March 2003
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Rev Harry Wuerch, General Secretary
Independent Assemblies of God
International [Canada]
Dear Fellow Minister:
May this year of 2003 find all of you moving in the Spirit of Christ with one purpose and one mind, to be a blessing in the building of the Kingdom of God. With this as our heart beat it is very important that we all recognize the importance of moving in the spirit of unity. Many times we say this with words, but are not allowing this spirit to control us.
As we read in Romans 12:4, 5, "For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and everyone members one of another". As we read this carefully we see that we have a great responsibility to Christ and to one another to see that we do everything to maintain this spirit of unity. Romans 12:1, 2 tells us that there is a motivation that we need to exercise and that is to think as Jesus thinks, and not as the world around us thinks.
In this letter I feel compelled to deal with this not in a lengthy manner but only briefly. If we are going to think as Jesus would have us think, I find that we will not be able to run from any problem that confronts us. We will have to face every problem with a true spirit knowing that God is not the author of confusion, but of peace and a sound mind. So if we have a problem we are to follow through with the knowledge that God is with us. We must remember the scripture that says, "If God be for you , who can be against you." Yes we do need every member in the body, and all members should receive the same respect. Remember this is what kept David on track. No matter what Saul had done he was not going to lift up his sword against him. He was not going to rebel against Saul, but with the grace of God was going to allow God to flow through him and by God's power was going to face every situation with one determination to do it God's way.
We are moving into the place of reaping a great harvest for the Lord. Around us the fields are white unto harvest, and Jesus is saying to us that we need to prepare laborers for this tremendous harvest. There is a great need to have the whole body of Christ released to bring in this harvest. As a five fold minister you all have a great responsibility to equip people to bring in this harvest. As a fellowship we all need to encourage each other to pull out all the stops and be prepared to bring in a generation that is so lost. Ephesians tells us that the ministry to the body needs to function for this to happen. Ephesians 4:11 "And he gave some ( He is Jesus ) apostles, and some, prophets; and some, evangelists, and some, pastors and teachers. And verse 12, "For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ". We need all the ministry -- not just a part of the ministry. Not only do we need all the ministry, but this ministry must be a part of one another. Without the whole ministry functioning together we will not be able to bring in this great harvest.
The church needs to have a balanced exposure of the ministry that God has given to His body. To-day we need to encourage every minister that the Lord has planted in His church. If we will work together we can see this ministry come together. This will not happen by itself -- we will have to make some good choices to see this come together. I wish more than ever before to be a blessing to the body of Christ. In order for me to do this I must minister the way the Lord would have me to minister, and you must do the same. Let's not try to copy one another's ministry. Oh yes we can learn a lot as we listen and take in what the Lord is saying through each minister. We must always remember that the Lord has given us a ministry that will bless His body, and cause that body to function more effectively in breaking the powers of darkness around us. Together we can see the spirit of darkness put to flight, and the body released to function in unity and bring in a great harvest of hurting people. Oh yes the Spirit of revival is upon us. John 4:35 "Say not ye there are yet four months, and then cometh the harvest? "Behold, I say unto you, lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to the harvest". I trust that all of us will have a spirit of repentance by asking Jesus to forgive us for any discouragement we have fostered. If we will do this then we will release a great army for this harvest.
This year's convention will have a slightly different format, expanding the program to provide two additional workshops with emphasis on our younger leaders, "Mastering Mentoring". Our fellowship is as strong as we make it, it is only as we work together that we as individuals can strengthen the fellowship. We encourage you to be in attendance and to bring your families along. God bless you.
Rev. H. Wuerch
1211 Lancaster St, London, Ontario, N5V 2L4
Email: jwuerch@odyssey.on.ca
GONE TO THEIR REWARD
There are some who have finished their labour here and have gone to receive their reward. We sorrow not because their eternal reward awaits them in heaven, but we rejoice for their labour on this earth is finished.
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Rev. Charles Willner of London, Ontario lost his wife Fern.
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Rev. Melvin Scarrow and his wife Vicki of South River, Ontario suddenly went to be with the Lord in a head on motor crash.
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Rev. Clyde Vint of Langley, B.C. went to be with the Lord.
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Rev. Dennis Van-Cooten of Coquitlam, British Columbia went to be with the Lord.
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Rev. Ann Semple of British Columbia.
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Rev. William Higginson of Barrie, Ontario went to be with the Lord in the early part of last year.
To all these who have fought a good fight we know that they have entered into their place of peace. We rejoice for each of them.
Do pray for their families and their loved ones.
To all of our compassion members who have responded, we thank you. Those that have not yet responded please do so as soon as possible in order for you to remain on the compassion list.
We thank you for your kind response. The only compassion members in the above list were Rev. Clyde Vint and Rev. Ann Semple
Report From Quebec For 2002
First and foremost I would like to convey to all the ministers of the fellowship a Happy New Year,
and that 2003 be a year filled with all the rich blessings that are in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
[III John 1:2] "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." (KJV)
I want to thank the Lord for the opportunities that my wife and I have had in the last year to visit many different churches as well as many different ministers in the fellowship. Many have shared with me that the Lord has put on their hearts to enlarge their tents. The excitement can almost be touched. The Lord is preparing his people for a great and wonderful work.
I am also thankful for the visits of the Secretary Rev. Harry Wuerch and his wife Joan through the months of April and September. My wife Linda and I as well as many ministers and churches in the province of Québec find their visits to be a blessing of encouragement.
May God bless their health abundantly so as to enable them to continue in their work.
Announcements to the Ministers of Québec
The provincial convention for 2003 will be held near Ste-Marie de Beauce at the Camp de L'Arche on September, 25,26,27, 2003. Details of this and other meetings will be made available during the coming months.
Hoping to see you in the month of September!
Rev. Mario Cyr,
Regional Secretary
Southern Quebec
75-10e Ave
Deux-Montagnes, PQ
J7R 3N7
E-mail: design_isabelle@hotmail.com
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People cannot change truth, but truth can change people.
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Patience is idling your motor when you feel like stripping your gears.
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You are only young once, but you can be immature forever.
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Forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, and the waste of energy.
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Grace is getting freedom when you deserve a flogging.
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The world crowns success, but God crowns faithfulness.
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God did not come to take sides - He came to take over.
THE FIRST MACEDONIAN BIBLE
"MREE" - Ministry to Russia and Eastern Europe is thrilled to announce the printing of the "FIRST EVER PROTESTANT MACEDONIAN BIBLE". The translation and printing financed by MREE has taken in excess of 10 years.
During Paul's second missionary journey Luke records that while at Troas Paul received the Macedonian Call (Acts. 16).
Verse 9 "During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, come
over to Macedonia and help us."
Verse 10 "After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding thatGod had called us to preach the Gospel to them".
