From the Overseer’s Desk

“The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.”
(Psalm 126:3)

It is to God we give the glory for a wonderful National Convention in July. Every programme and message was anointed and it was evident that all had sought the Lord before coming to the Convention. Our General Headquarters representative, Bishop Ray D. Dupre was also a great blessing as he opened up the scriptures to us and revealed the deep and hidden things of God.

Brother Rikki Prince and Brother Jason Prince are to be commended for a wonderful Family Camp with a record breaking attendance. The classes were excellent, the worship very uplifting and the fellowship amongst all who attended was wonderful.

I was privileged to again attend International Youth Camp and the General Assembly of The Church of God in August. Although Hurricane Irene was wreaking havoc along the east coast of the USA including North Carolina where we were based, thank God we were not affected. God protected His people and we enjoyed glorious power packed sessions at both events. The Church of God is going on to perfection and is nearer to her goal than many believe. Some people only see and talk about the imperfections that are observable; but how much of the real perfection can we see? God revealed to me some years ago that there is a Church within the Church, and the Scripture declares: “…The Lord knoweth them that are his.” (2 Timothy 2:19)

Let us do all that we can while we can for the night cometh when no man can work (cited from St. John 9:4). Only what we do for the Lord will count for eternity. Let us be like the wise servants that Jesus told us of who used their talents for God’s glory and not like the wicked and slothful servant who hid his talent. “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.” (St. Matthew 25:14-19)

The consequences of their respective actions can be found in St. Matthew 25 verses 20 to 30.

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CPMA/BTI BOOST

Stuart Brown - National CPMA/BTI Co-ordinator

The new general Church of Prophecy Marker Association theme for the assembly year 2011-2012 is:

‘Unity of Purpose - Having the Same Mind’

(1 Corinthians 1:10)

The new general Bible Training Institute theme for the assembly year 2011-2012 is:

‘Doers of the Word’

(James 1:22)

More than…

Greetings to all from the C.P.M.A. and B.T.I departments! I trust you are still striving to be who God wants you to be and trusting that He who begun the work is able to complete it in you.

I give praise to God for being good and faithful to me! We should not fail to acknowledge our God or testify of who He is and give Him thanks for all He has done, is doing and will do! So this phrase comes to me: “MORE THAN” and I’m not making reference to an insurance company! This phrase carries a lot of importance to the child of God and The Church of God. To put this into context, the Bible says in Proverbs 16:25:

“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

This shows us how unstable man’s judgement is and how limited we are! This humbling truth should cause us to pay attention, take head and obey “the only wise God our saviour...” Jude verse 25).

The Scribes and the Pharisees had a problem in that they thought they were righteous but Jesus rebuked them for their hypocrisy. Alongside this, Jesus left an admonition that “except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and the Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (St. Matthew 5:20)

Being a true follower of Jesus and a member of His Church is more than just an outward show. It is more than what is said by the mouth so that others can hear.

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It has to be THE REAL DEAL! Holy living is more than what any individual feels is acceptable or right. It is what God says in His Word is reasonable and acceptable.

To enter the kingdom of Heaven, we must be eligible and that needs to happen here and now! Too many in this world feel right in their own eyes and feel that the things they do are enough for God. The same “Pharisee” mindset is around today and the admonition still stands for all those who mean to be true to Jesus. Our righteousness, the standard of our lives, our devotion and observance of the truth has to be more than those who are just professing! The Only Wise God has given His Church the truth and the tools to help us make it into Heaven. True to her nature, we must maintain clearly God’s expectation for her and whatever He instructs us to do, we must obey.

Let us not take the doctrine and advice given to the Church by the Holy Ghost and bounce them off human understanding and reasoning and what seems right in man’s eyes. History has shown the devastating results of doing that, but let the perfect will and instruction of God have free course amongst His people. We have also seen the blessings that come with compliance to God’s will.

Great, glorious and powerful times are before us if we will just let the Lord have complete control. How do we get there?:

“…love him (God) with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”

(St. Mark 12:33)

God bless you.

