Bishop R.F. Davis, State Overseer

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1 Sunshine News INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 1-2 STATE OVERSEER 2-8 STAFF NEWS 9-13 CHURCH NEWS IMPORTANT DATES Pastoral Family Month October (In conjunction with National Clergy Month) Cultivate Ladies Conference November 4-5, 2011 Sunshine Campgrounds Regional Ladies Retreat (International) November 18-20, 2011 Ramada Plaza Beach Resort Fort Walton Beach 97th International Assembly July 25-29, 2012 Louisville, KY Bishop R.F. Davis, State Overseer From the Overseerʼs Desk... Greetings, What a glorious time to be living. Our day presents us with the potential for harvesting souls for our Lord that is probably the greatest it has ever been... And when I consider all the wonderful things about the Church of God of Prophecy in the Great State of Florida, my heart is humbled. What began in the most humble of settings, with some of the most broken men, is now sitting, poised with passion and a burning desire to enter the greatest function on earth, the great harvest of souls. In the infancy of the work of the Church of God of Prophecy in Florida, passion for souls was the rule for the day. It was this passion that compelled the precious men and women serving to go forth and endure every kind of hardship to try and in some way reach a lost and dying world. That passion is found still burning in the heart of many across this great state. But now more than ever, the foundation laid by so many that have preceded us, and sacrificed so much, is in place to mobilize and launch a harvest of souls that s unprecedented. Thousands of men and women in the Church of God of Prophecy in Florida, located in every part of our state are praying and seeking God for guidance and direction on how to best effect the harvest of souls in their area. I am excited. What would heaven look like right now if all of a sudden hundreds and thousands of souls were immediately initiated into the Great Kingdom of God.

2 Let s evoke synergism into our efforts and unite. Let s bring our thoughts into one and embrace this concept. We will - as one body, united in purpose and passion, face the powers of darkness, in the fullness of the POWER of GOD and bring home the lost and dying of this world. And our GOD WILL HELP US!!! Florida take courage - With God ALL things are possible!!!!!!! It s time to thrust in the sickle and reap. Reap where we ve not sown. And REAP with a passion. Robert F. Davis Jr. FLORIDA SUNSHINE NEWS SEPTEMBER 2011-NOVEMBER 2011 Edition Volume 41 Issue 3 The Church of God of Prophecy State Offices P.O. Box Winter Garden, FL What a great Florida Convention we had! God was gracious to us all. I am making myself available for revivals throughout the state of Florida. I have been a full time Evangelist with the church for 33 years across the United States. If you would like a revival, give me a call and we can set something up. No church is too big or small - I preach at them all! I also do Ladies Night Out. This is a time when the ladies come together for fun and fellowship! You can contact me at Yours For Him, Kay Osban Florida Sunshine News (USPS ) is the official quarterly publication of the Church of God of Prophecy State Office located at 855 South Dillard Street in Winter Garden, Florida Periodicals postage paid in Winter Garden, Florida. Send address changes to: Florida Sunshine News P.O. Box Winter Garden, FL R.F. Davis Editor Joe Dotson Assistant Editor NEXT DEADLINE For all News Articles November 1, 2011 Send submissions to: SunshineNews@flcogop.com

3 STATE CONVENTION VIDEO ORDER FORM JULY 7 th 10 th, 2011 DVD s $10.00 each + $2.00 each Shipping = $12.00 each Each Message will be recorded on single DVD s Thursday Evening July 7 th, 2011 video Message: Bishop Willie Davis Friday Afternoon July 8 th, 2011 video Jerry Dotson, Dancing Hearts, Ocoee Choir, Sunshine Dancers, Worship Team video Message: J.V. Sullivan Friday Evening July 8 th, 2011 video Worship Team, Ransomed, Last Days COGOP Choir video Message: Bishop Dr. Elgarnet Rahming Saturday Morning July 9 th, 2011 video Honoring Retired & Deceased Ministers/ Anointed Men of Prophecy Mini-Concert video Children s March and Kid s Presentation video Trevor Reid, International Youth Director Saturday Afternoon July 9 th, 2011 Our hard drive got unplugged during the service, therefore we do not have this service on DVD, we apologize to those on program and anyone who wanted to purchase it. Saturday Evening July 9 th, 2011 video 100 Year Celebration Program video Message: Bishop R. E. Howard, General Overseer Sunday Morning July 10 th, 2011 video Angelic Voices, L.B. Baggett Appreciation video Bishop Robert F. Davis Jr., State Overseer Annual Address Name & Address: (Please Print) Please send the order form along with a check payable to: Tim Reynolds 7346 SW 39 th Street Palm City, FL 34990

