Dream Dancer

In 2010 as Sydney Williams watched “The Nutcracker” for the first time, she pointed at Clara and said, “I want to do that.” After two years of praying and hard work, Sydney made history as being the first African American girl to star as young Clara at the Indianapolis School of Ballet production of “The Nutcracker.”

“I felt so happy when I found out I was playing the lead role. I was so happy that I screamed. I hugged my dad, my sister, and my little brothers. I felt like I made it,” said Sydney. Sydney has danced since she was 18 months old, participating in many dance activities, including winning the dance category in Indiana’s Kids Talent Expo two years in a row.

Sydney and her family attend Bethel Family Worship Center in Indianapolis, IN, pastored by Pastor Russell and Bev Hylton. Sydney and her mother, Kimberly Williams, share a common achievement. Ms. Kimberly was the first African American Miss Clovis, which is a preliminary of Miss California and Miss America. The night she won, people walked out after her name was announced. “I know the pressure that comes along with being the first to accomplish something. I was happy that she was chosen, but worried about the pressure. My husband and I just want her to do what she does best, which is dance,” Ms. Kimberly explained. “Sydney is a very sweet girl inside and out. She loves God, her family, and dance,” said Ms. Kimberly.

Cookies for Christmas

The Westville Correctional Facility, located in Westville,Indiana, is a state-operated prison for adult males. The facility’s sections contain three levels of security. The average daily population is approximately 3,300.

Each year Westville Correctional Facility hosts a Christmas party for the inmates. During the Christmas season various Christian-based prison ministries and their local churches are asked to help provide cookies for the inmates’ Christmas party. In 2011 the Full Gospel Church of Michigan City, Indiana supplied 300 dozen cookies. Keith Blacksten, a Prison Fellowship Ministry volunteer and a member of the Full Gospel Church, delivered 300 cookies. The gift was received with great appreciation and thankfulness.

In 2012 Dick Brooks, the director of Prison Fellowship Ministry at the Westville Correctional Facility, asked Full Gospel Church if they could once again help supply cookies. Not wanting to let them down, the Full Gospel Church members stepped up to the plate and made 365 dozen cookies. (That’s a lot of dough!)

Rev. Dennis Pickens, pastor of Full Gospel Church and an ordained minister of the Pentecostal Church of God, preaches at the prison on Monday nights. During one of the services, Pastor Pickens recalls a testimony of one of the offenders, who said, “It’s not just the tasty treats, but there are a lot of guys in here that never have any family communications; and to know that there are people who are thinking of us really means a lot, especially at Christmas time.”

Pastor Pickens was inspired by a writing on the wall at the prison chapel that said, “I was in prison and you came unto me,” a reference made by Jesus in Matthew 25. He is thankful to be blessed with members who are willing to fulfill the teachings of the Master and demonstrate real Christmas spirit.

Turning To The Needs Of Others

How often have you heard people say, or maybe you’ve said it yourself, “I’m just not in the Christmas spirit,” or “I’ll be glad when Christmas is over with?” Both of these statements are an indication of an absence of joy in regards to the Christmas season. Instead of joy, many experience depression, a sense of loneliness, maybe a feeling of disappointment, and so on. Most generally, these feelings are experienced because our attention is on ourselves. However, there is a cure for this—turning our attention from ourselves to others.

Dr. Karl Menninger, a famous psychiatrist, once gave a lecture on mental health and was answering questions from the audience. “What would you advise a person to do,” asked one man, “if that person felt a nervous breakdown coming on?” Most people expected him to reply, “Consult a psychiatrist.” To their astonishment, he replied, “Lock your house, go across the railway, find someone in need, and do something to help them.” God says, “If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday” (Isaiah 58:10, RSV). What a wonderful picture of what happens in our hearts when we turn outward to care for others.

The point is, JOY comes from loving others, from getting our focus off of ourselves and asking, “How can I be a blessing? How can I help somebody else? How can I give my life away?”

Of course, there are many ways in which we can accomplish this. For example, our neighbor in Carthage, MO was a wonderful Christian lady who reminds me of the woman in the Bible that gave the mite. She was living on very limited income, which made it difficult to tend to the needs of her grandson. Christmas was approaching, and I knew there wasn’t going to be many gifts under her Christmas tree. We bought her grandson several gifts and had our grandchildren present them to her grandson on Christmas Day. There were not many words spoken other than, “Thank you very much,” but the expressions on their faces spoke volumes. It is true, our hearts will only experience some emotions and feelings and a sense of approval from God when we turn our hearts outward to care for others. This experience will forever be etched in the memory of my grandchildren—a moment to never forget. 

When God told Moses to build Him a tabernacle to dwell in, God said, “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they may bring me an offering.” The Greek word for offering/collection means, “to say something.” When you give your offering, it says something. It says something about your priorities, your values, your understanding of stewardship. When you turn your heart to others, it says something about your obedience to God, your love for God and others, and your willingness to hold onto things with an open hand. It means that all I have is always available to God to be used or distributed as God directs. It is then that life becomes fun and an exciting adventure.

One Sunday afternoon Trisha and I drove to Fayetteville, AR to have lunch at PF Chang’s, a great restaurant. Shortly after we had been seated, a group of probably ten people were seated near us. I noticed they were all talking and looking at everything in the restaurant, just really enjoying their time together. Then the Lord spoke to me and said, “I want you to pay for their lunch.” I asked the waitress for their ticket and asked her not to say anything to them. When we left, we paid for our meals and theirs, and then went across the street to the Pottery Barn. My wife had bought some Christmas things and I decided to take them to the car. This family was parked near my car, and when they saw me, they came over to me and said, “Thank you for the lunch.” Then who I believe to be the mother of the group spoke through an interpreter and said with tears streaming down her face, “I was praying this morning to God for a miracle, and God gave me a miracle. Thank you.” That’s all it took. We all stood in the parking lot embracing one another with tears streaming down our faces rejoicing in the Lord for His goodness. I really cannot express adequately how I felt at that moment. It was just a great moment in time.

