before sentencing him to daily meds. It was a wake-up call for him for both of us. Has God given you a wake-up call? Your neighbor doesn t know Jesus have you shared Him? Your children are quickly growing through the stages of childhood have you helped them discover their spiritual gifts? Mom and Dad are growing old do they know you love them? Have you told them? Shown them? What about that long-awaited family vacation you promised your wife and children years ago? The news my husband received that late-winter day called for immediate action. Not a response for when the schedule was lighter, when life slowed down, or fresh fruits and vegetables were in season. The time to do something about his health was now. Happy to say that after just four months of diligently going to the gym and watching his diet, all the good and bad numbers were right where they belonged. Minister s Renewal Just Us Girls Session Topic: Balance in Ministry Rose Hinton has served in full time ministry for over 40 years, which includes working with youth, women, pastoring, church planting, and missions. She received an AA degree in Bible from Central Bible College, a BS in Human Services from Evangel University, and a Master of Psychology and Counseling from AG Theological Seminary. In the beginning of this year Rose felt the Lord calling her to a new ministry, which required her to transfer from World Missions to U.S. Missions. With the blessings of AGWM she has developed a ministry under Chaplaincy called Journey Through the Seasons of Life Ministries. It is located in Branson Missouri at the Bradford Inn. The mission of this ministry is to enhance the longevity, life quality and ministry effectiveness of vocational ministry personnel by providing member care services, biblical counseling, and referrals. Contact Information: Cell: (417) State Hwy 265 Branson, MO rosehinton@gmail.com Rose Hinton U.S. Missionary Specialized Chaplaincy Journey Through the Seasons of Life Ministries (A preventative ministry for those in full time ministry) Fall 2018 Assembly Messenger 4

5 ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT George Westlake III NOW IS THE TIME... Bartimaeus sitting by the side of the road near the gates of Jericho... The woman with the issue of blood (in the synoptic Gospels)... The blind man in Bethsaida... Students at the campground this year... Ministers at District Council or Renewal... You: This Week Me: Right Now! MOMENTS. APPOINTED MOMENTS. ANOINTED MOMENTS. RIGHT NOW MOMENTS. The spiritual journey affords us and/or dictates to us quite often that NOW, is the time. RIGHT NOW, is your moment. God moves in seasons and mysteries... He also moves in moments and the NOW. Bartimaeus knew that when Jesus was in ear-shot, passing by... it was his moment. It was his RIGHT NOW. He was told to be quiet The vibe was that Jesus didn t want to be bothered by him The tone was hateful and repelling...but Bartimaeus knew. He knew, this was his NOW. He yelled louder. He kept yelling. He received his healing...in the NOW. The Woman with the Issue of Blood had to get to Jesus. She knew it was her moment. It was her RIGHT NOW. *She pressed to get through the crowd *She refused to not get to Him *If she could just touch the hem or the tassels on the bottom of His garment...the Woman got to Jesus. She touched his garment. She experienced His power. She received her healing...in the NOW. The Blind Man in Bethsaida was brought to Jesus; They begged Jesus to heal him...they believed it was his Moment/ RIGHT NOW. Jesus led the blind man out of the city He spit on the man s eyes He laid His hands on him The man wasn t completely healed Jesus placed His hands on the man again He was told not to go back through the village on his way home...the man allowed Jesus to lead him away from the village. He needed Jesus to touch him twice. He received his sight... in the NOW. Many students at the campground this year; They needed to respond to a call. They knew it was their moment. It was their RIGHT NOW. They came to camp needing to hear/receive from God They were desperate to meet God and have Him meet their needs They were prepared to be called away from some things or TO a new direction in Christ and/or ministry The enemy tried to disrupt, distract and confuse them during the week and even prior to...they chose to pursue Jesus relentlessly and allowed Him to change their course. They received their direction... in the NOW. Ministers at District Council/Renewal. They needed God to restore their souls and strength. They knew it was their moment/ Right NOW. They had been convinced that they were done The enemy had beaten them down in their spirits They weren t sure they could lead for one more week People, places and/or things had driven them to defeat and debilitation...they decided to allow God to speak to them and renew their heart, soul and strength. They received an infusion of mite... in the NOW You...and Me. We need to hear God. We need wisdom and understanding. We need fresh anointing. It s our moment. Our Right NOW. Keep allowing God to speak new mercies to you Believe in His wisdom and calling, not the adversarial voices Know that God is able to complete the work in and through you that He has started Allow the good that people do and say to outweigh the bad that can t be avoided...we must hold/cling to God and what is good, rendering ourselves useful to Him in His service. You can make it...receive.. in the NOW. NOW is the time... Call out to God... Let your heart be restored... Let your mind be renewed... Let your calling be reinforced... GOD IS WITH YOU. GOD WILL STRENGTHEN YOU. GOD WILL SUPPLY YOUR NEEDS. GOD WILL NOT LEAVE YOU. GOD IS ABLE TO CONTINUE HIS WORK, IN YOU... IN THE NOW. *It s Your Moment... Fall 2018 Assembly Messenger 5