4 Youth Camp Report We are so excited about our experiences this year in our youth camps. We are so blessed to have a staff that are working together to see FL camps succeed. There was such an increase all the way around in the ministry. We are anticipating greater things to come. The following is a brief report to the state of FL. Combined Totals Campers: 230 Staff: 166 Saved: 115 Sanctified: 70 Holy Ghost: 49 Baptized: 55 Children s Ministries With excitement and thanksgiving we are thankful for what God did in our children s ministries during the state convention. To see our children touched by the Spirit of God, seeing them accepting the teaching with excitement, and just having fun getting to know them was a cherished memory that will go with me for the rest of my life. Their little faces blessed me and I am thankful to be a part of their special little lives as we ministered to them. Their presentation in the main auditorium blessed so many and they did such an awesome job with such a tight space on stage. I wish everyone could have seen them on stage. Your hearts would have been touched and blessed. They came alive for God. If you would like to view some of the pictures taken during our presentation go to and go to session #5. A special thanks goes to all those who helped and made this time possible. We loved our new room, (with the exception of getting wet during the rain) but it was awesome. Yours in Christ, Barbara & Frankie Lynn

5 Ladies, Cultivate has just celebrated her first birthday! I appreciate all the support that you have given me over this past year, it has truly been an amazing experience as Women s Ministries Director. The Sisterhood and Mother Board have been a powerful influence in this ministry and I thank my God upon every remembrance of them. The faithfulness of the Pretty Committee and their pretty work has just been fabulous. And Hallelujah for Men who know how to cook! I am also honored to work with a praise team and praise band that have such awesome spirits and dedicated determination. So Happy Birthday Cultivate! Many more to come! I am so excited about all of the ladies events that are taking place around the state, thank you for the invitations to attend your meetings and share from my heart to yours. We do have a busy schedule, but don t let that scare you, if you need me, call me, I will do what I can to assist you. Save the Date! November 4 th and 5 th 2011 Cultivate Conference Camp Sonshine more details arriving soon! November 18 th -20 th 2011 Gulf shores Regional Ladies Retreat Fort Walton Beach I am making my plans to attend this event, wont you join me? Never forget that we are praying for you. We don t hate~we cultivate! Elaine Love Womens Minstries