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EVANGELISM BOOST

Jason Prince - National Evangelism Co-ordinator

The new general Evangelism theme for the assembly year 2011-2012 is:

‘Holy Ghost Revival’

The FINAL Piece

God has many people that He can depend on to do His work. The patriots Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (to name a few of God’s servants) were used on His programme. Jesus also has many people He can depend on to continue His Father’s will. He could rely on His disciples, the Apostle Paul, and Stephen (to name a few). God’s work remains today and the labouring has fallen to US who are here in 2011 – The Church of God. We are a continuation of that same work that was started by God with the children of Israel who were the Church in the wilderness. It was in God’s final plan that His people, Israel would receive Him not, and that we would find salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. God desires us to live according to His will and practice all of His teachings.

Here is the question: Why are you alive, saved by grace, and a member of The Church of God in 2011? There must be a purpose! You would not pay a lot of money for something to just leave it on the shelf, would you? Who is able to say how much Christ paid for each and every one of us? Was His reason for purchasing us just so that we could go to church on a Sunday and mid-week service?

Before Christ came to this earth, many men and women stood strong being on God’s side. They did what they could by following God, and wanting to be righteous. This was prior to salvation (think of this as the first half).

Hebrews 11:32-40 states: “And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

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They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.”

These accounts of our blessed brethren are amazing. There are some things listed here in the Scripture that we have never seen or experienced as declared in verse 37: “They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented.”

This is truly something, but the Scripture says that they did NOT receive the promise. All of these great men and women were all standing for the same thing that we are. They were also on God’s side. How much would they have wanted to see Jesus - as the disciples did, or read about Jesus - as we have the privilege? How much would Jacob have loved to see “…the house of God..?” (Genesis 28:17) We have that promise through salvation. As long as we endure to the end, we will reap the full reward (think about the promise through salvation as the second half).

We are privileged and blessed to be born in the grace dispensation. We have been given a task to:

”Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

(St. Matthew 28:19-20)

From the time God started His plan for man with Adam and Eve, there has been many more pieces added to the puzzle of God’s final plan. Hebrews 11:40 says “…they without us should not be made perfect”. So we that have that promise and plan of salvation need to be ready so that the saints which went through so many things before us can be perfected. However, this does not mean God will continually wait for us to get ready.

In order for His final plan to be perfect, the first half (before Christ) and second half (plan of salvation) BOTH need to be perfect. The second half which is the Final Piece needs to be perfect. As we know Jesus WILL have a perfect Church without spot or wrinkle. We also know that God does not fail, so in the end the second half WILL be perfect. There is no other way.

What involvement do you choose to have in it? God is depending on us to bring people to Him by being witnesses and living a life to be an example to even just one soul. The Final Piece will soon have finished its mission and The Church will be raptured away. Will you have contributed to the work of the Final Piece?

So here is that question: What is your purpose to be alive in 2011? Tell someone about God. Tell someone about the goodness of God. Tell someone your personal testimony. Do not let being a witness bring fear as the devil will want to do. REMEMBER, the Captain of this Ship said “…I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (St. Matthew 28:20)

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VICTORY LEADERS BAND BOOST

The general Victory Leaders Band theme for the assembly year 2010-2011 is:

The new general Victory Leaders Band theme for the assembly year 2011-2012 is:

‘Unmoveable, Unshakeable’

(Colossians 2:6-7)

The VLB department has been blessed with yet another sobering theme to focus on throughout the year. ‘Unmoveable, unshakeable’ does not simply mean ‘not moving’ or ‘not shaking’. This would give the false impression of there being a choice in the matter. Unmoveable means ‘unable to move,’ unshakeable means ‘unable to shake.’ This inability to move or shake brethren is exactly what we need to have in these perilous times. We will see, hear and experience many things that will come to unsteady us (many of you may be experiencing them already) but do not be discouraged! The only way you will know whether you are unmoveable is if something comes to move or shake you! How else will you know? The key is for us to make sure that our roots are so far down in God that every effort made by the enemy to dig us up is futile! Youth! Let’s make up our minds not to be pushovers! This theme is urging us to mature spiritually and to have singleness of heart, mind and focus. The Apostle Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 15:58 could not be more fitting:

“Therefore my beloved brethren be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain the Lord.”

I will be sharing more about the theme in future editions of The Chronicle and it will be explored further during your local VLB services. The topic is full of virtue and I would welcome our VLBs to share your thoughts, testimonies and feelings with your leaders and even consider submitting them for inclusion in The Chronicle. We would love to hear from you!

