The Pilgrim Nazarene

Transcription

1 The Pilgrim Nazarene Volume V No. 2 The Official Organ of The Pilgrim Nazarene Church February 2008 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

2 perspective The Salt of the Earth Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16 I n this passage Christ regards His people as the salt of the earth. We know that salt is actually a miracle. It is a chemical compound made up of sodium and chloride. If you were to pour a little bit of hydrochloric acid on your hand, it would be burned away in less than a minute. If you were to drink hydrochloric acid you would die in agony in just several minutes. But add sodium to that same hydrochloride and the result is the most common healing compound on earth. Salt. Much like the making of salt, when God pours His grace into the hydrochloride of our lives, the result is a miracle: a regenerated person placed in the world for the blessing of all mankind. This world is in danger of sinking into corruption. Society is decaying. The morals of our land have been lowered to the lowest degree. Homes are falling apart. But in the midst of all of the corruption, we can still hear the words of the Master, Ye are the salt of the earth. You are the healing compound. This world is worth preserving. Christ did not desire the destruction of civilization, but He has placed us here for a purpose. To preserve. As the salt of the earth every life you touch you are preserving. Every time you take a stand for truth and right you are fulfilling your duty as the salt of the earth. Also remember that salt is purchased to be used not to sit on a shelf as an ornament. Many in the church today have the idea that it is enough to attend scheduled worship and pay their respect to God. But we are a purchased people, not to be set on a shelf and be looked upon, but rather to be spent and applied for the spreading of the glorious gospel. 2 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald February 2008 (Continued on page 12) February 2008 Volume V No. 2 DEPARTMENTS Perspective 2 From the General Superintendent 3 Friends of Missions 5 News/Announcements 6 Truth for Teens 8 Grandma D s Story Time 9 Devotions for Plain Folks 10 Pilgrimaging 11 EDITOR Stephen R. Snodgrass CONTENTS GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT Dale N. Hayford GENERAL SECRETARY David E. Taylor GENERAL TREASURER James H. Dunegan GENERAL FOREIGN MISSIONS SECRETARY Stephen E. Robinson Printing and Circulation: Country Pines, Inc., Shoals, IN Photo Credits: front cover photo courtesy of The Pilgrim Nazarene The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald is published monthly by Pilgrim Nazarene Publishing, 5428 Walnut Dr., Sylvan Springs, AL Subscription price: $10.00 per year for a single issue or $ per year for a bundle of ten (10) issues. Phone: stevesnodgrass@pilgrimnazarene.org Web Address: Postmaster: Please send address changes to: The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 5428 Walnut Dr., Sylvan Springs, AL

3 T From the he famous oft-quoted words of the late British Prime Minister Winston Churchill never cease to stir my heart. It was a dark discouraging day in England when Churchill s eloquent challenge brought hope to the hearts of Englanders. He declared, We shall defend our island whatever our cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight in the fields, and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender These words have become immortalized. There were few in the British population that did not consider Churchill their hero in the hour of national crisis. Webster defined hero as, a man of distinguished valor, intrepidity, or fortitude; a central or prominent personage in any remarkable action or course of events; a man admired and venerated for his noble deeds or qualities There are patriotic heroes, family heroes, and spiritual heroes. This month we celebrate the birthdays of two of the greatest leaders our land has ever known. Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln were men who guided our youthful nation through crucial days. They both possessed a strong faith in the over-ruling providence of the Almighty God. My hat is off to our national patriotic heroes. There are family heroes. There is a spirit in the world today that militates against fidelity and would destroy the family unit. In the face of this atmosphere, there are myriads of unsung heroes who as the heads of their families daily perform faithfully their domestic responsibilities. Such a one was Chester F. Hayford. Perhaps he would be considered bland amidst the movers and shakers of society, but to Elizabeth, his wife; Avis, his daughter; and this writer, his son; he was and is a hero. I wanted to be like my dad, and still do. A real hero incites a desire to be like him. This concept is not incongruous with Paul s statement to the Philippians, Brethren, be followers together of me, General Superintendent s HEROES by Dale N. Hayford, General Superintendent Desk and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample (3:17). Followers together is actually one word in the Greek. It means, a fellow imitator or an imitator with others or an imitator together with anyone, a joint-imitator. Lightfoot submits: Vie with each other in imitating me or one and all of you imitate me. There are passages in the New Testament where Paul exhorts others to follow him, he adds, as I follow Christ. This Philippian Scripture has no reference in the context to Christ as an example. He speaks clearly of himself and others who were to be imitated. However, the word mark is not without significance. It means to look towards an object, to contemplate, give attention to. Paul was a hero; he urged, without apology, others to be like him. He wanted to be the example for others to follow. Interestingly, the word rendered ensample comes from a word that originally meant the mark of a blow. The apostle was incessantly striking blows in the enemy s territory. The marks made by this pioneer of Christianity were a pattern to follow. God still has heroes today. Reader, if you are just getting in this way of holiness, find a hero. Mark one of God's saints and imitate him. It is important to mark God s heroes. When I look back over the fortyplus years of my Christian life, I recall some of the marks I was challenged to model after. One mark of a real hero is singleness of purpose. In verse thirteen, Paul declared his singleness of motivation by saying, this one thing I do and in verse fourteen disclosed that which motivated him by saying, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. The thought is made even clearer in verse eight, where things of value were mere rubbish in his eyes, along side of his goal to win Christ. I believe I know some people like that. In fact, in a Wednesday night February 2008 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 3

