News from the Field
Throughout the world The Church of God is actively engaged in furthering God's Kingdom and His Church. "News from the Field" is provided to keep members and friends of the Church abreast of the latest reports and happenings within the Church. Displayed on this page are the ten most recent reports. We encourage the web audience to browse previous articles by utilizing the categories or archives displayed to the right.
Spanish BTI Held in Arizona
April 28, 2008 - BTI DepartmentCategories: Bible Training Institute
The following report was submitted by Regional Overseer James R. Horne.
On April 10, 2008, I left Albuquerque, New Mexico to head three hours south to Hatch, New Mexico where I was to hold Revival. There was much excitement in my heart as the Lord has been blessing the Church in many glorious ways. It was a great blessing for me and my family to move to Albuquerque and pastor our new church there that was just established in September. I was heading to Hatch just feeling like God was going to do something extra special. The first two nights were Holy Ghost filled and with good attendance. On the third day we had a baptismal service and that night a bon fire. The Lord did move mightily and as the Holy Ghost convicted the young people, eight came forward and received salvation. The following night another sheep joined the fold. This was the second new member in Hatch in recent weeks, as another sister in Christ joined the Church at the District Convention.
I stopped and visited the church in Alamogordo, New Mexico and then headed west to Arizona. There were two independent congregations in the Phoenix area that had shown interest in The Church of God and we were able to host a Spanish BTI with the assistance of Brothers Pimentel (ID), Coronel (CA), Feliz (ID), and Castro (Guatemala). The commencement service of BTI was filled with the Holy Ghost and the message of the glorious Church of God was well received. On April 18th, we received seventeen new members and established a new Spanish church in Phoenix, Arizona, appointing Juan Gutierrez as pastor. There have already been several more who have expressed interest in joining the Church and we pray that in the days and weeks to come there will be others who will covenant themselves to the Church. There was also a mission established in Phoenix with another pastor who joined and we hope to organize there in the coming months.
On Saturday, April 19th, a man came into the church from off the street declaring that he felt a leading there. This man sought prayer for his body and soul. He gave his heart to the Lord and got saved that afternoon. There were many testimonies expressed that related how thankful these dear sheep were. One sister stated how she had heard this message and doctrine over 20 years ago, and that she was so glad that it was still alive. She was so thankful to be a member of The Church of God again. Another had a dream the night before that she envisioned a clear crystal sea but that she needed to remove “the world” from herself before she could step in. That night she did just that as she removed her jewelry and joined the Church.
Revival fire has definitely been burning in our area and it is clearly evident how the Lord is favoring His Church not only here but all over the world.
We are glad to report in the last several weeks: 9 saved, 1 baptized, 19 members added to the Church. Praise the Lord!
Update: We received 9 additional members after the BTI in Arizona for a total of 26 in the new Phoenix church. (With the inclusion of 2 members in Hatch for a total of 28 in recent weeks (so far).
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Missionary Serving in South Korea
April 21, 2008 - World Missions DepartmentCategories: Womens Missionary Band, World Missions Department
General Headquarters is pleased to announce that Sister Dodie Overdorff will serve as the first short term missionary for The Church of God. Sister Overdorff will travel to South Korea at the end of April and will serve the Church there until the end of July. Everyone is encouraged to keep Sister Overdorff and the work in South Korea in prayer during this special time for The Church of God.
Church Organized in Lawrence, MA
April 19, 2008 - Field Secretary's OfficeCategories: Evangelism Department
On Saturday, April 12, 2008, a new local church was established in Lawrence, MA (a northern suburb of Boston) with four new members. These include the pastor and his wife, Jose & Deloris Zorrilla, and another minister and his wife Vilvio and Marguarita Alcantera. Both brothers are evangelists and their wives are lay ministers. They have been serving the Lord for many years beginning in the Dominican Republic and now in the United States of America. This is a kernel to which many more members will be added. Some twenty people have been meeting wth Brother Zorrilla in their home and in rented facilities when available. These precious people are primarily from the Dominican Republic and have many contacts in their home country. We are already reaching out to other groups/ministers in the New England area.
