heartland communicator

6
The long steamy days and nights of summer fades into shorter, crisper days, and nature would become a can- vas filled with the wonderful hues of fall. The short sleeve shirts go back into the closet. The night skies were brilliant as the stars sent that familiar code of twinkling light communicating winter’s sleep is coming son. Even the Moonlight is magnified by the sparkling crystals as the frost settles on the tree branches and blades of grass. The quiet hush loudly proclaims the mir- acle of the passing of the harvest season. This new season brought on the transformation of our home as the decorations were rescued from their hiding places. Small pumpkins, silk (and plastic) flowers appear on the table along side of mom’s candles. She always had candles that seemed to radiate warmth, and flick- ered a silent message in their tiny flames — ”Home is good. Home is safe. Love lives here.” Finally, it happened. The air would fill with the aroma of the season. The smell of home-made pies, cookies and cobblers would swirl around you like invisi- ble clouds. As Thanksgiving day drew nearer the wonderfully familiar sights, sounds, and smells would intensify. Thanksgiving eve would be filled with the anticipation of all that would happen the next day—somewhere around late afternoon. Some of the pies and cakes would be cooling. The “makings” of the dressing would be on the cabinet, ready for the morning ritual of preparation for the meal. If anyone had told me that we were a poor family, I would have quickly rebuked them. Who is poor that has family? Honestly, I have to admit now that I never really knew how rich we were. I took for granted the precious privilege being so near to my mother and father. Neither did I value enough the joy of a pleasant, eager to please, little brother. EMBRACE THE SEASON November 2012 “Now He who supplies seed to the sow- er and bread for food will also increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous in every occasion, and through us, your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 REGIONAL COUPLES RETREAT —— February 15-17, 2013 INFORMATION AND APPLICATIONS WILL BE READY IN DECEMBER Team-Up Pictures and Testimonials Article: “Bless The Lord!” Overseer’s Notes: “Embrace the Season Ladies Retreat Pictures & News Important Youth Camp Information Delicious Thanksgiving Recipe In this issue: Communicator Heartland america CHURCH OF GOF OF PROPHECY REGIONAL NEWSLETTER Special Thanksgving Edition Church of God of Prophecy Regional Office PO Box 356 Broken Arrow, OK 74013 www.heartlandcogop.org KANSAS ARKANSAS MISSOURI OKLAHOMA

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Regional Newsletter for the Heartland America Region of the Church of God of Prophecy

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Page 1: Heartland Communicator

The long steamy days and nights of summer fades into

shorter, crisper days, and nature would become a can-

vas filled with the wonderful hues of fall. The short

sleeve shirts go back into the closet. The night skies

were brilliant as the stars sent that familiar code of

twinkling light communicating winter’s sleep is coming

son. Even the Moonlight is magnified by the sparkling

crystals as the frost settles on the tree branches and

blades of grass. The quiet hush loudly proclaims the mir-

acle of the passing of the harvest season.

This new season brought on the transformation of our

home as the decorations were rescued from their hiding

places. Small pumpkins, silk (and plastic) flowers appear

on the table along side of mom’s candles. She always

had candles that seemed to radiate warmth, and flick-

ered a silent message in their tiny flames — ”Home is

good. Home is safe. Love lives here.”

Finally, it happened. The air would fill with the

aroma of the season. The smell of home-made pies,

cookies and cobblers would swirl around you like invisi-

ble clouds.

As Thanksgiving day drew nearer the wonderfully

familiar sights, sounds, and smells would intensify.

Thanksgiving eve would be filled with the anticipation of

all that would happen the next day—somewhere around

late afternoon. Some of the pies and cakes would be

cooling. The “makings” of the dressing would be on the

cabinet, ready for the morning ritual of preparation for

the meal.

If anyone had told me that we were a poor family, I

would have quickly rebuked them. Who is poor that has

family? Honestly, I have to admit now that I never really

knew how rich we were. I took for granted the precious

privilege being so near to my mother and father. Neither

did I value enough the joy of a pleasant, eager to

please, little brother.

