The Pilgrim Nazarene

Transcription

1 The Pilgrim Nazarene Volume V No. 4 The Official Organ of the Pilgrim Nazarene Church April 2008 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. Isaiah 64:8

2 the editor s perspective Where did the term, self-made, come from anyway? Think about that phrase-it doesn t even make sense. What can take it s own ingredients and engineer in such a way to create itself? I know that the phrase usually refers to one s success in the world of finance or a popular person who began with simple roots, but it still defies logic and the laws of nature. Recently, I ran across an article in a special billionaire issue of Forbes magazine that told of the population of billionaires in the region of Asia. In number they totalled 160. Of those 160 billionaires, 84 were given the label, self-made. In the recording of the events of the Beginning, we find a verse that says, And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7) The word for formed is used of a potter shaping the clay and implies that God became directly involved in the shaping and fashioning of man s physical frame. This is a definite contradiction to the self-made class. Possibly the Psalmist was facing some of these same issues when he wrote, Know ye that the LORD, He is God, it is He that hath made us and not we ourselves. (Psalm 100:3) Many of this generation ascribe to the thought that it is their hard work, determination, ingenuity and a little bit of luck that has placed them in the position they possess. Nothing could be further from the truth. No one is self-made. If we are not careful, fellow Christians, we will find ourselves believing that we are self-made. Remember, you could not save yourself, you needed grace. You can t serve alone, you need strength. You cannot lead, you must be led. Also remember, He is the Vine and we are the branches. We are the vessels and He is the substance. He is the Shepherd and we are the sheep. He is the Potter and we are the clay. I know, it is very interesting to read about a college student or a factory laborer who is now worth 23 billion dollars, but remember, they did not make themselves. It is also great to reflect upon where we came from and where we are today, but never, never forget, if it had not been for the Lord s amazing grace and His matchless mercy, we would still be in the pit where He found us. ~SRS Sel f-ma d e? Rev. Stephen Snodgrass is the editor of the Pilgrim Nazarene Herald. CONTENTS April 2008 Volume V No. 4 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 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 Missions pictures on page 5 courtesy of Mark Russell. Youth pictures on page 7 courtesy of Jerry Esparza. The Pilgrim Nazarene The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald is published monthly by Pilgrim Nazarene Publishing, 5428 Walnut Dr., Sylvan Springs, AL Phone: pncherald@bellsouth.net Web Address: Subscription price: $10.00 per year for a single issue or $ per year for a bundle of ten (10) issues. Postmaster: Please send address changes to: The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 5428 Walnut Dr., Sylvan Springs, AL The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald April 2008

3 Patience Perfected My brethren, count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing James 1:2-4. In these three verses James gives the formula for the perfection of patience. He begins by addressing the brethren. Christian brethren are bound together by a common loyalty to Jesus Christ. This loyalty also makes the labors of the brethren common, for all the works of the saints are motivated by their unswerving loyalty. Although James was probably considered the leader of the fledgling church, he considered himself as one with his brethren. You see, he was the servant of One who considered Himself one with His brethren. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren (Hebrews 2:11). Jesus Himself had experienced trials. He would not forsake His brethren in their trials. James wants his readers to realize that every conflict has a purpose. He said Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. Jesus said, Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you (Matthew 5:10-12). For some conflicts there is more than one purpose for all conflicts there is at least one. To know there is a reason for the trial should give us joy. The adjective all in verse two indicates all conceivable joy. It means unmixed joy, pure joy and nothing else. Everyone that falls into a temptation must make the proper choice. The word count here means to lead before the mind or to consider. It is to command or to have the rule over. As one said, Do it once for all. In other words the saint can have it settled that he will not be a whiner or complainer when trial comes but will look for the lesson and consider it with joy that God has considered him qualified for a test. This eliminates the excuse often heard for quitting the battle, I was not treated right or Not one person called on me. Was Jesus treated right? The Hebrew writer exhorted his readers,... let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross...for consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. (Hebrews 12:1-3) It is inconceivable that one could stand at the judgment and view the nail prints in the hands, feet and side of the glorified body of the Savior and say, I quit the battle because I was mistreated. That spirit is diametrically opposed to the true spirit of those identified with the Christ. The question is not if trials come, it is what you will do with them when they do come. Trials rightly faced are harmless wrongly faced they become a temptation. A trial can come from God; a temptation only from the devil. The phrase when ye fall indicates that trials cannot be stopped. Mark it down! It is going to happen to you! You are going to have a trial! Trials are also unpredictable as disclosed by the word divers which means various or motley. It denotes party-colored or variegated. Tests in such forms as sickness, poverty, bereavement and persecution come to all the brethren. This does not mean that all the brethren will have every kind of trial, but it means that none of the brethren is able to predict when or what kind of trial he will have. When it happens, do not cry about it COUNT IT UNMIXED JOY! When the trial comes in the form of a temptation it can accurately be considered unmerciful. The devil is without mercy in the intensity and the duration of the temptation. His purpose is not to develop the saint, but to destroy the tempted. James states the purpose of the trial is that he might be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. We can be certain of the result of the trial Knowing this... (verse 3). A trial is the only way to April 2008 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 3