Theologians generally agree Paul received this vision about AD 50, yet incredibly almost 2,000 years later Macedonians still didn't have a Protestant Bible in their language. During much of the 20th century the translation of the Scriptures and the preaching of the Gospel in Eastern Europe was vehemently opposed and eventually outlawed by godless Communism.
People of various Republics, language groups and nationalities were suppressed and forced to obey the dictates of Communism. However with the collapse of communism in Russia and Eastern Europe, many of the Republics within these countries were able to become autonomous.
One of these was Macedonia, a small country with a population of 2.2 million. There are also millions of Macedonians living in other countries. However until last year there was "NO PROTESTANT BIBLE IN THEIR LANGUAGE"!!
Over 10 years ago a team of translators headed by Rev. Sash Todorovski, began in earnest their work of translating the Scriptures into Macedonian. Their diligence produced the New Testament several years later.
The Old Testament and the FIRST EVER FULL MACEDONIAN BIBLE (Kumanov Dialect) followed in 2002. Initially its completion was projected for an earlier date but the translation work took much longer than anticipated. It was fraught with numerous difficulties - not the least of which was the war in Macedonia which severely hampered their progress.
The Macedonian Bible met the standard set by the Macedonian University Library Committee and has received recognition and approval from translation authorities and theological critics. Now the goal is to provide every Christian in Macedonia with a copy of the Scriptures.
TODAY Macedonians have their own Bible for the FIRST TIME EVER! Praise the Lord!! Yet there are millions in the New Soviet (the former Soviet Union renamed) and Eastern Europe who have never had a Bible in their tongue. Why should we have two when multitudes and entire language groups haven't even one?
There are approximately 130 languages and dialects spoken in the New Soviet: only 3 have a complete Bible, a dozen the New Testament, most little or nothing at all. Last year "MREE" had the privilege of financing and printing the New Testament in one of these - the Kalmyk language.
The Kalmyk people live in Southern Russia on the Caspian Sea. Although Kalmyk is one of the major languages spoken in Russia today, until last year there was no Bible in that language. The printing of the Scriptures in their tongue was critical as many speak nothing but Kalmyk. There are scores of other language groups similar to Kalmyk without any part of the Scriptures.
Ministry to Russia and Eastern Europe's primary mandate is the translation, printing and distribution of the Scriptures. Our present project is funding the Russian Children's Bible. For additional information and data you may contact "MREE" at jpweller@kingston.net, 31-1098 King Street West, Kinston, ON
K7M 8J1 or P.O. Box 434, Fineview, NY 13640
Rev. James P. Weller.
REPORT FROM EBENEZER REVIVAL TABERNACLE
On October 4, 1987 the first service of E.R.T. (Ebenezer Revival Tabernacle) was held in the basement of our house on Halder Crescent. We started off with twenty faithful saints of God.
In a very short while, we outgrew the basement space and moved to an office complex on Midland Avenue. After a year, we moved to Aldergrove Public School where we worshipped for five years. We later moved to a warehouse space on Kennedy Road for six years. In November 1998 God helped us to acquire our own building, which is now our place of worship at 1228 Birchmount Road. We experienced the goodness of God as He helped us to accomplish a very extensive renovation project to complete the building into a proper place of worship.
The vision of E.R.T. has always been presenting the Gospel to all nations. As a missionary church, we do our best to reach the lost, feed the hungry, clothe the naked and help the helpless- both at home and abroad. In India, we have established an orphanage to house 50 children. Presently, we are supporting 31 orphans. We are also supporting 20 Pastors in India. We have also helped to establish a church in St. Lucia, and are supporting them on a monthly basis. From this branch they have established three other branches in St. Lucia and one in Martinique. We have had missionaries come and report on the work God has been doing in their various stations overseas. We have also taken teams to such places as Belize, the continents of Asia and Africa, and the West Indies to preach the Gospel. In august 2002 I went on a missionary trip to Kenya, East Africa, where we are also supporting some missionaries. Pastor Austin Smith and Bro. Errol Herbert from the Toronto Gospel Lighthouse church were also on this missionary trip. We were there for one month preaching and teaching in their Bible schools. There was a tremendous move of the Holy Spirit amongst the people of God. I saw the fulfilment of the word of God in my life that was spoken to me over thirty-five years ago, that I would one day teach in a Bible school in Africa. It took thirty-five years to come to pass, but in the fullness of time it did come to pass. The word of God is true, if He said it, it must come to pass.
In our efforts to reach out to our neighbourhood community, we have done quite a bit of evangelising by distributing fliers of upcoming events, handing out tracts, giving them general information of the activities of the church and inviting them to regular church services. We have seen God's hand of grace and mercy move on our behalf in many different ways and time, both physically and spirituality. If I were to sum up our church's main focus in a few words, I would have to say "missions and evangelising". It is all about working together to build God's Kingdom and as we go forward in the Lord, our heart's desire is to expand our mission work and to reach out to those at home and overseas.
Our hearts are filled with gratitude to God, our Father; Jesus Christ, our Saviour; and the Holy Spirit, our guide. With this in mind, we can truly say with the word of God: "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." [1 Samuel 7:12]
Pastor Joseph A. Samuels
Ebenezer Revival Tabernacle
1228 Birchmount Road
Scarborough, Ont. M1P 2C3
Phone: 416-759-1602
E-mail: jsamuels@ert.on.ca
Website: www.ert.on.ca
"I wait for the Lord, my souls waits, and in his word I hope;
My soul waits for the Lord, more than those who watch for the morning, more than those who watch for the morning."
Psalms 130:6
"Watch, Wait, and Prepare for the Coming of the Lord"
In these dark winter mornings I have stood in the living room peering through window slats to watch my husband drive off to work, 70 km away. As the car headlights fade I turn and get ready for the day. In early evening I watch for the reflections of those headlights to approach the driveway. Seeing their approach on a winter's evening let's me know Dennis is safely home. In the darkness I watch and wait to enjoy his presence.
Winter; with its' long dark nights is a season of preparation and waiting. It's the time of year we celebrate "light" at the heart of darkness symbolized by burning candles and warming our home with lights. This is also the season of rest, of going inside our houses and us, of dormancy and hibernation. Winter's strong interior solace offers the opportunity to envision and hear the call of the New with sparks of inspiration that come in the darkness.
Yet contrary to what nature is whispering our culture makes this season the busiest time of the year. It's as if the world fights that which calls to our spirits! God is calling us to prepare spiritually because the season is challenging. We are pressed against survival more radically than other seasons as when we lose elders to disease or old age. This year especially, it seems that many of us have lost loved ones! It's the time to find inner strength and resolve, to "stir" our souls and prepare as many have done in the past.
Mark's New Testament community, often persecuted for their beliefs, looked for Christ's physical return. Recalling the words of Christ, "I will come again", and "I will never leave or forsake you" got them through difficult times.
