AG NEWS #2053: February 8, 2012
**CMN/AG Trust's "Matching Fund" results in banner year in numerous
areas
Through Church Multiplication Network/AG Trust's Matching Fund,
nearly 200 churches have been assisted in launching since 2007.
In last year alone, healthy "return" on investment is being
realized, with strong increase in salvations, baptisms in the
Spirit, funds invested in missions and funds "paid forward" to
help more new churches launch. For more information, see
http://churchmultiplication.net.
**Cash in exchange for souls?
Chi Alpha at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, wins
atheist fund-raising challenge benefiting local food pantry. As
a result, the Non-Theist Society attends Chi Alpha meeting
making a big impact on group, including society's president.
Linda Seiler, Chi Alpha director at Purdue, says seeds have
been planted and Non-Theist Society already invited to next Chi
Alpha event: "The Problem of God Symposium." See article for
links to Purdue Chi Alpha and national Chi Alpha sites.
**Crime victim leads burglar to salvation
God answers a 25-year-old prayer when a chaplain in Texas leads
an inmate from his hometown to salvation.
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Discover the Nations March 8-10
The fourth annual Discover the Nations conference takes place
in Carbondale, Illinois, March 8-10, 2012, followed by the
International Missions Sunday services on March 11. This year¹s
focus is Equipping international workers to befriend, reach out
and disciple the nations: Practical ways of reaching Chinese,
Japanese, Indians, Africans, others with special emphasis on
reaching Muslims. Registration is $45 plus housing. Space is
limited. For more information, go to http://www.ChiAlpha.com or
contact 618-529-4395 or siuxca@gmail.com.
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Coalition of compassion Greater Things Compassion Conference
Jesus healed and preached the power of incarnation through
God's love in action. The Greater Things Compassion Conference,
to be held February 21-23, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is the
nation's largest gathering of passionate, servant-hearted,
local church leaders and innovative, effective ministry
partners. Through compassionate action, we will bring that same
healing and redemption to our communities today. For more
information, see http://greaterthingsarecoming.com.
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**CMN/AG TRUST'S "MATCHING FUND" RESULTS IN BANNER YEAR IN NUMEROUS
AREAS
Since the August 2007 inception of the Matching Fund program through
the Church Multiplication Network (CMN) and AG Trust, new church
plants have had the potential of benefiting from a secure financial
start. The Matching Fund program offers qualifying new church plants
up to $30,000 in matching funds to help them successfully launch and
move forward in their early stages.
Already recognized as a strong success when viewed by the extremely
high percentage of new church plants succeeding when utilizing the
fund (above 90 percent), other numbers are also highly encouraging.
According to recently released statistics, since August of 2007
through December 2011, 196 churches have received CMN Matching
Funds, with 48 churches receiving the funds in the 2011 calendar
year alone.
What's more, of the 13,162 recorded confessions of faith at these
new church plants, 4,787 occurred last year; 775 of 1,880 baptisms
in the Holy Spirit, also took place last year; and the average
attendance per new church went from 77 to 88 last year.
In addition, money invested is beginning to see a strong return. The
amount given to missions by Matching Fund churches now stands at
$1,885,886 ($650,218 in 2011) and the amount "paid-forward"
(Matching Fund churches commit to ³pay forward² the matching portion
of the funds they receive back into the Matching Fund, so more new
churches can receive the same benefit) increased to $1,429,742
overall ($670,315.47 last year).
"It is exciting to see how God is using new church plants to not
only spread the gospel in their communities, but to be a significant
supporter of spreading the gospel throughout the world through
missions," says Steve Pike, CMN national director. "It's also a
powerful testimony to God's faithfulness how churches planted not
long ago are now investing paying forward to plant more new
churches!"
Last year, the Assemblies of God planted 368 new churches tied for
the second highest ever recorded for the church and had an overall
gain of 138, as churches closing were down as well.
To learn more about contributing to the Matching Fund program to
help new churches have a strong start or to learn how to qualify for
the Matching Fund program, see http://churchmultiplication.net or
call 417.862.2781, extension 3500.
--Dan Van Veen
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**CASH IN EXCHANGE FOR SOULS?
To the Chi Alpha group at Purdue University in West Lafayette,
Indiana, cash in exchange for souls seemed like a pretty good deal.
The Non-Theist Society at Purdue University recently held a
provocative fundraiser called the "Send an Atheist to Church" food
drive. Apparently recognizing that churches and Christian groups are
the target audiences when it comes to raising money for the needy,
the group promised they would attend a service of whichever church
or Christian student organization donated the most money to its food
drive for Food Finders (a local pantry).