An overview of the plans for the VLB Department 2011-12

Resurrection of our Uniform
There has been a call from General Headquarters for us to bring back our authentic uniform, which is a white blouse/shirt, black skirt/trousers with a red waistcoat. Let us be obedient and unite with our brothers and sisters around the world. If you do not own a red waistcoat, we hope to get a set made in bulk which will be available to buy in time for our youth convention. Please listen out for further details.

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Write a Chorus Competition!
The church is literally bursting with talented musicians, singers, songwriters, poets and creative individuals! Hone that talent into writing a chorus based on our theme! The chorus does not have to have the words ‘unmoveable, unshakeable’ in it but the link between the chorus and the theme must be clear. The submissions will all be professionally recorded with music and vocals and will then be submitted to an independent panel who will judge each chorus based on its relevance to the theme. It can be fast, slow, your choice but bear in mind it will be sung by a whole congregation. That’s right - the winning chorus will be included in the youth convention programme to be sung by everyone! However, there are no ‘losers’ as every submission will be placed on a CD that will be put on sale to raise VLB funds.

Can YOUR local church collect the most 5p pieces?
The smallest coin in our wallets and purses is the tiny, shiny, 5p piece! The VLB department is running a competition between the local churches to see who can collect the most 5p pieces to raise much needed funds. The competition will run until Sunday 25th March 2012 and the winning church will receive a prize during youth convention!

Events to look out for…
We hope to have more regular meetings on a national scale involving all the youth. These meetings will take the form of prayer meetings, Bible studies and social get-togethers. Listen out for dates from your VLB leaders. Please remember that the VLB department is not only for church members. Please, please, please invite a friend along and let us see growth in this department. We hope to have our annual seminar in early 2012 (date to follow) and a tentative date for our youth convention is Easter Saturday (7th April 2012).

May God continue to bless you all as you continue on in your journey with Him. Please pray for this department that we will see growth - not only numerically but in spiritual maturity as we all seek to become unmoveable and unshakeable.

Gleaners Corner

My Testimony

By Tyrell Cobo-Brown aged 6

I have a friend at school called Mason. I told Mason that I am a Christian and he didn’t believe me because he said Christians have the cross on their heads. I told him that they don’t and I am a Christian.

On Friday, I wanted to bring my Bible into school for Golden Time where I could have shown Mason that I am a Christian and children can be Christians too. I forgot to bring my Bible to school, but I am going to bring it next week.

Submitted by Sister Cherelle Brown
Druids Heath Church

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Annual National Convention -
8th to 10th July 2011

It was with great anticipation of good things that the delegates of the 57th Annual National Convention of The Church of God in England gathered at The Church of God, Long Lane.

After a congregational prayer dedicating the Convention into the hand of God, our National Overseer, Philip C. Bennett welcomed all in attendance including our General Headquarters Representative, Bishop Ray D. Dupre. He then declared the Convention opened. The evening’s Scripture was read from St. Matthew 24:32-42.

Pastor Frances Prince preached a sobering message taken from St. Matthew 25:10: “...and the door was shut.” She made reference to the days of Noah and how the door of the ark, a type of the Church was shut on those who rejected the message.

We had a number of visitors with us including Pastor W. Spencer from Calvary Church of God in Christ, who was given the opportunity to greet the Convention. Sister Wilhelmina Brown did a great job moderating the Assembly Band Movement programme. She preached on the general ABM theme, ‘No One Left Behind’ and again made reference to the days of Noah, comparing it to our days. Following the message, an invitation to the altar was given.

Saturday again began with prayer after which the morning’s Scripture was read from 1 Corinthians 15:50-58. This was followed by the Bible and Flag pledges.

The Women’s Missionary Band (WMB) programme was well presented by Sister Claudia Prince. The sisters looked beautiful as they marched around the building dressed in white and wearing their regalias and caps. Sister Claudia preached on the WMB theme, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us,’ encouraging us to make ourselves available to God.

Bishop Dupre preached an outstanding message during which he encouraged us to check our birth certificates to see if we were truly sons of God. After the message, one visitor was heard remarking “Man... that man can preach.”

After a good lunch we again gathered for worship. Brother Stuart Brown led the Church of Prophecy Marker Association and Bible Training Institute programmes. During this programme he showed clips of members from various countries sending their greetings to the members in England.

The business session followed and various reports were presented. A motion was moved to disband the National Finance and Appropriation Committee as its duties were replicated by those of the National Trustees who would comprise the new committee.

