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Announcing the guest speakers for the 97th International Assembly
MARK GUNGOR
Mark Gungor is a much sought-after speaker on marriage and family. Each year, thousands of couples attend his seminars. Mark’s candid approach uses unforgettable illustrations and the power of laughter to teach proven principles that are guaranteed to strengthen any marriage. He is Senior Pastor of Celebration Church, a multi-site church with five campuses and has been featured on Focus on the Family, Life Today and ABC News.
This particular retreat and this specific venue are a dynamic combination which always generates excitement among the women who participate in the Regional and International Ladies Retreats. Hosted by Hawaii for the past several years, the Pacific Islands Retreat is always a sweet season of ministry and fellowship on one of the beautiful islands in the Pacific Ocean. This year was no exception. 
Children’s Ministries Department offers several training opportunities for Children's Pastor's, church staff, and volunteers. Does IMPACT! Training Series or 1 Day Intensives sound exciting to you? Then read on to find one of these opportunities coming to a city near you!In a few months, January, 2012, our Spring semester begins. Courses include:
Bible
Introduction to the New Testament - BIBL 102 - Dr. H. E. Cardin
The Gospel of John - BIBL 204 - Dr. H. E. Cardin
Methods of Bible Study - BIBL 261 - Bishop Tim Harper
Wisdom Literature - BIBL 303 - Pastor Jack Anderson, Jr.
Introduction to the Old Testament (Spanish) - BIB 101 - Bishop Elias Rodríguez
Pastoral
Educational Ministry of the Church - CHED-241 - Pastor Phil Pruitt
Introduction to Preaching 1 - PASM 261 - Dr. H. E. Cardin
The Christian Family - PASM 264 - Bishop Tim Harper
The Pastoral Ministry 1 - PASM 461 - Dr. Sylvester Smith
For more information, email TCCOGOP@aol.com or visit www.TomlinsonCenter.Com
Over the past few days we have been intentional in our preparations for the first ladies retreat of the fall season in the Southeast at Ridgecrest, NC. Applications have been processed, the rooming list sent, staffing is being completed and the packing process has begun. Excitement always builds in our offices in this particular season.
This morning in my devotion and prayer time, I was reminded of the passage in Mark 6:31 where Jesus encouraged the disciples to "Come with me . . . to a quiet place and get some rest."
In my own time in quiet rest before Him, I began to consider the women who are also making preparations to attend a fall retreat weekend. As I was praying for you, the Lord reminded me of a few emails that have come to the office in the past week or so.
With only 10 months away, preparations for the 2012 International Assembly are well underway! You may read further or you may click here to go straight to the Assembly website.
Sarah was born in the Dominican Republic to a Christian family. At age 9, she migrated to The United States with her family and settled in Brooklyn, NY where she learned English and grew in the knowledge of God. She attended Lee University where she received her B.A. in Psychology; making her the first woman in her family to earn a college degree.
Brian has been a Kids Pastor since 1992. He was joined in ministry in 1998 by his wife, Cherith. Together, they have passionately served kids and families in an effort to raise up a generation of life-long followers of Jesus Christ.
TC Classes begin August, 24, 2011. It’s time to sign up!
Available Classes:
Bible
Have you ever felt like you weren't good enough? You're not alone. As an entire generation of our Movement leaves for a heavenly reward, Managing Editor DeWayne Hamby reminds readers that the same God who was with them will be with us.
General Overseer Randall E. Howard shares leadership lessons that be learned by studying the life of the Apostle Paul in the lead editorial, "Leaders Like Paul." "Paul pointed to Christ as his model, who humbled himself and surrendered to mistreatment and the suffering of the cross, so that God’s will may be done."
“Are we properly preparing our future leaders to fill pulpits and lead the lost to Christ?” asks Dr. H. E. Cardin, director of the Tomlinson Center, in this article from the August 2011 issue of the White Wing Messenger. "In the Great Commission, 'Go . . . make disciples' (Matthew 28:19 NIV) means more than just making believers. The simplest definitions of a disciple involve active following, living out the doctrines of Christ.
Church historian and CBL instructor Adrian L. Varlack, Sr. discusses three prayer moments in the life of Christ to illustrate the importance of prayer in the lives of believers. "We were created for God-dependency. Prayer (or praying), without a true and consciously admitted sense of God-dependence in humility and trust (faith), violates Christ’s own spirit of prayer."In the lead feature article of the August issue, Dr. Hector Ortiz shares a powerful message about the pivotal moment of transitional leadership taking place in the Church of God of Prophecy. "I believe that the Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) is experiencing a kairos moment in its history. A primary rationale for this view is how this group of believers, during a time of great transition, has grown from a worldwide membership of 260,000 in 1990 to 1.4 million in 2011."Meet ICM Special Guest JOY BOWEN...
