Heritage Day was observed in conjunction with the closing exercises of the 2012 term of Bible Training Institute of The Church of God with international headquarters on Tillie Drive, off Urbane.

General Overseer Stephen E. Smith began the special service with greetings. 

BTI’s director, Ray D. Dupre, welcomed the visitors and families and offered prayer and Scripture reading. The Bible pledge was given by the first-term class and the flag pledge was given by the second-term class.

The four classes of BTI each gave a presentation on the June 9 program. 

The Leadership Pastoral Development class gave a slide presentation showing a brief history of A.J. Tomlinson. 

The first-term class did a brief history of the church into and out of the dark ages. 

The second-term class gave a pictorial presentation of the place of “Arise, Shine ...” 

The third-term class concluded the presentations showing the role in future church prophecy.

After congregational singing by Allene Cox, James Horne, the overseer of Alabama, gave the co...

The enrollment of Bible Training Institute stepped up to more than 100 students as the second week of training took place at The Church of God, headquarters on Urbane Road.

BTI director Ray Dupre is most thrilled with what is happening in the classrooms. This year’s school boasts a majority of young people, who are anxious to learn as they prepare for service in the church.

On Tuesday, Dupre said “the move of the Spirit (in the second-term class) lasted for more than seven hours and spread across all four terms. Three testified of being filled with the Holy Ghost.

The teacher of the 25-member class, Freddy Crumley, said the praying had been going on when he got to the class and the students skipped lunch to stay and pray. 

Chris Clarkson, a third term student, found his way to the classroom and talked about the revival which was happening in BTI. “God is saying, ‘Shake thyself ... encourage yourself in the Lord.’”

Dustin Hays, the international youth director, talked about Paul’s prayer concerning the ‘t...

One hundred students from 17 states — Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia — were present for the opening of The Church of God’s Bible Training Institute on May 27.

Ray D. Dupre is the director and James Cox is the school principal.

General Overseer Stephen Smith gave the opening welcome to the students coming in to Cleveland for the two-week sessions. Past directors Herman Ard and David Risch also greeted the students.

Allene Cox is the coordinator for the morning devotions. First term instructors are Jackie Zimmerman, Buford Gerald Cox, Connie Wilson, Paul Horton and Smith.

Second-term instructors include Brian O’Dell, Robert F. Strong, Freddy Crumley, Georgia Williams and Connie Wilson.

Third-term instructors are James Cox, E...

The commencement program for Bible Training Institute blended with the Heritage Day program on June 11 at The Church of God on Tillie Road.

Stephen Smith is General Overseer of The Church of God and Ray D. Dupre is BTI Director.

Thirty-one students comprised of ministers, laymen, and other church leaders marched to receive their diplomas after completion of three terms. The BTI choir directed by Janet Talley presented special songs on the program.

The Heritage part of the program presented the history of the church auxiliaries from directors: Jackie Zimmerman (Assembly Band Movement); Dustin Hays (Youth); Robert F. Strong (Sunday school); Betty Bishop (Missions); and Melvin Byers Jr. (Church of Prophecy Marker Association).

Dupre recognized the 29 staff members before delivering his address and challenge to the graduating class. He said he wanted to "speak my heart," as he expressed his desire to encourage the students...

Another very successful school has closed with 31 students graduating. A total of 115 in all attended and enjoyed the blessing and inspiration of the Lord. Holy Ghost outpourings erupted in various classes during these two special weeks. Students were sanctified and baptized with the Holy Ghost. Some acknowledged having received a special calling. Oh, how we praise the Lord for His attention to this year's BTI!

The broadcasting of morning devotions actually was heard around the world. The report from the Church's website revealed that 71 countries representing 6 continents enjoyed these devotions. Forty-six states in the United States reported being blessed also.

One of our instructors, Robert J. Hawkins, World Mission Coordinator, surprised and blessed his students by bringing the mission field into the classroom. Via Skype (a means of video conferencing) Brother Ray Jones from Turkey was visited. Also our missionaries Brother and Sister Powell and National Overseer Choe from South Korea were visited...