The Old Testament community of Isaiah also called God to take action, to "break through the heavens and come to earth". After years of exile in Babylon they were ready for God to appear and for Zion to be restored. These communities and others that feel threatened by political, religious, or military authority often believe that God's dramatic intervention can save them.
Many groups still cry out for intervention because God is the giver of life in dark times. Jesus came at a time when the earth was full of darkness. Multitudes however have "fallen asleep" no longer looking for Christ's continued coming. The result of this slumber is that many have "awaken" to a "new coming" an "apocalypse" of sorts looking for "wonders" in the world.
We're are in a waking state looking for the mysteries of heaven to unfold through interventions be it science or commercialism, and with nervous excitement with the possibility of war and the end of the world as it is. Yet, the "heavens" still hold a sense of mystery and hope. Even the community we live in Alberta is known to be ready for the appearance of "another/others" to burst forth on the ever-changing Prairie Sky by building the world's first UFO landing platform! Jesus said "heaven and earth will pass away but my words will never pass away." His "heaven" and those of others ages have passed and a new one is here. The "old earth" of former times is also gone with its customs, clothing, and traditions. We, another generation, need to take heed and not sleepwalk through life. We must watch and pray for our freedoms, and against the evil forces in the world; watch and pray against sin and compromise lest the opportunities for God's service come and go.
The light of another season is already on its way already so let's not be discouraged! Let's hold fast, and stir our souls to the expectancy that God has acted out the coming of Christ, is acting still, and will act until the end of time.
In stirring our souls consider the spider. She waits and prepares, weaving wherever she is because the silky connecting gossamer threads are already within. Our souls too throw out strands of pleas, meditations, and prayers to connect with God.
We are meant to watch, wait, and prepare now so we will recognize the coming of Christ in: Husbands ,wives, children, parents, grandparents, family, friends, and each other.
Reverend Adelina Pecchia is an ordained minister with the Independent Assemblies of God in Canada and the pastor of two congregations, St. Paul United and Ashmont United Church in Northeastern Alberta.
E-mail: adelinapecca@hotmail.com
The Ambassadors - Traveling Ministry
This is a report of our second trip to Cuba this year. In August 2002, we received an e-mail from Cuba. Rev Bernado De Quesada Salmon wanted us to preach in his country again. We had a joy in our hearts because God would change some lives again. We prayed fervently for the messages that God wanted to bring there. When we arrived in Camagüey, Cuba, December 8 to 15, 2002, the schedule was very intense. We were to teach and preach to pastors and church leaders in the morning and afternoon, and then at night the congregation gathered.
We traveled throughout four regions. The congregations varied in size from 100 to 1100 in numbers. There would be approximately one hundred pastors and leaders gathered in the morning and afternoon. Some would walk 5 to 7 kilometers; others had to wait on the side of the road for a rental truck to pick them up to get to their destinations. Our hearts were touched by their desire. They were determined and persistent to be at those meetings to receive from the Lord. They were hungry for the word of the Lord and they were expecting great things to happen in their lives.
The meetings greatly strengthened our faith that God is able to do the impossible in people's lives. We saw people delivered from suicide and depression, the deaf and dumb were healed, cancers and tumors were healed and the lame walked. There were approximately 60 souls saved. We preached as we had never preached before. The anointing was so strong and the Word of the Lord set the captives free and healed them. Boldness came forth and people were encouraged and healed. God blessed mightily at one of the pastors and leaders conferences and the gift of prophecy manifested in a greater measure. Their lives were changed and will never be the same. Revelation knowledge of the Word of God at the very moment of change causes the Holy Spirit to flow. Pastors received fresh vision for their ministry.
When God calls you to preach, he anoints and enables you to do the work. All of heaven backs you up. Our vision is to win the souls that are lost, to equip and encourage the body of Christ to move ahead and to keep doing the best that they can, for His glory!
Jesus is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, more than you can ask for. Trust Him, have confidence in Him, and be obedient. He will never fail you.
His mercies are new every morning. What a mighty God we serve!
The Ambassadors Team.
Our new Web site will be open by the end of January 2003 in three different languages, English, French and Spanish. www.theambassadors.ca
Lorraine Beaudette
Email address : lorraine@theambassadors.ca
David April
Email address: david@theambassadors.ca
20th CENTURY PSALM
Lord will You love me, in my imperfections?
Will you love me, in my brokenness?
Will you love me, just where I am?
Will you love me in my aloneness, my emptiness?
Will you love me, in my hurt place?
Will you love me, into wholeness?
Deep down I have a flicker of knowing
That whispers "You will love me!"
But O Lord, I need an awareness of Your love!
It is said You are a God of Love, Deep from within
My human heart, my brokenness I softly cry
with gentle tears,
Love me O Lord...
I wait for Your love!
I wait for Your love to consume, strengthen me,
I wait for Your Love to put a Fire in my bones,
A Fire in my heart that will bring Wholeness,
I wait for Your Love that will overflow in
Joy to others!
O Lord!! I receive your love!
As You make dead bones come alive,
You've put Fire in my bones,
Revival Fire that will flow out to others!
It is good to bask in Your Love and Presence,
My soul does magnify the Lord!
My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour!
The Spirit of the Lord, The Anointing of God
sets my at liberty where I've been bruised,
There is a song in my heart, Praise on my lips,
For God Almighty, through Jesus Christ my Lord
By the Power of the Holy Spirit has entered into
My life with God's love!
Hallelujah Amen
by Rev. Audrey Mabley
AudreyMabley@telus.net
www.audreymabley.org
ARE YOU A MEMBER OF THE COMPASSION FUND?
The Compassion Fund is a ministry of compassion to the families
of Ministers of the Lord Jesus who are promoted to Glory.
This is not a life insurance, but a biblical way of ministering to a loved one with a gift of condolence in time of need.
The ministry of compassion functions to collect gifts of money from participating members to give to the beneficiaries named by the participating member who has died.
One-time registration fee of $10.00
A contribution of $10.00 will be paid to the ministry of compassion fund when you are notified of the death of a fellow participating member.
Notification will be sent when a fellow subscribing member dies so that you may contribute as an expression of compassion and love.
For an application write:
Compassion Fund
1795 Parkhurst Avenue, London, Ontario N5V 2C4
UNDERSTANDING LEADERSHIP
Lets think for a moment about leadership. The topic of leadership affects all of us, from parent to pastor, all of the time. Specifically, how we as ministers of the gospel define 'leadership' will ultimately fuel and guide our style of ministry, for better or for worse. Examine with me, if you will, a couple of thoughts I have in my mind on this crucial matter of 'leadership.'
They Didn't Get It!.