Christmas is on the horizon. Let me encourage you to experience the joy of Christmas by turning your thoughts to others. Maybe it will be a phone call to encourage someone; maybe it will be taking the time to mend friendships; maybe it will be some form of a kind deed. Whatever the Lord speaks to you to do, do it and you will find a joy springing up in your soul.

From Trish and I, Merry Christmas to you and your family.

-Loyd Naten

The Miracle of 23rd & Annie Baxter

 

The evening of May 21, 2011 came and went without the much-anticipated “second coming” event taking place. It had been confidently predicted by Harold Camping from Oakland, CA right down to the exact time of 6 p.m. Several hours later and half-way across the nation, the congregation of Christpoint Church in Joplin, MO gathered for Sunday morning worship. Pastor Josh Pennington made a reference to the deadline that now was well overdue, and appropriately preached on the Judgment Day without an inkling of a thought that by 6:00 that evening a life-altering event of its own would take place in their church and community.

Christpoint Church sits on the corner of 23rd and Annie Baxter in Joplin with a rich history in the Pentecostal Church of God. Rev. and Mrs. W.C. Marcus felt led of the Lord to begin the church in a vacant building on this corner in 1934. It had been a dancehall upstairs and a barbershop below, but this location would never be the same once it was secured for $8 a month as a place of worship. Its growing congregation began making structural changes, which included removing the second floor and eventually widening the building. 

The 23rd and Annie Baxter church continued to thrive as great men of God followed Rev. Marcus as pastor, including Revs. Earl Sage, Earl Jeffcott, J.A. Matthews, E. Reynolds, Gene Woods, Paul Shipley, Mrs. K.R. Camp, Jewell Hunt, L.D. Keithley, R.L. Clark and Ferrell Semler.

In 1964 they purchased a lot for an educational annex, and in January 1965 Rev. Paul Dilts moved his family from Bartow, Florida to become pastor. Examination of the old building indicated the urgent need for new construction. Miraculously, God provided enough to get started, and faith carried the congregation through to completion of a new sanctuary and relocation of the annex. A formal dedication service for this new beginning took place on June 27, 1971.

Brother Dilts resigned in 1974 to answer the call to the mission field of Guatemala and Central America.  The pastors that would follow him were Revs. T.J. Thomas, Edward Harrell, Charles Bledsoe, Don Shute, Doug Lewis, Don DeClue, Marvin Turner and Wayman Ming Jr., who moved the congregation to a larger facility where it became Joplin Family Worship Center, now located on East 7th Street.

This historic corner was for sale in 1994 and drew interest from former members who sought the Lord about the purchase of the property. Through much prayer, faith, and perseverance, the location once again became theirs in January 1995 with the now 20-year-veteran missionaries Paul and Marjorie Dilts returning as pastors.

When the Dilts retired, Rev. and Mrs. Dan Saunders became pastors in 2002. Meanwhile, that same year a young man named Josh Pennington began a pastorate at New Beginnings Worship Center in Cynthiana, Kentucky. He pastored there while attending Asbury Seminary in Wilmore with no idea what God was preparing him for. But he knew each step was ordained and would take him on a divine path of destiny.

After graduating from Asbury, he resigned his church and took a teaching position at Messenger College in Joplin, MO in January of 2010. During his first month in town he was driving around the city exploring Pentecostal Church of God churches for consideration as a home church. The divine path he had embarked upon years before led him to Annie Baxter St. where he turned the corner at 23rd. In that moment he heard the voice of the Lord speak to him and say, “You will pastor this church.” He immediately dismissed it, knowing they had a pastor. “I would never want someone’s position,” he said without stopping to analyze the word he had heard. He just knew that his heart was to walk in peace and let God continue to order his steps.

Several months later the church came open and Bro. Pennington called the district bishop, then one of the board members, and they scheduled him to preach. He had indeed heard from God, but the word wasn’t fulfilled until later that year when he was elected as pastor in September 2010.

In January of 2011 the congregation of the church known throughout the organization as “23rd and Annie Baxter” officially re-named themselves “Christpoint Church.” They restructured their children’s education program, and began a fundraiser to remodel the nursery and children’s facilities. The congregation was growing at a steady pace, as did the excitement and anticipation. It was obvious that God was building His church as Pastor Josh reinforced the importance of prayer. Christpoint Church began to set time aside to focus on prayer, and prayer would be the foundation that built a wall of protection around them in their moment of need.   

The morning of May 22, 2011 was a far more average day than Harold Camping predicted it would be. The congregation of Christpoint Church gathered together in worship totally unaware that their moment of need would soon arrive. Pastor Josh picked up the worship leader, Shawn, at 5:15 for the evening music rehearsal in preparation for the 6:00 service. He also had a planning meeting to attend for an upcoming church event. 

By 5:30 there were 17 people in the building. Cindy Christians was in the meeting with Pastor Josh when her son, Jonah, suddenly bolted through the door. “He said there was a tornado heading our way,” Cindy explained, “but we didn’t take him seriously. When he persisted, we decided to go with him to look—and there it was!” They all quickly huddled together in a corridor between the sanctuary and fellowship hall clinging to each other. “At one point I felt the force of the tornado begin pulling us out,” Pastor Josh described. “All we could do was pray.” As glass and debris flew around them, a force of another kind played a game of tug-of-war with their lives, and in their hour of need—God won!

The tornado was a catastrophic EF5 multiple-vortex tornado with winds more than 200 mph that struck the Joplin community at approximately 5:41 that afternoon. It reached a maximum width in excess of 1 mile during its path through the southern part of the city. It rapidly intensified and tracked eastward across the city, and then continued eastward across Interstate 44 tipping over 18-wheel trucks as if they were toys. Then it traveled into rural portions of Jasper County and Newton County.