"Our students seized the opportunity and together donated more than
$300 to win the challenge," says Linda Seiler, director of the Chi
Alpha group at Purdue. "That's the most money any group on campus
has given since the food drive began several years ago."
Seiler says that they invited the Non-Theist Society to attend the
January 13th meeting the first Friday night meeting of the
semester. She says she was only expecting a few to show, but the
president of the group said he had been impressed by the enthusiasm
of Chi Alpha and had encouraged his entire group to come.
With Chi Alpha students warmly welcoming and intermingling with
non-theist members, Seiler says there was little doubt God had
orchestrated the event. "When worship began, it was powerful as the
presence of God was undeniable," Seiler says. "The students couldn't
stop praising God for His goodness. Waves of His presence washed
over us again and again . . . what better argument for the existence
of God than His tangible presence manifesting among us?"
Following worship, Seiler spoke on the goodness of God based on
Genesis 3 and the gospels. "The non-theists were incredibly
attentive, and there were moments where I could tell God was
speaking directly to them," Seiler says. After the message, students
were to divide into groups to talk for 10 minutes or so, but those
conversations continued until Seiler had to close the room for the
evening.
After the meeting, the president of the non-theist group approached
Seiler. "He told me he loved it (the meeting) and that he had never
been anywhere where he felt such passion in the room, especially
during worship," Seiler says. "He said, 'I know I experience it in a
different way than you do, but when you all were singing songs, I
could tell it was powerful.'"
Another non-theist group member showed Seiler a list of questions he
now had and wanted to know if he could join a Chi Alpha Life Group
to talk more; a third non-theist met with a Chi Alpha intern a week
later to ask more questions.
"I recently learned that one of our Chi Alpha members started
attending the Non-Theist Society meetings in order to maintain a
connection with them," Seiler says. "The young man is a former
atheist and has a heart for reaching people for Christ and he's
inviting them to attend "The Problem of God Symposium" we're helping
to host later this month."
Seiler says that she is excited about the possibilities and the
doors that have opened to communicate the gospel to students. "Many
of these students are hearing and experiencing the gospel message
for the very first time in their lives," Seiler says. "We're praying
that the seeds planted will come to fruition in the lives of Nick
and the rest of the non-theists."
For more information about the Chi Alpha at Purdue, see
http://www.xapurdue.com. To learn more about the national Chi Alpha
program, see http://www.ChiAlpha.com.
--Dan Van Veen
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**CRIME VICTIM LEADS BURGLAR TO SALVATION
When he agreed to a television interview in 1981, Paul Ransberger
knew people would be listening. In retrospect, it seems God was
listening as well.
Ransberger was senior pastor of Lighthouse Assembly of God in
Sweetwater, Texas, when intruders broke into the church and stole
sound equipment. In the process, Ransberger's cherished bass fiddle
was knocked over and broken. The losses totaled more than $1,000.
A short time later, police arrested a man suspected of orchestrating
several church break-ins, including the one at Lighthouse.
A local television reporter interviewed Ransberger, asking him what
he would like to see happen.
"I said, 'We've lost some stuff, but my main thing is we'd like to
see this guy get saved," Ransberger says. "In fact, I'd like to
baptize this guy."
Though it was an off-the-cuff remark, Ransberger decided to make it
his prayer. He asked the congregation to join him in interceding for
the man's salvation.
"We circled up and prayed several times in church," Ransberger says.
In time, the instrument was repaired, the equipment was replaced,
and the incident was largely forgotten.
Almost a quarter of a century later, Ransberger was serving as a
chaplain at Coffield Unit in Tennessee Colony, Texas more than 300
miles from Sweetwater when he met an inmate from his old hometown.
The man was unfamiliar to Ransberger, even though they had lived in
Sweetwater around the same time.
"He told me, 'I've been a habitual criminal, and I'm tired of it;
I'm ready to give my heart to the Lord,'" Ransberger says.
Ransberger led the inmate to salvation in Christ, gave him a Bible
and enrolled him in a discipleship class.
Driving home that evening, Ransberger pondered the day's events. He
had been questioning whether he was making a difference as a
chaplain. The conversion seemed a timely confirmation from God. But
Ransberger sensed an even deeper significance.
"I kept thinking about where I had heard that name before,"
Ransberger says. "Halfway home it hit me who he was. That's when the
Lord reminded me of my prayers from 25 years earlier."