6 Greetings Florida Youths, Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Roman 1:7). Aretha and I are excited to be serving as your State Youth Directors. We pray that as we continue serving this generation of young people, the Lord will continue to give us fresh anointing and new vision to lead because we recognize that we are in the last and evil days. God s mighty move is already evident around the State. The young people have already begun to Arise and pursue fresh fire. Below are a few highlights!. Youth Camp I had the opportunity to visit two of our youth camps during the summer, Senior Camp and Intermediate Camp. Pastor Rodney and Christina Bevis lead Senior Camp with a focus on Life (Living Intentionally For God). Many of our young people gave their lives to God, others were sanctified and filled with the Holy Ghost, to God be the glory for the young people who were baptized. Thanks Pastor and Sister Bevis for the opportunity to fellowship and encourage our senior campers. Pastor David and Gia Roberts lead Intermediate Camp with a focus on Turning the world upside down for Jesus. Our young people left Intermediate Camp with a renewed passion for turning the world upside down for the Lord. I ministered for 2 nights on the subjects Dare to let your light shine in these last and evil days, and Walking in the Spirit. Seven were baptized. Thanks Pastor and Sister Roberts for the opportunity to minister at Intermediate Camp. Special thanks to our camp coordinators Pastor Tim and Sister Melody Reynolds for the continued dedication and hard work that they give to our campers. Local Church Visits On June 3, 2011 my family and I were honored to visit, fellowship, worship with and greet the youths at the Sunrise Church of God of Prophecy for their weekend Youth Spiritual Impact. We were encouraged in the word by the International Youth Director of the Bahamas, Pastor Timothy Johnson on the theme Don t get mixed up again. On Friday July 29 th I was honored to be the special guest speaker at the Miami No 1Church of God of Prophecy Vacation Bible School. The young people were encouraged to put on the whole armor of God to be able to stand and with stand the tricks and schemes of the devil. While on vacation, we were able to visit the Daytona Church of God of Prophecy on July 31 st. Bishop and Sister Love and the congregation made us feel at home. What an awesome time of worship and the word. Thanks for having us, we are looking forward to visiting again. State Convention Youth Program Thanks Florida Youths for the awesome job you did on Saturday at the State Convention. Aretha and I are proud of you and love you. Youth Directors, Pastors, Camp Directors, and youths thanks for helping to make Saturday's program a great success. We were blessed by your talents and gifts. To God be the glory. We were privileged and honored to have our International co-youth Directors, Bishop Trevor and Aileen Reid worshipping with us. Thanks Aretha, Camille, Rodney, Amy and Ranata for your hard work and dedication. Praise choir and musicians, you were spectacular. Florida, thanks for your genuine support, we love you and we are praying for you.

7 Arise Youth Conference 2012 We are in the process of planning our State Youth Conference for We are anticipating a mighty move of God across the state of Florida. Mark your calendars. Word of Encouragement I want to encourage you young people to keep your eyes on Jesus. We are living in the times Timothy speaks of in 2 Timothy 2 as terrible times where people will have a form of godliness but denying the power of God. It is in these times that we need to stay focused on the things of God. Staying focused on God requires us to live a dedicated life to God, live holy, and present ourselves a living sacrifice unto God. I want to challenge you to spend time in prayer, fasting and studying God s word. ARISE young people and lift up a standard of holiness before God. Joshua & Aretha Caley Florida State Youth Director

8 Family Ministries I heard a speaker once talk about her journey to emotional healing through Jesus Christ. She made the statement that she had grown to love her Healer more than she loved her healing. I loved that. We love the good stuff the Lord Jesus gives us, but oh, to love Him more than anything, how great that would be! I was reminded of that today. However, it was an example of the opposite. I was reading the story of the rich young ruler in Luke 18: The story tells of a rich man who approaches Jesus and asks Him what he should do to inherit eternal life. Jesus answers him stating that this man knows the commandments, then mentions a few specifically. (Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and your mother. ) The man tells Jesus that he has kept these things. Jesus tells the man that he still lacks one thing. He then instructs the man to sell all that he has and to distribute to the poor. Jesus says that he will have treasure in Heaven and to come and follow Him. The Bible says that the man then became very sorrowful because he was rich. What was Jesus saying? What is God telling us through this story? Jesus already knew what this man would say in response to His questions. And He knew exactly what questions to ask; answers to which would reveal the heart of this man. Let s look at this man s relationship with people. Notice the commandments to which Jesus makes specific mention. Commandments dealing with relationships with others. Jesus asked him to sell all and give to the poor. Does he have a generous heart? More specifically, does he love others? And what about this man s relationship with God? He seems to be confident in that he keeps commandments and is confident in his riches. But, does he love God? Does he trust God? Does he obey God? Who then can be saved?, someone asked Jesus. Jesus answered them saying, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. If we believe the Word of God, we know that we cannot save ourselves. And, we cannot change our own hearts. I like what the IVP New Testament Commentary says. It says,...that a rich man on his own will never make a choice for the kingdom. It is impossible. The priorities it requires demand a new heart. Jesus notes that God can do the impossible. He can change hearts and priorities. God s power and grace yield the change. Only God can shine His light with pinpoint accuracy on the thing that is an obstacle standing between us and Him. He sure did it with this man. He sees the heart and wants us to yield it to Him. This man made his decision. He walked away from Jesus in more ways than one. He failed to see that he was face to face with the true Giver. He loved the gifts much more than he loved the Giver. We want to encourage you today that God can be trusted. He is good! And He loves you! Whether you need salvation, healing, provision - He is the answer to all your needs. But, be reminded that He is greater than anything He gives to us. He IS... God bless you, Joe and Heather Dotson