The death toll would end up being 161. Four of the casualties were part of Christpoint Church. It was recorded as the deadliest tornado in America since 1947. There were more than 1,000 injured as well, with hundreds of businesses affected and thousands of jobs lost.

Within a span of minutes, the 23rd & Annie Baxter church that had been a fixture in our organization for years was uninhabitable. It suffered shattered windows, stripped exterior with objects embedded in the roof. The rain-wrapped tornado had soaked the inside, while the high winds sent objects into the walls, creating holes and dents throughout.

Cars were strewn about in the rubble-filled parking lot, but the sight and sounds beyond that lot were nothing less than shocking. What had been a house-filled neighborhood now lay in heaps of unrecognizable rubble. People were wandering through the streets in a daze calling out for survivors, while trees, telephone poles, and wires blocked their pathways. And what had always been blocked from view by homes and buildings was St. Johns Hospital three blocks away looking as if it was sitting in a war zone. Sirens and car horns could be heard throughout the area as alarms were set off by the violent winds tossing vehicles around.

An ordinary Sunday at Christpoint Church had now become a defining moment for its congregation and the community around it. Miraculously there were only minor injuries to the 17 who were in the building. Messenger College graciously offered their chapel facilities as a temporary home for the Christpoint family to worship in as their focus shifted to the desperate needs of those left homeless from the tornado.

The following weeks would require Pastor Josh and his congregation to bear down and begin the rebuilding process. It was not a coincidence that a seasoned contractor, David Yates, and his wife Patti, had become a part of the church months before the tornado. With his experience and skill they were able to get a plan and move forward with a determination to once again worship at 23rd and Annie Baxter.

During this process the church continued to see growth, and revival broke out in their midst. The building began to slowly take shape as the lives of those who made Christpoint their home were strengthened and renewed. It soon became apparent that victory had been birthed through tragedy. Everyone began to work together like a well-oiled machine, many sacrificing their Saturdays and evenings to grab a hammer or a paintbrush. It was only a matter of time before Christpoint Church would celebrate a new beginning of its own with anticipation of what God had in store for their future. 

The day of October 7, 2012 at 3:00 in the afternoon would be a Celebration Service in honor of their amazing accomplishment. In that Sunday morning service the atmosphere was much different as the congregation gathered in their new facilities. The growth was apparent as the sanctuary was full to capacity. There were guests and special speakers scheduled for the exciting event later in the day, but first there was some business to tend to. Pastor Josh felt led of the Lord to call his congregation to a solemn assembly. 

It was with great reverence and humility that the members of Christpoint Church bowed their heads in repentance for anything that may have stood between them as a cooperate body and moving forward with the favor of God. They had a time of reflection, followed by prayers of repentance and thankfulness for where God had brought them. Then they prayed they would be mindful of every action taken as they join hands and march on toward a prosperous future. 

The afternoon service did not disappoint as area pastors and friends came to share the joy at seeing a fully-remodeled building, with a coffee shop and children’s wing that was more elaborate than formerly planned. And the entire project was completed without acquiring any debt! 

The service opened with worship led by Shawn Taylor and the praise team. The general secretary of the Pentecostal Church of God, Rev. Loyd Naten, was joined by the World Missions director, Rev. Virgil Kincaid, and the district bishop, Rev. Bob McGee, who all shared words of encouragement for the occasion.   

Plaques were given to two former pastors who were present, Revs. Paul and Marjorie Dilts and Rev. and Mrs.Dan Saunders. “Our church has a great heritage,” Pastor Josh acknowledged. “Great men and women have gone before us.” Because of those who blazed a trail on that corner and sowed seeds that are now springing forth, the church is reaping a harvest. 

The service ended by giving appreciation to David Yates and many others who worked tirelessly to make it possible to gather as a church family once again on the corner of 23^rd and Annie Baxter. A time of food and fellowship followed as the congregation and guests rejoiced in what God had done.

On the first Sunday of November, Christpoint Church will be adding a second service on Sunday mornings as a direct result of the growth that has exploded since the day of the tornado. The congregation has grown in more ways than numbers. They have formed an appreciation for one another and a deep awareness of the sustaining power of God.

Pastor Josh Pennington is eagerly looking ahead to what God has in store for the future at 23rd and Annie Baxter where they anxiously watch for the true second coming of the Lord. Because . . . "It is the dream of Christpoint Church to be a vibrant, Pentecostal, multi-ethnic community of believers who pursue God with passion, seeking to serve His church and point the world to Him."

www.christpoint.net

 

Detoxing Christmas

The images are all around us: silver bells, falling snowflakes, children snuggly bundled on gliding sleds, stockings hung by the chimney with care, mistletoe and holly, twinkling lights on fresh evergreen branches, and colorful packages calling to curious hands. The sights, sounds, and smells are familiar to many, and they often evoke warm feelings of happy memories and expectations of future shared joys. Perhaps these are the elements that truly make the Christmas season special.

Perhaps these are the elements that also make the Christmas season miserable—that is, the Christmas season we have come to know and expect. More gifts to buy and wrap, unending cookies to bake, parties to attend, meals to prepare, children’s musicals at which to cheer, and holiday traffic to navigate. The dread of endless holiday realities can put a damper on the underlying joy embedded in the very nature of the season itself. Tainted images of reality and lofty expectations put undue pressure on families trying to produce the ideal American Christmas.

Empty Packages
If priorities are askew and the temptation to keep up with the Holiday Joneses is entertained, stress, exhaustion, and disappointment may be the surprise packages that are unwrapped at the end of the day, leaving many with a “bah humbug” sentiment that they dare not utter aloud. But whether verbally uttered or not, the sentiment is the same and it will affect your mood, how you interact with those around you, and the attitude with which you approach the sacred holiday (or holy day). As frazzled people tend to frazzle those around them, there is a trickle-down effect that can lead to frustration for many others in the family, church, or workplace. Women, as much of the festive planning often falls to you, holiday blues and fatigue are especially close to home. Dear ones, Jesus has comforting words for you.