The next day, Ransberger checked the inmate's rap sheet and found
the 1981 Lighthouse Assembly burglary listed among his crimes.
Ransberger never mentioned it to his new convert. Two weeks later,
Ransberger baptized the man.
--Christina Quick, "Pentecostal Evangel"
AG NEWS #2052: February 6, 2012
**AG couple "Extreme Couponing" champions
Chris and Ashley Duff use couponing as a way to help others.
Recently, they were featured on TLC's "Extreme Couponing" show
and advanced to "Extreme Couponing: All Stars." Out of 12
extreme couponers, they took home the trophy, and were able to
share their faith through the experience as well.
**Global University graduates its first inmate with Master of
Arts
Global University participated in a commencement ceremony for
Alex Hennis January 17, held at B.B. Rayburn Correctional
Center in Angie, Louisiana. He is Global University's first
Master of Arts graduate from a prison. Hennis has also planted
a church while in prison. For more information about Global
University, visit http://www.globaluniversity.edu.
**This week in AG history -- February 6, 1932
Former editor of the "Pentecostal Evangel" (1919-1921) John
Thomas Boddy's final thoughts before his passing were what many
readers wanted to know. His daughter, Macie Lucas, wrote them
down for readers in a special article in this edition of the
"Pentecostal Evangel." Other authors in this edition include
Robert McClay, R. E. McAlister and more. See article for
download link.
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Flowers, chocolates, dinner and . . .
. . . a weekend for two at a Marriage Encounter weekend! If
you're wanting to let your spouse know just how much you love
her, include a Marriage Encounter weekend on your list of
Valentine's Day surprises. Make Valentine's Day more of a
lifestyle, not just an annual event register today!
See http://agme.org or call 800-366-2104.
Upcoming events: February 24-25 Lexington, Kentucky; Tulsa,
Oklahoma; Houston, Texas. March 2-4 Lafayette, Indiana; Clare,
Michigan; Virginia Beach, Virginia (see website for additional
dates).
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SAVE $30TAKE THE MEGA SPORTS CAMP CHALLENGE
Go to http://www.facebook.com/megasportscamp, click on MSC
Challenge (left column), and see how you can save $30 on MSC
Beyond the Gold Starter Kit. This Olympic theme shows kids how
physical disciplines can have a spiritual impact. Team with MSC
for a winning VBS outreach!
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**AG COUPLE "EXTREME COUPONING" CHAMPIONS
For Chris and Ashley Duff of Houston, Pennsylvania, couponing is not
just a way to save money but a way to care for the needy and give
back to God for his many blessings.
"God uses the small things in life, like coupons, to make a huge
difference for the Kingdom," says Chris, who attends Central
Assembly of God (Stephen Getchell, lead pastor) in Houston. "Give
God whatever you have whether its coupons (or fishes and loaves) and
He'll transform and multiply it for His glory."
Several months ago, the couple was featured on an episode of TLC's
"Extreme Couponing," a show highlighting people that get hundreds of
dollars in groceries for free, just by clipping coupons (see "AG
News" article at http://s2.ag.org/coupon). They then advanced to
"Extreme Couponing: All-Stars," where 12 extreme couponers compete
against each other to see who could get the best deals.
In each 30-minute episode, two couponers are given a $500 budget and
a 30-minute time limit, and the person with the highest percentage
of savings is named the winner and given a chance to move on to the
finale.
The January 24 finale episode, filmed at Glazier's Marketplace in
Las Vegas, featured Chris and two other final contestants, Perry and
Joni, in a head to head battle for the title of Ultimate Extreme
Couponer. Contestants could bring one person with them to help them
shop.
The Duffs won.
In the finale, contestants needed to purchase at least $700 of
product, but come away with the greatest percentage in savings, in
the allotted 30-minute time frame.
Chris and Ashley were able to round up $6,358.65 worth of product,
and with coupons, their total came to $0. Joni bought $4,439.54
worth of product and also spent $0. Perry's total was $708.42 and
she spent $108.28.
"The best part about this entire competition is that everything must
be donated to charity," says Chris. "We already donated all of our
stuff, but now this forced the other couponers to do the same! It's
wonderful how God worked that out!"
More than $11,500 worth of products from Glazier's Marketplace that
were purchased during the finale were donated to the Shade Tree
Shelter in North Las Vegas, Nevada, and the St. Therese Center in
Henderson, Nevada.