Joy has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California at Santa Barbara. Before joining The reThink Group, Joy gained a wealth of experience from her positions with the children's ministry staffs at Bent Tree Bible Fellowship and Irving Bible Church. She has served in children's ministry in a wide variety of volunteer and staff roles since 2000 and has a passion for children's praise and worship.
The family unit is under attack more than ever before, especially in North America. In this article, Pastor Larry Duncan explains how churches can encourage healthy families and minister to them. "The church must enable the family to meet its own needs so the family, in turn, can bring life and strength to the church."In this editorial, White Wing Managing Editor DeWayne Hamby looks at the parable of the Great Banquet in Matthew 24 and compares to our own attitudes toward Christ's grace. "I’m at a loss for creating a winning and successful life plan that allows me access to eternal life. Left to my own devices and resources, I would surely fail."Building a structure or building people? That's the question posed by Pastor Scott Lee in this article, where he shares his own experience from his local church. "From the pulpit, to the children’s ministries, to the small group leader in the home and into every ministry, we must continually remind ourselves and those we serve that we are about growing people."Pastor John A. Stone urges pastors, leaders and members to remember the primary calling of the local church—to win new souls to Christ—in this article. "We have strayed from our real purpose for existing; our existence is in fulfilling Jesus’ mission to reach the lost. Our purpose is not in maintaining our churches, but, rather, to invade the world and save the perishing."In the lead editorial from the June issue centering on "Strong Local Churches," General Overseer Randall E. Howard stresses the importance of local churches. "The church is the presence of Christ in the world to do the work of Christ, transforming life and culture to His will."
In the first entry in a new regular column, Vera Wells shares a testimony about witessing to someone on an airplane and how that simple conversation changed the lives of the person involved and those in her family. Elva Howard introduces the article with an emphasis on why we must be about our Father's business.
Kathy Creasy opens the May issue of the White Wing Messenger with the article "Children in Ministry." She traces how God has used children to advance His kingdom in Bible history and points out how God is using children today.Two thousand five hundred fifty people met to celebrate our National Convention under the theme: Creating a better future with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We are thankful for God’s presence and the support of His Holy Spirit at this glorious convention.
The church would not have been blessed without God’s presence. We are thankful our General Presbyter, Gabriel E. Vidal and his wife Hanny were able to visit us. We also thank Bishop David Bryan; National Overseer, Luis Ernesto Gómez and our regional overseers for their hard work during the National Convention.
Thank you for allowing us to share this news from our nation. Your prayers and loving support are deeply appreciated as you continue to help us impact our homeland with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He is truly helping us to spread His love across Ukraine.
On September 11, in Kiev, our brothers and sisters took water baptism and made a covenant with God through total immersion in water. On September 12, Sunday, the central ministry took communion, during which for the first time the newly baptized took part. In the service, the new members were announced, who had joined us from other churches.
Finland Prayer Connection
We had a wonderful week with Joseph “Bo” Robinson and David Smith. We had special meetings where our theme was Luke 4:18,19. Let the people be delivered! That was happening. People were prayed for and they found deliverance in Jesus.
ANOTHER TSUNAMI HITS INDONESIA
You may be aware that there was another tsunami which took place on October 25, 2011 in Mentawai Islands. Mentawai is a district in West Sumatera. It has been reported that a few hundred people died and some still missing.
Belarus Connection
During of 21 day of Fasting our local church decided to have a three days of fast and prayer. I’ve got a special word in my heart “To seek first the Kingdom of God and then He will bless us and our families and our jobs” Math.6:33, Ezra 8:21.
The Resurrection of Christ is the core of Christian belief and also one of the more hotly debated points by atheists and agnostics. For those who believe, the resurrection proved that Jesus was who "Even with all of the evidence, there is one overwhelming fact that proves the bodily resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . the empty tomb. While we can point to the graves of men and women who were leaders of great religious movements, you cannot find the body of Jesus because He is risen!"
While most typically look at the Easter story as one complete story, Tim Coalter creatively uses punctuation to help readers transport themselves into the drama of the final days of Christ, His crucifixion, and resurrection through the eyes of those around Him.