4 discover the genuine element of your faith. It is also the only way to develop endurance. Patience here is more properly translated endurance. The saint does not go around looking for trials, but when they come he recognizes their use to help him endure. Let patience have indicates Let it keep having. Alexander Maclaren said, Let no antagonism or opposition of any sort come between us and the plain path of Christian service and duty. The perfection of patience brings a compensating ripeness or a rewarding maturity wanting nothing (verse 4). The word entire means having all of its parts all that was allotted to it. The word perfect means deficient in nothing. Jesus said, Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Matthew 5:48) The inferences in these verses written by James are very strong in support of the teaching concerning the experience of entire sanctification. Subsequent verses in this very epistle confirm this truth. With the defective nature of sin eradicated and the fullness of the Spirit s sanctifying flame, your endurance will be without a part missing and your Christian development and maturity adequate to keep you on the narrow path until you get to the end of the way. The words of Katharina von Schlegel speak of the patience that waits in faith upon God: Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side; Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; Leave to thy God to order and provide; In every change He faithful will remain. Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend Thro thorny ways leads to a joyful end. Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake To guide the future as He has the past. Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake; Brother Hayford can be contacted by mail: 504 Valley West Dr., Rogers, AR By phone: (479) ~home, (479) ~cell. By dhayford@pilgrimnazarene.org. DNH We wish to express our gratitude to our friends for all of your kindness during the passing of our mother. The flowers were very beautiful, and your words of comfort were a great help during this time. We felt your love and received strength because of your prayers. Mom is where she has wanted to be for a long time! We are looking forward to seeing her and Dad again! Soon! Thank you again for all that you did for us, The family of Yvonne Loftin Pilgrim Nazarene Church General Conference and Camp July 5 11, 2008 (Saturday Friday) ICHA Campground Greenfield, Indiana Rev. Leonard Sankey Evangelist To make reservations, contact Mrs. Carmelita Turner (765) carmyt_30@yahoo.com 4 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald April 2008

5 the Great Commission Special prayer request : Rev. Dale Hayford and Rev. Melvin Waters will be traveling to India on April 21st and will be returning on April the 28th. the Editor Rev. Stephen E. Robinson is the General Foreign Missions Secretary of the Pilgrim Nazarene Church. He can be reached at (318) or missions@pilgrimnazarene.org. Mrs. Gracie Betts is the General Boxwork Administrator of the Pilgrim Nazarene Church. She can be reached at (318) or boxwork@pilgrimnazarene.org. April 2008 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 5