Through this experience, the Duffs were able to share their faith
countless times with the producers, cameras and crew. While a lot of
what they shared didn't make it into an episode, those directly
involved editors, writers, transcribers and others were able to
hear about Jesus and the reasoning behind why the couple started
couponing.
"We still believe that God's spirit came across to all the TV
viewers. Many people have started couponing so that they too can
begin to help the needy in their own communities across the United
States," says Chris.
Chris gives these tips for those wanting to coupon:
* Buy a Sunday paper for each person in your family. Clip and
organize all the coupons.
* Use manufacturers' Facebook pages and websites like coupons.com to
get additional coupons.
* Watch your local sales ads each week to see what's on sale.
* Match up your coupons to items on sale to get deep discounts!
* Be patient, couponing is not instant gratification. You may not
use the coupons you clipped that week until 4-6 weeks later. This
strategy pays huge dividends!
Following their debut on national television, the Duffs are
prayerfully considering what their next steps should be as far as
couponing whether they begin traveling to other churches to teach
classes, write a book or create a website/blog. "We want to be right
in step with where God's leading us, not running ahead to do our own
agenda. He put us on this show for a reason and allowed us to come
away with the trophy," says Chris. "We must discern now the greatest
way to make an impact for Jesus."
--Becca Dickson
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**GLOBAL UNIVERSITY GRADUATES ITS FIRST INMATE WITH MASTER OF
Global University, an accredited distance education university of
the Assemblies of God, participated in a commencement ceremony at
B.B. Rayburn Correctional Center to grant Alex Hennis his Master of
Arts degree. The ceremony was held on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, in
Angie, Louisiana.
Hennis is Global University's first Master of Arts graduate from a
prison. He also became the first Master of Arts graduate from a
prison in the State of Louisiana according to Warden Robert Tanner.
"We were blessed and honored to be able to personally present Hennis
with his Master of Art in Ministerial Studies degree," says Gary
Seevers, president of Global University. "History was made, but more
importantly, Alex continues to reach the unchurched by applying
learned principles in the community where he serves."
Hennis has also planted a church in the prison approximately one
year ago. The church averages over 100 people per week, not
including visitors. "The Master of Arts in Ministerial Studies
degree has enriched my life in ministry; it has given me tools to be
more effective to reach lost people and it has provided hope for
others to follow suit," says Hennis. "Had it not been for the Lord
Jesus Christ, the empowerment of the Spirit and His gifted grace, I
would have not made it this far."
Hennis also mentioned that he has grown leaders within the church to
delegate responsibility. He has delegated sections of the prison to
these men as he is empowering them, utilizing their strengths, gifts
and abilities to minister to this population.
"Three years ago, it seemed like a dream. Today we see the
fulfillment of that dream," says Dr. Jim Richardson, associate dean
of the Graduate School of Theology.
"Alex's accomplishment becomes an important motivational factor to
the other inmates throughout the states of Louisiana and
Mississippi, as their prison system is under the same administration
guidelines," says Dr. Carl Chrisner, dean of the Graduate School of
Theology. "Prison statistics reveal that inmates involved in
educational endeavors become an excellent example to other inmates.
There are hundreds of prisoners with accredited B.A. degrees in the
Angola prison and hopefully they can come to know Christ and be
challenged to participate in the Global University graduate
program."
For more information about Global University, visit
http://www.globaluniversity.edu.
--Roberto Ponce
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**THIS WEEK IN AG HISTORY -- FEBRUARY 6, 1932
A person's last words often show what was in his or her heart
John Thomas Boddy, former editor of the "Pentecostal Evangel"
(1919-1921), was a poet and a deep theological thinker. He was
ordained by the Free Methodist Church in 1901 and transferred his
credentials to the Assemblies of God in 1917. When he passed away on
November 6, 1931, he left behind a message that he wanted those
still alive to carefully consider.
What was Boddy's dying declaration? Boddy's daughter, Macie Lucas,
received so many inquires about his last words that she preserved
them in an article in the February 6, 1932, issue of the
"Pentecostal Evangel." Lucas wrote that Boddy spoke and wrote a
great deal about "God's holiness" in his last days. In his final
opportunity to share what was on his heart, Boddy encouraged people
toward holiness.
Lucas recounted that, as Boddy was sharing about holiness, "his face
would be radiant with the glory of God and he would burst forth in
praises. Often he wept in the presence of God as he contemplated the
glories of Heaven."
Read about Boddy's last words in the article, "A Revelation of
Heaven," by Macie M. Lucas, on page 6 of the February 6, 1932, issue
of the "Pentecostal Evangel."