The scribes and Pharisees of Jesus' day just didn't get it. They didn't get what true leadership was all about. They were transfixed with an unquenchable desire to succeed, which for them, was interpreted in terms of numbers, political power and popularity. (Mk 11:18) Our society today views leadership in a similar fashion. Leadership, the worldly way, offers intoxicating benefits to the one who will go through the hoops to become 'successful.' An unquestionable 'reward-mania' mind-set pervades our world. To a greater or lesser extent we, in the church, are influenced by the continuous coercion this spirit brings to the doors of the church. We espy this spirit's death-like grip in the tyranny of the child-controlled parent, and the positionally motivated leader -- not to mention the tremors of temptation this spirit places upon our own heart. Go figure!
Do We Get It?
Effective leadership has much to do with our mind-set. Effective leadership rests in our ability to discern
between the temporal and the timeless, to be able to assess and divide between capitol "T" truth and small "t" truth. (IE: God is faithful being a capitol "T' truth, and "Sister Jones sings well" being a small "t" truth.) Jack Hayford, in his book "The Leading Edge," affirms this thought by saying: "Sound thinking that keeps in touch with the times must be characterized by a willingness to be stretched without allowing ultimate values to be snapped. A new millennium calls for leaders who will evaluate without devaluing, defining and redefining their views without diluting or retreating from the demands of truth."
As leaders in the Kingdom of God, we must 'stay in touch with the times' by continually and consistently appraising the world around us so that we may effectively connect with people. To 'connect' with any degree of influence, we must operate in and through our strengths. Perhaps you are a gifted speaker, you connect best through your preaching. Conceivably, one-on-one relationships are particularly rewarding for you -- then go one-on-one as often as you can. Effectively schedule yourself to do so. Realize then, that it is through our strengths, not our weakness, that we as ministers truly lead our people. If we attempt to do otherwise, we are straining to be someone we simply are not meant to be.
If we are going to lead effectively, we must allow ourselves to be 'stretched' a bit. To lead youth of our day entails a stretch for some. We can lead youth to maturity in Christ if we are ready to accept their ever-changing hair colour, their desires in music and style of apparel. If we can connect with our youth,
love them as they are, we can lead them to Jesus, and teach them of His ways, without compromising the timeless truth of the gospel.
Lets not make the fatal error of judging that because we are 'right' about Jesus, that our 'style' is therefore 'right' for everyone also. Hey, I think we've got it!
God bless you!
Allan Roach, Pastor
Faith Tabernacle of London,
London, Ontario
E-mail: allanroach@execulink.com
MISSION OPPORTUNITY
We will again be taking a short term mission team to central India October 24 To November 5, 2003. We will fly via Paris to Bombay and then on to Nagpur. There we will minister in a Pastor's Conference, and in the remote rural villages to those called the untouchables by many of India's upper classes. Here the children live in total poverty and no sanitation. Leprosy, tuberculosis and polio run rampant. Hundreds come and experience the saving power of the Lord and experience His miracle working power.
Our mission team will also bring with us sufficient medical and dental supplies to help ten thousand of these wonderful people. Of course when we lay hands upon the sick they get healed instantly. It is here that miracles grow.
It is also our intent to purchase thee motorcycles for three pastors to help them reach even more of these remote villages. Last year we took three bikes and ten new churches were opened.
We invite you to come with us to our Father's mission field. We are looking for musicians of every variety. We also need singers both lead and back up. These will conduct the worship at the Pastor's conference. We also need people to staff the clinics and others to give testimony. We need prayer covering. We need you if you have longed for the Lord to open a door for you to take a short term missions trip. You will never be the same again!
For more information please contact:
Pastor George or Norma Jenkins
residence: 519-942-4460, cell phone: 416-629-5057,
or e-mail: miraclemission@sprint.ca
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Letter From The Editors
Greetings in the Precious Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Anna Mae and I invite you to plan to attend the 2003 Annual Convention. The May 5 - 8, 2003 Convention will be held at the Wheels Inn, Chatham, Ontario. The Wheels provides the perfect combination of meeting and event facilities with over 7 acres of indoor entertainment and recreation facilities. Bring your family.
"Then Moses said to him, 'If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.'" Exodus 33:15
Moses was in the middle of his journey through the wilderness leading the people of Israel out of Egypt. The people had just sinned by worshipping the golden calf. Moses interceded for them and God spared their lives. Moses now talks one on one with the Lord. He knows he cannot lead this stubborn people without the presence of God. He has come to realize that without the presence of God, he cannot do anything.
"How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?"
Moses did not want to move further without the assurance that God was moving with him. He knew it was a life and death situation. He sought the Lord with his whole heart on this one matter.
The question is a good one. If we are to be effective in ministry for the Lord, we cannot do it unless the Lord is in the midst of it. Unless the Lord's power is seen among us, we will only be another person who has religion. Unless, we manifest His life to others, they will only see good behaviour that is easily counterfeited by moral people.
Moving out in presumption will end in failure and frustration. Ask the Lord today to assure you of his presence and power in your ministry. Then you will be assured that you will be distinguished among all the other people on the face of the earth.
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 for 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
The Canadian Mantle - October 2002
Click on Title or Page number to take you to the article
"Missionary Report" Richard and Rebbeca Birch................................................................... Page 7
Greetings from the General Secretary
Dear Fellow Ministers
Greetings to all of you in the precious Name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. I trust that this letter finds you all well and rejoicing in the goodness of the Lord. It is almost impossible to think that we have come into another fall season. My prayer is that you all have had a wonderful summer and the church family is ready for the fall season. What an opportunity to reach out to those around us that are hurting, broken hearted, frustrated, and despondent.
The scripture that comes to me as I sit down to write is Romans12: 1,2 “I beseech you brethren by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God”. Here the writer is making a statement that we are not to think the way this world thinks.
We are to have a renewed mind as we proceed in our thinking.
With a renewed mind we will think from God’s heart, rather than from our own heart. This is why salvation is a part of a heart change. We are not converted to do things like we did before. “No!” conversion is a life style change. If we think from God’s heart, then we will be released from the bondage of self and move into the freedom of the spirit to accomplish things through the power of God rather than our own power. We are now going to be the people that walk by faith rather than by sight.
Walking by faith means that we will listen to hear what the Lord is saying to us. To listen we must quiet our spirit. To quiet our spirit we must come before the Lord and enter into His presence with worship, thanksgiving, and praise. We also much talk to Him (in prayer), and then listen to hear what He is going to say to us. There are a lot of us that are too busy to take time with the Lord. We must correct this wrong if we are going to have His mind functioning through us. To do it any other way would be disastrous. Faith is always moved by the will of God. It is not motivated by us doing it our way. I believe this is why the church spins its wheels so much. We have a lot of action, but not much accomplished. Remember Jesus wants our fruit to remain. Odedience to God’s word and His way means that the church will continue to progress. We will go from glory to glory.