Conversely, there are those who find themselves with little to do during the Christmas season, as friends and family may be far away. Those whose loved ones have passed and those who cannot travel, many of them senior citizens, often feel a different sentiment with regard to Christmas. Intense longing for days gone by coupled with reminders of happy gatherings in other households brings unanswered emptiness, loneliness, and sadness. Dear ones, Jesus has comforting words for you.

I will admit that I have had some disappointing holidays, both as a child and as an adult. I have also had some especially memorable Christmases, and they generally had nothing to do with money or extravagance. The disappointment came with feeling I had too much to do in too short a time and for no real purpose. The disappointing experiences involved circumstances that were too stressful, too unrewarding, or produced little meaning for the amount of effort involved. On the other hand, the meaningful memories made in quiet and unhurried times were often spontaneous, and generally involved intimate and meaningful moments with family and friends. This kind of extravagance cannot be purchased. It definitely cannot come on the heels of people so busy, angry, or empty that they cannot see the reason for the season.

The Root of the Problem
Friends, I think we are addicted to our expectations and ourselves. We are addicted to hype and a lie that says in order to have a proper holiday, it must come wrapped in a package with a department store bow. In many regards, we are addicted to the chaos that distracts us from the very meaning of Christmas—Christ Himself. The addiction is toxic—poison for the soul. It separates us from the One who cared for us enough to clothe Himself in humanity and be with us for the sake of Love. Dear ones, Jesus has comforting words for us.

The Million-Dollar Question
I want to ask a question. And I am sincere in the asking because I am re-evaluating the way my family “does Christmas” too. Even that phrase seems wrong, but I hope you get the point. My question is this: What separates us as Christians from the way non-Christians celebrate? Do we merely insert a scriptural reading about Jesus’ birth in between melodic odes to the Christmas tree during our party? Do we justify elaborate gifts claiming to follow the tradition of the wise men with their gold, frankincense, and myrrh? Maybe they can detect our loyalties by the Jesus pin we strap to our sequined party dress. While the rest of the world worships Christmas, can anyone tell we are worshiping Christ?

How Shall They Know Us?
Do Christians really stand out from the world? We should. Do we differ in how and why we celebrate? Ultimately, yes. But how can people tell? What does that look like? Perhaps they will know us by the way we relate to other people in our world—the kind, purposeful and thoughtful way we interact with each other. Consider John 13:34, 35: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples. If you love one another” (NIV). How do we show love as we worship God? As God came to us in human form, we can come to others also—to actively share love with them as we have received love.

The Christmas season profoundly reminds us of God’s love for us; He came to meet us where we are. His comforting message is found in His very name. It is Immanuel. It means “God with us.” It is literal. He is the Word who became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). He came that we might have abundant life (John 10:10). Born in a stable for animals and with a feeding trough for His bed, His context was humility rather than extravagance. I doubt if there was mistletoe or holly to champion His arrival. No, His was a coming without earthly fanfare, but the importance of the mission spoke for itself. He was birthed that we might experience rebirth—life anew. Seeking to unify man to God his Creator, His purpose was restoration of relationship.

Christ’s love extends to us, but it doesn’t stop there. We find that we are also reconciled to ourselves and to others as we live out the love He prescribed. That’s how they know us. His love sends this message, “When the rest of the world is frazzled and distracted, keep your eyes on Me, rest in My peace, distribute My love.” We can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Christ’s emphasis is on being rather than doing, and on authentic relationship that is not dependent upon social or cultural etiquette (Luke 10:38-42).

The Evidence of Love
What does love in action look like? It could be that His love is more evident when we choose to greet the clerk with a kind smile rather than scowls and complaints because the lines are too long in the grocery store during the holiday rush. It could be love for fellow man that motivates us to cheerfully let the other driver come into our lane rather than respond with angry words under our breath. It could be the love that motivates us to teach our children living lessons about the true meaning of Christmas rather than let them buy into the default of materialistic greed assigned by contemporary American tradition. It could be love that motivates us to use our “gift money” to make a difference in the life of one who sees no reason to celebrate. It could be love that motivates us to use time spent in unnecessary busy work to instead benefit the poor, needy, and cast-down. One more Christmas play . . . or a trip to the nursing home to share cookies and sing hymns? One more party . . . or a volunteer evening at a soup kitchen? What would most move the heart of God as we “celebrate in His name?”

For the one who is alone, He promises His presence. As Christians, we can do the same. Shared presence is one of the most powerful tools we have to communicate love. Notice, I did not say “shared presents.” These are not things we purchase and wrap, but things He purchased with His life and wrapped with His pierced hands. If we can relax in His presence, exhibit love the way He loves, and follow in the manner He leads, the truth of grace will banish the lie of bondage, and the Antidote for the poison of toxic addiction will overcome those things that promise false hope. For the practical side, there are a few things that might help to cut the chaos out of the Christmas season. The primary message is simplify. Decide what most helps you and your family reflect upon Christ and His birth, and purposefully choose those actions that are congruent with your beliefs.

Gifts
*Be mindful with selections and limit gift-giving. Ask yourself why you are giving and what message you are communicating. What kinds of things will reflect the character of God? In giving gifts, many families opt for presents they have made for each other, or focus more on time and activities spent together rather than waste time and money accumulating more stuff that ends up in the back of the closet. Giving of yourself through homemade gift certificates (for a shoulder massage, trip to the park, a babysitter for the night, etc.) is also a thoughtful and inexpensive alternative. Bottom line—don’t get wrapped up in gifts. Christmas is not about giving and getting presents.
*Budget and plan ahead. Do not go into debt for Christmas gifts. This includes using credit cards. Money is not the measure of a gift. Your heart is reflected in those things you hold most dear (Matthew 6:20-21).