9 Church News Arcadia, Pastor Roger Byrd Praise the Lord! It has been a busy summer season in Arcadia. The church has worked diligently to get the ʻFamily Centerʼ ready for events and activities. It has already been a blessing to the church to have a place large enough to enjoy fellowship in a large group setting. A Fun Day was held on Saturday, August 20 th with a water slide, tug of war, horseshoes, and hotdogs. The weather held and a great time was enjoyed by young and old alike. Many thanks go out to those who worked so hard to make things happen. On Sunday, August 21 st, Pastor Dan Love and Sister Elaine Love (State Director Womenʼs Ministry) ministered and what a time we had praising and worshiping the Lord! What a dynamic duo, ministering and bringing the Word of the Lord. Our church was well represented with a significant number of attendees at the State Convention this year. Their torches were lit by the fire of the Holy Ghost at the convention and they brought back the fire and zeal to the local church and community. Old fires have been rekindled, as well as fresh fire being spread abroad as we are witnessing life changing testimonies to Godʼs greatness. New Sunday School classes and teachers have been installed recently to facilitate the teaching of our young adults, youth, and children. We sometimes wonder why God doesnʼt seem to be sending people our way for ministry opportunities, but Iʼm sure God also questions why we are not preparing for the crowd. God says in His word that without a vision, the people perish but in order to accomplish and fulfill the vision, we must take steps to ensure ways to attain such. (Throughout the years, I witnessed people as they built barns, but by the time the barn was completed, it was already full. Weʼre not looking to fill the barn with people, weʼre looking to fill Godʼs kingdom with souls.) The church at Arcadia is engaged in preparation to receive the ʻmultitudeʼ for the expansion of Godʼs kingdom! Jacksonville Mandarin, Interim Pastor Scott Lockwood These are the new members that Bro Baggett took in our church on May 26!