Having a changed mind means that we are now doing things through God’s heart rather than our own heart. We are doing things because He is asking us to do them and we are responding by faith and walking with our heads up. Paul said Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me”. He could say this because he knew that he heard from God. This was faith in action. We can also do the same as we take time to listen to what God is saying to us. It is important to understand that the will of God is that all people come to full repentance of sins and make a commitment to the Lord to become His disciples.
May we all build His church with excitement and commitment.
In His love
H. Wuerch
CONGRATULATIONS – Dave and Pattie Kelsey
Twenty years of successfully leading the Living Water Youth Camp (Southwestern Ontario). We commend Dave and Pattie Kelsey (Youth Camp Directors) for being faithful in seeing the vision for youth and meeting the needs of youth.
Each year the camp has been filled to capacity. Young people have been touched by the Spirit of God. Souls have been saved. Young people have been filled with the Holy Spirit. Many have received the call of God upon their lives or have had their call confirmed. Young people who were campers just a few years ago are now pastors, evangelists, missionaries and church leaders. To God be the Glory.
VISION STATEMENT
To provide an opportunity and atmosphere where young people can be discipled, mentored and develop a more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ where they feel safe, supported, and strengthened; through fun, friendship, and fellowship.
September 2001 a Youth Camp Committee was formed comprising of Rev. Jason Harris, Rev. Burton Kewayosh and Rev. Cathy Prout.
On behalf of the hundreds of young people you have ministered to and the churches that have been blessed, thank-you Dave and Pattie Kelsey.
3 John 2 “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” No doubt you will faithfully carry on, as good soldiers in the Lord, and as good husbandmen, await the harvest of rich blessings.
Jehovah-Jireh, the LORD sees, the LORD provides.
May God bless and keep you.
Editor
From My Pulpit To Yours
WHAT IS PASTORAL COUNSELING?
SEGMENT ONE
Compiled by Pastor John Hilliard, C.P.C.
Counseling is when one person, couple, family or group goes to another person whom they feel is capable of helping. Pastoral counseling is the involvement of a pastor or other Christian person in the role of counselor within the ministry of pastoring. The scriptural foundation for pastoral counseling is found in Luke 4:18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty, them that are bruised," and Isaiah 61:1-3.
SALVATION - WHOLENESS
The Greek terms for salvation, soteria and the verb sozo, mean to save, to heal, preserve, keep safe and sound, rescue from danger or destruction, deliver, to save from peril, injury, or suffering, to make whole from physical death by healing, and from spiritual death by forgiving sin and its effects. (/Matthew 9:21,22; Mark 6:56; Acts 4:9; James 5:15) Wholeness means to walk in the fullness of our salvation.
THE MODEL - AN ANALOGY TO ILLUSTRATE THE CHRISTIAN APPROACH
It is like a ship that has lost its rudder in a stormy sea, another ship comes alongside to stabilize it, and takes on some of its cargo and then tows it to a safe port. The counselor comes alongside the counselee as a support, in a sense takes on some of his/her problems, and then helps them to soundness and wholeness through the various stages of the counseling process within a secure loving relationship under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
THE MINISTER AS A THERAPIST
The word therapy is derived from the Greek word therapeuo which means "to serve, "to restore," "to care for," "to wait upon," or "to treat medically." The role of therapist for the Christian is his/her response to the presence of Christ in one's life: a response of service to others. Therapeuo is a relationship word. A therapist, therefore, is a person whose relationships with others are characterized by service and caring. Pastoral care has been defined as helping acts done by Christian persons, directed toward nurturing, sustaining guiding, and reconciling of troubled persons.
Counseling may take the form of exhortation or encouragement.Counseling by enlightenment deals with problem thinking, this type of counseling requires extensive training and is in the realm of the psychiatrist or psychotherapist.
THE SCRIPTURAL QUALIFICATIONS OF THE PASTOR/COUNSELLOR
The pastor/counsellor must have the basic scriptural qualifications outlined in the following Bible references:
1.) He/she must be born again, and living in the experience. (John 3:3)
2.) He/she should be water baptized by immersion. (Romans 6:4 Matthew 28:19)
3.) One must be baptized in the Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:5, Acts 11:6)
4.) The pastor must be divinely called 0f God. (Luke 4:18)
5.) The pastor/counselor must be a mature Christian. (1 Timothy 3:6.)
6.) The pastor must have a good sound working knowledge of the Bible. (2 Timothy 2:15)
ADDITIONAL COUNSELOR TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
Training is needed in:
a.) The basic principles of Christian living.
b.) Critical thinking and devising biblical strategies for problem solving.
c.) General interviewing skills.
d.) Applying biblical principles to every day living.
SEGMENT TWO
PASTORAL COUNSELING IS INTERVENTION
Pastoral counseling is one of the four levels of intervention. The other three are, pastoral conversation, psychotherapy and psychiatry.
PASTORAL CONVERSATIONS
Pastoral conversations are the casual engagements of pastoral care and many times deal with surface issues. These conversations are necessary and helpful to both the parishioner and pastor, the goals and methods are not the same as pastoral counseling.
PASTORAL COUNSELING
Pastoral counseling is much more formal and tends to be more intensive. Pastoral counseling moves before social issues. It is not psychotherapy. Pastoral counseling is supportive while psychotherapy is concerned with restructuring - a change of mind. Psychiatry is similar but uniquely different. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in treating emotional problems and abnormal behavior. They are authorized to medicate and hospitalize as part of a treatment plan, whereas counseling ministers, psychotherapists, psychologists cannot.
CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING THE TYPE OF INTERVENTION IS NEEDED
1.) The severity of the counselee 's emotional disturbance.
2.) The caregiver's level of competence.
3.) Questions of legal responsibility.
SPIRIT CENTERED PASTORAL COUNSELING
There are three participants in Spirit-centered counseling, the counselor, the counselee, and the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit the process of pastoral counseling would be humanistic. With Him as an acknowledged dynamic influence in the process, all things are possible. The dynamic ingredient of the counseling event is the relationship of the participants.
THE MEDIUM OF COUNSELING
The medium of counseling is talking, which goes in three directions, the counselor speaks, the counselee speaks, the Holy Spirit speaks. The counselor must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and should probe the counselee for what the Spirit is saying unto him/her.
ATMOSPHERE
The essence of the counselor/counselee relationship is love. It is an influence the pastor projects into the counseling relationship. The
counselee experiences real or authentic love in a dependable relationship. As this happens, the counselee is affirmed as lovable and is esteemed worthy as a creature made in the image of God. It is a healing process wherein a special relationship between the counselor, counseled and the Holy Spirit is formed as the tenets of psychology and the truth of scripture are merged. The counselee's need of intimacy and daily living are ministered to as the Holy Spirit mediates the grace, guidance, and love of God through the counselor toward the end of Spirit-centered wholeness.