Pastor Beverley Anderson preached a message entitled, “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.” She spoke of those who were busy planning for their lives far into the future with little regard to the soon return of our Lord.

Brother Jason Prince conducted the healing service where those needing healing passed through two lines of Ministers while being anointed with oil.

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This included one local lady who was on her way to the shops to purchase meals for her family but felt compelled to come inside. She stayed for a few hours so there may well have been some very hungry people waiting for her when she eventually got home.

Pastor Angela Clarke preached an anointed message entitled “But as the days of Noe were.” She spoke about the many evils in the world today and compared them to how things were in Noah’s days.

The last programme for the day was that of the Victory Leaders Band moderated by Sister Claudine Brown the National VLB Co-ordinator. There was an excitement in the air as the young people marched around the building with their banners and Church of God flags. Sister Claudine encouraged us to be ‘Lovers of the Truth.’ After the message the altar was filled with young people dedicating themselves to the Lord and His service. The reports are that two individuals were sanctified.

The scripture reading on Sunday morning was read from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. After this, the Sunday School programme was directed by Brother Ray Prince. The Sunday School scholars looked grand in their uniforms as they marched around the building. Scholars from the different churches displayed their talents which included singing, playing the clarinet and playing the violin. A special recognition was made to Pastor Frances Prince for her years of service in the Sunday School department.

The team from the church at Long Lane was also announced as the winners of the National Sunday School Challenge that was held in June. Brother Prince preached a good message showing the virtues of bringing up our children in the fear of God and the benefits of going to Sunday School.

Our National Overseer in his annual address encouraged us to be good time keepers and to be faithful in our Church duties. He warned us about the spirit of worldliness and encouraged us to be ready for the Lord’s return. He said we should be careful about how we read the signs of the time. Scriptures used included St. Matthew 24:40-42, 45-51; St. Matthew 17:10-13 and 1 Corinthians 4:2.

The congregation was given the opportunity to greet our General Headquarters Representative and later, the National Overseer.

The final message of the Convention was preached by Bishop Dupre using the topic “Therefore be ye also ready.” This message was a great blessing which is still being discussed by members today. Bishop Dupre opened up our understanding of the two women being the Church (the one taken) and the apostate church (the one left behind).

All too soon it was time for appreciations, announcements and appointments as the Convention was brought to a close by our Overseer. We thank God for His presence with us and look forward to a year of great things.

The total attendance for the Convention was 132 people.

To God be the glory.

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Good and Faithful

These two words will be familiar to anyone who is striving to enter into the kingdom of heaven when Christ returns. Sometimes we dismiss those things that we know so well because we have heard them so many times and we know them ‘like the back of our hands’. However, sometimes those very things need to be revisited and as I prayed this morning, these two words were ringing inside of me.

Both words are adjectives – an adjective, often referred to as a ‘describing word’, is used to qualify or give more information about a noun/object. These two words were used in a renowned parable by Jesus Christ to describe two servants.

The servants who had been good and faithful had to do something in order to have those adjectives used to describe them. We know that, not only because of the account that preceded but also because of the proclamations given by the Lord in the parable: “Well done”, he said. Whatever the servants did, they had done it well and it had qualified their entry into “...the joy of thy lord” (St. Matthew 25:23). This should therefore grab our undivided attention.

’Good’ - a word that we use so very often. What is goodness? What was goodness in the context that the lord (and I am purposely using a small ‘L’ as used in the Bible because the lord was an earthly master) used it? Let us take a look at the servants. They were all given talents - a talent is a sum of gold or silver, a type of currency. The attitude of the servants that were given five and two talents differed from that of the servant that was given one. They did not want the lord to return with them having nothing to show for what they had done. They wanted the lord to see progression, to see that they had taken an interest in working for him. They saw the potential that the lord had placed within them and they used it to yield results. They were righteous because they had done what was right in the sight of their lord. They did not need to be prompted or prodded into action - they worked because of their devotion to their employer. They knew their role. They were servants, employed to serve, employed to work.

“Most men will proclaim everyone his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6) Man knows how to speak well of the things he does, the things he has done, the things he intends to do but the Scripture asks a question. Where amongst those men are the faithful ones? ‘Faithful’ is defined as strict or thorough in the performance of duty, steady in allegiance or affection; loyal; constant. Performance of our duties is not supposed to be on a ‘one off’ basis, God expects consistency and reliability. So, if we were good when we first got saved and now we find ourselves unconcerned about the work of the Lord, where is the faithfulness in that? We cannot enter into the joy of the Lord on an ‘intention to work’ either. The good and faithful servants did not intend to work and then run off a list of unfulfilled ideas when their lord came back. To hear “well done”, we have to DO.