6 Tributes to Mrs. B. M. Yvonne Loftin February 23, January 28, 2008 Sister Loftin, of Shreveport, Louisiana, went to be with Jesus on January 28, She was born in Wells County, Indiana, on February 23, She has been a resident of Shreveport since 1993, having moved here from Moline, Illinois. She was a member of the Pilgrim Mrs. Yvonne Loftin Nazarene Church. Sister Loftin was a teacher and taught at Bible Missionary Institute. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Rev. B. M. Loftin. Survivors include her daughters: Joy King and husband J. D., June Covington and husband Mike, Janet Charon and husband Bill; and her sons: Jack Loftin and wife Anna, and Jamie Loftin and wife Doris; two sisters, Monnah Raber and Berthetta Channey; 18 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 5 great great-grandchildren. The chapter of life that includes the great saints that I looked up to as a young Christian, is coming to a close. Another one of these precious saints have made the crossing to her eternal home that she prepared for many years ago. There is no doubt in anyone of her church family s minds that Sister Yvonne Loftin is safe in the arms of Jesus! I got to know Sister Loftin in 1969, when I began dating Cheryl Newsom, who was staying in the Loftin s home while attending BMI. She always had a hungry southern boy over for Sunday dinner meal. Little did I know then that many years later Cheryl and I would be able to return those favors to these great people, for when Brother Loftin retired as president of BMI, they felt led of the Lord to move to Shreveport where they bought a home and lived for several years. I had the wonderful privilege of being their pastor. Both Brother and Sister Loftin were such wonderful supporters of their pastor and wife. They never created a ripple of dissension, but rather brought a beautiful spirit to every service. After Brother Loftin s death, Sister Loftin continued right down the same path of serving Jesus, and loving the brethren. She was faithful to pray for me and her church family. After suffering a major stroke several years ago, it seemed to be her time to go to heaven, but instead, God touched her, and she continued to be faithful in attending most of the services. She loved God, her children, grandchildren, and her church family very much! Sister Loftin will be missed very much by all of us, but our loss is certainly heaven s gain. Another great saint that lived a godly life and set a beautiful example is gone from us. God please challenge us to step up and fill the places of these great ones so that there will be another chapter written of God s wonderful saving and sanctifying grace! In Loving Memory, Stephen E. Robinson Shreveport Pilgrim Nazarene Church Another one of God s choice saints has made it home safely. Sister Yvonne Loftin has joined her devoted husband, B. M. Loftin, as they worship at the feet of Jesus Whom they faithfully served. When you entered the presence of Sister Loftin, the first thing you became conscious of was not noise, but an influence. Though small of physical stature, there was a quiet strength that exuded from this spiritual giantess. She was like her husband, Rev. B. M. Loftin, who also was a pillar of great strength. There are many different kinds of personalities among the human race, and all can be used of God, but in my judgment, none were used in a greater fashion than the consistent holy life of Yvonne Loftin. Sister Hayford and I owe a personal debt of gratitude to Brother and Sister B. M. Loftin for the role they played in our lives when we were in the formative years of our Christian walk. Sister Loftin will be missed. One cannot properly measure the power of the life of prayer that is exercised behind the scenes in relative obscurity. Only the judgment will reveal the true impact of this godly lady. To all the children and grandchildren, Sister Hayford and I extend our sympathy and assure you of our prayers. Let me challenge you to follow her example and join her and Brother Loftin in the land of no tears in the presence of God. Dale N. Hayford General Superintendent Pilgrim Nazarene Church 6 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald April 2008

7 I am thankful to be here representing Bible Missionary Institute (BMI) where Sister Loftin gave so many years of her life. She, along with her late husband, Brother B. M. Loftin, impacted so many lives of Bible Missionary young people. Sis. Loftin was a little lady, but her spirit was big. My first recollection of meeting her was when I arrived at BMI to attend the fall semester of Looking back on the four years of being a student there I never remember her being out in the forefront of anything. Her husband, as president of BMI, was always the one that was seen, yet she was a real force behind him. Being of a meek and quiet temperament with a ready smile, she was a real asset to the ministry of her husband be it in the pastorate, as a moderator s wife, as college president s wife or just an instructor. She filled her place with dignity. For over thirteen years she was the queen of BMI. Everyone that worked with her respected and revered her. All the young people who had the privilege of being associated with her are thankful for that association. In her quiet way she impacted each life. From a class in review of English, to the study of hymnology, to teaching music theory, she filled her place at BMI. Sis. Rosa remembers that she would do the nice little things that others may have thought about but just never got around to doing. Such things as remembering birthdays or bringing a little flower to someone that she felt was going through a rough time. I am so thankful for my association with her and with Brother Loftin. BMI is indebted to this wonderful lady; and today we, the present faculty, staff and student body, honor her memory. Jack, Joy, June, Jamie and Janet, you are mourning the loss of your mother today, and we offer our sympathy to you. I know what you are feeling today for I have been through this, too. But I am so glad that you have the assured knowledge that right now your beloved mother is in Heaven. She is gone from you, but you can go to her; and I know if she could somehow speak to you right now she would tell you, It s worth everything to make it here! May God bless each of you! Russell G. Moyer President Bible Missionary Institute Brooklynn KayAnn Yancey Church Dedication Bentonville, Arkansas Rev. Bobby Davis, Rev. Dale Hayford, Rev. Melvin Waters, Rev. Marshall Smart, Bro. & Sis. Larry Thomas Sunday afternoon, March 3rd, 2008, marked a momentous time in our local church history. Visitors, ranging from church friends and local businessmen to the city mayor, joined us as we dedicated our new church building to God. We listened as Brother Waters listed the names of men and women who contributed their time, energy and money to build our little church on 5th Street. What a thrilling time to reflect on all that God has done for us! Kim Watkins Reporter Baby Dedication Each of the children born to Michael, Jr. and Regina Yancey have been dedicated to the Lord, and Brooklynn KayAnn is no exception. She was born on April 2, 2007, and was welcomed by her parents and three brothers - Michael III, David and Joshua. She was dedicated by her Granddaddy Taylor on February 15, 2008, at the Sherman Pilgrim Nazarene Church. Surrounding Brooklynn with lots of love and a goodly heritage are her grandparents - the Mike Yancey, Srs. and the David Taylors; her great-grandmas, Ida Taylor, Lamerl Yancey, and Mary Boice; her great Mammaw and Pappaw, the M. H. Meeks; and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. April 2008 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 7