THE DYNAMIC INGREDIENT - THE RELATIONSHIP
Counseling is a "responsive" relationship arising from an expressed need to work through difficulties by means of emotional understanding and growing responsibility. A time-limited relationship should be established that is designed to provide comfort for troubled persons by enhancing their awareness of God's grace and faithful presence. This relationship should be designed to increase their ability to live their lives more fully in the light of the realization of God's grace.
THE CENTRAL FEATURE OF PASTORAL COUNSELING
The central feature of Christian pastoral counseling is the offering of humanness in relationship which in some way is patterned after the humanness of Christ for us. It is a relationship where persons in need can "experience" authentic love in a dependable relationship.
SEGMENT THREE
DIFFICULTIES TO AVOID IN COUNSELING
1. OVER-IDENTIFICATION - A PITFALL
When the counselor over-identifies with the plight of the counselee he/she has reached a level of emotional entanglement at which the burdens of the counselee become the burdens of the counselor. This results in the loss of objectivity to get the counselee out of his or her dilema. The result is that no one benefits. At this point the counselor also needs help. The correct approach is empathy. Empathy involves experiencing another's problems as if they were your own, without losing the "as-if-ness" aspect. It entails relating to the problems, while retaining one's objectivity. With empathy you firmly grasp the other person's hand and help him or her through the quagmire back unto stable ground.
TRANSFERENCE AND COUNTER TRANSFERENCE A DANGER FOR THE PASTOR
Knowledge of transference in counseling is vital to the counselor.Transference is the unconscious transfer of feelings by the counselee to the counselor which he or she had or wished he had for some other significant figure in his or her life. Transference is the unconscious tendency to shift our emotional interest or investment toward new persons or innate objects in the hope of re-experiencing old persons or objects, or in the hopes of succeeding where formerly we failed. Counter-transference is the minister's unconscious tendency to shift emotional interest and investment from persons of the past unto the counselee. Appropriate boundaries must be established and maintained. It is in this area that the pastor/counselor may fall into temptation and/or sin or lose his/her objectivity. It is at this point the minister/counselor will need help.
CODE OF ETHICS
Because of the high calling of God upon the minister's life and professional expectations, the minister must understand and abide by a code of ethics.
Rev John Hilliard
Pastor Rose of Sharon Fellowship
P.O. Box 231
Bath, Ontario KOH 1GO
Phone 613-352-5691
E mail: John.Hilliard@sympatico.ca
The Book of Acts Revisited
Umiujaq Quebec Bible Conference June 12-20, 2002
Report by: Rev. Allan R. Roach
On June 11, 2002 - I departed on my first trip to an Arctic-based Bible Conference. The flights were via twin prop aircraft from London via Montreal to Umiujaq (Hudson Bay Coast). The excitement of a missions trip mounted, and extraordinary witnessing opportunities unfolded at every step of the journey.
June 12th, my first night in Umiujaq, Quebec, held an unusual sense of promise. I was informed that the granddaughter of a local church elder had seen a vision of a huge angel over Umiujaq, holding a trumpet. I was also told that two weeks before the conference, an inexplicable phenomena appeared in the sky (See phot on next page). A sense of expectation hung in the air.
Friends and ministers from Inuit communities traveled from every corner of the Arctic. A lady named Martha loaned the folks staying in our residence a "four-wheeler." We were mobilized! The first evening's meetings numbered nearly 120. The visible leaders of the meeting were Billy Arnaquaq, James Arreak, Annie Tertiluk, Eva Deer and Eva LaPage. Behind the scene a super-well-organized sound-man, Bobby Deer maintained the technical aspects of the conference. Skillful interpreters provided translation as needed. Worship was vibrant. Hearts were open.
The conference's agenda entailed morning intercession, morning and afternoon teaching sessions and evening evangelistic services. Most everyone who came from a ministry background was invited to speak. I was privileged to teach Friday and Saturday mornings. The range of speakers could hardly have been broader, and included a Messianic Jewish Rabbi, a French-Canadian pastor and youth worker, a Swiss-Canadian intercessor, a Prairie-based evangelist and youth worker, a host of Inuit pastors and leaders, and myself, filling in for Rev. David Ellyatt, whose absence was due to surgery. The sense of excitement in the meetings built quickly. Altar calls were well responded to by souls seeking the Lord for salvation and healing. The ministry of the Holy Spirit was strong at every point.
Young and old alike were drawn to these meetings. Teens filled the back row of seats, returning nightly to the school gym where they heard testimonies and instruction from a variety of speakers. On one occasion, a teen girl's heart was caught-up with the testimony of her guardian/grandmother. She was deeply touched by what she heard and gave her heart to the Lord. Later, she testified of repenting from resisting her grandmother and from drug dealing. Her friends wept for joy, and many came to Jesus. Throughout the conference, one salvation seemed to ignite another. The Lord received all the glory! Testimonies lasted up to thirty minutes or more, as tender hearts witnessed to God's life-changing power.
On Sunday, a picnic was held about one mile away from the community. The temperature was an unusual 22 degrees. Small children played in crystal-clear, snow run-off waters. Small fires dotted the picnic scene, heating tea kettles and roasting snacks brought for the occasion. Monday was feast day! We went to the beach where large sheets of plastic were spread out on the huge bare rocks. From a gigantic cardboard box came an endless supply of frozen rainbow trout, cod fish, goose, freshly killed seal, and smoked arctic char, a real treat. Some par-cooked a select goose on an open fire; others roasted a choice fish. However, most enjoyed their feast treats raw and cut into bite-sized frozen strips. (The seal meat is enjoyed fresh and unfrozen.) I have to tell you that I tried a little of everything . . . and I think I will do it again some time soon!
Several visitors who had to leave on Monday were baptized in a brook that flowed down from the melting now in the hills behind Umiujaq. A good crowd attended the baptisms and hearts were ablaze with love for the Lord. No one noticed the temperature of the water.
Tuesday evening saw over 34 baptized. One girl confessed Christ as she stood in the plastic-lined plywood tank, was baptized in water, and came up filled and overflowing with the Holy Spirit. The air was alive with the presence of God. Wednesday saw additional baptisms (in the brook again)! In each baptismal service, all but a few of the candidates were tremendously affected by the power of God as they rose from the water. I have witnessed glimpses of something like this before, but not on this scale, in one place at one time. In all, 64 souls were baptized during this conference. Before I left, a teary-eyed man stopped me as I entered our meeting place. He reported to me how the whole community had changed since the conference began. Q. P. P. constables also frequented our meetings. They reported to us that they had not received a single serious call since the conference began.