Also featured in this issue:
* "Standing True to Scriptural Principles," by Robert McClay
* "What the Pentecostal People Believe and Teach," by R. E. McAlister
And many more!
Click here to read this issue now: http://s2.ag.org/feb61932
"Pentecostal Evangel" archived editions courtesy of the Flower
Pentecostal Heritage Center (http://ifphc.org). For current editions
of the "Evangel," see http://pe.ag.org.
--Darrin Rodgers
AG NEWS #2051: February 3, 2012 **NAE, Assemblies of God agree with Catholics' objection
Assemblies of God joins with NAE and has come out in strong
support of recent objection by Roman Catholic Church to recent
ruling by federal government that mandates insurance plans
cover contraceptives including drugs that can cause abortion
and offers only a narrow exception for "religious employers."
Dr. George Wood says ruling could have "enormous negative
implications for non-profit organizations that function with
religious beliefs and values."
**Prayer leaders gather in Orlando
Prayer leaders from 12 denominations met in Orlando for the
annual Denominational Prayer Leaders Network and National
Prayer Committee meetings, held January 23-27 at the
headquarters of Campus Crusade for Christ International. Both
groups focused on training prayer leaders for their churches.
**CBC students work with Samaritan's Feet
Nearly two dozen Central Bible College students traveled to
Joplin, Missouri, January 21, 2012, and joined with Samaritan's
Feet, a faith-based humanitarian aid organization. Group hosted
a foot washing outreach to the needy of the community. During
outreach, students joined other volunteers in washing feet of
underprivileged or impoverished individuals. Once the feet were
washed, each individual received a new pair of shoes. More
information about CBC found at http://www.cbcag.edu.
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All Nations Student Conference!
Chi Alpha¹s 20th annual All Nations Student Conference for
Christian international students from around the world takes
place May 24-29, 2012, at the Lake Maurer Retreat Center in
Excelsior Springs, Missouri. Early bird registration is $149
per person. Registration after May 12, 2012, is $179 per
person. For more information or to register, go to
http://www.allnationsxa.com
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Coalition of compassion Greater Things Compassion Conference
Jesus healed and preached the power of incarnation through
God's love in action. The Greater Things Compassion Conference,
to be held February 21-23, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is the
nation's largest gathering of passionate, servant-hearted,
local church leaders and innovative, effective ministry
partners. Through compassionate action, we will bring that same
healing and redemption to our communities today. For more
information, see http://greaterthingsarecoming.com.
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**NAE, ASSEMBLIES OF GOD AGREE WITH CATHOLICS' OBJECTION
The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) and the Assemblies of
God, which is also an NAE member, have come out in strong support of
the recent objection by the Roman Catholic Church to a President
Obama administration ruling that mandates health insurance plans
cover contraceptives including drugs that can cause abortions
and only provides very limited exception for "religious employers."
Although some churches and other houses of worship are exempt from
the Department of Health and Human Services guidelines (under the
2010 health care reform law), church-affiliated hospitals, colleges
and social services are not.
In a letter to President Obama sent by NAE President Leith Anderson
and signed by Wood and nearly 60 additional religious leaders in
December, Anderson stated that despite the media's focus on the
Catholic Church's objection to the ruling, the Catholic community
was not standing alone on this matter organizations and leaders of
others faiths are also deeply troubled by the mandate and limited
exemption.
Anderson wrote, "It is not only Catholics who object to the narrow
exemption that protects only seminaries and a few churches, but not
churches with a social outreach and other faith-based organizations
that serve the poor and needy broadly providing help that goes
beyond worship and prayer."
Expounding on the NAE's objections, Anderson explained that in
addition to affiliated religious-based organizations that serve the
poor and needy (currently not exempt from the ruling), there are
numerous other ministries that are not affiliated to one
denomination or house of worship. "Rather, they are, and are
considered in Federal law to be, religious organizations because of
their religious mission, their faith-shaped internal operations and
their presentation of themselves to the community as religious
organizations," Anderson wrote.
"We join with the many other religious leaders, including the Roman
Catholics, in our strong objection to this attempt by the federal
government to discriminate against persons of faith and religious
communities," states Dr. George O. Wood, general superintendent of
the Assemblies of God. "I strongly encourage our AG constituency to
contact their congressional representatives in voicing their
objection to this ruling."
Last Sunday, Catholic churches across the country reportedly read
letters to their congregations, asking them to contact their
congressional representatives to object to the controversial ruling,
with a goal of 6 million contacts taking place.