EMBRACE

THE SEASON

November 2012

“Now He who supplies seed to the sow-

er and bread for food will also increase

your store of seed and will enlarge the

harvest of your righteousness. You will

be enriched in every way so that you

can be generous in every occasion, and

through us, your generosity will result

in thanksgiving to God.”

2 Corinthians 9:10-11

REGIONAL COUPLES RETREAT —— February 15-17, 2013

INFORMATION AND APPLICATIONS WILL BE READY IN DECEMBER

Team-Up Pictures and Testimonials

Article: “Bless The Lord!”

Overseer’s Notes:

“Embrace the Season

Ladies Retreat Pictures & News

Important Youth Camp Information

Delicious Thanksgiving Recipe

In this issue:

Communicator Heartland america

CHURCH OF GOF OF PROPHECY REGIONAL NEWSLETTER

Special Thanksgving Edition

Church of God of Prophecy Regional Office PO Box 356

Broken Arrow, OK 74013

www.heartlandcogop.org

KANSAS ARKANSAS MISSOURI OKLAHOMA

Page 2: Heartland Communicator

Bless the lord! One afternoon a shopper at the local mall felt the need for a coffee break. She bought herself a little bag of cookies and put them in her shopping bag. She then got in line for coffee, found a place to sit at one of the crowded tables, and then taking the lid off her coffee and tak-ing out a magazine she began to sip her coffee and read. Across the ta-ble from her a man sat reading a newspaper. After a minute or two she reached out and took a cookie. As she did, the man seated across the table reached out and took one too. This put her off, but she did not say anything. A few moments later she took another cookie. Once again the man did so too. Now she was getting a bit upset, but still she did not say anything. After having a cou-ple of sips of coffee she once again took another cookie. So did the man. She was really upset by this -especially since now only one cookie was left. Apparently the man also realized that only one cookie was left. Before she could say anything he took it, broke it in half, offered half to her, and proceeded to eat the other half himself, then smiled at her and, putting the paper under his arm, rose and walked off. Was she steamed! Her coffee break ruined, already thinking ahead of how she would tell this offense to her family, she folded her magazine, opened her shopping bag, and there discovered her own unopened bag of cookies. I like that story - it makes me think about how well God treats me even when I am not treating him well or thinking all that kindly about him. It also makes me think about how, sometimes, I do not really ap-preciate what I have or act like I know where it has come from. There, Moses, after telling the people of Israel how they will pros-per in the promised land that they are about to enter, how, after so many years of slavery and

then of wandering in the wilderness, they will eat their fill, and have fine houses and large herds, and that their silver and gold will multiply, says: Do not say to yourself, "my power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth." But remem-ber the Lord you God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, and as he swearing to you today." Chapter eight of Deuteronomy is really one of my favorite chapters of the Old Testament. It speaks so well of what we all know somewhere in our hearts, but often seem to forget in our actions and our attitudes. It speaks of how everything we have is a gift from God, a gift worked upon by our hands, most cer-tainly; a gift perhaps even enhanced by our own strength, but a gift none-the -less, for God gives us the hands we need, and God gives us the strength we have. Would that we would remember this at all times - it would make our life so much easier, and it would bless everyone around me, and it would bless God. No one likes to be taken for granted - or to see someone that they love taking things for granted. All of us like to be appreciated, all of us like to be thanked, and all of us, I believe, like to see those we love live thankful lives, appreciative lives, so much so that we teach our children this virtue - at our supper tables - during birthday parties - in the middle of visits from their grand-parents - and just about anytime that they are receiving something from someone or asking someone for something. It is a great thing to teach our kids to say please and thank You. it helps them out in this world and it