On Thursday morning, prior to my return flight, I had the pleasure of meeting with Sarah Tooktoo, the recently appointed interim pastor of Umiujaq's Full Gospel Church. Together with her husband, Billy Tooktoo (the worship leader), we discussed various aspects of pastoral ministry. Church growth is now a positive challenge in Umiujaq, thanks to the sensitive leadership of the Inuit pastors who planned the conference.
Back in London, Ontario, June 26, 2002 I received a call from Eva LaPage of Kuujjuaq. She tells me I missed the best! It seems that the local church, together with the remaining ministers, held services on June 20th and 21st. Eva told me of a visitation from God unmatched by anything seen in the conference! What an awesome God we serve!
God bless!
“First Nation’s Voice”
“To Kill Time Is To Become The Victim” - Article by Pastor Joseph Gilbert, Walpole Island
Read: Ecclesiastes 9: 10-11 (KJV), "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all."
Read: Ephesians 5: 15-17 (NKJV), " See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. "
As I grow older I realize that statements about the topic of “time” are becoming more important to me. You see, I’m at the stage in my life that some call, “middle-aged.” Now, I really don’t have an objection to growing old. The problem is there are “times” when I’m not sure what side of the middle I am on! There are days when I feel I’m in the “middle” of life--where it is so interesting, challenging and rewarding. Then there are those “times” when I don’t seem to have the energy, much less the desire to peek from under covers at another day!
There’s a saying, “The advantage of being over the hill is you go faster” and with respect to “time” that seems increasingly true to me. For I can remember the “Long days of summer” in my childhood when a day seemed endless, in fact boringly so. Now there are days when I
suspect that time is shrinking and that the 24 hours in my day are more “inflationary” than actual. I base my suspicion on my observation that my grand-parents and my parents seemed to get more done in a day without modern technology, than I am able to accomplish with all the convenience of “Push-button this and Push-button that!”
This brings me to Solomon’s statement, “But time and chance happen to them all” and Paul’s, “making the most of your time.” These two statements about time indicate that “time” is common to all people--there are 24 hours in everyone’s day--no more--no less. The difference has to do with how we use our time because “time” provides us the opportunity to prioritize our lives. Life can be summed under three broad categories of “relationship” and “responsibility” and “rewards.” Those who are “wise” recognize that concentration on the first two results in the third. Matthew 22:37-39 says, “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” This is the foundation on which all that really matters in life, is built.
Another quote, “Time is the greatest teacher, but the problem is it kills all its’ students.” Unfortunately the “unwise” don’t realize the importance of a balanced use of time until they have run out of it. For example, the opportunity to set an example for our children doesn’t last forever because they soon grow up.
All of this concludes in the title of this meditation. It is a saying I’ve coined, not so much for others, as for myself. Because I know I can’t save or bank time; I can’t buy it or make it; I can’t reverse, stop or conquer time. It simply marches on and when it’s gone, it’s gone!
So I’ve determined I’m not going to “waste” time or just “put in” time. I’m going to become a champion of time by “making the most of my time” so that I’m not spending my life trying “to kill time,” because to do so, “is to become the victim!”
Joseph Gilbert is currently the new Pastor of the Walpole Island Evangelistic Centre as of May 15, 2002. You can reach him at (519) 627-0433 W.I.E.C. Phone number; or you can write to him at :
P.O. Box 22001, Wallaceburg, Ontario N8A 5G4
Missionary Report by Richard Birch
This is a report of a Miracle Healing Crusade that we just finished up here in Hay River.
As a result of these meetings. We are now starting two outreach ministries in two separate communities each approx 150 km from here in different directions. Revs. Victor and Judith Emenike have come to the Northwest Territories twice before within the last 18 months or so. The Lord has been moving mightily through their ministries in the realm of miracles and healings.
Our crusade, in Hay River, was for 5 days, including a women’s meeting that all the men attended too. I estimate that at least 30 to 40 people came to Christ. Several were Baptized in the Holy Ghost. We saw probably 2 dozen or more ears opened. There were a few eye problems touched and many left with their canes on their shoulders instead of in their hands to walk. Others, with extreme back pain were healed. Dignitaries of various levels were touched by the power of God. People were freed of various bondages like anger and stubbornness. Probably the most notable of these was a 42-year-old deaf mute.
This man had never heard a word before. As far as he’d ever gone was to feel the vibrations of music. One of his ears was opened and he repeated in a simple manner (since he never heard, he never spoke) words and numbers spoke to him even from behind him. Isn’t God great?
Another remarkable thing was the number of young people who came in out of curiosity for a few minutes and wound up on the floor under the Power. All gave their lives to Him. Another miracle was the contrary spirits of people who continually opposed us for years have repented and are now getting behind us. Praise God!
In the community of Snowdrift has about 300 people and has to be flown into during non-winter months. In one service about 90 people came to Christ.
Ft. Resolution
Our meeting started with a fill house of about 70. After the preaching, before even one healing, almost every person came forward to accept Christ. Throughout the rest of the service many more came in and about 20 more accepted Jesus. We saw many of the elderly touched by His Power. Numerous healings took place in the area of ears, legs, and back.
The approx. number that came to Christ was 90. Some, we know, were already saved, bringing the true number to about 65 or 70. We now have a commitment from at least 30 or more to attend our weekly services.
Ft. Providence
This community has a reputation for its hardness towards God. Although we did experience a bit of resistance, God quickly took care of it. After the preaching, again, before any miracles, approx. 60 came forward. Another 20 to 30 came forward. We saw marvellous things.
The most notable miracle was a lady in a wheelchair with a lifeless right leg. She had to pick it up to move it, it dangled lifeless. Brother Victor commanded her to walk. She swung her lifeless leg forward. As she tried to walk you could see life and strength come into the leg. She walked all the way across the floor. For the rest of the service she sat in a regular chair.
Rev Rebecca and Richard Birch
Pastor Hay River Community Fellowship
946 Mackenzie Hwy
Hay River, NT XOE OR3
e-mail: rbirch@ssimicro.com
MISSIONARY REPORT by Richard R Brochu
Luz alas Naciones is a ministry in Puerto Plata Dominic Republic. I was sent by the Lord in April 14, 1994 to start the work in the Island of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The Lord put a great burden on my heart to work with the children in the Barrios of the city here in Puerto Plata. We have so many children in the prostitution trade that we are the third nation in the world for child prostitution. Many people are dying of AIDS and we are expecting in the next 10 years to have over 60,000 children orphaned from this terrible disease.
I thank the Lord that I am able to work in the city of Puerto Plata, and reach out to the prostitutes, homosexuals, drug addicts, and alcoholics. We have been receiving many groups and churches who have come down to help us with the task of evangelism of children and evangelism in the streets.
This year we had a group from Woodslee Prayer Community Church that came down with Pastor Gerrie Armaly. What a blessing it was to work with many Pastors with the purpose of advancing the Kingdom of God. We had a Pastor’s Conferences in Santiago. We have a radio broadcast for the Island for the message of the Lord. We travelled to Haiti Cap Haitian and gave a Pastors Conference and there was over 150 Pastors in attendance. The Lord was glorified.