6 EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Stan Welch Now is the Time for Preaching! Titus 1:1 Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, 3 but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior; God s plan to reveal the mystery of the ages, is found only in one source: PREACHING! 1 Cor. 1:21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Preaching isn t foolishness. It is the message we preach that seems foolish to an unbelieving world! Our preaching must not be foolish! Our preaching must be passionate, purposeful, and powerful! I. THE TIME IS NOW FOR PASSIONATE PREACHING! I have heard my dad say to young preachers, If you can do anything else but preach do it! I thought he was wrong! But the older I get, the smarter he gets! We need preachers of the Word passionate about the message God has called them to preach. If you feel I can preach but I m okay not preaching; may God kindle a fire of passion for preaching the Word of God. - I m not referring to style of delivery of the message, but I am speaking of being consumed by the fire of God until the words we speak flow from the very heart of God. - Passionate preaching only comes from those that have recognized the call of God on their life! Jeremiah 20:9 Then I said, I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name. But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not. 1 Cor. 9:16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! - Passionate preaching comes only from those that are passionate for Christ and his Word! - Pastor, your preaching is important, but you also are responsible to develop passionate preachers in your church. II. THE TIME IS NOW FOR PURPOSEFUL PREACHING! Titus 1:3 in due time manifested His word through preaching, We must preach in such a way that the Word of God is revealed to those who are listening. If we are talking and no one is understanding us, we aren t preaching. - Jesus used many methods to preach the Gospel! He told stories, he wrote in the sand, he used nature to illustrate the truth of His Word. Jesus preached and people could understand! - It is a struggle to get people to hear the message of the Gospel. Use different methods to preach the Gospel. Make your preaching understandable! - No matter how much you know and understand about the Word of God, if a child can t understand what you have said your preaching has failed! III. THE TIME IS NOW FOR POWERFUL PREACHING! -Powerful preaching does not come from man s ability but from the demonstration of the Spirit. The time is now for preaching that demonstrates the power of God before men. 1 Cor. 2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. - Powerful preaching marked the ministry of John the Baptist, Jesus, and the apostles! JOHN THE BAPTIST: Mark 1:4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. JESUS: Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. THE APOSTLES: Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. Acts 8:4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. -Now is the time for the pulpits of Southern Missouri to be filled with passionate, purposeful, and powerful preachers. When we have powerful preaching we will have powerful results; lost souls will be saved and lives will be changed by the power of the Gospel. Churches are planted by passionate, purposeful, powerful preachers! Fall 2018 Assembly Messenger 6

