On a recent mission trip to Haryana State in northwestern India, our National Overseer, Brother Paul Sudhakar, was attacked by a Hindu mob. He was injured, is in the hospital recovering, and is hoping to be released in a few days. Brother Sudhakar stated that even though he is hurting in body, he is rejoicing in the Lord. Please remember Brother Sudhakar and his family in your prayers – that God would encourage them and heal our brother completely.
On February 17, 2013 World Missions Coordinator, Robert Hawkins, and Field Secretary/BTI Director Ray Dupre set out on a three week journey to India and Nepal. After a 24-hour delay in the United Arab Emirates, they continued their journey to the state of Kerala, southwest India where they would meet with National Overseer Isaac Thomas Adimavunkal, his wife, Sister Bindu, and two beautiful children. Our brothers spent the first day confined to their hotel, as there were labor union strikes throughout India and all but the most essential services were shut down. Any other persons or vehicles caught out and about were considered to be "breaking the picket line" and were subject to dangerous conditions. However, once the strike was over our travelers made the four hour drive from Trivandrum to scenic Kanjirapally for the National Convention and BTI's Leadership Pastoral Development Classes. How wonderful it was to see faithful and familiar faces, members and ministers that have been serving the Lord and His Church...
Excitement was in the air as two hundred eighteen campers and staff registered for Youth Camp in Honduras, Central America, that took place from March 28-30, 2013. They came from near and far, some traveling several hours to reach the campsite in the town of Campamento, which is approximately two hours northeast of the capital city, Tegucigalpa. Camp was conducted on the National Sanctuary grounds and the campers slept in tents, Sunday School rooms and anywhere they could lay their sleeping bags or foam mattresses. Camp was a well-organized and wonderful balance of Bible classes and fun time during the day – and beautiful worship, powerful messages, and sincere, heartfelt altar calls in the evening. National Overseer, Bishop Donaldo Acosta, and Camp director, Brother Erlan Martinez, very aptly directed the activities and moderated the services. Our World Mission Coordinator, Robert Hawkins, and his wife, Malissa Hawkins, along with interpreter, Claudia Razo from Boise, Idaho, were blessed to be able to attend an...
On November 27, 2012, an epic journey began for 31 Holy Land pilgrims, their caring and capable tour guide, Mike O'Donell (from Walking With the Prophets tour company), their amazingly competent and informative Israeli guide, Amos Davidowitz, and the best Yemenite bus driver in the world, Abner. Most all of the travelers were members of The Church of God but we were able to get acquainted with, and fall in love with, some new friends not formerly acquainted with the Church.
Upon landing in Tel Aviv (just days following a cease fire from the latest war with the Hamas terrorists who fight from Gaza), we were bused to our hotel in the northern Galilee city of Tiberius. The next morning we began bright and early. Our first stop was to have a service at the CPMA marker at Mt. Hittin. What a glorious presence of the Lord was felt as we read Scripture, sang, and heard a message by General Overseer, Stephen E. Smith. What a wonderful way to begin our tour through Israel! We spent 3 nights in northern Galilee and particip...
In honor of our Lord's birth this Christmas, The Church of God sent offerings of love, cards from various states and nations, and pictures to our General Overseer and his wife. We were blessed to have the opportunity to incorporate these mementos of love into a large Christmas wreath and present it to them at General Headquarters just before Christmas on December 19, 2012. The Lord has blessed The Church of God with anointed leadership who serve us well. Thank you for every contribution that is here or on its way. May the Lord bless and keep each of you in the shelter of His Fold.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the ABM Department!
We have received information and photographs from Paul Sudhakar, National Overseer of North India, regarding the recent devastation caused by Cyclone Nilam in the Andhra Pradesh state of India. The cyclone made landfall near Chennai on October 31st and has led to heavy rainfall and flooding in the area.
According to national news reports the death toll in Andhra Pradesh was twenty-nine. Brother Sudhakar reports that this includes the thirteen year old son of a family who are members of the Church. A total of approximately seventy Church members have been seriously affected by the flood including the loss of food, clothing, and damage to shelters. Brother Sudhakar also reports that four pastors have lost everything they own.
A relief fund has been set up through General Headquarters to accept donations for this urgent need.
Check: Please mail checks to The Church of God, c/o North India Flood Relief, P.O. Box 450, Charleston, TN, 37310...
International Youth Camp for The Church of God begins today at the Lutheridge Conference Center just outside of Asheville, NC.
The camp is directed by Dustin Hays, international youth director for the Church, which has its headquarters in Cleveland.
Staff members and camp representatives who are attending the camp from the Cleveland area include the Church's General Overseer, Stephen Smith and his wife, Vicki; Kevin, Connie, and Ashley Werkheiser; Georgia/Florida camp representative, Jonathan Muñoz; media staff coordinator, Grayson B. Kent; Oscar Pimentel, director of translation; Rob and Missy Hawkins; and James and Allene Cox and son, David, Tennessee camp representative.
The theme for IYC 2012 is "Wind in the Valley" (Ezekiel 37:9 and 10).
International Youth Camp is an annual ministry of the Victory Leaders Band Department. each year delegates from around the globe gather together to better equip themselves to serve as staff members in the youth camp ministry...
People from across the United States, the islands and several countries are on their way to attend the Assembly of The Church of God, which is to be held at Ridgecrest, N.C., just east of Asheville, N.C., Aug. 21-26.
The meeting will be moderated by General Overseer Stephen E. Smith. This will be the 107th General Assembly since the original group was organized.
Prior to the convening of the assembly, the International Youth Camp will be held at Lutheridge Conference Center, near Asheville, Aug. 17-20. Several representatives and staff members from Cleveland will attend the four-day youth-training event.
The Tuesday evening service will officially open the assembly with flag and Bible pledges in the English and Spanish languages. An hour of prayer will follow a message by Delbert Bock of South Dakota before adjournment for the evening.
Wednesday’s program will include a message by Ted Cogburn, of Alabama, Brandon Allen of Mississippi, and Mike Grobe of Louisiana. General Field Secretary Robert F...
The Church of God is the "light of the world." This may sound like a presumptuous and arrogant statement, and indeed it would be if it were not for the fact that Jesus Christ Himself made the declaration. We are the light because He said we are the light. Of course, we are not the light in the same sense as Christ, for we read of Him, "In him was life; and the life was the light of men" (John 1:4). The Church of God has no light or life in and of itself, but only as it receives these from Christ.
The role of the Church is that of proclaiming the gospel of Christ through both preaching and living the gospel. But the light we share goes beyond merely speaking the Word and living Christ-like lives, for the gospel of Christ is the gospel of power. Through the Holy Ghost living in and operating through the Church we have a divine agent that speaks to men's hearts, convicting and convincing them of their lost and sinful condition and of their need to accept Christ as Savior and Lord of their lives...
On Thursday, June 21, 2012 The Church of God was organized on the island of Malabo, Equatorial Guinea by Oscar Pimentel. Isaiah prophesied that the Lord would hiss unto the nations, and they would come with swift speed. For the people of Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, this prophecy has been fulfilled!
The Church was initially organized on the volcanic tropical island with nine members, but additional meetings are being held on the mainland during the upcoming few days.
Equatorial Guinea is a country located in central Africa bordering Cameroon and Gabon. It is a tiny country with a population just over 685,000 composed of a mainland portion plus five inhabited islands. Malabo is the country’s capital, and Bata is the largest urbanized city. Equatorial Guinea is unique because it is the only country in Africa with Spanish as its official language.
Let us pray for these special and precious saints who have made their way to the Church and for growth in this new nation...