8 Dear Young People, I can t believe that we are fixing to begin our 3rd youth camp. Brother Robert and I are getting everything in order so that Pilgrim Nazarene Church (PNC) Youth Camp will once again be a success. If you have been there you know what great times and wonderful memories that we have made. If you have never been to PNC Youth Camp you may think you are not missing much. I want to tell you a few things that have taken place, then you can decide if you have missed out. If you have not been to youth camp, you probably don t remember the pranks and jokes, the friends, the faces, the hats, the watermelon-eating contest, Allegheny Wesleyan College, the dorm rooms with 40 young people, the dating classes, Penn View Bible Institute, the food, the volleyball games, the Bible Bowl, the Army Rangers, the late night visits, the early morning wake up call with paint-ball guns, the Marines, tattle time, the altar services, the music, the Navy Seals, David and Goliath, the baptism service, the puppy song, the basketball games, the prayer times, Hobe Sound Bible College, the 20+ young people that were saved, the afterglow singing, the Air Force PJ s, wading the creek, the 25+ that were sanctified, the softball games, Union Bible College, crazy day, room inspections, God s Bible School, all the young people standing on their feet during the singing and praising God, adding up points, the awards ceremony, shaving cream all over the place, the testimonies, the new friends, the great spirit, and all the complaints from the young people because they felt like youth camp was too short. We are looking forward to a wonderful time together this year. If you have come before I hope you are making plans to come this year and bring someone with you. If you haven t had the opportunity to be there, come this year and see for yourself what a great time we have. I look forward to being with you all and making memories that will last a lifetime! See you soon, Troy Truitt Youth Camp! June 16-20, 2008 Harmony Hill Campground Fulton, MO Registration is June 16th, starting at noon. The first meal will be supper on June 16th. Youth camp will end on June 20th, following lunch. There will be VBS for the children under the age of 12 who are attending youth camp with their parents. For registration forms, go online to If you have any questions, contact Jennifer Truitt at (573) If you register by May 15th, you will receive a T-shirt! Rev. Troy Truitt is the Sunday School and Youth Evangelism Chairman of the Pilgrim Nazarene Church. He can be reached at (573) or youth@pilgrimnazarene.org. 8 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald April 2008