7 MISSIONS Stan Welch Teen Challenge Month September 2018 The following Centers operate within the boundaries of the Southern Missouri District: Mid America Cape Girardeau Rev James Bolin Women s Center Ozark Mark Gallo Of the Four States Neosho Rev James Lowans Of St Louis High Ridge Rev C R Kersten Of the Ozarks Branson West Rev Michael Buttacy KC Girls Center Kansas City Doug Anderson During the month of September, we encourage you to pray for these Centers, their staff and the students that are a part of the program. Your consideration of financial support would also be a special blessing! Please prayerfully consider inviting these missionaries to your church giving them opportunity to share their heart. Southern Missouri District Itinerating Missionaries Babin, Kevin & Karla kbabin@ag.org Bean, John & Daralena john.bean@agmd.org Sensitive Jason & Georgina Braswell, Bob & Jackie bobbraswell@pathseminary.org Castleberry, Terry & Babs terry.castleberry@agmd.org Caszatt, Clinton & Jane clintoncaszatt@yahoo.com Chaisson, Norried & Doris norried.chaisson@agmd.org Cockett, Maile mailecockett@gmail.com Sensitive Richie & Maya Jordan Brant & Joanne Higgins, Gary & Cindy missionaryghiggins@gmail.com Jacobs, Amy & Ryan amyozark@gmail.com Jarvis, Tim & Joyce tim.jarvis@agmd.org Sensitive Branden & Samantha Lovelace, Josh & Carmen lovelace4cambodia@gmail.com Lwali, Sevo & Kristina sevoandkris@gmail.com Sensitive Scott & Diana Moore, Rebeckah rebeckah.moore@agmd.org Paris, Sam & Lisa wisdomofaservant@gmail.com Porter, Eric & Trisha oct201991@me.com Sensitive Victoria Rybarczyk, Tony & Susan tony.rybarczyk@agmd.org Shimansky, Mykola & Heather mykolashimansky@usmissions.org Smith, Jason & Abby gjs7411@gmail.com Thoms, Mary Beth marybeth-t@wcag.org Returning Home on Furlough Tilden, John & Juliana jht853s@yahoo.com Turney, Mark & Victoria mark.turney@agmd.org Webb, Bryan & Renee byran.webb@agmd.org Courter, James & Rachael james.courter@agmd.org Fall 2018 Assembly Messenger 7

8 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Rhonda Amer Now is the TIME to take Financial Responsibility Imagine if an emergency occurred in your life next week that came with a pricey bill. Would you have enough to cover it? According to a new survey by Bankrate, nearly a quarter of Americans do not have any emergency savings. Just 29 percent of respondents said they have enough to cover six months of expenses, which is the recommendation from various financial experts. The most surprising thing about the survey results is not that people lack savings, but rather the attitudes towards not having adequate savings. A combined 62 percent are either very comfortable or somewhat comfortable with the amount they have or do not have saved away. Just over a third said they are not too comfortable or not at all comfortable with their situation. It should also come as little surprise that results of respondents break down along generational lines. For example, younger generations are less likely to have the recommended amount of emergency savings than older generations. Nearly half of Millennials, classified as age 18 to 37, and Generation X, age 38 to 53, have either no emergency savings or less than three months worth. The financial situation of the millennial generation, for which I belong, is well documented. News stories have focused on the nearly $1.5 trillion in student debt that is currently out there in the U.S. Interestingly enough, a different survey by NBC News and GenForward shows millennials are more likely to have credit card debt than student loan debt. I am torn when it comes to the spending issues associated with my generation. On one hand many have been shoehorned into pursing four year degrees despite it not always being a good fit, or in some cases, completely unnecessary. On the other there has to be a level of personal responsibility that one takes when deciding where to attend school and what career opportunities exist within different fields of study. There are plenty of hard working people of my generation who view college as a necessary stepping stone in which they are OK taking on some debt. Then there are others that I have also witnessed who foolishly spent money from student loans on the latest gaming console and big screen TVs. Either way, bills and emergency situations will always present themselves at different points in our lives. It does not matter what generation you belong to, we have to be ready when they do arrive. The good news is that there is plenty of hope and an ability to change the financial situation we find ourselves in. A key to success is to start small. If you fall into the category that has little to no savings for an emergency, look to set aside a few bucks each month into a dedicated account and do not touch it unless of a real emergency. If you already have no ability to save, try as hard as you can to cut out some purchases that are not absolutely necessary. Financial health comes down to your mindset and your ability to change behavior. We have to be able to separate a need versus a want. I believe the single greatest thing a person can do is to create a budget. It is amazing what you will find once you start tracking where and when you spend. A budget also creates a certain level of personal accountability that every individual needs. In addition, there are many different financial philosophies out there. Do your research and find something that works well for you, but take it seriously. For too long we have been conditioned to spend, spend and then spend some more. To gauge the true financial health of a nation, simply look at the rate of savings. Is saving money always fun? No. However, it is better to have and not need than need and not have. This is the opinion of Adam Ulbricht, whose column is published the second Tuesday of the month. SC Times part of USA Today Network. (reprinted) Fall 2018 Assembly Messenger 8

9 CROSS POINTE CAMP Curtis & Cindy Washam, Directors Now is the time... to bring in a harvest at Cross Pointe Celebrating Another Great Camp Season at Cross Pointe! One of Southern Missouri s greatest ministries to bring in the harvest We praise God for the move of His Spirit at our 2018 camps. Hearts and lives were changed for eternity. The harvest truly was great this summer at Cross Pointe! Youth Camps 97 first-time salvations 597 recommitments 123 Holy Spirit infillings 197 callings into ministry 472 healings 1,251 encounters with God Kids Camps 120 first-time salvations 1,335 recommitments 174 Holy Spirit infillings 79 callings into ministry 174 healings Total Numbers 217 first-time salvations 1,932 recommitments 297 Holy Spirit infillings 276 callings into ministry 646 healings Visit somoprayer.com for information on upcoming prayer events, current prayer focuses and more! Camp Celebration 2018 This September, please join us in celebrating what God has done and continues to do at our district campground! Plan a special service Pray for the campground Share this year s camp results Send an offering for this year s project A promotional video is available. To request a copy, call Cross Pointe Camp & Retreat Center at Waterfront Development Phase 2 An additional open-air pavilion above the current pavilion Projected cost: $60,000 Inspirational photo Fall 2018 Assembly Messenger 9

10 CHURCH PLANTING Jerry Harris Fall 2018 Assembly Messenger 10

11 CHURCH DEVELOPMENT Greg Perkins Fall 2018 Assembly Messenger 11

12 WOMEN S MINISTRIES Sherry Welch wms@somoag.org The mission of the District Women s Department is to touch the lives of women by the transforming power of Jesus Christ, discipling them to follow His example, and training them to minister to others. Events to Connect Women s Ministries Prayer Event The New Year begins with a prayer event for each section. The prayer focus is For Family, Local Church, Pastor s, District Office, and our Nation. Women s Ministries and Girls Ministries EMPOWERED 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. Saturday there are workshops that offer training, tips, and encouragement. Compassionate Heart Rallies/Sectional Level These rallies allow women across the District to come together with a mission s emphasis and receive items for the Compassionate Heart Room. Compelled by Compassion 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 Retired Ministers, Widows, and Retired Missionaries of our District. Each church is ask to bring an offering for a monetary Christmas gift to be given to the Retired Ministers, Widows, and Retired Missionaries of our District. Fall Retreats on The Lake 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. Fall 2018 Assembly Messenger 12

13 GIRLS MINISTRIES Deshae Thrasher Investing in the Future Oftentimes when we are young we tend to forget about the importance in planning for the future. Who wants to put money away for retirement when it seems so far away? Plus that vacation or fancy dinner would be so much more fun. When talking to those in retirement age they almost all say that they wish they would have invested more when they were younger. While investing in our future is necessary and vital to our future success it is hard to do when it mean sacrifice and intentional saving in the present. Beyond 401K s, nest eggs and other terminology that can be hard to understand I want you to consider the investment you are making in the next generation. The next generation of students covers a broad spectrum of interests, backgrounds and knowledge of Jesus. Furthermore, making an investment in students is a sacrifice and often times stretches us way beyond our comfort zone. We can no longer put them off until another stage in their life thinking maybe they will receive Jesus later, now is the time. Student discipleship is often messy and may look different than traditional adult discipleship. Start this journey to discipleship by gathering a group of students and bringing them with you to the one day Pure Girl Conference. This will be a great starting point to building relationships and starting a regular time of meeting. Girls Ministries has lots of great resources to help you connect with your students through discipleship available at ngm.ag.org. Fall 2018 Assembly Messenger 13

14 Southern Missouri Youth Ministries Director - Darin Poe dpoe@somoag.org 1965 Students attended Youth Camp this year! Praise God for the miracles that took place at camp this Summer! *97 students were saved for the first time! *597 students rededicated their life to Christ! *123 students were baptized in the Holy Spirit for the first time! *197 students feel called into full-time ministry! *472 students received a healing from the Lord! A special THANKS to all who prayed for Youth Camps! The Speed the Light offerings were tremendous! 4 Week Total was $22, National Speed the Light Day is Sunday, October 21st Plan now on dedicating a service or missions window and an offering for the tremendous need of equipping our missionaries with Essential Transportation and Creative Communication for the Compassionate Demonstration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Current Missionary Need = $550,000+ southern missouri youth ministries - Fall 2018 Assembly Messenger 14