4 prayer meeting, a young mother declared in her testimony that her relationship to Jesus Christ was the most important issue in her life. A heroine! A Christian hero cannot be deterred from this purpose. Another mark of true heroism is found in his discernment. In verse 2, Paul warns his readers concerning the concision. The word concision is applied to those who mutilated their bodies in the practice of heathen religion. The application the apostle is making is to the Jews that have lost the sense of sacredness concerning that which God had made a sign (circumcision) of the covenant. They were to understand that the practice of outward religion did not vitiate their need of inward crucifixion of self and death to the world. This hero (Paul) was able to [ detect dangerous trends of drift in a crucial hour for the New Testament Church. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees because of this lack when he said,... ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times. The Pharisees were great on signs and the spectacular, but were unable to realize prophecy was being fulfilled before their eyes. Spiritual heroes of our day will see through the shallow spectacular and recognize the apostasy and drift, knowing it is prophecy being fulfilled just prior to our Lord's return. They will warn the church accordingly. A third mark of one worthy to imitate is unselfishness. His personal interests are secondary to the cause of Christ. A man of my acquaintance sold every earthly possession on two different occasions that the doors of a holiness church might be kept open. The record of such sacrifice never appeared in the denomination s periodical, but that heroic action was not overlooked by the Omniscient Record Keeper. It was this spirit that brought into birth many holiness churches, and it is this spirit that has kept many going. Living all over this land are unassuming, humble people unselfishly putting their investment into that which they believe. Some with worn out automobiles and much used furniture, but with a shining face, a clear conscience and a hero's medal 4 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald February 2008 awaiting them in the New Jerusalem. Rev. Elbert Dodd was noted for his fearless attack on worldliness, yet seemingly limitless compassion for sin s victims. No one could honestly question where he stood in regard to the essential items of Christian conduct. A hero is also in the possession of continuous victory. Paul said in verse 15, Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded. It was to Timothy he expressed, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Heroes become such by passing difficult tests in trying situations. It is not until your faith has been challenged that you realize how strong that faith is. The very foundation of our faith and purpose of our existence has been questioned. áâv{ uç God will have a tested people. Some have capitulated under the challenge as to whether or not their faith is Scriptural. Others have become heroes with their faith becoming stronger as a result of the pressure to compromise that faith. xüéxá uxvéåx Ñtáá Çz w yy vâäà àxáàá Ç àüç Çz á àâtà ÉÇáA Heroism has been demonstrated by both heroes and heroines. There have been and are many worthy of our imitation. But heroes and heroines pass on and so new heroes and heroines must be born. My prayer and hope is that my imitation of these heroes of Calvary s conflicts might be worthy of emulating by those who are waiting in the wings of the stage to take my place in the drama of life. Oh, that marks may continue to be made for God from generation to generation that the pattern of holy living will remain clear to enable us to some day fall at the feet of the Hero of Golgotha and hear Him say, Well done, you followed the pattern of Christ. DNH BROTHER HAYFORD S CONTACT INFORMATION 504 Valley West Dr. Rogers, AR (479) home (479) cell dhayford@pilgrimnazarene.org