The disciples and Jesus' followers struggled with doubts whether or not they would ever see Him again and modern day followers face the same struggles. In this lead article from the April issue, Gary Lovette looks at the role of faith and the assurances Christ has given us through our lives.
"Where are the young leaders?" is a question you may have heard. "Game Changers," an article produced by the Youth Ministries department, answers that question by spotlighting a group of youth and young adults who are making a difference in their communities and regions. It is the lead article for the March issue, which focuses on the young harvest.
Bishop Randall E. Howard opens the youth-oriented March issue with a spotlight on the energy of young leaders in the Movement. "Young leaders are the ministry force of a church today. The gifts and perspectives that they hold will enhance any ministry project, making it more relevant to the culture of the community."
What does it mean to love without being easily provoked, without keeping record of wrong? Managing Editor DeWayne Hamby looks at the familiar "love" chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 for some tips on how to respond to others in love.
Bishop Sherman Allen, General Presbyter for Africa, wrote to us, “It is with regret that I announce to you the death of the sister of overseer Kadato Richard. Her name is Dandjesso Seraphine, thirty-two years old and married with three children. She died from Kidney and Lung infection. It is at times like this that we come together and demonstrate our solidarity with our brothers and sisters. Bereavement comes to all of us at some point in life, let us stand if the gap and assist Brother Kadato and his family, especially through our prayers.”
Greetings in the name of the Good-Shepherd.
From Bishop Team McCaleb, Project Manager 
"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:11–13 NKJV).
Global Outreach Director David Bryan leads the mission-centered February issue with this article about the persecution that Church leaders face overseas. "One of the most uncomfortable truths about the way of Christ is that persecution of His followers is normal."
Reported by Neo Segadika and Seboneso Bantusitse for Bishop Phillip Segadika, Overseer of Botswana for the Church of God of Prophecy, share some of the initiatives the area is doing to help the women of Botswana become financially stable and self-sufficient.
In this editorial from the February 2011 issue of the White Wing Messenger, Executive Editor Randall E. Howard describes the shift in missions in recent years, with countries around the globe mobilizing their own evangelistic efforts to other countries. "Now He is pouring out His Spirit all over the earth, and people of every culture are picking up the mandate and surging out into the world of darkness carrying the light."
Kathy Creasy, director of Children's Ministries, offers tips on teaching children to pray in this feature from the January 2011 issue of the White Wing Messenger. "One of the most important ways that we can bring children to Jesus is to teach them to pray."
What does it mean when Jesus said that His house would be a "house of prayer"? Bishop Tim McCaleb explores the topic of prayer in this lead article from the January 2011 issue of the White Wing Messenger. "The primary role of the church is not for it to be a house of Bible study, evangelism, or healing although these things may take place within a church that prays."
Prayer is one of the Core Values of the Church of God of Prophecy. In this editorial from the January 2011 issue of the White Wing Messenger, General Overseer Randall E. Howard writes about the 1,000 Upper Rooms prayer ministry introduced during the 2010 International Assembly.
In an update sent on January 4, 2011, General Presbyter Clayton Endecott shares, "Bishop John Doroshuk was able to spend a few days home from the hospital to be with his family over the holidays. He fights a daily battle with the tumor on his brain, but continues in steadfast faith, sharing always of the joy of the Lord.
In an update on January 4, 2011, General Presbyter Clayton Endecott shares, "Overseer Ximo Gregorio has begun a wonderful recovery after 18 months struggling with cancer. He will undergo another small surgery some time in the future to improve his comfort, convenience and strength, but is home from a long hospitalization, resuming family duties and beginning to resume his ministry more each day. Please continue to pray for a full recovery."
There’s a power far superior to the movement of a clock’s second hand, a glittery ball dropping, and a tidal wave of confetti. Even our best efforts for personal renewal cannot come close to the transformational power found in Christ: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV).
In this January editorial, Managing Editor DeWayne Hamby writes about the new year and new beginnings.
National Bishop Benjamin Aldana and his wife Sister Juddy began to share the vision for ministry scheduled for the weekend in October, 2010 for the nation of Colombia. They began to share the excitement that was building as there had been years of preparation for this time of ministry. A capacity crowd was expected for the weekend and a capacity crowd was the exact response.
The Gordon-Conwell/Church of God of Prophecy Consortium conducts Masters-level classes currently in several venues. Annually, the Presiding Bishops who host the classes meet with CBL and Consortium director Dr. Hector Ortiz, the CBL staff, and a representative from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary to coordinate and plan future class schedules. Gordon-Conwell Professor Dr. Alvin Padilla, Dean of the Consortium, joined us for the meeting.