9 Dell s Important Lesson It was Saturday morning and Dell was pretty excited as he rolled out of bed. This was the day that he and Mother went to town on the bus to shop. After a good breakfast of cereal, toast and hot chocolate, Dell was anxious to get started. Spring was in the air. Birds were singing and everything was sort of coming alive after the long winter in upper Michigan. It was in the days when bus fare was only ten cents. Mother always let him put their dimes in the little container on the bus. His favorite seat was right behind the bus driver so he could ask a zillion questions on his way to town. The bus driver was a friend of Dell s and his parents, so he didn t seem to mind. Upon arriving at the Five and Dime store (that was the actual name of the store), Dell hopped off the bus and took Mother s hand and marched proudly into the store. Oh, there were so many things to see! After asking and receiving permission from Mother go to the toy department, and reassuring Mother he would wait right there for her, he headed off hurriedly to see all the wonderful things that were on display. After some exploring, what should catch his eye but a miniature Cadillac car. It was shiny red, with doors that actually opened and wheels that were made of rubber. He rolled it around on the floor and decided he just had to have it. Looking around and seeing no one was in sight, Dell slipped the little car into his jacket pocket. Soon after, Mother appeared and they headed back to catch the bus which would take them home. Dell was noticeably quiet on the way home. He helped Mother carry her packages into the house and then headed for his bedroom. This seemed strange to Mother because usually Dell wanted to explore what she had purchased at the store. And most always, he was under foot playing with his toys wherever Mother was. After putting her purchases in their proper places and starting to fix supper, she decided to see what Dell was up to. Stopping outside his bedroom door, she heard sounds like little boys make when they play with their cars-vroom!! VROOM!! Then she heard him giggle with delight. Trying his door, she found it locked. This was certainly unusual. When she knocked on his door, she heard something slide across the floor and make a noise like it hit a wall. Dell unlocked the door and Mother could tell by the expression on Dell s face that he was guilty. Not knowing why, but sensing there must be a reason, she asked about the noise of something sliding across the floor. Dell s face flushed red and he began to cry. Soon the whole story was out. Mother was shocked and terribly disappointed. Of course, Dell was disciplined then Mother had a very serious talk with him and prayed with him. Next Mother told him to get two dimes out of his bank, put his jacket on and put the little car in his pocket. They were going to return to the store. Dell did not ask any questions of the bus driver this time and all the way, he was dreading what Mother had told him he would have to do. When they arrived at the store, Mother asked to speak to the manager. She told him Dell had something to tell him. Through tears and sobs, Dell finally made his confession and gave the little red Cadillac to the manager. Mr. Sprague, the manager, looked at Dell with stern eyes and said he hoped that Dell had learned a lesson from this experience. And believe you me he did. As long as Dell lived, he NEVER stole another thing. He asked God to forgive him and he grew up to be a holiness preacher. (This story is based on a story that a preacher told in a sermon.) with love, Grandma D Mrs. Dorothy Tiethoff is Grandma D. She would love to hear from you! Her address is grandmadt@juno.com. SUBSCRIBE NOW... The Pilgrim Nazarene The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald is published monthly by Pilgrim Nazarene Publishing, 5428 Walnut Dr., Sylvan Springs, AL Phone: pncherald@bellsouth.net Web Address: Subscription price: $10.00 per year for a single issue or $ per year for a bundle of ten (10) issues. April 2008 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 9

10 The disciple is not above his master; but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. Luke 6:40 The twelve disciples had been chosen and commissioned by the Lord Jesus Christ himself. He chose those disciples from different walks of life. He evidently saw something in each one as He called to them to take up their cross and to come and follow Him. There must have been something about the man, Jesus Christ, that these men found attractive, compelling, and drawing that these men, professionals, laborers and individuals with responsibilities should walk away from these duties and take up a new calling with new duties and responsibilities. They were commissioned and,...he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. (Matthew 10:1) This power was given to each of the disciples and they were excited about this new found ability. Jesus then told them not to think too highly of this new found power, but rather to rejoice that their names were written in the Lamb s book of life. It seems like it is always so easy to get our mind and attention on the wrong things. In the early days of their following Jesus, they must have had the idea and thoughts of what is in this for me. We see it in James and John wrangling for a position in His kingdom, one on the right side and one on the left side of His Seat of Authority. We see others, squeezing mothers and little children away from Jesus when they sought Him to lay His hands on them and bless them. They had a lot to learn, and Jesus, the Master, was kind and patient in His instruction with His sometimes slow and dull followers. They were not to be above their Master Rev. Larry W. Pettit meaning they were to follow in His footsteps and become like Him. They were to learn He came not to be ministered unto but to minister. He came not to be waited on, but He came to serve. What a different concept even today, when we see so many seemingly following for the fish and the loaves. We see so many that are a part of the me first generation-when so many are consumed with a jealous spirit because of what others may have, be blessed with, or what they think they have been left out of, or ignored. Stop and take an inventory and see what group you honestly belong to. To be a disciple is to be a follower. How long have you been following? He allows for time and understanding to develop. He means for us to walk in the light and have fellowship with Him. He admonished His disciples to tarry until they were endued with power from on high. In Hebrews chapter six, verse one, we are told to go on to perfection. This perfection is perfect love that is wrought in the human heart from the experience of sanctification, being filled with the Holy Spirit. It is not perfect understanding or perfect judgment on our part, but it is an ability to love God with all of our heart, our soul, our mind and strength; and our neighbor as ourselves. If this is evident, we will find our life, like Christ s, is moved with compassion for the unsaved, has patience with the saints, and has motives and actions that are not carnal but spiritual. Lord, help me to be a vessel fit for the master s use, a true disciple, a true follower of Jesus Christ. ~LWP Rev. Larry Pettit pastors the Pilgrim Nazarene Church in Indianapolis, IN 10 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald April 2008

