"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).

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).

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.

"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

"...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!..."
DeWayne Hamby

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.