Time
*Plan ahead. Be selective about what is important to you. It is likely that you will WANT to do more than you actually can do. Sanity is important; make your selections accordingly. You cannot be in all places attending all events in a short period of time.
*Delegate. Perhaps the others in your group don’t know how overwhelmed you feel or that you need help. Others may be looking for ways to help but don’t know what to do to pitch in. Recruit volunteers.

Personal/Family Wellness
*Stick with normal, daily routines that can be too easily pushed aside during busy seasons of life (family meals, praying with kids, devotionals or quiet time).
*Use wisdom with holiday food consumption. Overeating can take a toll on the health of the mind and body.

Relationships
*Spend time with supportive, caring people. If possible, invite others to join you who may have no close social network of their own.
*If you are estranged from a family member or friend, consider if this Christmas is the right time to extend love through restoration of relationship.

Tradition
*Try something new. It sounds contradictory, but every tradition has to start somewhere. Make experiences meaningful, change expectations if needed, and invest in truly memorable encounters that will yield ongoing returns.
*Love one another. Go beyond lip-service to the Christian tradition and continue to demonstrate true love. Provide opportunities for children to do the same. Teach children why this season is special, and embody it all year long—it is the basis of the Christian faith.

This Christmas, resist the pressure to make it bigger, better, and shiner. Opt for simplicity and a spirit that no one can mistake for the real thing. Give lasting gifts; give them a heritage that cannot be stolen, that cannot rot, that cannot break, that cannot be outgrown, that is not a false representation of the real, and that cannot bankrupt the soul. Instill traditions and values that reflect the heart of God. Among our traditions are these: loving others, sacrifice, obedience, helping those in need, sharing life together. We need no justification for spending time together and loving on each other.

Jesus said, “I am come that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” Consider the implications of this for your life, your family. Consider the actual differences you will see. This gift is our hope to unwrap this season. Let love be the antidote to toxic addition. Worship the Christ of Christmas, and they will know whom you serve.

By Dr. Angela Reid

From East to West

The body of Christ reaches out across America to help a baby boy born November 19, 2011, with a heart and pulmonary artery and vein defect. Good News Ministries in Staunton, VA (Mid-Atlantic Coast District) called on The Father's House in Palo Alto, CA (Santa Clara Section in Central CA) to help with a family needing to bring their baby boy to Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford University.

Pastor Gregory Miller in Staunton, VA learned the need of this family and orchestrated a plan to reach out to little baby Cody Krieg. A church team started making calls and the Central District of CA became involved. Bishop Culver referred us to Presbyter Leonard Myers who in turn directed us to Pastors Glen and Dutchie Coulter in Palo Alto, CA.

The body of Christ came together from the east coast to the west coast with one purpose in mind—to help little Cody have an opportunity to live.

Good News Ministries began raising funds for the family to help them with the traveling expenses they would incur for such a challenging trip. A benefit concert was organized and two Virginia gospel groups volunteered their time and talents to help with the project.  Calvary's Mercy Quartet and Heaven's Mountain Band (part of the body of Christ), well known in the Staunton area, worked with Good News Ministries.

The Krieg family left for California on February 2 and on Sunday night, February 19 the benefit concert assembled in the 350-seat auditorium of Good News Ministries and the glory of the Lord came down. What a night! Unfortunately, 10 inches of snow also came down that night, but it did not dampen the spirit of those attending.

Bro. and Sis. Myers were able to meet the family at the San Jose Airport when they arrived and took them under wing, seeing to their lodging and appointed trip to the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.

The days ahead of the Krieg family have been one challenge after another. The baby boy was found to have more heart related problems than was first known and he was placed in ICU during their first week in Palo Alto. The baby's first surgery on February 10 went well and all praise to our God and Savior for the divine answer to the earnest prayers being offered up for little Cody. 

Because of little Cody's age (3 months) and his frail condition, a second surgery had to be postponed for at least 3 more months. The Krieg family continued to live in CA at the Ronald McDonald House on the campus of the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital until Cody was strong enough to be released back to the care of his parents.

Again, Pastor Glen and Dutchie Coulter came alongside of the Krieg family to help find them a place to live for the next several months. An apartment was established in Pacifica and furniture was provided by The Father's House church of Palo Alto. The Krieg family attended several services at The Father's House while watching closely the progress of their son, On May 10, 2012 further tests were made on the baby and it was determined that another surgery was not to be done at this time for Cody. The first surgery had been very helpful for Cody and he was able to breathe better and began eating like any normal baby. He gained 4 pounds and was acting as any normal baby his age would.

On June 2, 2012 the Krieg family returned home to Virginia. Good News Ministries had planned a Homecoming Day for June 3 not knowing the Krieg family return home date. The special music for the day was none other than the Calvary's Mercy Quartet, the group that had so graciously given their time and talents on that snowy night of February 19 when the benefit concert for Cody was held.

Needless to say, baby Cody and his mother, Renee, were in the service that morning, and his mother was able to personally thank everyone involved in helping their family get to CA for the surgery little Cody so desperately needed.

Pastor Greg Miller and Good News Ministries are thankful for Bishop Culver, Presbyter Leonard Myers, and Pastor Glen and Dutchie Coulter of the Central CA District for coming on board to help a family they didn't know but responded with the body of Christ on the east coast to bring about a wonderful miracle for a little baby boy. Our heartfelt thanks to all of you.

The Pentecostal Church of God is working together from the east coast to the west coast and around the world as a united part of the body of Christ. To God be the glory!

Submitted by:   Bobbie Knoezer, Assoc. Pastor / Music Dir. Of Good News Ministries, Staunton, VA.  Mid-Atlantic Coast Dist.

Nothing Too Small or Too Great

Hi, my name is John Brinlee and I love the Lord!

I recently had 54 percent of my liver removed and donated to someone else. You might ask, “Why would someone willingly give away 54% of their life? The answer is God.

I'm known as Pastor John Brinlee at Calvary Pentecostal Church of God in McAlester, OK. I'm also known as just John Brinlee Jr. at Graham Packaging in Muskogee, Ok, where I work as a compressor mechanic and have been an employee for about 14 years. This is where I met my friend, Dana Pack, who also has been an employee for about 14 years. I knew there was something wrong with Dana’s health, but I didn't know how serious her sickness was until recently.

Meanwhile, God was beginning a work in my life. It began with a realization that there was more to life than what I had been living. My life started to change dramatically when I stood up to testify one night at a little Pentecostal Church of God church in Porum, OK and said, “Hi. My name is John Brinlee and I love the Lord!” I died that day and was born again, and every day since then I have been on a journey to know my Savior personally.

One of my co-workers and I became very close. I talked to him about Jesus, what he was doing in my life and so on. Terry became very curious, so I got him a Bible. He got saved and gave his life to the Lord. He and his wife started going to church and you could see there was a change in his life.

Then Terry was diagnosed with cancer. It was a battle, but he never lost his faith in Christ. He attended the little church in Porum, OK and sang. I preached there one night, about Paul being in the storm of his life and that he didn't give up and quit. Terry didn't either. Although he lost the battle with cancer, Terry went home to be with the Lord, which I'm so thankful for.

Dana Pack was Terry's replacement at work. Being in love with Jesus, and knowing the price He paid for my salvation, as well as others, I had to share the Good News with her. Dana and I talked about the Lord and what He had been doing in my life and what He wanted to do in her life as well. She recommitted her life to the Lord; it was then she began sharing about the tumors that were on her liver, and the possibility that she could die if her liver were to burst before she could get a new one. The problem was, there were so many ahead of her on the list for a cadaver liver, the probability of her getting one was not good. It also meant that someone would have to die so she could live. 

Dana became very sick and was unable to come to work for over a month. Her family members were rejected as live donors for various reasons, and so had become desperate for an answer for Dana. I had been telling Dana that I was the one, that I would go and be tested. believing God was calling me to do this for His Glory. I had prayed that God would heal her, but God was asking me to not only talk about my faith but to walk out my faith.

When it was time for me to go to Baylor Hospital in Dallas, TX I knew it was God and that I was the one. I had no idea that I would be the first live liver donor in over a decade and that the program had been shut down in the late ’90s. (You still may be wondering why anyone would be a live liver donor!) I didn't know what the surgery would consist of, but I did know that the Holy Spirit was leading me and whatever happened I was determined to trust my Lord.

When I arrived at Baylor they had to do extensive testing; they were determined not to have any mistakes. I would have to meet all their criteria for a live liver donor. They checked the size and leanness of my liver; since I'm not a small man, they were concerned that it might be fatty. The doctors also checked my blood type and, most importantly, they wanted to confirm that I wasn't crazy. After all, who does this for a co-worker? But I was doing it for my sister in

Christ and would like to believe I would have been willing to do it for anyone the Lord asked me to help.

The results came back that my blood type was compatible, that my liver was surprisingly lean, and that I wasn't crazy. The best news of all was that I had an oversized liver! I had more than enough for Dana as well as for myself. I was convinced more than ever that God was in control and that this was for His Glory not mine.

The surgery was considered a huge success by everyone's expectations. God did so many miracles through the entire process and I know God will continue to be glorified. Dana is alive and doing well; we look forward to her return to work soon. I was released 3 months after the surgery to return to work. My health is returning as the doctors assured me it would.

I know what the Word means when it tells Jesus’ followers to lay down their life, pick up their cross and follow Him. I don't have all the answers, but I know the One who does, and I put my faith in trust in Him. As time goes by, and the story is forgotten, I will remember that a life was saved every time I see my 12-inch scar. It will remind me of the scars my Lord has on His hands, feet and side where He was pierced for my transgressions, for which I am eternally grateful. Christ died so I could live, and I believe I had to die to self so Dana could live. I boast only in the Lord because this miracle was only possible in Christ.

My challenge to my brothers and sisters in Christ is to be willing to give what God has equipped you with to GIVE! There is nothing too small or too great.

 

Let's Build a Cross

 

Let's Build a Cross by Lona Walker

Political party affiliation was totally irrelevant that day in 1934 when veterans from WWI banded together to build a memorial to those who would not be coming home. They had journeyed to the Mojave Desert in search of physical and emotional healing after the war; part of that healing included remembering those they had left behind. They constructed a single white cross on a spot called Sunrise Rock where nearby the words could be read, “Erected in memory of the dead of all wars.”

It was more than just a cross to them and to the volunteers that would continue to maintain it. No one could have comprehended that many years later it would become a source of legal controversy. Sunrise Rock was owned by the United States Government and a religious symbol on government land had now been declared offensive.

Regardless of your political position concerning the 2012 election, I’m confident everyone could find common ground in one area—America has drastically changed. Whether you are encouraged or discouraged about the direction this nation is heading, you will certainly agree it is moving at the speed of light. It is now a different America.

 In 1963 the Church collectively gasped when Madalyn Murray O’Hair succeeded in winning a landmark case that ended prayer and Bible-reading in public schools. Little did we know the slippery slope our nation was on and that it would lead to the decline of our educational system. In schools today, suicides and shootings are common and the pledge of allegiance is a distant memory.

 Roe vs. Wade caught many off-guard when abortion was legalized in 1973 and referred to since as “a woman’s right to choose.” But the gory details of saline solutions, partial-birth abortions, and live-birth abortions were ignored by anyone having a moral compass as it snowballed out of control. Today “Planned Parenthood” has been called the largest abortion provider in the United States and receives almost half of its funding from you and me, the tax payers. Incredibly, they have been documented advising a young mother on how to obtain an abortion should she discover her baby is not the gender she desires. I don’t believe anyone suspected what our Supreme Court had done until we realized that a woman’s right to choose left them with such morbid choices. 

From a Christian perspective, this election season has proven the line is no longer blurred and the grey areas have morphed into contrasting shades of black and white. We are at a crossroads unlike any other, and the issues at stake could change the direction of our nation forever. The cultural landscape of America would now be unrecognizable to our forefathers who founded this country upon trust in God.  There will be a price to pay for those generations that walk the path behind us, as we teeter on the brink of adopting socialistic policies that threaten their freedoms and liberties. The removal of prayer from our schools was merely the first crack in our foundation. It sparked a landslide, bringing us to the issues we face today that can no longer be described as “right” and “left”—but as right and wrong.

The fact is that 23.5 million people are unemployed or underemployed with unemployment continuing to rise. A third of U.S. home owners with mortgages were still “underwater” on their mortgage as of the first quarter of 2012. Gas prices have soared to heights never before seen. Standard and Poors downgraded the U.S. credit rating for the first time in history last August as the national debt continues to hover at approximately $16 trillion and counting. Economists warn that we are most likely headed for a new recession in months to come. Not only this, three California cities have filed bankruptcy, while eight more have declared a fiscal emergency. The economic crisis is certainly not limited to California as cities from coast to coast are scrambling for an answer.

Courtrooms across the country are now void of the Ten Commandments while our government’s relationship with Israel continues to become more strained. “Happy Holidays” has replaced the “Merry Christmas” greeting to shoppers during the time we celebrate His birth. Lawsuits have forced nativity scenes to be removed from government property from sea to shining sea.

 We have seen “The National Day of Prayer” come under attack and have heard our leadership at its highest level proclaim that we are not a Christian nation. Sadly, according to the evidence, maybe we’re not anymore—but we are still home to millions of godly, Christian people that simply need to be reminded of who we collectively are.

The Statue of Liberty in the New York harbor welcomed immigrants from all over the world that played a role in making this nation great. Today the subject of immigration has been extremely divisive. Regardless of your position, there is one thing that can’t be disputed. Whether today’s immigrants are here legally or illegally—they all have a soul in need of a risen Savior. 

 The Mexican border has been the subject of much controversy and the “Dream Act” has been re-written and adjusted conveniently to fit the requirements of the party presenting it at the time. The crime wave due to wide-spread corruption and the Mexican drug cartel has sparked warnings from the U.S government advising us not to travel to the neighboring country of Mexico, however, people from that country are still coming to the U.S. While we may agree that illegal immigrants in many cases have overloaded our government systems and affected our economy, we should take advantage of this opportunity to reach them for Christ. We may not be able to go to them, but America has become a mission field in many ways. In this case we have the chance to show the love of God to immigrants we could not otherwise reach—regardless of their legal status.

More recently we have faced the most unthinkable challenge yet to our country, one that touches the very core of who we are—The Defense of Marriage Act.

The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was enacted September 21, 1996 and is a United States federal law that defines marriage as the legal union of one man and one woman for federal and interstate recognition purposes in the United States. It passed both houses of Congress and was signed into law. Under the law, no U.S. state or political subdivision is required to recognize a same-sex marriage from another state. Section 3 of DOMA codifies the non-recognition of same-sex marriages for all federal purposes, including insurance benefits for government employees, Social Security survivors' benefits, and the filing of joint tax returns.

Today the leadership and legislators responsible for passing the law have changed their views and now advocate DOMA's repeal. The current administration announced in 2011 that it had determined that section 3 was unconstitutional. Though it would continue to enforce the law, it would no longer defend it in court.

What so many other attacks on our religious and moral freedoms could not do, the attempt to redefine marriage as we know it has. The Church is waking up. 

Christians from across the nation are girding up their armor to fight the battle. Pastors are affirming from their pulpits the seriousness of taking a stand.

Recently Pastor Josh Pennington of Christpoint Church in Joplin, MO preached a message titled, “Great Families Don’t Just Happen.” In it he said, “I understand people who are struggling in ‘that lifestyle’—people who are struggling with drugs—people who are struggling with alcohol—people who are struggling in the world, but as a church we cannot close our doors. We cannot shut our hearts of love to those people. We’ve got to learn to disciple them. However, at the same time, as a church, according to biblical authority, we do not endorse same-sex marriage. I understand that we have got to love people.  We want the prostitute, we want the drug addict, and we want the homosexual so they can have a transformation in their spirit and serve in the kingdom of God.”

Joel Osteen, pastor of Lakewood Church in Houston, TX said in a recent interview: “Sometimes we look at being gay as a bigger sin than being proud or not telling the truth. I don’t think God categorizes sins.”

Bishop T.D. Jakes, founder and senior pastor of The Potter's House of Dallas, TX stated in an interview: “I’m called as a pastor to give the scriptural position on it. That doesn’t mean that I have to agree with you to love you; I don’t dislike anybody. I love everybody.” Then he went on to say, “I think sex between two people of the same sex is condemned in the Scriptures, and as long as it is condemned in the Scriptures, I don’t get to say what I think. I get to say what the Bible says.”

Rev. Billy Graham said, “Watching the moral decline of our country causes me great concern. I believe the home and marriage is the foundation of our society and must be protected.”

Bishop Anne Jimenez, founder and overseer of Rock Ministerial Fellowship and senior pastor of Rock Church International in Virginia Beach, VA recently told Charisma magazine: “Marriage is a biblical institution that mirrors the relationship between Jesus and His bride, the Church. It is a loving relationship that is at the core of our beliefs and something we will fight for.”

Bishop Anne is one of many actively doing something about the moral and spiritual decline of America as she is calling a Solemn Assembly in Philadelphia, “America for Jesus” on September 28 and 29 for the single purpose of praying for our nation.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “If the Church does not recapture its prophetic zeal, it will become an irrelevant social club without moral or spiritual authority.”