5 D The Great Commission From Reverend Tony Ross: uring the month of October 2007, Brother Mike Covington and I visited our Favour the Helpless mission in Tenali, India. Brother Johnpaul Pinapati, the director of the mission, assisted by his brother, Pastor Isaac, are fulfilling the call God has given them to help the poor. Our ministry was to the pastors, orphans, and widows. Upon arriving, we conducted a Holiness Preacher s Convention for four days. We held four one hour sessions each day with Brother Covington and I each preaching twice a day with our focus being basic teaching on holiness. Services consisted of two songs sung enthusiastically with handclapping, prayer, and then the preaching of the Word. The pastors, some new in the way of God, were attentive and responded to our preaching. As precious brothers in the Lord, they have a great love and concern for their people. I am amazed that our pastors can survive on the $50 of support they receive since they give their full time to studying, preaching, and caring for their people. A great many of our pastors are young, and they, with the middle aged and older pastors, attend an all day Bible study and training each month. They must attend this training to receive their monthly support. Sunday morning, Brother Covington preached in town at a very simple church built with a bamboo frame and thatched palm roof. It provides shade during the day, but no protection from the rain during the services, or for the widows who sleep on mats on the ground under it. For the Sunday night service, we traveled about twenty miles west to a village church where I preached in a service that was well attended and the spirit was good. After each of the services, the widows wanted us to pray for them. Monday night, we visited the orphans at their home. Twenty-eight precious children (fifteen boys and thirteen girls) between the ages of seven and thirteen live in the home. (There is a great need for a larger home for the orphans.) They were all nicely dressed, bright-eyed, and were well-mannered. We greeted them telling them that we loved them, and that the Pilgrim Nazarene Church (PNC) in the United States loves them. After they sang three choruses for us in English, Brother Johnpaul told them that they could greet us. It was an emotionally moving experience as they mobbed us, hugged us, and touched our faces. We had taken suckers and were able to give each one of them four suckers. Tuesday, our last day at the mission, we met in the upstairs chapel with seventy to eighty widows and three pastors for a service. After singing and praying, Brother Johnpaul asked Brother Covington and me to greet them. We told them, Jesus loves you, and the people of the PNC love you. I was overcome with emotion as I realized how much we have, and how little they have. Widows in India are outcasts, and are of no more value than an animal. Brother Johnpaul had Brother Covington and me give each of them their support, and then, after receiving their money, they lined up and wanted us to pray for them. Again, I was overcome with emotion. James 1:27 was never more real to me than the time we spent with the orphans and widows in India. I am thankful I had the opportunity to go to India, and thankful we can have a little part in helping the helpless. I feel we are seeing more accomplished for souls in India for the amount of support we are giving than at any other mission I know about. I pray that we can do more to reach the masses of lost souls in India. REV. STEPHEN E. ROBINSON General Foreign Missions Secretary (318) srobinson@pilgrimnazarene.org missions@pilgrimnazarene.org GRACIE BETTS General Boxwork Administrator (318) egbetts@pilgrimnazarene.org boxwork@pilgrimnazarene.org FIELDS OF SERVICE INDIA MEXICO SOUTH AFRICA Prayerfully, Rev. Tony W. Ross February 2008 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 5

6 PILGRIM NAZARENE CHURCH COMMISSIONED EVANGELISTS Charles Boardman, 805 South Mesa Dr., Mesa, AZ 85210, home , cell Larry Coltura, 203 N. Center St., Lockridge, IA Bobby Davis, 5104 NW Cherry Ave., Lawton, OK 73505, Clindel Harbison, 312 Williamson Dr., Pell City, AL 35215, home , cell David Letts, E. University, #60, Apache Junction, AZ 89220, Larry Pettit, 4119 S. Lynhurst Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46221, Tony Ross, 325 Jefferson, Lake Charles, LA 70605, home , cell Bryan Shields, th Ave., Jasper, AL 35507, home , cell George Stevenson, 1163 Gardiners Gin Rd., Cordova, AL 35550, COMMISSIONED SONG EVANGELISTS Brad & Gillian Davis, 145 Linden Dr., Jackson, MO 63755, Bryan Shields, th Ave., Jasper, AL 35507, home , cell George Stevenson, 1163 Gardiners Gin Rd., Cordova, AL 35550, Kathy Zink, P. O. Box 237, Anton, TX 79313, The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald February 2008