15 Darin Poe has been the District Youth Director since January 1, For almost 23 years, Darin and Heather have poured into the lives of tens of thousands of young people and youth pastors through camp, youth convention, Speed the Light, personal mentoring, AIM trips the list goes on and on. Darin has also served as the Men s Director for the last few years. Thank you seems inadequate for the investment their family has made in Southern Missouri District, but we still say a BIG THANK YOU JOB WELL DONE! As most of you are aware Darin has accepted a position on the National Youth Leadership Team as Director of Student Discipleship and Resource Development. A reception honoring Darin and Heather will be held at Minister s Spiritual Renewal on Monday evening, October 15 at Grace Community in Branson. Fall 2018 Assembly Messenger 15

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17 New District Directors We re so excited to welcome Austin Westlake to the District team as District Youth Director. Austin is a third generation Assemblies Of God minister who first heard the call to preach at the age of 16 while attending AG National Youth Convention. He went on to attend Central Bible College where he met his wife Lauren and graduated with a degree in church leadership. Upon graduation, Austin and Lauren became youth pastors at Sheffield Family Life Center in Kansas City, Missouri where they spent over five years ministering in both the inner city and greater metropolitan area. Austin loves to preach the Gospel and is passionate about building the local church by resourcing leaders and helping young people step into their calling. Together Austin and Lauren have a son, Jude, who brings so much joy to their family. Austin enjoys good coffee, watching KC Royals baseball, and vacations to Disney World. He also lives by this rule: Why would you go camping when you can go shopping? Greg Perkins has been appointed the new Men s Director for Southern Missouri. Greg and Di Ann Perkins are former Lead Pastors of First Family Church in Osage Beach, Missouri, and previously served as pastor in Marshfield, Missouri and Derby, Kansas. In addition to church leadership, Greg spent 6 years in Senior Sales and Business Development for two Fortune 500 companies, as well as Director of Chaplains for police agencies in Kansas and Missouri. Di Ann has worked as an executive secretary in real estate, banking, international missions, and Christian higher education. She currently serves as Office Coordinator for Nixa First Assembly in Nixa, Missouri. Greg has served as Church Development Director for the Southern Missouri District since September of Following this year s Men s Retreat, Greg will assume the additional role of District Men s Ministries Director. He and Di Ann have brought a deep passion for healthy and vibrant churches to their work with church leaders around our district, and Greg will bring this same passion to the area of Men s Ministries. In reaction to his appointment to this new role, Greg had this to say: Just as a family needs spiritually healthy men to lead their homes, our churches need spiritually healthy men to serve, to lead, and to give of themselves so the church can achieve its mission. Southern Missouri Men s Ministries will strive to provide the necessary resources for church leaders to build a solid ministry to men in the local church. The Perkins have two married sons. Their oldest son Brad and his wife Kelsey live in Denver, Colorado. Their youngest son Alex and his wife Katie live in Greeley, Colorado. Fall 2018 Assembly Messenger 17

18 Darin Poe Men s Director dpoe@somoag.org MEN S RETREAT 2018 NOW IS THE TIME! Ministry to men is at a pivotal point in time. The family is being attacked and culture is deminishing the role men play in society, the family, and the church. It is time for men of God to rise up and face the challenges ahead - with Courage! The National Office provides incredible resources for the local church and Men s Ministry. Go to for daily devotions, hundreds of Bible studies, resources, and a pastor s section, to equip the local church in ministering to men in your church and your community! Fall 2018 Assembly Messenger 18