Wood says is he also concerned that if the federal government is
successful in mandating this action, what may be next is a
regulation that imposes a requirement on Assemblies of God (and all
religious) colleges and universities that if they choose to decline
admittance to students on the basis of gender orientation, they will
lose federal grants and student loans.
"Additionally, this intrusion by the federal government into
religious rights granted under the First Amendment could have
enormous negative implications for non-profit organizations that
function with religious beliefs and values," Wood says.
In concluding the letter to President Obama, Anderson wrote: "We
believe that the Federal government is obligated by the First
Amendment to accommodate the religious convictions of faith-based
organizations of all kinds, Catholic and non-Catholic. We
respectfully ask that your administration, should it maintain the
current contraceptives mandate, devise an exemption for religious
employers that accurately defines such employers and exempts them
from being required to offer to their employees (and students, if
they are among America¹s many religious colleges and universities)
health services to which they have deep religious objections."
To read the entire NAE letter to President Obama, see
http://s2.ag.org/letter.
--Dan Van Veen
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**PRAYER LEADERS GATHER IN ORLANDO
Prayer leaders from 12 denominations as well as leaders of other
prayer ministry groups and organizations met in Orlando, Florida,
from Monday, January 23, to Friday, January 27, for the annual
meetings of the Denominational Prayer Leaders Network (DPLN) and
National Prayer Committee (NPC).
Meetings were held at the headquarters of Campus Crusade for Christ
International, now known as CRU.
Reports presented by the DPLN members on Monday and Tuesday focused
on efforts to train intercessors and prayer leaders in their
respective churches. Emphasis also was given to the tremendous need
for revival and spiritual awakening in our nation.
Guest speaker for DPLN's Tuesday evening session was Steve Brown, a
well-known radio broadcaster, seminary professor and author. He
spoke on the importance of devotions and emphasized his dependence
on God¹s help. In his address to the combined DPLN and NPC meeting
on Wednesday, Brown stressed the importance of declaring the truth
not only in love, but with tears.
Vonette Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ International,
spoke of her concern for the moral condition of our nation and urged
prayer for spiritual awakening in Wednesday's afternoon session.
In Thursday's session, NPC Chairman Dave Butts noted the timeliness
of the prayer leadership meetings in light of the challenges that
face our nation.
Each year, the Denominational Prayer Leaders Network brings together
denominational leaders representing over 150,000 congregations. The
purpose of the DPLN is to encourage and assist Christian
denominations and fellowships in mobilizing and training their
congregations and members to pray for effective ministry, spiritual
awakening, world evangelism and to work cooperatively with each
other toward those ends.
The National Prayer Committee includes many of the DPLN members as
well as representatives from a broad range of prayer-related groups
and organizations. It has given birth to many united prayer
initiatives, both in the United States and in other nations. The NPC
exists to provide collective servant leadership to the national
prayer movement.
Dates are being finalized for next year's meeting of the DPLN and
NPC, which will be held in Pasadena, California.
For more information on the Assemblies of God National Prayer
Center, see http://www.prayer.ag.org.
--John Maempa
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**CBC STUDENTS WORK WITH SAMARITAN'S FEET
Twenty-three Central Bible College students traveled to Joplin,
Missouri, to participate in the Martin Luther King National Day of
Service on January 21, 2012.
Samaritan's Feet, a faith-based humanitarian aid organization,
hosted a foot washing outreach to the needy of the community. During
the outreach, students from Central Bible College joined other
volunteers in washing the feet of those in the community who have
found themselves underprivileged or impoverished. Once the feet were
washed, each individual received a new pair of shoes.
"We washed people's feet and worked with little kids from bad
situations," said Dave Leake, a junior at Central Bible College. "We
just talked to them and asked them how their lives were going. It
was awesome to be able to dig into their lives for a little bit and
find out what we could pray for."
Chelsea Philebaum, a CBC senior, commented, "It was such an awesome
experience. We worked mostly with younger kids, foster children. But
there was one older lady there who was standing off to the side. I
asked to wash her feet and she refused at first. After some
convincing, however, she let me. She was a Christian, but she had
lost so much in the Joplin tornado. When I had finished washing her
feet, she just began to encourage me, saying that I was special and
that God was going to use me. It was so humbling to just wash
someone's feet and be that servant to them."
The Samaritan's Feet Organization estimates that there are 300
million children who go without shoes every day. One million are
estimated to die each year from foot borne diseases. Through their
work, Samaritan's Feet hopes to provide 10 million pairs of shoes
for 10 million impoverished children in the next 10 years.