7 Dear Readers, I want to take a moment and invite you to the Pilgrim Nazarene Youth Camp. It will be held in Fulton, Missouri, June 16-20, What an incredible time we all had last year. I am anticipating another great year. One thing about our youth camp is that it is not just for teenagers. Last year, nearly 30 young people from the ages of attended. This means that all you young adults, whether married or not, will find youth camp a place to meet new friends and have a great time as well. Mrs. Connie Snodgrass is handling the registration. You can her at conniesnodgrass@bellsouth.net. Also, more information will be coming in the future issues of the Herald. God Bless you all, and see you in June, Pastor Troy Truitt On January 28th, 2008, a son, Alex Blake Truitt came to bless the home of Troy and Jennifer Truitt. He was welcomed by his brothers and sisters Lauren, Luke, Tyler, Travis and Andrea. Troy is the pastor of Trinity Grace Chapel in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and he is also the Sunday School and Youth Evangelism Chairman of the Pilgrim Nazarene Church. General Conference/Camp July 5 11, 2008 (Saturday Friday) ICHA Campground Greenfield, Indiana Rev. Leonard Sankey Special Speaker To make reservations, contact Mrs. Carmelita Turner (765) carmyt_30@yahoo.com February 2008 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 7

8 Truth for teens I n the fall of 1915, Willy, a small town farmer, was hauling a load of grain from the farm to the mill. On his way, his wagon hit a rut and brought the horses to a halt. Willy got off the wagon and started pushing the wagon while the horses pulled. Eventually the wagon broke free, but in the process, Willy accidentally got his foot run over. REV. TROY TRUITT Sunday School and Youth Evangelism Chairman (573) troytruitt@pilgrimnazarene.org youth@pilgrimnazarene.org Now, Willy was a very strong man. He had a wife and seven children. There were no doctors around and He could not afford to miss much work, so Willy wrapped up his foot and continued his daily chores. He tried many home remedies, but day after day, his foot continued to get worse. Even though they did not have the money, it became clear that Willy was going to have to have medical help if he was going to get well. They took him to closest hospital which was over a hundred miles away. His foot was very infected and there was only one thing left to do. They would have to amputate his foot. If they did not, he would lose his life. In those days, they could not put the patient to sleep and they did not have anything to give them for pain. They took their tools and cut off Willy s leg right above the knee. After a couple of days, they realized the infection was still there. They had to amputate his leg at his hip a few days later. But even that was not enough. In February 1916, Willy died from blood poison. 8 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald February 2008 Today, nearly a hundred years later, I find that people are a lot like Willy. They don t have a foot that is infected, but they do have a heart that is diseased. It s far more dangerous than blood poison. It s a monster called sin. For the most part, people don t think much about it. It s not that big of a deal, they say. It s just a little sin. But the longer they put off dealing with their little sins, and the longer they neglect to go to the Great Physician, the more infected their spirit becomes. This monster of sin can take innocent babies and turn them into the most notorious criminals. It all starts because of a small sin. Many people come to the end of their lives and find themselves wrecked and ruined by this monster. Their families are broken. Their marriages are gone. If only they would have went to Jesus early, and let him take care of the infection. A few months after Willy passed away, his wife gave birth to their eighth child. In memory of his daddy, they named him Willy Sterling Truitt. That baby would one day be my grandpa. But sadly, little Willy would never have the opportunity to see his daddy. He would never be able to play chase or wrestle with him. He would never be able to ride on a horse with him, or watch him work. There would be many days that little young Willy would long to talk to his dad, but his dad was gone. And to think that all that started over a little accident, and a little infection. ~TAT