From across the country, students gathered last week for the two-week session of Bible Training Institute at The Church of God General Headquarters off Urbane Road.

Although part of the local church building was destroyed by April's severe weather, nothing hindered the preparations for the annual Bible school.

Finding housing for the 115 students proved difficult, since motels had to cancel reservations in order to take care of tornado victims. But the church knew that first priority needed to be for the area residents who had suffered such losses. And everyone who came from some 19 states found a place to stay.

Breakfast and lunch were provided each day for the students.

Courses and workshops were offered to first-, second- and third-term students, along with Leadership & Pastoral Development classes for those who had graduated previously.

The Rev...

September 22-25, 2010 will be fondly remembered by The Church of God in Mexico. With more than 50 people in attendance the first LPD School in this country began. After traveling all day by air and bus General BTI Director, Ray D. Dupre, National Overseer, Jose G. Bañuelos and General Headquarters translator Oscar Pimentel arrived for the opening service and greeted all present. During this service a media presentation of Church History reminded us of past faithful church leaders and inspired all to strive for that same faithfulness.

Serving as school coordinator Erika Mastranzo Rodriquez efficiently prepared for every facet of the school. She was a great blessing and this could be felt by all as she arranged for our stay in Puebla, organized for the meals (Breakfast and Lunch), morning devotions, registration and graduation. Because of her thoughtful preparation for graduation not only were Certificates given to the students but also DVDs of the Church History presented in the opening service, a Church flag pi...

At Bible Training Institute, we are experiencing the awe-inspiring presence of God as never before. The sweet spirit of the Holy Ghost is saturating the classes, prayer meetings, devotions, and services. The students and staff are strengthened and refreshed continually by the presence of the Lord. There have been three young men filled with the Holy Ghost, and we have not yet begun our weekend services. Not only is God blessing us with His presence, but He has granted us a record-breaking attendance. We thank God for the 109 students from 18 states who He enabled to be here this year. The following is a listing of the states represented here at Bible Training Institute:

• Arkansas had 22 students.
• Tennessee had 19 students.
• Alabama had 16 students.
• Virginia had 12 students.
• Georgia had 8 students.
• North Carolina had 8 students.
• New Mexico had 4 students.
• Arizona had 3 students.
• Montana had 3 students.
• Texas had 3 students...

Everyone is invited to come and join The Church of God for Bible Training Institute 2010 in Cleveland, TN!

This year's Bible Training Institute will convene on May 30 and will conclude on June 12 in conjunction with Heritage Day. Excitement is running high and you won't want to miss it. Tuition for Terms 1 through 3 is $45 and the Leadership and Pastoral Development class is $60. Students are responsible for their own transportation, food and lodging. You can expect inspiring classes, power-packed evening services and wonderful fellowship with old friends, as well as making many new friends.

Follow the link to print off your BTI application. Send it in as soon as possible so we can make proper preparation for all the students. Applications are also available in the March edition of The Evening Light

Arriving in Caracas, Venezuela Thursday about noon the 11th of February we were met by National Overseer José Salazar who transported us to Valencia the city where Convention and BTI would be conducted. Convention began on Friday night with much rejoicing and wonderful spiritual worship. After special singing and boosts from the CPMA and BTI National Coordinators Bishop Herman Ard ministered to the Convention from the subject "Led By The Spirit" in conjunction with the theme Not By Might, Nor By Power, But By My Spirit, Saith the Lord of Hosts. What a blessing he was to the Convention.

The BTI course The Church the Body of Christ began Saturday Morning and continued each day from 8 am to 3:45 pm with two breaks and a lunch being served. There were 38 students who registered and completed the course study. Testimonies of being blessed and coming to a clearer understanding of the Church the Bride of Christ was expressed by the students.

Saturday night we were back in Convention session...