Greetings in the Name of the Lord. I hope you’re doing fine and pursuing the Spirit. I just want to thank you for your prayers you covered with during our travel to and from the Assembly. There were some challenges I faced during my way back home, especially the loss of my three bags that had cost me $800.00 to transport them. The bags were carrying the orphanage clothes from the Assembly clothes closet. However, all in all, I give glory to my God who gave me a safe journey and rejoined my family.Democratic Republic of Congo National Overseer Ntambwe Beya writes:
"These photographs were taken at our last National Convention in Kananga, among which bicycles were distributed to some District Superintendents and Pastors. Also, you can see Bishop Levi Clarke, and Brother Englade Destra who were present at that Convention as well. Before this, we had distributed bikes to pastors in other areas."
Tim McCaleb led his second construction team to Haiti in early November, delaying the trip by a couple of days to avoid Hurricane Tomas. Progress is being made on six churches, including the national church complex on Truman Boulevard. Great progress is being made at the Ca-Ira Orphanage in Leogane. The wall around the property is being rebuilt, including the section facing the sea. Tim McCaleb reports, “…we were able to build a few hundred feet…The people love the wall…They were going down at night with a flashlight and looking at it and showing others.”
Youth Harvest Training (YHT) is the official training arm for the youth and camping ministries. It will train, assess and strengthen local, district and regional/state/national youth directors’ efforts in reaching, raising and releasing young men and women into Christian service in the power of the Holy Spirit. The International Youth Ministries works in collaboration with National/Regional/State Overseers to plan YHTs for their area.
We are anxiously looking forward to the Emerge Youth Conference set for March 25–27, 2011, in Orlando, Florida. The primary focus of this conference is student leadership development. As we pray and plan for each student to have a wonderful encounter with God and their peers and develop their gifts, we want to make sure that you have as much information available to you as possible as you also pray about and plan for the conference. Online registration is open and all conference information is available online at http://www.operationomega.org/Operation_Omega/Emerge_Conference.html
A construction and ministry team coordinated by Global Outreach Ministries recently returned from Haiti to report that progress continues to be made on the reconstruction of our orphanage. The wall is almost complete around the property, a new $50,000.00 generator has been purchased and donated by an outside group, and the generator is on site. Two of the bungalows have been renovated, and there is now adequate housing for the orphanage workers. Forty-six of the children have been moved back to the property and the school at the orphanage is now functioning with about two hundred children in attendance each day.
When we get to heaven, perhaps we’ll be able to revisit the moments the shepherds heard, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, goodwill to all men." Maybe we’ll also get to hear the words of a young, determined girl praising the God who chose her to carry His Son, singing, "My soul does magnify the Lord." Maybe we’ll even be able to check out from the heavenly library a box set edition of the Psalms of David.
In the lead article of the December issue, Carmen Casey compares the star of Christmas to the attributes of Christ found in other portions of the Bible. "Let it be said by those lost in the darkness of this present world that they see within us the Light of men, Jesus Christ. May our faithfulness to the reflection of the bright and morning star cause many to come to worship Him.
Participate in the Helping Hands for Kids giving project and help build a Pyramid of Hope for preschool children who live in the city of Giza, Egypt, just across the Nile river from Cairo.
The Holiness Class at the Pentecostal Theological Seminary was a great success.
Along with many from the International Offices, we had state/regional overseers, senior pastors and other great leaders from Gorgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, West Virginia, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Louisiana, and the Bahamas.
For those interested in the subject of “Holiness” we suggest these resources:
As many know, Brother Ximo Gregorio serves as National Overseer for Italy, Malta, Bosnia, and Macedonia. He has been battling cancer for a little over a year now. You may remember that our office issued an update on his status back in September which listed several prayer points at that time as well.
The following announcement was released by the International Center for Spiritual Renewal Today:
Today with deep sadness yet gratitude for a life well lived we share with you the passing of Bishop Marion Alva Wilson today, November 5, 2010 in Owensboro, Kentucky.
Bishop Wilson had been a minister of the Gospel for over 60 years sharing the love of Christ to thousands around the world and truly a man known for the strength of his compassion.
"People think the goal is to grow larger and larger churches, not understanding that more people are won per member in new church-plants than in larger, older churches." —Randall E. Howard
The second day of the TeamUp leadership conference offered attendees a chance to hear from special guests, and interact in small groups to process ministry tips regarding youth and children's ministries. 