There is something we have to be careful about. The lord in the parable did not give the same amount of talents to each servant. He gave “...to every man according to his several ability...” (St. Matthew 25:15). God has given unto us various characteristics, abilities, talents (in the more common usage of the word) and responsibilities in different measures. We are not to boast in them or be jealous if we did not get them. We are not to complain about how many or how little we have. We are just supposed to work with what we have been given. The servant that was given five did not complain that he had too many and just work with a fraction. He used the whole lot and gained double for his lord. God not only sees what we do, but how we do it. The servant who was given two talents did not get vexed because he did not have five.

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He was given what he could manage and he worked with that. I am praying that the Lord will help me to work with what He has given me. If I do not, I will be held accountable.

We live in a world now that seeks maximum output for zero effort. Machines, gadgets, technology on a whole has moved so far forward that so much can be done ‘at the touch of a button’. I am not criticising all technological advancement, I am highlighting a mentality - we like the easy life. However, as children of God we cannot afford to sit, do nothing and expect everyone else to do the work. If we want the reward of heaven but want to do nothing for God in this life, we run the risk of having these adjectives used to describe us as the servant did in St. Matthew 25:26, 30: ‘wicked’ (evil or sinful), ‘slothful’ (lazy, sluggish) and ‘unprofitable’ (not fruitful or pointless). Our wages will be an eternity in “outer darkness” where “there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth”. (St. Matthew 25:30). Among those doing the weeping and teeth-gnashing will be other wicked, slothful and unprofitable servants. Their mental anguish will deepen when they remember that they were once in the same position as those servants that attained heaven in that they too had been given talents to work upon. The difference is, they chose death and did nothing for the Lord. The servant who received one talent and did nothing tried so hard to justify his actions but his lord was not fooled, or impressed.

Parallels can be made between the ‘one-talent servant’ and the foolish virgins. Indeed both parables are recorded back to back in St. Matthew 25. The foolish virgins were not prepared for the return of the bridegroom and the one-talent servant was not prepared for his lord’s return. Well, he thought he was ready but he was not. Let us not forget that Christ ascended, to descend again one day! Let us also remember that He will have a record on each and every one of us. He will not mistake Janet’s work for Jennifer’s or Jonathan’s work for Joshua’s. He knows us individually and will know better than us whether we have been good AND faithful with what He gave us or not.

But Sister Claud I am not a pastor, I am not a teacher, I do not have any positions in church - how can I work? There is an old chorus which goes… “Live Christian live, live a life of holiness. If you cannot preach you can live, if you cannot teach you can live, you cannot hide from the face of the Lord, you cannot wrong and get right”. Living up to the commandments of God takes WORK! The Bible refers in several places to us ‘working’ righteousness (Psalm 15:2, Isaiah 32:17, Isaiah 64:5, Acts 10:35). Jesus said:

(St. Matthew 19:17)

We are to be faithful in obeying God’s Word and sharing the gospel with others. None of us can say we have absolutely no contact with unsaved. There is space for all of us to work on God’s programme and He has given us the tools to do it. If you do not have a specific position in church, pray for someone that does and make yourself available for God to use. You do not need a ‘position’ to be used of God. We are all servants, whether you get to stand at the rostrum or not!

I am not worried about the Church. She will go on to perfection and achieve everything God has called her to achieve. I do however get concerned that as individuals we are not all pulling in the same direction with the same mentality. How many messages have we heard? How many more will we get to hear before the Lord comes back from His far journey?

Let us ask the Lord to help us do whatever it takes to deserve the description ‘good’ and ‘faithful’. Praise the Lord!

Submitted by Sister Claudine Brown - Long Lane Church

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National Family Camp -
27th-29th July 2011

Wednesday 27th July 2011
Forty five campers arrived at the camp venue in Kidderminster eager to fellowship and worship the Lord. After room allocations we had an ice breaker where we got to know each other better by asking a number of questions.

During our first evening service we experienced wonderful praise and worship and were encouraged to give God more praise. The message was delivered by our National Overseer, who encouraged us on the camp theme “Making God’s Cut.” He mentioned Gideon’s army and how God whittled them down from 32,000 to a mere 300 but He used the 300 to win a great battle.