Since their establishment in 2003, Samaritan's Feet and their team
of 70,000 ambassadors have been able to provide more than 3.5 million
children with shoes in more than 60 nations. While in Joplin for the
day, Phil Gocke, director of Student Ministries at Central Bible
College, estimates 115 children were given shoes.
For more information about Central Bible College, see its website at
http://www.CBCag.edu.
AG NEWS #2050: February 1, 2012
**AG participates in Wesleyan Holiness Consortium
In historic gathering, AG leadership joins with 17 leaders of
denominations to take part in Wesleyan Holiness Consortium,
January 13, 2012, in Los Angeles. Purpose was to unify churches
in encouraging pursuit of holiness/purity through power of Holy
Spirit. For more information about Wesleyan Holiness
Consortium, visit http://www.holinessandunity.org.
**First Assembly of God North Little Rock gives away $100,000
To celebrate its 100th birthday, First AG, North Little Rock,
Arkansas, is giving away $100,000 to the Central Arkansas
community this March. A selection team has been assembled to
choose organizations or individuals whose mission is to help
the community.
**Northwest University develops sister relationships with top
universities in Korea
Northwest University began developing sister relationships in
January with top universities in Korea. The exchange agreements
will allow Korean students to attend NU and NU students to
study in these Korean universities for up to a year. For more
information about Northwest University and its exchange
program, see http://www.northwestu.edu.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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**AG PARTICIPATES IN WESLEYAN HOLINESS CONSORTIUM
In what many are calling an historic gathering, Assemblies of God
Assistant General Superintendent Alton Garrison joined with 17
leaders of denominations to take part in the Wesleyan Holiness
Consortium (WHC) on Friday, January 13, 2012, at the Central Offices
of the Foursquare Church in Los Angeles.
The WHC is a gathering of denominations whose roots are common in
the Wesleyan Holiness movement and are committed to emphasizing
holiness in the 21st century. This year, the denominations
represented at the event included Assemblies of God, Brethren in
Christ, Church of God/Anderson, Evangelical, Foursquare, Free
Methodist, Grace Communion International, Nazarene, Pentecostal
Holiness, Salvation Army, United Methodist, United Pentecostal and
Wesleyan.
"I was surprised and impressed by the intensity and passion these
non-Pentecostal leaders were expressing in their sincere desire for
holiness in the Church," Garrison states. "It is truly an act of God
that these two strains [of denominational beliefs] have threaded
back together (after nearly 100 years)."
Kevin Mannoia, chair of the WHC, stated, "These families of churches
have a common heritage. That heritage is the source of unity and
passion for the future with a renewed emphasis on holiness in the
21st century. . . . the WHC re-weaves the Pentecostal and
Traditional holiness churches together in heart and mission."
Garrison explains that much of the motivation behind the quest for
holiness by the WHC is due in great part to a George Barna
Report/survey that found Christian behavior to be not much different
than non-Christian behavior.
"In the Pentecostal view, the Holy Spirit is the One we rely upon
for power and supernatural works," Garrison says. "From the Holiness
viewpoint, the Holy Spirit provides not only power, but purity or
holiness and that's what we're seeking, for the Holy Spirit to
revitalize and empower the Church through living holy lives."
Garrison says that one way to begin the quest for purity is simply
to encourage ministers to preach on holiness in relevant ways.
"We're not talking legalism here," Garrison says, "we're talking
about the transforming power of the Holy Spirit."
In looking back at the WHC experience, Garrison says that God is
continuing to bring the Church together in unexpected ways. "This
kind of meeting would never have taken place just 10 or so years
ago," Garrison says. "But God is at work the Spirit is moving
across denominational lines to bring a unity of purpose and passion
for the Kingdom like never before."
For more information about the Wesleyan Holiness Consortium, visit
its website at http://www.holinessandunity.org.
--Dan Van Veen
----------------------------------------------------------------------
**FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD NORTH LITTLE ROCK GIVES AWAY $100,000
First Assembly of God Church of North Little Rock, Arkansas,
pastored by Reverend Rod Loy, is celebrating its 100th birthday on
March 4, 2012, by giving away $100,000 to the Central Arkansas
community.
"We are thankful for the community we have been part of for the last
century and we want to celebrate in a big way," says Loy. "We will
be giving away a total of $100,000 in the form of ten $10,000 grants
to groups/organizations and individuals that are impacting the lives
of others in the Central Arkansas area every day."
A selection team has been assembled to choose organizations or
individuals whose mission is to help the community.