During a concluding prayer of consecration for them and their work, the Holy Ghost gloriously blessed them confirming His pleasure with their joining and His divine blessing and anointing for their labor.
The previous report was submitted by James T. Smith.
 |
 |
 |
National Convention in Uruguay
April 5, 2008 - World Missions DepartmentCategories: Womens Missionary Band, World Missions Department
The nation of Uruguay is thrilled to report a successful national convention. Overseer David Coronel confirms that sixty people were in attendance. Seven were restored, fifteen sanctified, and four joined The Church of God during this convention. God's presence was surely present in this gathering of the Church. Brother Coronel expresses wishes that God's grace be extended to all those who continue to pray for the country of Uruguay! The following pictures were submitted from the National Convention:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Mission Trip to Africa
April 1, 2008 - World Missions DepartmentCategories: Womens Missionary Band, World Missions Department
Pastor Connie Wilson and Sister Johnna Wilson from Virginia and the National Overseer and his wife, Robert and Malissa Hawkins, recently visited Swaziland and South Africa to encourage the saints and to view the work. Several days were spent in each country, visiting various local churches. We are glad to report that the services were Spirit-filled and the congregation responded well to the Word of God. Many came forward to give their hearts to Christ and many presented themselves for prayer with tears in every service (including children). We are glad to report that the pastors are carefully teaching their congregations Bible doctrine and Church business practices. Potential candidates for Church membership are taught surely, making sure they understand their life-long commitment to the Lord and to The Church of God. Our pastors were presented several Church books donated by the Roanoke, Virginia local church and these tools are greatly appreciated and carefully studied by the people. The Lord really anointed our ladies from the USA to minister to the ladies (and men) in South Africa and Swaziland and many strong bonds were formed. Tears flowed freely during times of service and fellowship. Repentant hearts stripped the world off of them in the middle of service as the message of God went forth with conviction. It was really an amazing time, hard to describe, and perhaps near to what it is going to feel like in heaven someday as the faithful saints of God gather together for all an eternity, never to say "farewell" again. We praise the Lord that the saints of God in Swaziland, South Africa, and the USA were strengthened on this trip and their faith was confirmed over and over again. These two countries, although small in number, are strongholds for the Truth and The Church of God in Africa. That can be testified to by every visitor on this trip. Pray for our dear brothers and sisters in these countries as they stand for Christ and His Church and they pray for you! (Submitted by Robert J. Hawkins)
Missions endeavors are for all ages. The following article was submitted by Sister Johnna Wilson, a Victory Leader from Virginia.
On March 13th, 2008 four weary travelers stepped off a plane in the Netherlands only halfway to their final destination. At this juncture they would part ways, two by two, with a final prayer and many tears, agreeing that, although they were happy to be going home, they had left part of their hearts behind. I was one of those travelers. The youngest and least experienced of the small mission team I perhaps had the most energy left in me. I remember on that flight from Johannesburg to Amsterdam watching the sunrise over the Sahara Desert and a couple hours later watching its reflection over the Swiss Alps, marveling at God’s glorious creation!
I’m not quite sure how to put all the thoughts, emotions and experiences of those two and a half weeks into adequate words. I was thankful and honored to have received the rewarding opportunity of traveling to the countries of South Africa and Swaziland to meet our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. It was, simply put, a prayer answered. For a long time now I have been a youth, like many others I know, longing to go to a place such as Africa to see if missions was God’s calling for me. Did I come away with an exact answer? No, but I’m not confused about where my life is going. I know it is in God’s hands and He will place me in The Body where He deems fit. I felt very at home in Africa and I did not mind the hardships or lack-of-luxury situations.
We spent the first half of the trip in Swaziland. We arrived in Manzini at a small airport in an equally small propeller plane. We were greeted by Brother Lucky Mandlenkhosi Vilane, field secretary, one other brother and several sisters from the local church in Matsapha, the capital of Swaziland. We felt their excitement immediately. We crawled into a van which had been procured for our movement from airport to guesthouse. On the way Bro. Hawkins requested that the folks sing a song. Almost immediately I felt the tears coming. I heard the African rhythm and felt the spirit of God and I knew I was about to have an amazing experience. I was not disappointed.