Thursday 28th July 2011
We had ten day visitors with us throughout the day which boosted our numbers even further. After a good devotion by Brother Patrick Clarke we had separate workshops for men and women. Both sets of workshops looked at the “works of the flesh” after which the men looked at “God’s measuring tools” and the women looked at the topic, “Spiritually out of shape.”

Brother Ray Prince did a wonderful workshop again on the camp theme “Making God’s Cut.” He started off with a definition of the theme with the emphasis on God being the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End (Revelation 22:12-13). He explained that to make God’s cut requires preparation similar to a person attaining a good education to achieve a certain quality of life. Brother Ray also made reference to Gideon’s army reiterating much of what was said in the previous message. He explained that a number of things could cause us to miss the cut and that we had to ask God to perfect us and be willing to let go of the things that would hinder us.

During the evening we had a meeting around the camp fire. Unfortunately, someone forgot the marshmellows! Notwithstanding we had a glorious time with Brother Stuart Brown relishing his role as Chief Fire Officer with the responsibility of keeping the fire blazing.

Friday 29th July 2011
After the morning devotion there was a feedback session and testimonies. Much was said about the friendships that were forged and the fellowship that we shared during our time at camp. This was followed by fun time in the gymnasium which included football, basket ball and the obstacle course where some of the older folks tried to show the younger ones that they didn’t have one foot in the grave...yet!

All too soon it was time for us to depart but some were already planning for a repeat trip next year, if the Lord tarries.

Total attendance including day visitors was 55 people which represented the best ever attendance at one of our camps. Brother Rikki Prince, Brother Jason Prince and their helpers are to be commended for a wonderful Family Camp.

Pastor Philip Bennett - Reporter

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National Ministers’ Convention -
Saturday 12th November 2011

Our National Ministers’ Convention was held at The Church of God, Long Lane, Halesowen. We were privileged to have our General World Missions Co-ordinator Bishop Robert J. Hawkins, Jr. and his wife, Sister Malissa Hawkins with us at our Convention.

Our National Overseer, Pastor Philip Bennett opened the Convention by welcoming everyone to the event. The theme of the Convention was taken from St. John 9:4: “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day...”

After a scripture reading from St. John 9:1-7 we dedicated the Convention to God with a concert prayer. Each national auxiliary co-ordinator did a grand job in promoting their auxiliaries. The Assembly Band Movement (ABM) Co-ordinator, Sister Wilhelmina Brown boosted the general ABM theme: “One Goal” and encouraged the Band Leaders to be faithful even when dealing with difficult members.

The National Victory Leaders Band Co-ordinator, Sister Claudine Brown spoke on the general VLB theme: “Unmoveable, Unshakeable.” She gave an account of a tree stump in her uncle’s garden which refused to be uprooted, despite the effort of various family members with tools including a pick axe and a chainsaw. Sister Claudine encouraged us to be like the stump which was ‘unmoveable’.

A National Family Camp boost was given by Brother Rikki Prince and Brother Jason Prince. They spoke of the unity and fellowship experienced at Camp in July 2011 and encouraged as many as possible to attend.

The Sunday School boost by Brother Ray Prince, National Co-ordinator was based on the general theme: “Walk in the Light.” He stated that Sunday School was for every member and spoke of the blessings from the recent lessons we had been studying.

The Pastors encouraged us to work and be faithful, emphasising that there is a work for every member and there should be no unemployed members in the Church, as the “...fields are white already to harvest”. (St. John 4:35)

This was followed by a message from Bishop Hawkins. He spoke on unity and oneness, emphasising the great work that can be accomplished when we are united. Scriptures used included Ecclesiastes 4:9. Bishop Hawkins stated that we needed one another and when we are together, the anointing would flow.

In the afternoon session we had the Church of Prophecy Marker Association and Bible Training Institute boosts by Brother Stuart Brown, National Co-ordinator. He spoke on the general themes: “Unity of Purpose - Having the Same Mind” for CPMA and “Doers of the Word” for BTI. We were encouraged to study and learn everything we can about the identity and nature of the Church.