is a great thing to be appreciat-ed, to be thanked; but as we think with holy and prayerful minds today - as we thank God in our worship service for the har-vest we are all enjoying. Giving thanks blesses the per-son who is thanked and it trans-forms the person who gives thanks. It works the same way everywhere, with everyone, even with God -- when we remember.. When we forget - hard things get harder. When we allow the situa-tion we are in to swallow us up and to swallow all thought of God's power and goodness up; When we begin to think we have earned and deserve all the good things we have, and when we for-get that God is able to help us in the midst of all the bad things that occur, well - life becomes bleaker, and true virtue becomes harder to find. God wants us to celebrate his love. God wants us to give thanks in everything. God doesn't want this because he is greedy for praise, the Lord doesn't want it so that He will feel better about Himself. He wants it because it will bless us and because it will bless the world he has made. He wants us to remember what He has done so that we will not be afraid when we are in need of help, and so that we will not grow arrogant or rude when we are prospering. He wants us to remember and give thanks to him, and to those around us so that our lives will be full of light and hope and so our actions full of tenderness and love. Praise be unto God and thanksgiv-ing for his many blessings!

Page 3: Heartland Communicator

Bless the lord!

Dr. Tim Elmore Founder & President of Growing Leaders

Dr. Larry Acosta

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Hispanic Ministry Center, Urban Youth Workers Institute

Bishop Randall Howard COGOP General Overseer

Bishop Sam Clements North America Presbyter

Maggie Espinosa: “TeamUp was awesome, informative. The speakers were

great! I felt challenged and motivated. The praise and worship was

AWESOME! Lastly the workshops were like no others I have ever attended.”

Crystal Fuller: “TeamUp was very eye

opening and equipping. I was inspired and

motivated to influence the next generation

for the glory of God.”

Mykala Shaver: “The TeamUp Conference was very informational intensive. And, it was information that I

enjoyed a great deal! I was pertinent to what the current cultural needs are today. I am leaving with an

excitement for new ideas, and a sense of renewed strength and purpose within my calling. My spirit is

revived and my drive to “go and do” has increased. Thanks for the opportunity to attend TeamUp.”

Amber Stevens : “The TeamUp Conference was an experience to

be not only remembered, but also implemented as we rise up to

the challenge of making disciples and leaders of our children and

youth. There were many great challenges set before us as lead-

ers. One of my favorite points made at the conference is about

how if an airplane pilot is off course by two degrees, he will

end up at a different location. The challenge was then given for

us to change our leadership

strategies two degrees and we

would see a change in our

ministries.”

Reuben Espinosa:

“I’m so glad I had the

opportunity to attend

TeamUp this year! I

was thoroughly

impressed with the professional-

ism of each speaker. I met some great new friends

from over the country!”

Pastor Robert Shaw: “TeamUp 2012 was GREAT! It is CHALLENGING to rev up the

energy and meet the need of this generation, as well as leadership for each age

group. I must pass this challenge on to my church leadership team.”

Pastor Gerald Vickers:

“I so enjoyed TeamUp!

The lessons, speakers,

and workshops were

outstanding.”

Pastor Jose Bravo: “TeamUp was wonderful this weekend. I have been praying a while on how to improve our services for our people and for those who are going to come. I can say God gave me some answers, so I can say it was a bless-ing to be in the TeamUp Conference.”

Pastor Joe Cook: “At TeamUP we were once more reminded of the importance of ministry

to students. It’s a true pleasure to participate in great events like this one sponsored by

our International Leadership Team. No doubt, we have plenty of work to do. Our job is

great, but our God is greater. Join me in responding to the call to minister to students and

mentor new leaders.”

2012

Page 4: Heartland Communicator

Embrace the season

or in a week, month, or even in a

year have we stopped and gave

thanks to God for the many free-

doms we enjoy because of their

sacrifice?

Yet, through it all, God is still God, and loves us enough

to allow for freedom of choice in matters of life, and

sometimes, death. We have to take heart, and under-

stand in the grand scheme of things, God is still sover-

eign. His rule and reign is sure. Embracing the truth

that God knows best is the best remedy for our anxious

hearts.