Our first service was with the saints in Matsapha where Bro. Hawkins and my mother, Sis. Wilson were given the special task of dedicating a baby. Our roles on this trip were as follows: I addressed the children and youth, mom addressed the women and other times entire congregation, Sis. Hawkins shared wonderful devotions and encouraged the people, and Bro. Hawkins delivered messages to his sheep in every church and took care of the great task of overseeing the flock. This is how it was at every local church.
The people in both countries refer to Sis. Hawkins as the “Mother of Swaziland” or the “Mother of South Africa”, they have great respect for their national overseer and his wife. We recognized very early on that the women (in both countries) were elated to see women from America coming on a mission trip to minister to them. For lack of a better word they seemed almost empowered to have not just one but three ladies come, and one a pastor!
We worshipped with the saints in Matsapha for two services and then traveled to Pigg’s Peak in the northern part of the country. Along our way we stopped at the second church at Dlengani. Matsapha had no children in their congregation but Bro. Lucky assured me there were many children at the other churches who were excited that someone was coming all the way from America just to give them a message. As we pulled into the schoolhouse where the service was to be held we could hear the joyful sound of a large group of children singing in the school yard. What I saw was the most beautiful and heartwarming scene. Along both sides of the entrance the children were lined up, singing about The Church and waving a church flag. What a greeting! I was excited but nervous! I was about to deliver my first lesson to non-English speaking children and I worried that it would not be good enough. I wanted to give these children something meaningful and not waste their time. We had a wonderful service. Each of us did our part and God blessed. There was a huge congregation, mostly youth and children (at least 50 combined) and they seemed absolutely delighted to receive their sweets. I got a huge cheer. (Tip for all future mission trips: don’t bother showing up without sweets). The children and youth had a wonderful choir and they sang some awesome songs. Some were in English and others had to be translated for us but they had great songs with lyrics about The Church and lyrics that glorified God for bringing the gospel to Swaziland.
After our service in Dlengani we were off again to Pigg’s Peak where we would finish our stay in Swaziland worshipping with the saints at the Esobovini church. Here we stayed for three days. Sunday morning service lasted for about 4-5 hours and it never felt a moment over 30 minutes! Because of the early service we were able to stay on the cool, picturesque mountain and spend time fellowshipping with the saints. My heart swelled when I realized how many youth this church boasts. I counted twelve senior VLBs (late teens to late 20’s) in the senior choir. I believe there were four different choirs, three of which contained youth and/or children. Once again, I was in awe of their singing ability and the beautiful sound that emitted from their souls.
I will never in my life ever forget the young men and women I met in Esobovini or in all the churches we visited in both countries. I am honored to call them my friends. It was very difficult to leave them. Our time spent there was just not enough. They asked about the youth in America and if we were strong. Please pray that some of them can make it to the assembly in the future. They want to come so desperately and I sensed in them the need for that fellowship; just to see that they are not alone and to feel what so many of us get the privilege to feel each year in August. Our last service ended with a presentation of gifts to all of us and mine was the best! They made us beautiful prayer rugs and for myself a special weaved heart with the initials VLB inscribed. My instructions were to hang it in my room and every time I see it and every time I kneel to remember and pray for my children and the youth in Swaziland.
We spent the second half of our trip in the country of South Africa. It almost seemed like a different world, but certainly equally as beautiful. We encountered more people who were able to speak English and understand our American dialect. When we arrived at the airport we were greeted by Brother Jefrey Mangena, field secretary, several saints and some very special guests. Some had come from a church group on the coast, representing about 16 churches. They were curious about The Church of God, asked many questions and received much instruction. As tired as we were it was wonderful finally meeting the saints in South Africa!
Our first day we met at the local WMB leader’s home in Bloemfontein for a ladies’ service. Sis. Hawkins gave a beautiful and inspiring devotion followed by a powerful message delivered by Sis. Wilson. The women rejoiced, cried, shouted, sang and had a wonderful time of fellowship. I had a wonderful time visiting with these ladies; observing their dedication and love for God’s Church! The next day we traveled over three hours north-east of Bloemfontein to a town called Kroonstad in which we have a local church. Here Bro. Hawkins taught/preached a timely message relating to an important church doctrine. It was received by hearts willing to heed The Word of God and lay down the world. I anticipate hearing in the near future that the congregation in Kroonstad has grown mightily as a result of the Truth being delivered.