As the opening session of its TeamUp leadership conference convened in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) leaders re-emphasized the denomination’s commitment to its core value of reaching the young harvest.More than 300 leaders from across North America were present for the Wednesday evening session, with more expected to attend through the week, for a time focused on reaching the young harvest.
The “expert disguise” of poison is when it has the appearance of health. How many times have we fallen for this trick? As humans, we long for goodness, satisfaction, and fulfillment—causing us to launch headfirst into almost anything that claims to offer these qualities. In many cases, we will ignore the harmful effects to accomplish the satisfaction we seek.
As we explore the topic of church-planting in the November 2010 of the White Wing Messenger, we posed some questions to Church leaders about its importance and advice for those considering church-plants.
Bishop Randall E. Howard opens the November 2010 issue of the White Wing Messenger with an editorial about church-planting and the leadership of Bishop Willie R. Boone. "This testimony is certainly in honor of his work for the Lord."
“Miracles on New Zion Road”—this is a motto of what is happening with the congregation at the Church of God of Prophecy in Lake City. We are witnessing many miracles wrought by God.
We are looking back to a blessed and challenging time in the Erlangen, Germany, Church. Even though more than 50 people from our wonderful international church had to move on . . .
"Little Is Much" is Managing Editor DeWayne Hamby's editorial from the November issue of the White Wing Messenger. In the article, Hamby discusses the book The Strategically Small Church and how what small churches have to offer its members and the Body of Christ.
Everyone Can be a part of Church-Planting. One tiny seed in fertile ground can help produce an abundant harvest. The November issue of the White Wing Messenger focuses on Church-Planting. Read the November issue of the White Wing Messenger.
The November issue of the White Wing Messenger focuses on Church-Planting. Articles include "The Call to Plant Churches: A Leadership Roundtable," "Church-Planting Potential," "One Year, Nine Lessons," "Church Planted," "Characteristics of a Church-Planter," "My Church-Planting Story: Starting Pointe," and "The Danger and Necessity of Engaging Our Culture."
Each year the International Ladies Retreat team is blessed to join women from the nations of Central America, Mexico, and the Spanish Caribbean for a celebration of ministry. This year, the nation of Guatemala hosted the annual event at the Conquistador Hotel and Conference Center.
"...I noticed my wife's reaction to her first Assembly, tearing up at the sight of people of diverse nationalities and backgrounds gathered under one roof, worshiping the same God. How awesome it was to have this reminder of just how unique this gathering is and how Christ, our common bond has brought this international body together!..."
The devastating earthquake in Haiti and its aftermath are two main themes of this issue, which focuses on Global Outreach. As part of a worldwide Movement, when our brothers and sisters hurt, we hurt. Through several articles, you will see chronicles of the response and the rebuilding effort now takng place in Haiti.
This special edition of the White Wing Messenger centers on 2020 Vision, a report given by the leadership of the Church of God of Prophecy, which includes the General Overseer, International Presbyters, and the Administrative Committee. As you read this issue, you will find that 2020 Vision is a ten-year plan for the Church, concentrating on three Core Values—Prayer, Harvest, and Leadership Development.
In James 4:8, believers are encouraged to "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." Although many may assume their Christianity is passive, the biblical writers continually frame the journey using active verbs. Belief is simply the starting point that provokes an exciting, lifelong response.
What would you say if a non-believer asked you to define "holiness"? Perhaps it’s a word similar to "testify," which carries different meanings based on the listener’s background. Many of us who have been a part of this Church have had decades to process what holiness means and, sometimes, feel as if we have a good understanding.
The focus for this month’s White Wing Messenger is the young harvest, which was coordinated by Trevor and Aileen Reid, International Youth Ministries Co-Directors. We appreciate their direction in overseeing this ministry as well as their oversight in securing a talented array of young writers for this particular youth issue.
This issue of the White Wing Messenger is dedicated to Children’s Ministries, and we extend our thanks to Children’s Ministries International Director Kathy Creasy for her contribution and oversight as she launches a new directive for the ministry of children.
"...the Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) will experience the greatest transgenerational leadership change in the next 10 to 20 years than in any other time of its 107-year history." Dr. Hector Ortiz
In this month’s feature article, "Kingdom Priorities," Global Outreach Ministries Director David Bryan writes about the devastation that affected thousands of people in Southeast Asia in 2009. Not only addressing the humanitarian needs, Brother Bryan addresses the biblical priorities in meeting the needs for this affected area, which is to proclaim God’s saving Word.
This first issue of 2010, is dedicated to one of the Church’s educational institutions—Tomlinson Center.