9 H Grandma D s Story Time urry, children, or you will be late for school. You know how Miss Mackerel does not like to have any of her students to be late. The little Fish family grabbed up their book bags and off they swam, calling their good-byes back to Mamma as they went. Being mother to so many fish children was a very big job, and Mamma took it very seriously. The first thing she did after sending her little family off to school was clean out the trash that the tide had brought in. As she was swishing around, humming quietly to herself, she noticed a little fish tail sticking out from under Itty-Bitty s bed. Now, Itty-Bitty was the youngest of her fish children and had only been going to school for a short time. Itty-Bitty, what are you doing under your bed? Come out this instant and give an account of yourself. A tearful Itty-Bitty wriggled out from under his bed and said, I don t ever want to go back to school. The kids are so mean to me. They swim around after me at recess and chant, Itty-Bitty Big Mouth! Ate a whale going south! And then they all laugh and laugh. He cried so hard, Mamma put her fins around him and tried to comfort him. Now, Itty-Bitty, you just never mind what those other fish call you. Remember Samson, your BIG brother, and how he was made fun of; but when he learned that God made him that way for a reason, he has never been the same. I am going to tell you the same thing I told him. God has made you the way you are for a reason and one of these days you will find out that He has a special job for you to do also. Now, gather up your books and skedaddle off to school. With a tearful good bye and blowing a kiss to Mamma, away he went. After school that day, he decided to try his diving lessons. He held his body just the way his teacher had showed him and was he ever surprised how deep he went. Down, down, down until he was at the floor of the sea. How exciting it was! Things were there to explore! What is that over there? As he swam toward it he found it was the wreckage of an old ship. Oh, so many things in and around that old ship were interesting. Then his eyes fell on a shiny round thing. It was so pretty he decided to put it in his mouth and take it home for Mamma to see. He thought to himself, It s a good thing my mouth is big or I wouldn t be able to carry it home. Mamma and all the children admired it, and he was allowed to keep it. Day after day he played with his new toy until one day as he was swimming around, he felt a strong urge to swim in a certain direction. He swam and swam and swam until he was close to the shore. He was kind of scared to be so near the shore but he heard a kind voice say, Itty-Bitty, stay close to the shore. I have brought you here for a purpose. The Pilgrim Nazarene It was not very long until he heard another voice say, He told me to cast in my line and take up the first fish Itty-Bitty was being gently lifted out of the water and a big fisherman said, It s here, just like Jesus said it would be. The fisherman opened Itty-Bitty s mouth and removed the coin (for that is what his toy was) and said, Thank you little fish. God sent you here with the money for Jesus and me to pay our taxes with. He put Itty-Bitty back in the water, and Itty-Bitty was so happy as he swam quickly back to Mamma to tell of the wonderful way God had used his big mouth. So you see, boys and girls, God once again used one of His creatures to fulfill His plan. Are you willing to give your life to Him completely and see what exciting thing He has planned for you? If you want to read the Scripture pertaining to this story, get your Bible out and turn to Matthew, chapter 17 and read verses Until next month keep minding the Lord. I love you, Grandma D SUBSCRIBE NOW... By Phone: By stevesnodgrass@pilgrimnazarene.org By Internet: By Mail: Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 5428 Walnut Dr. Sylvan Springs, AL February 2008 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 9

10 Devotions for Plain Folk Rev. Larry W. Pettit Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4 T he Christian life is one of identity, they were called Christians because they were Christ like; they were identified with that change of character and life, until those who beheld them declared that they were like Christ. Through repentance God imparts His forgiveness and adopts the individual into His wonderful family. It is this change that perpetuates one s life to be conformed ever more into the image of Christ. When we look around us, we see the world, and it is constantly striving to identify with someone or something. The world will identify with the latest sports hero, wearing a jersey with their hero s number on it; they cut, color, and make their hair to match that of their idol; or get tattoo s or body piercing like a friend or someone else so as to feel a part of or belong to a certain segment of society. People of all ages are striving to identify with something or someone. All of these identities leave one empty, shallow, unsatisfied, undeveloped, and still longing to identify with some one or something that will bring real meaning to life and a fulfillment that satisfies the depths of the soul. Ever since sin entered the world by way of Adam and Eve, mankind has identified themselves with their sinful life and life style. Adam and Eve clothed themselves with fig leaves, trying to hide their shame and their identity with sin. Mankind is still doing the same thing today. When one becomes a Christian, we immediately begin to identify ourselves with Christ. As Christ was raised from the dead, so the new born Christian is raised to walk in newness of life, thus finding one s true personal worth, one s goal, aim, and ambition becomes to identify their life with the life of Christ Jesus. Following the command of Christ to tarry until one is endowed with power from on high, that second work of grace being sanctified and filled with the Holy Spirit is the purpose and intention of the death of Christ. We see then that our body becomes the temple of the Holy Ghost, thus conforming us into the image of Christ. What a blessing to be a part of the holiness crowd, to be a part of those, who have tarried and know the experience of a personal Pentecost. Identifying with the holiness church is more than joining a holiness Church. It is more than adopting certain standards and outward appearances. It is to experience the sin-killing, carnalcrucifying baptism of the Holy Spirit. This is what truly empowers one to identify with Christ. Galatians 2:20 says, I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. As we live this life in the flesh, it is Christ living His life through us. He, Who said be ye holy for I am holy, now enables us to live such a life. I am glad for the holiness church and the holiness message, but I am even more grateful for the holiness experience that is personal and that is mine. Have you truly identified with Christ letting Him have His holy way with your heart and life? Who or what do you identify with? ~LWP 10 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald February 2008