10 Miami 19th AVE, Pastor Errol Campbell On June 5, we had our annual Financial Celebration. Our theme was, Progress Through Prayer, Praise and Obedience. Our guest speaker was Bishop Howard Rolle from the Dania Church of God and The Lord really blessed. June 12-17, we had our Vacation Bible School with Love Fellowship Ministries. The theme was Jesus Truth Seekers. We had 500 in attendance. On June 13, our Lady Valary Campbell celebrated her birthday and she was presented with a love offering from the members and friends. On June 14, they celebrated their 36th Wedding Anniversary. They were presented with a beautiful fruit basket and cards. On Fatherʼs Day our Pastor honored all the men with a small token and they were treated to a Praise Dance by the young menʼs group. We had nineteen attend the State Convention. Our young ladies praise dance represented Region 1 in our Youth Service. To God be the glory. Miami Ridgeway, Pastor Eustace Clark On May 15th, three members were added to the church. On mothers day, Sis. Naomi Pigatt was selected as the 'Woman of the Year' and Sis. Priscilla Smith as the 'Sister of the Year.' Sis Naomi was treated to a day at the spa and a shopping spree and Sis. Priscilla enjoyed a fellowship breakfast, with many in attendance, at the Golden Corral restaurant. Pastor and Lady Emily Clarke presented to each mother an inscribed mug. The oldest mother (Sis. Seceline Johnson, age 97) and the youngest mother having the most children were given recognition. Baccalaureate service was held on May 22nd. The theme, 'Believe, Achieve and Success' was expounded by graduates Elaina Strachan and Adrianna Mozell. Our guest speaker, Mrs. Beverly Oglesby, hailed from the city of Jacksonville. She retired after 38 years of service at Clayton County School, and for twenty of those years, she was the only African- American instructor. She shared that knowing and adhering to the scriptures and not allowing doubt to take control brought her through. She implored the graduates to live in the 'Now Faith,' which she did, and they would experience imminent success. A three night, single ministries, crusade was sponsored by directors Eric and Naomi Pigatt. Guest minister Keith White and others shared the importance of allowing God to get our attention and faithfully following His will no matter how unseemly it may appear to us. Many heeded the word and gathered at the altar. Fathers were presented with an inscribed mug and a pamphlet of instructions for daily living, on their day. The eldest father (Bro. Wilfred Mckenzie) and the youngest father having the most children were recognized. Bishop Clarke brought a profound message on Fatherhood, leaving us with the thought that FAITH brings the 'Now God' into action. June 26 was the date of our Annual Building Fund program. The Theme 'Spiritual Eyes to See God's Doings' brought enlightenment to the hearers through speaker, Minister Richard Walker. Our Financial Day income was more than $30,000. Family ministries director Winifred Sweeney and team sponsored a night of fun and games. Everyone enjoyed a night of relaxation. Children's Ministries Director, Iris Strachan brought a heartfelt, eye-opening message on the topic, ʻDistraction, Deception and Disgrace.ʼ She brought credibility to her discourse through presenting bible characters Adam and Eve, Samson, David and the Prodigal son. The youth were admonished to get to know the tricks of the enemy through studying God's word and allowing Him to lead them into paths of righteousness. Ocoee, Pastor Ronald Bates In May, we had a Ladies Luncheon, the theme: The Rainbow, and our guest speaker was Cynthia Tucker. It was a great day. We celebrated our Pastorʼs birthday with some gifts and an offering of $ Many presented him with cards. Five of our ladies were able to attend the Ladies Day in Oviedo and were truly blessed. We had one soul won to The Lord. In June our ladies were invited to a Ladies Luncheon in Apopka and really enjoyed the fellowship. The youth had a car wash and raised money for Youth Camp. We had 19 campers and 4 adults attend Camp this year. Seven came back saved, seven received sanctification, five were filled with the Holy

11 Ghost and three were baptized in water. We also had a sing at the local church with, Ernest Carter And The Bluegrass Singers. Many of our folks were able to attend the State Convention and what a wonderful time was had by all. The Ocoee Choir was privileged to sing and we felt so honored. The church presented Bro. and Sis. Bates with a Convention Offering of $ We had a sing in July directed by Margie Wilkens. We had a good attendance and we served snacks afterwards. Pine Hills, Pastor Yvette Leachman We are grateful to God for what He is continually doing amongst us!! On November 28, 2010, a Membership and Community Appreciation Service was held with several of our community leaders and other visitors in attendance, including: Commissioner Fred Brummer, Kim Mowatt of the Evans Project, Keith Longmore of West Orlando News, Dr. Joseph Bellomo of Bellomo Family Chiropractic Life Center, along with Mr. Claud Bowers, Founder and President of the SuperChannel,WACX-TV in Orlando, as our Guest Speaker. After the service, we were treated for lunch at the Caribbean Sunshine Restaurant located on Marsh Road, in Winter Garden. Sunday, December 5, 2010 we were privileged to have Sis. Jan Couch (from the Stewardship Ministries Department, Cleveland, TN) and husband Milton, for a One-day (2-session) Victory Seminar. We were blessed to have them with us; to God be the Glory! We have taught the Stewardship lessons in our Sunday school classes. December 31, 2010, we were graced with the presence of Dr. Sherlock Bally of Sherlock Bally Ministries, and again on February 18 th thru 22, 2011 in a 6-session ʻGlory Conferenceʼ. January 21-24, Rich Vera of the Voice of Healing Outreach Ministries ministered to us; several reported of being healed. February 13, 2011 and again on April 10 th Prophetess Glenda Jackson of Glenda Jackson Ministries, ministered prophetically to us through the anointing of the Holy Ghost. During this period of time we have had many, many people to come and visit us in our services, and several also accepted the Lord as their personal Savior. On April 17 th (Palm Sunday), we had a Water Baptism service, which begun with two candidates and when it was all over a total of 12 had followed the Lord in Water Baptism, ranging from ages 5, 9, 11, and up to 50+. (This is five (5) year old Natalia Jones along with her dad Troy who was also baptized).