19 SENIOR ADULT MINISTRIES John Heide Now is the Time. In Heaven we won t need a clock, but on Earth our lives are run by time. Time to get up, time to go to work, time to go to church, time to go to the doctor, time to eat, and time to go to bed. Sometimes it is hard for us to enjoy the present because we are always looking at the clock and planning for the next event. God is not only the God of the past and the future but He is the God of the present because that s all you and I have. Now is the time to enjoy God s blessings, now is the time to enjoy His presence, now is the time to share with others of His love, and now is the time for salvation. God created time in Genesis 1. In the Book of Revelation it is written that time shall be no more. Until that time you and I must make time for God. As the old hymn goes: Take time to be holy speak oft with thy Lord. Spend much time in secret with Jesus alone. By looking to Jesus like him thou shalt be, Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see. When we spend time with God others can tell. When we don t spend time with God others can tell. For the 50 Plus I believe that now is the time for us to seek God for the nation, for the church, for our families, and for our own lives no matter what age we are. Why? We are running out of time...pray Now! AGCU Donates to Project Reach Bruce Webb, President of Assemblies of God Credit Union and Jeff Birdsell, Vice President, Senior Commercial Lender, present Superintendent Don Miller a check for $5,000 to go toward Project Reach Church Planting. Superintendent Don and Vicki Miller commission Paul and Susan Homan as the new Pastors at Cassville Assembly of God. The Homan s and their family come to us from Illinois. Fall 2018 Assembly Messenger 19

20 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Jim Calvin Fall 2018 Assembly Messenger 20

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22 ROYAL RANGERS Jerry Millhouser 2018 ROYAL RANGER POW WOW The Southern Missouri District Royal Ranger Pow Wow was held at the Southern Missouri District Royal Rangers Campgrounds, Camp Rocky Mount, on June 7 10, 2018 with a Treasure Island Days theme, Store up treasures in Heaven, Matt. 6:20. There were two fabulous evening council services on Friday and Saturday nights with a great fireworks display following the Friday night service. The special speaker for the Pow Wow this year was: Bryan Sederwall, Inner City Outreach Pastor in Denver Colorado. Bryan was a Royal Ranger as a boy and achieved the Gold Medal of Achievement. It all happened when the 484 Royal Rangers from 43 churches of Southern Missouri District began to set up camp for the annual District Royal Ranger Pow Wow. At the Friday night service, according to the reports turned in by Royal Ranger leaders, over 100 boys and young men responded for the Salvation call at the end of the service. Two of these boys were twin twelve or thirteen year old boys. Their Commander prayed with them and after service they went back to their campsite and were sitting together with tears in their eyes. Their Commander asked if they were okay and one of them answered that they were fine but they had not had the special feeling inside before and wanted to talk with the speaker and it was arranged. Praise God that He does save boys at the Royal Ranger Pow Wow. Special recognition was given to churches at the Pow Wow with the highest over-all scores on the Pow Wow Inspection Report. Scores were earned by the efforts of the Outposts in participation in the assemblies and activities; uniform inspection; control and discipline and camping techniques like campsite layout, sanitation and health and safety. Trophies were presented to the following: Churches with attendance of over 300: 1st. - Outpost 97, Evangel Temple A/G in Springfield 2nd. Outpost 6, Central Assembly in Springfield 3rd. Outpost 108, Faith Community Church in House Springs 4th. Outpost 206, Versailles A/G in Versailles Churches with attendance of 300 and less: 1st. - Outpost 100, Arcadia Valley Assembly in Ironton 2nd. Outpost 226, First Assembly in Strafford 3rd. Outpost 133, First Assembly in Branson 4th. Outpost 128, Pebble Creek Assembly in Kansas City Outpost 100, Arcadia Valley in Ironton won the Best Costume Contest and Evangel Temple in Springfield had the largest attendance. Arcadia Valley in Ironton won first place in the Best Outpost Flag Contest and Ozark Assembly in Ozark had the Best Entryway to their campsite. Fall 2018 Assembly Messenger 22

23 2018 ROYAL RANGER POW WOW Fall 2018 Assembly Messenger 23

24 Spiritual DICK FOTH is an author, storyteller, and popular speaker believing that God's story and our stories touch the world. He holds a master s degree from Wheaton College Graduate School and a doctorate from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Ruth, have invested the last twenty--ve years working in the marketplace of business and government to encourage leaders in their personal lives. They have co- authored When the Giant Lies Down and Known (Finding Deep Friendships in a Shallow World). Dick also serves on the teaching teams of four congregations, including the multi- site National Community Church in Washington, D. C. Register online at