The next day was Sunday and we worshipped with the saints in Bloemfontein. We had the windows rolled down as we entered the parking lot and I could hear a mighty roar coming from within the school room. We walked in to a crowded room full of men, women, youth and children singing gloriously to our God! I was overwhelmed by the multitude gathered at the school. Once again we were not disappointed by the singing. How beautiful! They had a large choir full of young people. They sang several songs but when they started to sing their own version of “Awesome God” I got chills (and video)! For those in Bloemfontein reading this: thank you for blessing my soul with your gift of song and spirit of excitement!
On Monday we traveled to Wepener about an hour south of Bloemfontein. They have a very nice church building situated on top of a mountain with a glorious view! I was amazed at the number of youth in Wepener. Literally the entire left side of the congregation was young people. I was so proud to see their zeal and love for God! We have amazing young people in South Africa that have a heart for God and long to be drawn as close to Him as they possibly can! I was blessed to be able to bond with many of them and I pray I have another opportunity to get to know them even better. The young people at Wepener demonstrated amazing musical talent and desire to worship God – Thank you Wepener youth!
There is great potential that The Church will grow in South Africa. The work is relatively new but the gospel is being spread quickly. People are learning that The Church of God is still alive and well and they are hungry to come forth and be part of Her! In retrospect this trip was life-changing for me. I have been on mission trips before and they never fail to remind me that we are not a one-nation church. I learned much from the youth in Swaziland and South Africa and I pray that one day you also will receive the same blessing. (Submitted by Johnna Wilson)
The following pictures were taken in the nation of South Africa:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The following pictures were taken in the nation of Swaziland:
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Journey to St. Vincent
March 22, 2008 - Field Secretary's OfficeCategories: Womens Missionary Band, World Missions Department
The faithful saints of the local church would not be the only ones to attend the services. Friday night several pastors along with some from their congregations were there also. Bishop Dupre preached under special anointing from the subject “Divine Unction.” Referencing Paul’s statement to King Agrippa that he was not unfaithful to the heavenly vision, he encourage all to seek the Lord until they too received a divine unction.
On Sunday morning the church building filled to capacity. Worship time prepared the congregation for the Word to be preached. Preaching from the subject “The Letter.” Bishop Dupre informed the congregation of a letter written by the Apostle Paul to each.He suggested that all should read and study it. Referencing the letter he encouraged us to “…love not the world neither the things that are in the world…” The Holy Ghost fell in a special way and all worshiped into the early afternoon.
Sunday night was no different. Many returned to receive from the Lord. Bishop Dupre preached from the subject “The Mystery of the Seven Golden Candlesticks.” Oh how God blessed us! Many were renewed in their spirits. One came forward for prayer. The fear of God moved people into a serious desire for self-examination. Perfection of the individual as well as the Church was encouraged.
Pastor Brown believes that God has sent him back to St. Vincent to do a special work. Without question this was confirmed in a wonderful way during these meetings this weekend. Let us pray for Pastor Brown and his lovely wife as they labor for the Master on the Island of St. Vincent as well as the other Islands about them.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
National Convention in Peru
February 19, 2008 - World Missions DepartmentCategories: Womens Missionary Band, World Missions Department
On the evening of February 1, 2008 Leonardo Luna, National Overseer of Peru, opened the National Convention. During the seven hour drive from Lima to the city of Chimbote, where the convention was being held, there was great excitement and anticipation for what the Lord was going to do. There was a thirty-two hour bus trip which had to be endured by some so that they might enjoy the fellowship and good Spirit of God. The nearly one hundred fifty registered participants were not disappointed as a great outpouring of the Spirit filled the small church building.
God moved freely in the midst of the congregation as many sang, shouted, and worshiped with simple humbleness and sincerity. Brother Luna encouraged the membership in song and edifying words from the pulpit. It was clear that the membership of Peru was excited for what was in store for them in this new year. There were even testimonies by some who were there as visitors about being anxious to return to their home church so they might tell the others about The Church of God. There was one who couldn’t wait any longer and the doors of the Church were opened to accept this precious sheep to the Fold.