11 February 7, March 6, 2008 Wednesday, February 13, I flew to Hobe Sound, Florida and was able to attend some of the Sea Breeze Camp Meeting. Hobe Sound Bible College hosted leaders of different groups following the Thursday night service. The purpose was to help both the different churches and missionary organizations find workers and find places of labor for the graduating students. President Dan Stetler was in charge of this event and gave each leader a few minutes to present the ministry he represented. I presented our work and the opportunities available for service. Sunday, February 17, I was in Marshfield with Brother David Comfort and his people. It was good to see the pastor s brother, Charles, in the service. He has had some physical difficulty, but is gaining with the help of God. Like my last visit there, there were people there that I had not previously met. I appreciate the faithfulness of the saints in Marshfield and the progress that God is helping them make. I presented Home Missions to the folk and they responded with a good offering. God s presence was upon the service. Three days later, February 20, Vanessa Pearl Comfort arrived at the home of Charles and Joyce Comfort. This brand new one weighed nine pounds, 11 ounces and was 23 inches long. Congratulations to the Comforts Grandpa and Grandma too! Friday, February 22, I was a worker in the Bentonville Indoor camp meeting. Brother Marshall Smart was called to preach in the night services, and Larry and Commissioned Evangelists Bobby Davis 5104 NW Cherry Ave. Lawton, OK with Brother Hayford Larry Pettit 4119 S. Lynhurst Dr. Indianapolis, IN LaDonna Thomas were the song evangelists. Brother Bobby Davis and I took turns preaching in the morning services. Pastor Waters preached in one morning service. God blessed and anointed each one that ministered. The saints were faithful, and God kept His Word and answered prayer. He gave us a wonderful camp. There was good attendance with many coming from other holiness churches in the area. Pilgrim Nazarene pastors and their people that were able to attend included: Rev. Bob Davis, Lawton, Oklahoma, Rev. Brad Hall, Tulsa (Kellyville), Oklahoma and Rev. David Comfort, Marshfield, Missouri. It was also good to have Brother Shawn McCarthy and his family for a couple of services. Sunday, March 2, the dedication service for the beautiful new church building was held. God met with us as we gave Him praise for what He has Bro. Hayford, Mayor McCaslin Bro. Waters enabled the people to accomplish. Bentonville Mayor Bob McCaslin came to this service and spoke words of welcome to the city and commendation to Pastor Waters and the people for the beautiful job done. It was a glorious Sabbath as the evening and closing service was blessed of God. I have begun to tour the churches for Home Missions and hope to get to everyone before camp. Let us pray, obey and believe God for a great Conference this coming July. Keep looking up and listening for the shout! DNH George Stevenson 1163 Gardiners Gin Rd. Cordova, AL Bryan Shields th Ave. Jasper, AL Charles Boardman 805 South Mesa Dr. Mesa, AZ Clindel Harbison 601 N. 27th St. Pell City, AL Tony Ross 325 Jefferson Lake Charles., LA Commissioned Song Evangelists George Stevenson 1163 Gardiners Gin Rd. Cordova, AL Larry Coltura 203 N. Center St. Lockridge, IA David Letts E. University, #60 Apache Jct., AZ Bryan Shields th Ave. Jasper, AL Brad & Gillian Davis 145 Linden Dr. Jackson, MO Kathy Zink P. O. Box 237 Anton, TX April 2008 The Pilgrim Nazarene Herald 11

12 2nd Annual North Central Holiness Camp Beulah Grove Bible Methodist Campground Barber-Werner Road Mendon, Ohio Camp Telephone June 2-8, 2008 Rev. Richard Williams Moderator of Wesleyan Tabernacle Association Evangelist Rev. Mike Yancey, Jr. PNC Durant, OK Evangelist Andrew McKenzie Reedy, WV Youth Leader Richard & Debbie Taylor Greenfield, OH Children s Workers The first service will be Monday, June 2, :30 p.m. Special Singing Bible Colleges Regina Yancey Camp Talent For Reservations call Mary Sue Burchett For More Information Please Contact: Rev. Ken Burchett or Rev. Larry Pettit