12 The following Sunday (Resurrection Sunday), seven persons of the 12 who were baptized presented themselves for fellowship with the church (the two youngest being 9 and 11 years old). We were graced with the presence of our Presiding Bishop, Overseer Robert Davis, who under the anointing of the Holy Spirit ministered to us. A message and interpretation of tongues was given and the Lord assured us that He is visiting us (both in our homes and our work places). There were a total of 117 persons in attendance, to God be the Glory! The second Saturday of every month we have been partnering with Bread of Life Fellowship Ministries in the distribution of up to 80 boxes of food (at times) to the community; several have received the Lord during the counseling sessions. We give God thanks for the members and friends who come and give of their time to make this a success. God is faithful. Sunday school is on the move with a total of 5 classes and growing. Our newest staff member is Sis. Leah Williams-Dancy, who is all excited about teaching the Elementary class. God is doing great things among us! Riviera Beach, Pastor Barbara Lynn The Lord has been blessing our church with his healing power. Our Associate Pastor, Bro. Roy Peek, needed a pacemaker so the church really prayed and the Lord healed him. Also, a member was eaten up with cancer and the Lord healed her completely. We are really enthused for the coming year's work. We have organized prayer groups and they are really working. To God be the Glory. Sunrise Higher Ground Worship Center, Pastor Vernell Everett Thanks be to God for a wonderful man of God, Pastor Vernell Everett who received the vision from God that the church should hold House to House Prayer Meetings. He then appointed three ministers along with the youth director to organized these meetings. During the entire month of August we had house to house prayer meetings where many souls were revived. We had two healings take place and we have seen where God answered prayer instantly. The attendance has been outstanding. These prayer meetings have motivated us in a way that we have continued to go throughout the month of September, giving God the Glory while praying for lost souls. We are believing in God for many more blessings and for us to be a blessing to others. Our aim here is to go higher in the Lord. Tavares, Pastor Samuel Gamble Sis. Carol Preece joined the church as a covenant member on Aug. 7th, The church is glad to open the doors and welcome her in. What a blessed way to welcome the pastor Sandy Gamble and his wife back as the pastor. We look forward to God's many blessings. Pastor Gamble presented this plaque to the Church with Sis. Myrtle Bethea. The plaque was received at the convention for being one of the top fifteen churches organized in the State of Florida. Sis. Myrtle has been with the local church since established in She has served in numerous duties at the church throughout her years.

13 Winter Garden Southside, Pastor J. V. Sullivan In May, 116 were in attendance on Motherʼs Day with all mothers being honored. In June, 114 were in attendance on Fatherʼs Day with all fathers being honored. We were blessed to have Bishop Robert and Sis. Maryann Davis with us. Seventeen attended Youth Camp. In July, we installed our new church sign. Bryan Reynolds was special speaker in our youth service. Three were saved in May and July. Make Plans To Attend! Emerge D is yesterday's news. Go where no youth has gone before...welcome to 4D! EMERGE is the student leadership development and enrichment ministry of Operation Omega, having the four-fold objective (4D): DISCERN DEVELOP DEVOTE DELIVER visit for details Ridgecrest, North Carolina March 16-18, 2012