Brother Jason Prince, National Evangelism Co-ordinator gave a boost for the Evangelism department. The general Evangelism theme is “Holy Ghost Revival”. He outlined his desire to go to areas that we had not gone into before to bring the gospel and the Church to a lost world. Scriptures used included: St. Luke 4:40 and St. Mark 6.

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The Women’s Missionary Band’s boost, based on the general theme “Always Abounding” was presented by Sister Debra Browne, as Sister Claudia Prince, the National WMB Co-ordinator was not able to attend. Again we were encouraged to work with reference to 1 Corinthians 15:58.

Our National Overseer spoke on the Convention theme, encouraging us to work while we have the day. Scriptures used included: St. Matthew 9:35-38, Jeremiah 12:5 and Acts 19:13-20. He made reference to Gideon’s army and how God whittled them down from 32,000 men to 300, but won the battle with these men who ‘made the cut.’

Throughout the day we had outstanding singing by groups from the churches in Long Lane, Druids Heath and the National Choir directed by Sister Jacqueline Davis.

During the altar call, one member was baptised with the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking with tongues. To God be the glory for His presence with us throughout the Convention.

On Saturday 11th June 2011 we had our National Sunday School Challenge event. This was held at the local church in Druids Heath, Birmingham.

For months, teams from the local churches had been studying and preparing themselves for questions based on the Sunday School auxiliary. The compere for the evening was none other than Brother Ray Prince, our National Sunday School Co-ordinator; all dressed up in his 1970’s attire. Brother Stuart Brown ensured that the technical side of things ran smoothly.

Areas of questioning included: Sunday School history, past Sunday School lessons, a ‘guess who’ round of church personnel and a ‘name that tune’ round.

All of the local churches were represented and questions were answered eagerly. There was a very competitive spirit as all the teams were clearly in the event to win.

The team from Long Lane Church were unveiled as the winners during the Sunday School programme at our National Convention in July 2011.

Brother Ray and all his staff who met regularly to plan and organise the event are to be commended for a wonderful event.

Submitted by Pastor Philip Bennett
Long Lane Church

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What’s happening in

Druids Heath Church?

The Power of Prayer

On Wednesday 24thAugust 2011, one of our members felt unwell during our midweek prayer meeting. The members who were present gathered around and prayed earnestly for God to intervene. Soon after, the Spirit of God manifested Himself in a mighty way and His presence could be felt.

We thank God for hearing prayer! Our beloved member who was sick started to recover during the meeting; and was able to rejoice in God and encourage the brethren through a testimony. To God be the glory!

On Friday 26th of August 2011, we had a wonderful ABM meeting for the sisters. The theme was “Living Holy” and we looked at the life of king Hezekiah in 2 Kings 20:1-7.

We learnt that Hezekiah could beseech Almighty God and ask for his supplications to be granted because he lived a righteous life before Him. We today can have the same confidence if we live according to God’s commandments. We also looked at Titus 2:12 and were encouraged to live “...soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world”.

We thank the Lord for being with us and that He answers prayer. Praise the Lord!

Sister Koreen Wilson - Reporter

What’s happening in

Handsworth Church?

Prayer by Phone

On Sunday 11th September the church in Handsworth prayed for the safe protection of Brother Randy Date as he prepared to go to Afghanistan for the next 6 months.

At the end of our mission service, Pastor Anderson made contact by telephone to Brother Randy and his family in Ireland. With the help of modern technology, the church was able to sing and pray with the family by telephone.

Through the telephone’s speaker facility Brother Date gave his testimony. He requested the church to pray for him whilst he was out in Afghanistan and for his family whom he was leaving behind.

The church in Handsworth and family in Ireland sung ‘All the way my Saviour leads me’ and then had congregational prayer. We could feel the Spirit of God as He made Himself present. It was a very moving occasion.

Please help us to pray for Brother Date and family for God’s divine protection.

Pastor Beverley Anderson – Reporter

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What’s happening in

London Church?

The church in London celebrated with Brother Will and Sister Ashley Melton as they welcomed the birth of their beautiful son Avery Axle into the world. Avery was born on 13th August 2011 and his grandparents, Brother and Sister Mack from The Church of God, Vidor, Texas were present for his dedication to God in October 2011.

We had a church concert in October 2011 and a wonderful time in the Lord was had by all. Brethren and friends from the local area, The Church of God in Birmingham and Texas were present and we had a good time of fellowship and singing for the Lord.

We thank the Lord for all He is doing for us. Please continue to pray for the work in London.

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