August was the V.B.S for the kids and a group from Malvern Christian Assembly did come down to help. That is their second time and they impacted the Barrio with the word of God. We had over two hundred children in attendance for the week, and we continue to preach the word of God with the same material to a Baite Haitian village and had many children come to the Lord. There were miracles of Jesus. Salvation is one of the greatest miracles.
We are distributing also SGM Material, at the Puerto Plata airport in many languages, at the car rental office, the hotel and the school. We thank you all for your prayers and support. We have a small Center for the children for literacy classes, Bible Studies for children and youth. We have a vision of sending workers to the nations of the world from the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Cuba and sponsoring these workers.
Richard R Brochu
P.O. Box 225,
Essex, Ontario
N8M 2Y3
e-mail: light2thenations@hotmail.com
POEMS
IS ANYBODY LISTENING
Is anybody listening to the groanings of this world
Can you hear its feeble heartbeat as it grinds to keep a whirl
You’ve heard the thunder breaking
You’ve seen a falling star
But did you know the crater, is burning like a fire.
Is anybody listening as the forest slowly dies
Can you see the earth is cracking
Can you hear the restless sky
The air is thick and hazy and our children pale and sick
We better make a turn about, we better do it quick.
Is anybody listening as the seas expels the dead
Can you hear the killers plotting as they’re lying in their beds
Angry men, preparing to taste of human blood
Can you hear the blood they’re spilling
It’s flowing like a flood.
Is anybody listening to what I’m trying to say
To keep our families free from harm, we all must start to pray
Thank God for all His mercies, and what He’s going to do
For God who never slumbers
Is watching over you.
FROM GOD TO HIS CHILDREN
Never let go of Jesus
He’s your truest ray of hope
The power of His presence
Is there to help you cope
His open arms will comfort you
His tender touch will heal
Never let go of Jesus
His love for you is real.
Never let go of Jesus
No matter how rough the way
No matter how big your problem
No matter how long the day
For with Jesus your load will be lighte
His strength and help you’ll feel
Never let go of Jesus
His love for you is real.
* * * * * * *
Rev. Verna Whyte, Pastor
6 Arden Crt.,
St. CATHARINES, Ontario L2N 4C6
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Greetings in the Precious Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Trust that you had a restful and blessed summer. Thank-you for your kind notes and e-mail.
We wish to further develop and improve THE CANADIAN MANTLE. Please forward to us – praise reports, announcements (revivals, campmeetings, youth rallies), prayer requests, minister to minister issues, and missionary reports.
May, we please have your current e-mail address? Let me encourage you to visit the IAOG web site http://www.iaogcan.com
Anna Mae and I invite you to plan now to attend the 2003 Annual Convention. We are believing God for a time of blessing and refreshment. The May 5 – 8, 2003 Convention, the Lord willing will be held at the Wheels Inn, Chatham, Ontario. The Wheels provides the perfect combination of meeting and event facilities with over 7 acres of indoor entertainment and recreation facilities. Guests can enjoy relaxing in Wheels Health Spa, an invigorating workout at the fitness club, bowling and swimming . Mark this on your 2003 calendar, today.
The hand of the Lord was upon me there, and He said to me, “Get up and go out to the plain, and there I will speak to you.” Ezekiel 3:22
God speaks in many different ways to His Servants. He spoke through a bush to Moses. He spoke through a donkey to Balaam. He spoke through prophets to His kings. He speaks through other believers. He speaks directly to us through the Holy Spirit. And He speaks even through circumstances.
When God wants to speak a very important word directly to us without interruption from the noise of our busy lives, he will take us “into the plain.” The plain is a place of no distractions and no other persons. It is a place of silence. It can be a place of great need as it often fails to have the normal provisions we are accustomed to. It can be a place we go to voluntarily to seek His face, or we can be moved there without choice by His supernatural ability. More often, it is the latter method that brings us into the plain. In modern times, it often means a separation from our normal activities, such as church, jobs or families.
The plain can also be a place where we discover afresh that God’s hand has been on us all the time. When we are so busy with life and ministry, we sometimes forget that God’s hand is still there, gently leading our path. When our lives get so busy that we are not listening or responding to His gentle touch, He must take more aggressive measures to get our attention. Thus, the plain is one of those appointed times of one-on-one communication with our heavenly Father. No distractions, no people, no beautiful surroundings to capture our thoughts. It is a barren place designed to allow us to seek and hear clearly. When He speaks, we need to be able to listen. We hear much better in the plain.
Do you need to hear God’s voice afresh today? Is your life such that you cannot even hear His voice? Each day God calls us to our own mini-plain in order to speak to us and for us to hear. If we neglect this time of open communication, we may be invited to His plain in order to hear without distraction. Pray that you might make time to hear.
***
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 for communication between members. It is published three times per year. Please send inquiries to the attention of:
Editor: 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
Christian greetings from South River. God is exceptionally good to us, in these days of our ministry. We were ordained by Brother and Sister Walker back in 1969 and pastored a church here in South River for 30 years. We are now semi-retired and attend and support Pastor and Sister Jones of Faith Chapel, North Bay, for the last 10 years. We do ministry in the hospitals and aged homes and wherever the Lord opens a door.
We have a church organ for sale. A Wurlitzer, Model #4100A with top, bottom and foot controls. ($1500.00) Anyone interested may contact them at the above address.
Rev. Melvyn and Vickie Scarrow
Box 173,
SOUTH RIVER, Ontario P0A 1Z0 Telephone: (705) 386-2647
Are you a member of the Compassion Fund?
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This is NOT life insurance, but a biblical way of ministering to a loved one with a gift of condolence in time of need.
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The Ministry of Compassion functions to collect gifts of money from participating members to give to the beneficiaries named by the participating member who has died.
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One-time registration fee of $10.00
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A contribution of $10.00 will paid to the Ministry of Compassion fund when you are notified of the death of a fellow participating member.
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Notification will be sent when a fellow subscribing member dies so that you may contribute as an expression of compassion and love.
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For an application write: Compassion Fund
1795 Parkhurst Ave. London, Ontario N5V 2C4
1920 Huron Street,
LONDON, Ontario N5V 3A7
Telephone: (519) 659-8037
Enrol Now for 2002 Spring Semester
Pastoral Counselling, Old Testament Historical Books, The Church’s Educational Task, Eschatology.
Programs Offered Bachelor of Biblical Studies - 4 years
Bachelor of Religious Education - 4 years
Associate Degree in Religious Studies - 2 years
For more information: Contact: Rev. Charles Willner
Telephone (519) 659-8037
Fax: (519) 462-3451
e-mail: openword@execulink.com.