11 Pilgrimaging With Brother Hayford T uesday, December 4, I received a call from a victorious soul who had been seeking to be sanctified in the revival I preached in Bentonville last month. She had just been sanctified wholly. The sense of God s presence as she testified certainly verified the reality of what she had experienced. Praise God, He is still the same and still in the business of saving and sanctifying souls. Wednesday, December 5, I enjoyed a good prayer meeting in our Bentonville church. There were several testimonies that were blessed of God, and as always, Pastor Waters fed the congregation with the bread of life. The beautiful new building would mean nothing if God did not meet with us. Friday, December 7, Sister Hayford and I arrived in Muncie, Indiana where we began revival that night. Sister Phebe Everhart and her children hosted us. They were all with her but Bethany who is still in Idaho. Of coarse we missed Brother Sam Everhart more than can be expressed. I know our people will continue to remember Sister Everhart and her children in prayer. We witnessed the grace of God and holiness at work as we stayed in that home. Heaven has a strong pull today. God gave a good meeting which closed Sunday, the ninth. After the service, I met with the church membership and they extended a call to Brother Scott Turner to be their pastor. We drove home Monday and that evening Brother Turner accepted the assignment. It is apparent that God has put His seal upon this. Though I have not been able to find thirty days for a vacation as recommended by the Conference, it has been nice to spend some time at home the last few weeks of December. I was able to catch up on some pressing office responsibilities. December 4, January 6, 2008 Thank you so much for the cash Christmas gift from the General church and from some of the churches. Your kindness is very much appreciated. Sunday, January 6, I preached in the evening service for Brother Jerrell Smith and his people in Fort Smith, Arkansas. I sensed God s presence, and it was good to be with these dear folks again. I am sure most of you know that my burden is for a genuine church wide Holy Ghost revival. I am convinced that we are living in the Laodicean age. One of the prominent characteristics of the church in Laodicea was lukewarmness. Indifference is one of the greatest enemies of the church today. It will bring on lukewarmness. Let us all join together is desperate prayer for a mighty move of God upon our Zion. I know it is God s will. I am confident that Pilgrim Nazarene people will rally and God will hear and answer prayer. Remember especially in prayer the Tarter, Shields and Truitt families. We need each other, and as Paul exhorted, let us bear one another s burdens. I prayed today, Even so come, Lord Jesus! Until then, let us occupy faithfully at our post of duty in Christ s great kingdom work, and Keep looking up and listening for the shout! DNH Recommendation David Letts is an elder in the Pilgrim Nazarene Church and has had to resign from the full time pastorate because of health reasons. However, he is able to hold some revivals. He has over 40 years of pastoral experience and has had experience as an evangelist. He is an excellent preacher and will help your church. I would encourage our churches to schedule him as your evangelist. You will find the information to contact him on page 6. Dale N. Hayford General Superintendent February 2008 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 11

12 The Salt of the Earth (continued from page 2) As the church it is not good enough that we are pure, but we must also purify. We must allow ourselves to be placed in the hand of God to poured out in the place of His choosing. In the time of His choosing. In the manner of His choosing. And be the salt of the earth. The church is to be salt...not sugar. Sugar will sweeten, but it will not preserve. Sugar will also make for pleasant taste, but it will never purify. We are living in a generation of watered down, sugar-coated religion, when our calling is to be the salt of the earth. There will never be a time when salt is not salt. Being the salt of the earth, is a full-time calling. We are to be about our Heavenly Father s business. We are living in a world that is full of decay. In a world that is crying out for something that will heal the wounds of their souls. If you were to listen closely you would hear the world say, Pass the salt. They need you. Allow God to use you to help preserve in the way He desires...for you are the salt of the earth. -SRS