Let me encourage you (as I encourage myself) to enjoy

this holiday. Embrace the season. It will embrace

you. Build family build strong traditions that are cen-

tered around recognizing the gift of family, and the gift

of God’s love. I do not think it is strange to compare

the delicious tastes and filling effects of enjoying the

food from the table of Thanksgiving, to a sense of being

full of God’s blessings. The Psalmist says it best, “Oh

taste and see that the Lord is good……”

This year, if you are fortunate enough to sit in a place

surrounded by the sights, sounds, and tastes of the

season, embrace it. Embrace the warmth of the season.

Wrap yourself around the concept of thanking God for

His bounty and blessing. Adana and I hope to have a

precious group around our table this year. I will still

miss mom and dad, but I will remember to be thankful

for what they provided for me as a youth, and as a

young man, and father. We will have one son and his

family with us. One oldest son will actually be in Ger-

many on business. One grandson (Casey) is across the

country in the other direction. Another grandson

(Jorden) will spend Thanksgiving on an Air Force base.

Yet, somehow, I believe as we embrace truth thanks-

giving where we are, and express our thanksgiving, God

will reach across the miles and extend His loving

embrace to those we love right where they are.

God bless you Heartland America. We love you and

embrace you as the family God has given to us for this

season of our lives. May you feel the warmth of the

grace of God as He takes you into His arms this Thanks-

giving season to cherish and celebrate you as His

family.

~ Wayne Pense

Heartland America Regional Overseer

(Continued From Page 1)

The vision is still fresh of a table, set with Mom’s

best china, fancy glasses, and silverware. The family

of four seated at the table transforms over the years

as more family members arrive. From one thanksgiv-

ing to the next Adana joins the family. Then, the

five becomes six as life-loving little boy joins us.

Devin’s smile and the mischievous twinkle of his eyes

made the Thanksgiving table a fun place to be.

The years seem to flash by as the picture changes

around table. Brian, our second son, gave us another

reason to celebrate, as thanks was given around the

table. I could easily continue to reminisce as I

celebrate the season in my heart. Sadly, dad left us

first. I cannot put into words the hush at the table as

the realization of dad’s empty place set in that first

Thanksgiving without him. As life would have it,

more have left us, but others have joined us. Mom

went home to be with the Lord a few years ago, but

not before passing many of her cooking skills on to

Adana. (I am most grateful for that fact!) Grand’s

have joined us. There is no expression of joy that

could be stated when it comes to the wonderful feel-

ing of looking around the traditional Thanksgiving

table, and experiencing the true gratitude of God’s

blessings through family.

I shared all of the above to set the stage for what I

believe actually takes place during the Thanksgiving

season. I do not think I am alone when I say that the

sights, sounds, smells, and the touches of the season

literally wrap themselves around you, as you em-

brace the theme of Thanksgiving. It’s as though God

Himself is reaching down and wrapping His arms of

love and grace around us at the same time. I do not

feel that I am far off by expressing my opinion that

the Heavenly Father feels some sort of gratitude to-

ward us, His own creation. Sadly, that gratitude is

not returned in a proper sense. In fact, ingratitude is

the norm in most places. I am sorry to say that I miss

it too often in that area. I am as guilty as the next

person in focusing on the “problems” rather than the

“blessings” of life.

I feel confident, at least in our country, we have

taken for granted the wonderful gifts sent to us from

the realm of the heavenly. Freedom itself is taken

too lightly these days. It is true, that many of us

have someone in our family that has served in some

form of the military. Some of us have been touched

by the loss of a loved one, or close friend on the

field of battle. Yet, how often in one day,

Embrace the season. It will embrace you.

Page 5: Heartland Communicator

Lake Barkley Ladies Retreat

375 + Ladies enjoyed the final International Ladies Retreat at Lake Barkley Lodge. Sister Cathy Payne did her usual outstanding job in leading this inspirational Ladies Ministry event. All three of our Regional Ladies Re-treat Directors along with our Ladies Ministry

Coordinator were present and partici-pated in the retreat. The ladies celebrated 40 years of Ladies Retreat Ministries in the Church of God of Prophecy. The end of the International Retreats mark the begin-ning of strengthening of state and regional women’s ministry retreats and conferences. Heartland America is especial-ly blessed to have God-Inspired Ladies Ministry Direc-tors. We believe that God is going to continue this power-

ful and effective ministry to women through these leaders and others who will be planning, and executing our state and regional events. Many at the Lake Barkley Retreat express appreciation to Sister Payne for her untiring ministry to women. Eternity will reveal the powerful effects of this great ministry. Heartland America says “THANK YOU!” to

Brother and Sister Payne. You blessed us!

Page 6: Heartland Communicator

The camping ministry

in our states have

been an essential

part of the overall

makeup of the

ministry that has taken place

over many, many years. Even after so

many years, the importance of this ministry keeps

rising among us. It’s not just a tradition. It is

simply a “fun” event. It is not something we do to

fill the calendar. Youth Camp has had an eternal

impact of the lives of thousands among us.

We are issuing a new STAND UP AND BE COUNTED

campaign to emphasize our need to undergird and

strengthen our camping ministries across the

region. We are soliciting and expecting our

Pastors’ participation in camp. We are calling on

parents, and grandparents to STAND UP! Our

children and youth are worth the

investment of our money and our

very lives.

In recent years, in all of our camps,

we have had to begin to rely on a

very young generation for help in

staffing our camps. We do not intend

to turn a deaf ear to these “young

ones” who literally love to work in camp. In fact,

our training efforts will continue to be developed.

The reality is we have placed some very young

people in positions for which they have not been

prepared simply because we lacked older, more

responsible adults to fill those ministry positions.

This trend must came to halt. We, of necessity,

are expecting more of our great moms & dads to

STEP UP! We are sending out challenge to those

among us whose lives were literally transformed

by the ministry that took place at a youth camp,

to GIVE BACK & STAND UP and say, YOU CAN

COUNT ON ME!

We are the commissioning

a total revision to all of

youth camp operating

manuals. In fact, we are

going to have a operations

manual that will be

common for all our

camping ministries. It will include

sections that focus on specifics of each of camp

sites. It will contain the basic information and

expectations for the successful operation of our

camping ministries.

Another area of emphasis is on Camp Staff

Training. All those working in our camps going

forward will be required to participate in one

of the forms of training that will be offered.

Our new camp operations manual will contain

basic training and staff expectations content.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: CAMP STAFF

TRAINING EVENT— MAY 1-2, 2013

On a Friday evening, and Saturday we will

meet at our Church in Broken Arrow,

Oklahoma (Hope Church). We fully understand

that not everyone that plans to work in camp

will able to travel to the actual site of these

staff training sessions. Being there in person,

of course, would be best. However, in order

to meet everyone’s scheduling challenges, we

are going to stream the training LIVE over the

Internet. We will also be video taping all of

the sessions. Much of the lesson content in the

actual training session will

be available for individual

study.

We are issuing this

c h a l l e n g e t o a l l

prospecting Youth Camp

Workers and Staff……..

VALUE OUR YOUTH

ENOUGH TO:

Get your vacation dates adjusted to allow you

to work in one or MORE of our Youth Camps!

STAND UP!

BE COUNTED! MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Stand up! Be counted!

V.I.P. YOUTH CAMP DATES

Regional Camp Staff Training May 3-4 Arkansas Camps: Senior June 3-8 Jr/Intermediate June 8-12 KS/Missouri Camps: Kids Camp (West) June 7-9 Kids Camp (East) June 30-July 3 Intermediate/Sr. July 4-3-7 Oklahoma Camps: Senior June 3-8 Intermediate June 10-15 Junior June 15-19