President Ronald Reagan reminded us that “If we ever forget that we’re one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under.”

We are the only nation in the world where God over government is written into our constitution. Now is the time to remind ourselves of that.

According to “Your Vote Matters,” approximately 50 percent of Christians in America are registered to vote. Of those 50 percent, only half will actually do so. To quote from their website, “When a vote is cast to reflect God's moral principles, you're not merely taking advantage of your rights, but you're performing a duty essential in preserving, or in some cases, repairing, the moral fabric of our nation.”

It's Time for Pentecostals to Make a Difference in Our Nation

 

It’s Time for Pentecostals to Make a Difference in Our Nation -By Steve Strang

No one needs to tell you America is in a mess. But our problems go beyond the dismal economy or high unemployment—they’re moral.

What once was a strong Christian nation has become more secular and less godly in the past few decades. And this has happened on our watch! No one can point fingers, because we’re all to blame. We’ve let the media and entertainment industries, the educational system, and general culture slide to the point where the President of the United States says he supports the concept of a man “marrying a man” and a woman “marrying a woman.” Who would have thought this would ever happen?

When the Holy Spirit was poured out at the beginning of the 20th century, the burning debate among Christians was over prohibition. Preachers preached against drinking, gambling, and other vices. With the rise of modern technology and the Internet, we don’t even try to stop pornography anymore. All of those vices are now accepted as common practice in our society.

When Hitler rose to power, most Jews couldn’t believe he was as bad as he declared in his book Mein Kampf. After all, this was cultured Germany. Christians didn’t believe it either. As a result, millions of Jews and Christians died. Sadly, although they told themselves in 1932 it “wasn’t that bad,” it was that bad—and worse!

Things are bad in America, and we must wake up. If you don’t believe this, google Wikipedia for the “humanist manifesto” published in 1933, or google the “homosexual manifesto” published in 1987. It's scary how many of the things predicted then have come to pass, such as wanting to criminalize what God’s Word says about human sexuality by calling it “hate speech.” Others believe we have a right to trump God in defining life. Those are just a couple of the many fronts on which modern-day America is trampling upon its godly foundations.

A Heated Battle
Clearly, we are in a culture war—and with the other side, anything goes. Those who hold to biblical values are the only ones keeping sin from totally dominating the culture. Many of these biblical values have been made a part of our legal system since the days of our Founding Fathers. However, as we have seen changing opinions on drinking, gambling, easy-divorce, abortion-on-demand, and now, so-called same-sex “marriage,” the laws are being changed as the culture slides into decadence.

We must act before it’s too late. Those of us who believe that we “do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities [and] powers” (Eph. 6:12) must also war in the spiritual realm on our knees!  

Pentecostal Power
Historically, Pentecostals have been more interested in piety and the anointing of the Holy Spirit than being activists. During World War I, most Pentecostals were pacifists. Most Christians involved in politics were from mainline or evangelical churches, and they often didn’t even want Pentecostal support because of anti-Pentecostal bias of the era. That view has changed tremendously. As the culture has become more hostile and many in the Church have become lukewarm, Christian warriors in the culture war are embracing Pentecostals with open arms. That’s because not only are Pentecostals fervent in our beliefs, in the face of hostility we are willing to stand up for our beliefs—such as the Pentecostal experience—even when it’s unpopular. Being marginalized or out of the mainstream is nothing new to Pentecostals.

Is there compromise in Pentecostal circles? Sadly, too often the answer is yes. But at least moral compromise is still considered backsliding and not the newest liberal trend to embrace. And though imperfect, Pentecostals at least have upheld standards that we have already seen lowered in the wider Christian community. (Thank God, those among Pentecostal tradition who accept homosexuality have created their own groups and not infiltrated existing Pentecostal denominations).

Godly Leaders Needed
The overwhelming majority of Pentecostals still believes in righteousness. But at this crucial juncture for our country in which we need those real believers to stand up, it’s especially important for Pentecostals to do so because we hold fast to the values outlined in the Word of God. We need people who believe the Bible and who know right from wrong to get involved. We need Pentecostals who will run for office or prepare themselves for positions of leadership in business, entertainment, and other arenas of the culture—not just in our own churches. We need those who will re-establish godly standards for our country and our communities.

Christians in past generations battled slavery, prayed for the Iron Curtain to fall, and stood in the gap for Israel to be restored as a nation. They served as powerful examples of how believers can shape the nations. Now, we must do the same for America. We must pray that the spiritual forces at work that destroy our freedoms and the culture will be overcome and that righteousness will prevail. Remember, the Bible says to pray for good government so we can lead quiet and peaceful lives (1 Tim. 2:2). (And by inference, win the world for Jesus).

 

We must put legs to our prayers. James 2:17 says faith without works is dead. Therefore, we must act. In an earlier era, that would have meant joining hands with non-Pentecostal Protestants. Today, we don’t have the luxury of denominational parochialism. This is war, and we must join forces with Bible-believing Catholics, conservative Jews, and even those we consider cults, such as Mormons. These groups all believe in conserving traditional values from the Bible, which means we share a common vision for America’s future.

America’s Healing
We still have time. If we, as God’s people, will humble ourselves and pray and turn from our wicked ways, then God will hear from heaven and heal our land (2 Chr. 7:14). The Church must help those who share our values, whether or not they are believers. That means voting based upon the Word of God, not on party affiliation, or whoever promises the most to voters. We must pray and then vote. Vote your values. Get others to vote their values. Let’s start a movement with the power and passion of the Holy Spirit. It’s time to stand up.

 

Like Esther, perhaps God raised up us Pentecostals for a time such as this.

 

 

Steve Strang is a fourth-generation Pentecostal who has covered the “Spirit-filled community” since he founded Charisma magazine 37 years ago. In 2005, Time magazine listed him as one of the 25 most influential evangelicals in America.