God is doing great things in the nation of Peru. Continue to keep this country in your prayers along with the Overseer who has recently moved his family to Lima.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Blessed Convention in Argentina
February 19, 2008 - World Missions DepartmentCategories: Womens Missionary Band, World Missions Department
The following report was submitted by David Coronel, National Overseer of Argentina.
God bless you from Argentina. It is my desire to report to you that the fourteenth National Convention of The Church of God in Argentina was held in Buenos Aires, Argentina with success for the glory of God. We are pleased to report that two hundred delegates attended the convention from throughout the country. Healings, sanctification, reconciliation, and salvation were reported experiences by those in attendance. Thanks be unto God!
The motton of the convention was taken from Zephanian 3:16, "Fear thou not: and to Zion, let not thine hands be slack." The national auxiliary secretaries were a blessing to the Body of Christ and the friends of The Church of God in Argentina.
We are grateful to God and to the International Offices in Cleveland, TN for the help offered to help to have the National Convention in Argentina. From all the saints in Argentina, we extend a sincere thank you. We are praying for our General Overseer, Stephen Smith, and our other officials at General Headquarters. May God continue to bless each of you.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Nicaragua Holds National Convention
February 19, 2008 - World Missions DepartmentCategories: Womens Missionary Band, World Missions Department
It was a special privilege to attend the National Convention in Nicaragua. Special guests included the General Overseer and General Treasurer, along with Caleb Hernandez (Overseer of Costa Rica and Panama), Manuel Castro (Overseer of Guatemala), and Donaldo Acosta (General Field Secretary and Overseer of Honduras/Belize/El Salvador/Spain). Oscar Pimentel served as interpreter.
National Overseer Saul Delgado Mejia did an outstanding job of moderating the convention. There were several altar calls and outpouring of the Holy Ghost and the members and friends of the Church worshiped the Lord.
The theme of the convention was Striving to Reach Perfection (John 17:20-25). The spirit of unity and perfection flowed freely throughout the services as The Church of God yielded to the Spirit and the Word.
The National Overseer reported that the Convention was attended by 26 pastors, 82 lay-ministers and all the national coordinators. His report also showed there have been 22 saved, 26 sanctified, and 75 baptized with the Holy Ghost. Two were added to the Church during the convention. The building was packed for many sessions, with standing room only at times.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
LPD in North India
January 31, 2008 - BTI DepartmentCategories: Bible Training Institute
January 28th marked the opening of the special training for pastors in North India. With 28 pastors and ministers staying over after the National Convention, National Overseer Paul Sudahkah began the school with prayer, singing and instructions.
Working with two interpreters Bishops Ard and Dupre taught interchangeably throughout two long days to cover the required materials. This didn’t seem to bother the students as they were eager to learn.
Meals were prepared and brought to the conference hall so that time could be conserved. All seemed to enjoy taking these meals together and fellowship was great. The students were eager to get back to work though so dinner and breaks were cut short.
After the school several testified that they had learned a lot that they were not aware of concerning the operation of the Church. The ideas shared concerning how to implement the work in their local churches were a great blessing to them. For some their testimony was, “We may have known about a particular auxiliary or department of the Church but we didn’t realize the many inter-workings that were involved in operating it.”
When tithing was discussed one pastor testified that before he came to the church he didn’t pay tithe. The organization he was with just gave him the funds needed. He was especially thankful for the financial system (tithing in particular) because it has brought him and his local church many blessings.
Another, holding a tract on the Advice to Members and the teachings of the church, testified how that these two tracts transformed his church. He shared that after reading and studying the tracts he was blessed. So, he distributed them to the membership of his church and they were blessed. One problem he had before sharing the Advice to Member tract was members not attending church faithfully. He said, “After sharing this tract with them they were blessed and now the membership and many other people attend church faithfully.
Certificates were given and pictures were taken. A short time of fellowship was enjoyed before all left for their respective homes and local churches. This special LPD School will long be remembered in this part of India.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |