July 2004
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India - Rev. Evelyn Splain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5
Youth Camp 2004. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16
ARCHIVES
-(Click
here to read previous Mantles)
Please keep us in the loop with new addresses and new e-mail addresses by contacting Brother Wuerch at I.A.O.G.I. (Canada), 1211 Lancaster Street, London, Ontario, N5V 2L4
E-mail: h.wuerch@rogers.com and by contacting Rev Paul McPhail at Box 653, Chatham, Ontario N7M 5K8
E-mail: pmcphail@ciaccess.com
Please be aware that we are having some difficulty getting e-mails to some of you
and we believe it is because of filters you have put on your e-mail accounts.
Rev Harry Wuerch, General Secretary
Independent Assemblies of God
International [Canada]
Rev. H. Wuerch
Dear Fellow Ministers;
I am sitting at the computer to write this bulletin with the window open and I hear the birds singing. I see everything coming to life. What a beautiful time of the year. We have waited for this a long time and it has finally come. ¨It is Spring¨.
As I meditate my mind goes back to the book of Nehemiah 4; 6; ¨So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof; for the people had a mind to work¨. I trust that all of us are experiencing a time of spring and of working. This is a time when we are seeing everything coming to life. As I look into this scripture I find that this experience of working and building the wall only happened because of a godly leadership. Nehemiah took the burden that God had given to him and conveyed this to the people that gathered around him.
Today we will only see the wall built when we allow God to impart his burden into our spirit, and we in turn impact others around us. This will not happen unless we are willing to hear what God is saying in this day and open our hearts to hear, and then allowing the Lord to change anything that would stand in the way to hinder what the Lord wants to do. I believe that the Lord is waiting for leaders to prepare His church for a great harvest. This will truly be spring time in the church.
Life in the spirit is what God is wanting for His church. May we all as ministers flow together in the Lord, be united as one in the spirit of unity and cause the spirit of darkness to flee as we flow together as one.
May the Lord bless each of you is my prayer.
H. Wuerch
General Secretary
Independent Assemblies of God International [Canada]
E-mail: h.wuerch@rogers.com
NATIONAL CONVENTION QUEBEC
We met together in Granby, Quebec for the National Convention May 3-6th, 2004. The convention was very well attended each night, at the Granbyen Hotel. Meeting together is always refreshing.
The guest speaker Rev Andrew Shearman from Scottsdale, Arizona spoke under the anointing each night and was a blessing to us. He was born in England in 1944, and is very dynamic in his apostolic and prophetic giftings, yet a humble servant of the Lord. He travels extensively around the world, ministering in conferences. His input into the lives of many has inspired them to fulfill their destiny in Christ. There are tapes available of each of the services.
The music supplied by the French brethren was outstanding as we worshipped and praise the Lord each night. Wednesday afternoon was a special ladies service. It was very well attended and we had communion together.
The morning prayer services and morning services were well attended. The Lord spoke to us in prophesy in many services.
Brother Harry Wuerch, General Secretary gave greetings and spoke several words of exhortation throughout the convention which were a great blessing to our hearts.
The final service Thursday evening we had communion together and we rejoiced in the goodness of God. We were renewed in this convention and felt God moving us into a new place with Him.
National Convention
May 2-5th, 2005
Toronto, Ontario
Ebenezer Revival Tabernacle
1228 Birchmount Rd. in Scarborough, Ontario.
Chair: Rev Eric Lang
Tel (905) 683-1404
Fax (905) 683-0809
INDIA
"The King's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water. He turns it whither soever He will." Proverbs 21:1
The sudden turn of events in the Political Scene in India's recent election, took even the Congress Party by surprise, it seemed.It would appear to be a very unlikely outcome that the strong ruling Hindu Coalition could have so dramatically collapsed as it did. The Hindu ruling power seemed to cater primarily to the urban middle class, boasting themselves in the strides made in bringing in the technical advantages like Internet and cell phones, etc.
Pray for the people of India for which nearly two thirds of the population live in the villages, in deep poverty, deprived even of the very basic necessities of life.
The situation reminds me of the conditions in Egypt that the Children of Israel were facing in Exodus Chapter 12. God said: "I have seen the afflictions of my people, and heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters, I am come down to deliver them." Similarly, the cries of the oppressed in India and the prayers of His persecuted children have reached into heaven.
Christians have been the object of severe persecutions. All religious freedom has been denied them. Pastors in particular have been targeted. Countless have been imprisoned. Many have been beaten even unto death. To baptize a Hindu who has been converted to Christ is pronounced a "crime punishable by the criminal code." To preach over a loud speaker, the sound of which reaches outside the church building, is forbidden. Foreigners or missionaries are not allowed to preach publicly or even pray aloud, as in a service. Nor are they allowed to visit the villages. This puts a stop to village evangelism. These are some of the problems India's Christians and Pastors have been facing.
With the change of the Political Power a sigh of relief is being expressed by the Christians. When I was in India for three weeks in January and February of this year, I felt the heaviness and sensed the groans at that time. I have not visited personally since the recent change over. But from the letters of a few pastors I hear the expression of a sigh of relief. As one young Pastor wrote: "Our lamentation is going to pass." "Our tribulation will be less."
Let us uphold these faithful brethren who have persevered in spite of all they have suffered. They are zealous to preach the gospel to the lost. The "Lord of the Harvest" wants to bring in a great ingathering of souls. Let us not only uphold these faithful workers in India in our prayers, but let us have part in the End Time Revival in this nation of a billion people by taking on a prayer burden.
Evelyn Splane, Missionary to India,
India for Christ
E-mail: evelynsplane@sympatico.ca
COMPASSION
FUND
Are you a member of the Compassion Fund?
A ministry to the families of Ministers promoted to glory
This is not life insurance,
but a biblical way of ministering to the family in time of need
* * * * * * * * * *
A gift of $10.00 will be collected from participating members
to be given to the named beneficiary of the minister who has died
One time registration fee $10.00
You will be notified by mail
when a member of the Compassion Fund has passed away
For an application write:
Compassion Fund
1211 Lancaster Street
London, Ontario
N5V 2L4
Prevailing Prayer
In order to have an attitude of prevailing prayer, it is first necessary to have a solid foundation of prayer on a personal basis. Once we've obtained this foundation, God can use us in a relationship of corporate prayer with others. Without the foundation of prevailing prayer on a personal and corporate basis, the foundation for revival is weak and will not last long once the building begins and the enemy begins to launch his attack. Our foundations must be in place before the building begins. Our first and foremost foundation must be in the Lord through prayer. Beyond that we must create foundations with our spouse, family and colleagues. Entering into prevailing prayer requires tenacity, aggressiveness and an unwillingness to yield to whatever pressure or challenge tried to divert your attention from the task at hand.
An example of a person whose prayer was birthed out of desperation and passion is Hannah. The first chapter of 1 Samuel tells us of the life of Hannah and teaches us that desperation leads to conception. We are told in this chapter that Hannah and her husband Elkanah, and his other wife Peninnah, went Yearly to worship and sacrifice to the Lord in Shiloh. Hannah was barren and she was constantly reminded of her barrenness by Peninnah. But Hannah remained a model of tenacity and prevailing prayer as she was provoked and irritated by her rival. She wept and prayed in bitterness of soul. (1 Sam 1:10) She reminds us of Job. (Job 7:11) "Therefore I will not keep silent; I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit, I will complain in the bitterness of my soul." All this can be termed as desperation.
Hannah's example is a model for the church today. God has given to the church His authority and His commission to speak His word of salvation and destiny into the world. But so often when we are faced with the complexity and perplexity of society, we are ready to give up and operate from the position of mediocrity. Hannah would have none of this. In the person of Peninnah we see that God often allows us to experience certain circumstances in order to provoke and irritate us into prevailing prayer. For example, we often become annoyed with politics, education, the economy, health care and even life in the church. These and other life experiences can be the very catalysts that God uses to provoke us into desperate prayer.
For Hannah it did matter to her that she had no children. It should also matter to the church that our cities and nation are in the clutches of the enemy of God's people. It is our responsibility to take back the land from the influence of the enemy through desperate and passionate prayer. Then we will be able to enter into the land and inherit our destiny.
When people are desperate they face their weakness and also their impossibilities. (Isaiah 62:6-7) "I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem, they shall never hold their peace day or night. You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent, and give Him no rest till He establishes and till He makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth." God invites us to give Him no rest until He establishes the fullness of His purpose in our midst.
Prevailing prayer requires a desperate willingness by the people of God to dislodge their personal comfort. It requires praying with such passion that our convenience is inconvenienced for His sake. If we are willing to have our comfort zones discomforted and our convenience inconvenienced, then we will experience a new release of passion. Then having this passion it will fuel aggressiveness and expectation in a way we've never experienced before. We must keep our prayer lives fueled because complacency and contentment are dangerous assaults upon prayer.
It is time to pray with greater perseverance than ever before. Persevering prayer makes us willing to pay the price no matter what it takes. Persevering prayer is like engaging that extra gear found on a four-wheel-drive vehicle. It means fasting, obtaining additional prayer support, and it may also include adding praise and worship to your prayer time since the darkest hour is always before dawn. It means engaging prayer in the method of Isaiah 50:7 - " Because the sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame."
Richard Wuerch
rswuerch@jet2.net
The Chief Cornerstone Tabernacle of Praise
On April 30, 2003, God blessed us with a place where we are now meeting for church. This is part of a condominium complex (we own just over 6,000 sq. ft.)
Our ministry started the first Sunday of 1980. Prior to owning our own place we were meeting in our home, just my family and I. As we grew, we gradually moved into a public school. When we no longer had enough money to pay the rent, we gave it up that location. We were then given facilities in one of the community colleges. Growth was quite slow. After about two years we were asked to leave. We had space in a local motel, but not long after, it was closed down. Then we went to another motel. However, it was not at all suitable. We went to a Catholic School which was at a very good location. We had great services. Many came, but few stayed.
It was our goal to have a place of our own. We worked hard to raise funds, but the profits of all that we did were small. One day God spoke to my heart and said, 'I can't bless the work in the school. I need a place of habitation.' He put it into my spirit to ask the people for an interest free loan for at least 3 years. Our people began to respond, some voluntarily cashing in their RRSP's to come up with the money. The people really had a 'mind to work'. With God's help, we came up with 40% of the cost, and the bank gave us a loan for the other 60%. God gave us favour in different ways throughout our course. Now, our current Sanctuary can seat about 200 people, there are 4 washrooms, 4 offices, a fellowship area, and a kitchen.
On Saturday, November 23, 2003 Bro. & Sis. Wuerch officiated at our dedication service. It was an electrifying time. We are very thankful to God for granting us His favour.
Pastor Lloyd E. Linton
The Chief Cornerstone Tabernacle of Praise
12 Steinway Blvd., Unit #24
Etobicoke, Ontario M9W 6M5
E-mail: debs-linton@rogers.com
RICHARD BROCHU, HAITI AND DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MISSIONARY
May our heavenly Father bless each one of you and your families and Ministries.
It is a very challenging year on the Mission field with the unrest in Haiti, the inflation rate in Dominican Republic, social problems, violence, families problems, drugs, prostitution, Aids. We praise the Lord for been able to serve him in this part of the world.
In January I was able to travel to Cuba, and work along side the Cuban ministers for three weeks and encourage them and strengthen the church. We had over 40 Pastors at the conference and what a joy to see the work of the Lord in their lives. The word came on integrity, accountability, responsibility in the ministry.
We were able to bring a small love offering from the Center to the Cuban kids from the Dominican children. The Cubans were so touched that in return they raised over $40.00 U.S. for a mission offering for the Dominican and Haitian people. They only make $5.00 U.S. per month, what a blessing it was to see them share the very little they have with others.
February and March were also very busy working with the children at the Center, we have over 75 to 100 children coming to our doors daily. The purpose of the Center is to share the Good News of the Gospel, and provide literacy classes. We use the center for community activities like talks on violence in the family and sexual orientation the Lord's way. We will have over 25 children graduating this June 12 in only 6 months that know how to read the word of our Lord what a miracle. The Lord is using the local youth to be able to bless other children, that is the Christian meaning of love one another.
In April I was able to lead a team of youth to the border of Haiti and Dominican Republic but because of the violence was not able to enter Haiti but we shared our faith with the local people ,with dramas, testimonies, prayers for the nations. This outreach was in the Batais Haitian villages. We had three that gave their lives to Jesus, and were directed to the local assemblies. The youth group came back rejoicing and praising the Lord for his faithfulness.
In May I was able to visit Canada and met many of you for the first time at the Granby national conference. I thank God that I was able to share the vision and what God has called us to in the work in his kingdom.
Please we are asking for your prayers and support for the Dominican and Haiti that have been hit with great floods over 2,000 have died. The Lord has called us to work among the poor of these countries and support the local Pastors. We also have sponsorship for children in the Dominican Republic, missionary workers and Haitian and Cuban Pastors and for only $25.00 Canadian per month you could make a great difference.
Blessings on all of you.
Richard Brochu, Missionary
Ministerio Luz a las Naciones Inc
P.O.Box 225, Essex, Ontario N8M 2Y3
Email: light2thenations@hotmail.co
The Times of the Signs
There is an ancient Chinese proverb that states, "May you live in interesting times." While this could have been true of other generations it is certainly true of this generation. Christ chided the people of his generation 2 He replied "When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,' 3 and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. Matt 16:2-3 (NIV) I wonder if this generation is better at seeing the signs that denote the times then that generation was?
As a third generation Pentecostal preacher I hold Acts 2 sacrosanct as it relates to the moving of the Holy Spirit in the Church today. However, there are 4 little words in Peter's narrative that most people gloss over to get to the meat of the message. The passage reads, 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 "'In the last days, God says, I will&ldots; Acts 2:16-17 (NIV) Notice carefully the time stamp that Peter has placed on this great move of God; "IN THE LAST DAYS." Peter has thusly identified for us the time frame in which we live. He has stated that from the time of the out pouring of the Holy Spirit to date is the "last Days." The Writer of Hebrews confirms this thought as he writes "1. but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son,&ldots;" Heb 1:2 (NIV) These Days are spoken of a great deal in the Word and there is much to know about them. There are 6 other references in the Word. (Isa. 2:2, Hos. 3:5, Mic. 4:1, 2 Tim. 3:1, James 5:3, 2 Pet. 3:3) We live in the last days!
The signs that the Word spoke of are coming so fast and furiously that they are becoming harder and harder to miss. Not only is God pouring out his Spirit in the Church but we are seeing prophecy fulfilled right before our eyes. Consider the following warning by Peter, "5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God's word the heavens existed and the earth was formed out of water and by water." 2 Peter 3:5 (NIV) Remember it is not until the very late 1800's that the concept of evolution was formulated by Darwin and not till the 1950's that it was taught in schools as an unopposed fact. They have deliberately forgotten who the creator was and how the creating was done. This is taught in every school from kindergarten to university as fact, not theory.
Christ Jesus made the prediction in his word, "22 If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened." Matt 24:22 (NIV) To a mind trying to conceive this prior to 1950 it would have seemed inconceivable. The believers of 2004 readily understand the term "weapons of mass destruction." We are living in the times where such things are a daily and deadly reality! Praise God He will not let us destroy ourselves nor His land and peoples of Israel.
Lastly we must turn our attention to the current war in Iraq. Would it surprise you to know that the ancient Medes of the Old Testament are currently known as the Kurds of northern Iraq and southern Turkey? These are the peoples whom Sadam tested his biological weapons on, wiping out hundreds of them with a single bomb. Is this the last days? Remember the words of the Lord in Isaiah 13:17-20 (NIV)"17 See, I will stir up against them the Medes, who do not care for silver and have no delight in gold. 18 Their bows will strike down the young men; they will have no mercy on infants nor will they look with compassion on children. 19 Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the glory of the Babylonians' pride, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah. 20 She will never be inhabited or lived in through all generations; no Arab will pitch his tent there, no shepherd will rest his flocks there." These ancient peoples now fight along side the coalition troupes, neither for silver nor gold but for revenge! God has stirred them up to achieve His goals.
These are only a small few of the signs now visible. This is the times of the signs of the coming of the Lord. "20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." Rev 22:20 (KJV)
Pastor Philip Bloomfield, Calvary Grace Church,
Surrey, British Columbia
calvarygrace@telus.net Website: www.calvarygrace.net
"Happy Family" Ad Leaves Out Most of Us
As Christian Leaders we have to stop burying our heads in the sand and face the reality of the world as it is, not the way one group that represents a segment of Christianity hopes it to be.
Society seeks to present a traditional image of a young man and women holding a child while others surround them in happy familial bliss. This is an idea. This idea many ministers who are charismatic or evangelical have fought to perpetrate. But is it reality?
For many of us in the ministry and for those we minister to "traditional" families and their concerns have surrounded us.
What did Jesus say? Those who seek to do the will of God are my family.
My quadriplegic brother had to leave home in his teens after his car accident and now lives in a home with full time caregivers. His family is now there.
My mother is now in a nursing home and has her care giving family there, even though my father lives alone now.
My spouse and I have no children. We are family.
My widowed aunt became a single mom with 4 children when she was young. She cares for her four children, and a grandchild now.
My sister-in-law has recently become a widow. My brother died a few months ago. She is now raising 2 teens.
We have several cousins and friends who are single. Nevertheless their homes are full of close knit friends who are their family.
Yes, we do need to honour and celebrate traditional families and marriages but these are not the only source of healthy and a stable family life. "Single" people are extremely vital to the health of the church and yet I heard many throughout the years tell me they are made to feel like they don't belong, especially in the churches. We as ministers need to refocus and rethink and be accountable for the words we speak over the pulpit.
Let's ask ourselves who does this sermon leave out when preaching? Does it leave out the single person, the handicapped person, the widow, the widower, the divorced, those who cannot hear or see, the orphan?
A healthy and stable society accounts for each member in its community in Canada and in our churches.
When I ministered in Africa and on some of the Aboriginal Reserves in Canada it always amazed me how much these societies would be willing to "adopt" a child who had no mother or father, or a single person who had no immediate family. Rarely are these obligations written on pieces of paper. These obligations are written on the hearts of people. These societies are very serious when it comes to "extended" family.
The church on the other hand is still struggling with the concept of "agape love" that kind of love Jesus commanded of his disciples and of us before his betrayal: "A new commandment I give you, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 13: 34) He said this right after his beloved disciple Judas left to sell him out to the authorities so it came from a place deeper than emotions.
Jesus knew the disciples would struggle with "agape love" so it's not surprising we do. This is not the kind of love based on the emotions of the heart but rather on the "assent of our will".
In other words, it's a commandment for us to love each other because we assent to do it, not because we feel like it. Jesus also said that the world would know that we are his disciples and that God really does exist if we have agape love for one another. I Corinthians 13 also tells us that love does not seek its own way. Sometimes that means accepting that life has changed, is changing, embracing the realities of change when it comes to the meaning of "family", and recognizing others as family, especially as people of God.
Just look around at your own family, your churches, and your neighbours and then decide.
The concept of family in many traditional "tribal" societies is not limited like ours. It does "take a whole village to raise a child". We are never on our own as a unit. We never will be. All God's creature's great and small are linked to each other. To continue on with the myth that the only real family consists of grandma, grandpa, mom and dad, etc. seeks to erode the foundations of all that exist in "varied" communities, which are today the norm. As God's people let's open our hearts, our churches, our homes in abundance, not scarcity, knowing that there are "family members" out there who seek to belong.
Reverend Adelina Pecchia
St. Paul, Alberta
Telephone: 780-645-2084 (home)
E-mail: adelinapecchia@hotmail.com
TODAY IS THE DAY OF MIRACLES
I heard a preacher say the other day that Jesus isn't interested in doing the same miracles today He did when He walked the earth. Yet Jesus Himself when speaking to the His disciples said in John 14:10-11 (Amplified Bible) "Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in Me? What I am telling you I do not say on My own authority and of My own accord; but the Father Who lives continually in Me does the (His) works (His own miracles, deeds of power.)"
Today, we often skip the fact that the world is still looking for miracles in their lives and if they don't see them in the Church; they will look somewhere else. I agree that we are not to worship the miracles but the miracle worker Himself; yet the whole Bible speaks of God's goodness by revealing His supernatural power. The creation story, shutting the lion's mouths, the miracles in Egypt so that the Israelites could be free. The provision of manna in the desert. The burning bush, Samson's strength, Elijah and Elisha and the miracles God performed through them. God does not change. Jesus said: "If you have seen Me, you have seen the Father"
So then we can assume that every miracle Jesus performed came from the Father's will. So since Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever, we then can again assume that Jesus still performs miracles today. I know each breath we take is a miracle yet God likes to untie knots. What I mean is: Have you ever had a knot you just could not untie no matter what you did? Sometimes it was a knot you tied yourself or one someone else did or it was just an accidental knot.
Impossible situations in our lives can seem like that knot. No matter what we do, the only hope we have is a supernatural miracle from God. It is wonderful to suddenly watch God unravel what seemed to be an impossible situation. This same speaker said that the reason more miracles happen in poorer countries is that they are less educated and backward. He said we, in our society, are more knowledgeable and civilized. Could it be that we are so self-sufficient and civilized that God has no room to move because we are in the way? What happened to falling on our faces before God and asking His direction? It is time to cease from our own works and work the works of God.
What is wrong with praying for revival but let it begin with me. Untie the knots in my life Lord and take over the driver's seat of my life and ministry.
The world is looking for a Saviour Who not only promises them Heaven but keeps His Word that He will supply their every need here and now, spiritually, physically, emotionally and financially. This is God's supernatural agape love which daily supplies our every need.
What a Saviour.
Submitted by Rev. Georgina Packer authour of "No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper" and "No Shadows in Heaven available by contacting
Rev. G. Packer 21 Farrell Cr,
Elliot Lake, Ont. P5A 3N1
E-mail: georgina.packer@sympatico.ca
Announcements
2nd Year Anniversary of True Love of Christ Ministries International, Inc. and Pastors' Ordination on Saturday, July 3, 2004, 2:00 p.m. at 2500 Lawrence Ave. East, Suites 202-203, Toronto, Ontario. The ordination service to be officiated by Rev. Harry Wuerch. The pastors who will be ordained are Brother Alfredo M. Laureta, Jr. and Joselito M. Bocalan. Be a part of this wonderful and joyous occasion!
Coy Bocalan, Chairwoman
True Love of Christ
CBocalan@aol.com
Floods in Dominican
May our Lord Jesus bless you all and your families. Well I Just got back from my trip to Canada, and came in a middle of a very unpleasant situation. The Dominican nation is mourning its dead after the mud slide and the floods over 400 people have been buried alive after the river flooded a town near Jimany. That is a very good distance from us on the south west of the island near Haitian border. The Haitians have been hardest hit with over 1,700 lives that were killed.
We are asking for your prayers at this time for all the families of the victims. The world relief agency are there and the Canadian Military and the French, and U.S. helping the evacuation.
We have a new government Lionel Fernandez and we are asking for prayers for him and his cabinet that will take office on Aug 16, 2004.
The kids are all doing well and It was great to see so many little faces today greeting me and coming down to hug me on the street, what a blessing to see also the youth that are doing very well.
Tonny has lead about 6 youth to the Lord this month the enemy is very angry at him. We were robbed and it was his cloths that they took from his room and all his school supplies and notebook.
We thank you all for your support and your prayers. Gracia a todo and it was great to see you all and sorry I did not get to see some of you so little time. I will be back in Toronto for October for the mission convention. Please pray this is our 10th anniversary. When I started I was just coming down for six month. The time of our Lord is not ours. Gracias a todo en el amor de Cristo.
Richard Brochu
Missionary Dominican Republic and Haiti
Email: light2thenations@hotmail.com
INDUCTION OF NEW PASTORS
May 30th, 2004 Brother David & Sister Pattie Kelsey were inducted as Pastors of Faith Tabernacle of London, Ontario.
There was a beautiful time of worship in the presence of the Lord. Reverend Stanley Hammond (former Pastor of Faith Tabernacle) was the guest minister for the day, and participated with the presbytery, along with Reverend David Ellyatt (former Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, now Director of Arctic Missions), Reverend Michael Pierce (Christ For Your City), Ron Mills (New Life Centre), and the elders of Faith Tabernacle in giving the charge to David and Pattie Kelsey and confirming them in their responsibility to the flock.
YOUTH CAMP 2004
We are excited to announce that Living Water Youth Camp 2004 is fast approaching. It will be held from Sunday July 25, 2004 until Saturday July 31, 2004. Our camp speaker is Pastor Johnny Beard from West Lafayette Indiana. Pastor Johnny has been ministering for 40 years. He has a heart for children, youth, and adults. His gifts of prophetic song and utterance inspire, uplift and stir believers of all ages to seek the Lord with all their hearts, minds, and strength. He is committed to seeing young people be equipped through the Gospel. All churches should have their camp forms shortly. Please keep in mind that we are looking for counselors, a camp nurse, and a camp lifeguard. Any questions or suggestions for staff please contact
Pastor Jason Harris, E-mail: atap@jet2.net
Directions to the Living Waters Youth Camp: Take the 402 north towards Sarnia. Turn off at Mandoumin Road. Head north and go until the road stops. Turn right and go about 1 mile down and the camp is on the lake side (north) white buildings.
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17A Plan to Protect Our Children, Youth and Leaders
The Independent Assemblies of God International (Canada) has a spiritual, moral and legal obligation to provide a secure environment for children participating in church programs that are under the auspices and authority of the church. Child abuse is a criminal act as well as a violation of human conscience and dignity. It is a violation of God's moral law within the trusted context of relationship. It is criminal behaviour that causes emotional, physical and spiritual trauma to victims, and has destructive consequences for abusers. The devastating effects on the credibility of the church ministry and the name of Christ make it essential that the church take all appropriate steps to prevent abusive incidences from occurring.
At the 2004 annual business meeting both the English and French "A Plan To Protect Our Children, Youth and Leaders" were reviewed. It was moved and passed that the reviewed documents be adopted as a protection plan within the fellowship and affiliate churches.
An English copy of the A Plan to Protect Our Children, Youth and Leaders is available by contacting:
I.A.O.G.I. (Canada),1211 Lancaster Street, LONDON, Ontario N5V 2L4.
The cost is $5.00 plus shipping.
A French copy of the Plan is available by contacting Rev. Mario Cyr, 50-9th Ave, DEUX-MONTAGNES, P.Q. J7R 3L9
New Church Dedicated
To The Work of the Lord.
April 18, 2004, Paul McPhail, Southwestern Regional Secretary of I.A.O.G.I. had the privilege of dedicating a new church for the Neustadt Christian Fellowship. Pastors Dennis and Barb Foerster lead the congregation as the Carlsruhe Christian School was purchased and then renovated into a beautiful House of Worship. The people truly had a mind to work. Paul and Christine Bouius are the Youth/Associate Pastors. To God be the glory. Rev. Dennis Foerster may be reached at Neustadt Christian Fellowship, R. R. # 1, Neustadt, Ontario N0G 2M0 or by telephone at 1-519-799-5571.
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Letter From The Editors
Greetings in the Precious Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
God's Preparation for Moving Out
"In this way the man grew exceedingly prosperous and came to own large flocks, and maidservants and menservants, and camels and donkeys." Genesis 30: 43
Jacob left his homeland after suffering a broken relationship with Esau for stealing the family blessing. He went to work for his uncle Laban where he stayed for twenty years. It came time for him to leave, but he had no physical assets to show for those years under Laban. Laban had taken advantage of his nephew in every way. In some ways, Jacob was reaping the seed he had sown his entire life as a manipulator and controller." Nevertheless, God's hand was on Jacob, and He had plans to prosper him.
However, Jacob had one problem - he had no resources of his own. For Jacob to launch out on his own, he would need resources. In those days, resources often meant large flocks of animals. God gave Jacob a dream that resulted in a strategy for creating wealth by multiplying his sheep. Even though Laban sought to thwart Jacob's efforts, God overcame the evil in Laban to allow Jacob to prosper.
Brothers and Sisters, there are many important lessons for us in this story. First, when God decides it is time to move you into a larger place of His calling, He has the ability to provide the resources you need to support the call. God gave Jacob a dream that resulted in a strategy never used before to build wealth. It was totally from God's hand. It was creative and new. God called Jacob to move out after he had demonstrated his faithfulness in twenty years of serving Laban. He learned to live under authority and served Laban faithfully, even though he knew he was being taken advantage of. God will do the same for you and me. However, a word of caution: Be sure the strategy is born from above, and not from self-effort. The difficulty for most of us in ministry is to learn the difference between the strategies born of God versus the strategy of self-effort.
Please let us know if your postal address or e-mail address has changed.
THE CANADIAN MANTLE is the official voice of the Independent Assemblies of God International (Canada).
The purpose of the publication is to edify the Body of Christ and to be a vehicle of communication between members. It is published three times per year. Please send inquiries to the attention of:
Editors: Rev Paul and Anna Mae McPhail,
P.O. Box 653,
Chatham, Ontario N7M 5K8
Tel. 519-352-1743, Fax 519-351-6070
E-mail: pmcphail@ciaccess.com
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Mark your Calendar
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL CONVENTION 2004
Oct. 21 (7:00 pm to 23rd am service)
Ebenezer Revival Tabernacle,
1228 Birchmount Rd
Scarborough, Ontario
Chair: Rev. Eric Lang
1675 Portland Court
Pickering, Ont L1V 5L5
Tel 905-683-1404
Fax 905-683-0809
E-mail e.lang@rogers.com
From Brother Eric Lang
It is with pleasure that we welcome you to the 2004 Ontario Provincial Convention. We are looking forward to God's blessing upon our efforts to promote further fellowship for the ministers of the Gospel and all His people. We realize that we need fellowship and encouragement. Our desire is to see and experience the presence of the Lord in our midst and to produce an atmosphere where God can bless, uplift and refresh His people for the work that lies ahead.
Our special speaker for our Provincial Convention will be Rev. James Weller and the General Secretary Rev. Harry Wuerch. We are believing that God will speak to us through His Word as we come having ears to hear.
We will be having our Convention at Ebenezer Revival Tabernacle with Pastor Joseph Samuel's at 1228, Birchmount Rd. in Scarborough, Ontario.
For information and registration contact Rev. Eric Lang at Phone 905-683-1404, E-mail. e.lang@rogers.com
Let's put every effort into joining us on October the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, 2004. Let's make this a time of blessing that will not stop at this Provincial Conventions but will be taken back to each of our home Churches
HOTELS
Hotels near the Convention
*Registrants are responsible for making their own reservations
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS phone 905-238-3500 fax 905-238-8761. Highway 401 & Dixie, 5585 Ambler Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 3Z1, $75.00 plus tax (Mention Code: "IAOG") to get special rate.
CENTENNIAL CONFERENCE CENTRE HOTEL phone 416-438-2216, formerly Howard Johnson. Contact person Annie, 940 Progress Ave, 401 east of Markham Rd, $64.95 plus tax. For group of ten or more.
TRAVELODGE HOTEL phone 416-299-9500
fax 416 299-6172, 20 Milner Ave, Business Court, Scarborough, Ontario, M1B 3C6, $65.00 plus tax.
For group of ten or more.
HOWARD JOHNSON phone 416-412-8309, fax 416-321-7400. Contact person is Lisa Wong, 22 Metropolitan Rd, Toronto, Ontario, M1R 2T6, $69.00 plus tax, includes breakfast, for group of ten or more.
ONTARIO CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM
NAME_______________________________________________________
ADDRESS____________________________________________________
CITY________________________ PROVINCE _____________________
PHONE ______________________________
E-mail address________________________
Please include a registration fee of $20.00 for each person attending the Convention whether you stay at the hotel or not. The fee will be $35.00 if paid at the Convention time.
Send registration to Rev. Eric Lang, 1675 Portland Crt, Ontario, L1V 5L5.
Please make your registration check payable to: I.A.O.G. Canada
PLEASE TAKE NOTE: This registration must be filled in and sent back to the above address no later than September 15th. You must make your own reservations at the Hotel of your choice no later than Sept 15th, 2004. Hotel rates are only guaranteed by booking one month in advance. Rev. Eric Lang, telephone (905) 683-1404.
Your Sons and Your Daughters Shall Prophesy"
On Sunday morning, May 31, while waiting for the church service to begin, I was thinking over the way the Lord had lead us, since our local church's inception. Unlike many other local fellowships affiliated with the I.A.O.G.I. (Canada) we, as a group have not been around that long. Sometimes in looking at the church group and discussing it between ourselves, my husband and I have said we feel we as a local church still have a long way to go to realize the place that the Lord has promised us for this small church in this small, insignificant community (in the natural). As I was thinking about this, the Lord reminded me of just how much had changed and that we were indeed on the way to being what the Lord had promised.
"Dunnville Word of Faith Fellowship" met, as a group, for the first time publicly on June 6, 1993, in rented facilities, which was a store front warehouse on a back street, the name of which even the long time residents of Dunnville did not know. At the time not only did Ian and I lead the worship and preach, (mostly Ian), taught the children's classes, ran VBS (when we had it), but we organized the social times, cooked many of the meals, made the coffee, painted and cleaned the building, (including of course scrubbing the toilets), made banners and picked up people for the services. I know there are others that understand this completely, having done or doing now the same things. We didn't mind doing the things involved, but at some points I think we both thought we would be doing them all forever. It was a far cry from the large vision the Lord had given to us before we had agreed with Him to come to Dunnville.
As I considered things that May 31st morning, I realized that though we were what many would consider a small local church, even for Dunnville, we had a lot going for us. At least three teams, go out on evangelism each week from the fellowship. Every member of the group turns out for building cleanups twice a year. Tithing is the norm for most members. But, I am especially blessed by the burden of work that has been taken on faithfully by seven young single adults between the ages of 19 and 29. Individually, they have taken on the Kids Church leadership, lead the worship at Bible Study, several meet for prayer on their own each week to pray for the community, go out faithfully to do evangelism, give individuals rides to services and sit with newcomers in the services. They make the coffee and clean up after Bible Study, mow the lawns and represent a good percentage of the labour force for church clean up times. Any one, at a time and all of them at times, have been willing to take on jobs as they are needed and to do them as unto the Lord. As future leaders, they will be well prepared to be "ministers" in the true sense of word, for they are servants. They have not done Ian or I out of our jobs, yet. We still have plenty to do, though we are now in the over fifty-age bracket. Because of these young, willing adults we have been freed up to further do the work of the gospel and we are seeing the local church established and growing, in many ways, through them. We need to remember that the prophesy of the last days includes the young adults also:
"And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people, Your sons and daughters will prophesy, Your old men will dream dreams, Your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days." (Joel 2:28 &29,NIV)
Kathy Wills, Word of Faith Fellowship
910 John Street, Dunnville, Ontario N1A 1R8
E-mail: willskatherine@hotmail.com
Echo Bay
The Lord willing Brother and Sister Wuerch will be at the Echo Bay Revival Centre, 308 Maple Leaf Rd., ECHO BAY, Ontario - August 14, 2004 for a Regional Ministers' Luncheon Meeting. Lunch starts at 11:30 A.M.
A response to Brother and Sister Hurley would be appreciated by August 3, 2004.
Please contact Rev. Mel & Lillian Hurley, 308 Maple Leaf Rd, ECHO BAY, Ontario P0S 1C0
Tel: 1-705-248-3065, E-mail: echoba@sympatico.ca
Ministry Exchange
"The Ministry Exchange" is simply a tool that can spread those resources that we already
have and no longer need to those who actually have need of them.
We have developed a vehicle where members of all different denominations within the Christian community can come together and share resources online amongst themselves. Anything from song books, to a set of drums, to literature that may not be needed any longer, or any item that may be required in a ministry endeavour, can be donated on our web site to make available to other churches, ministries or ministry workers.
Please take the few minutes to view our website, www.theministryexchange.com, and see what God has laid on our hearts. If you have idea's about how this ministry can help you in your community church further the gospel through meeting tangible needs, please contact us and give us your feedback. We are here to serve the servant.
God's blessing on your life and your ministry,
Yuergen Beck
The Ministry Exchange
45 Main Street East, Athens, Ontario, K0E1B0
613 -924-0015
www.theministryexchange.com