The church has grown from a handful of people in the Argenta
(Arkansas) area when it began, to a church of more than 3,000 in
2012. It has been active in the community during its history.
"We have experienced God's blessing over the last 100 years. It is
our hope to begin our second 100 years as a blessing to our
community," says Loy. "It's an ending to our first century, but it's
also a beginning to our second century. We want to start our second
century as a church with a very intentional outward focus. At an age
when most churches are in steep decline and trying to survive, we
want to set the course for our next 100 years."
On the day the money is distributed, the church is also taking an
offering with the goal to give $100,000 to church planting in
Vietnam, according to Loy.
Although the church discussed many options in which to celebrate its
birthday, their inspiration for the project was to give back to God.
"We decided to thank God for His blessings by displaying His love in
a big way, both overseas and in our own community," says Loy. "Our
prayer is that our demonstration of love will open the hearts of
people to God's love!"
For more information about First Assembly of God North Little Rock,
see http://firstnlr.com.
--Randy Jumper
----------------------------------------------------------------------
**NORTHWEST UNIVERSITY DEVELOPS SISTER RELATIONSHIPS WITH TOP
UNIVERSITIES IN KOREA
Northwest University (NU) in Kirkland, Washington, has announced the
development of sister university relationships with top universities
in Korea.
In January 2012, NU began a series of student and faculty exchange
agreements with Ewha Womans University, Soongsil University, Gachon
University (formerly Kyungwon), Handong Global University and
renewed a partnership with Hansei University. Northwest University
and these universities enter into these agreements as an
acknowledgement of their shared value of intercultural academic
exchange in higher education.
Rose Kim Smith, vice president of enrollment, and Dr. Autumn Witt,
director of the Center for English Language Education (CELE),
visited Seoul and Pohang in November 2011 to personally initiate
these sister university partnerships.
"We were overwhelmed by the hospitality at each university," says
Witt. "We look forward to welcoming Korean students to NU and
sending our students to be culturally enriched through exchanges as
well."
The exchange agreements not only qualify NU students to study in
these prestigious Korean universities for up to one academic year,
but also to apply for scholarships sponsored by the Korean
government. Through these partner relationships, exceptional NU
students can also apply for Global Korean Scholarships through the
National Institution for International Education of Korea (NIIED),
which covers airfare and living costs during students' exchange
programs at partner universities.
"Attending these universities is a fantastic opportunity for NU
students. Exchange students can choose from hundreds of university
courses, taught in English or Korean as well as Korean language
classes," says Witt. "Everyone we have worked with from these
international programs has been so kind and professional and we look
forward to starting our new relationships."
Korean exchange students will also have full access to NU courses,
live on campus and may participate in campus activities or clubs to
fully immerse themselves in American culture. Students may also
enroll in the intensive academic English program through the CELE
program at NU, which is designed to prepare international students
for university.
For more information about Northwest University and its exchange
program, see http://www.northwestu.edu.
--Harmonie Vallerand
AG NEWS #2049: January 31, 2012
**Mooney becomes AGFSA director
Jay Mooney, director for AG National Youth Ministries since
2005, named new director of AG Family Services Agency, Hot
Springs, Arkansas. Robert Michels, former director of AGFSA,
now involved in development and fundraising for AGFSA and other
AG ministries. Mark Entzminger named interim director of
National Youth Ministries. More information about AGFSA found
at http://agfamilyservices.org.
**Evangel University reaches record spring enrollment
Evangel reaches record spring enrollment for second consecutive
year with 2,006 students enrolled. Previous enrollment record
for spring semester was set last year with 1,910 students. For
more information about Evangel University, visit
http://www.evangel.edu.
**Riggs Scholarship submission deadline is February 15th
High school seniors who plan to attend one of 17 undergraduate
AG-endorsed colleges may be eligible to apply for Ralph Riggs
Scholarship. See article for qualifications. To download Riggs
Scholarship application form, go to http://www.agtrust.org.
Deadline is February 15, 2012
**This week in AG history -- January 30, 1932
Featured in this week's January 30, 1932, issue of the
"Pentecostal Evangel" are articles by Florence J. Murcutt,
Rachel Craig, Charles E. Robinson and others!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
**MOONEY BECOMES AFGSA DIRECTOR
Jay Mooney, the director for Assemblies of God National Youth
Ministries for the past 7 years, has announced that he will step
down from his current ministry post to become the director of
Assemblies of God Family Services Agency (AGFSA) in Hot Springs,
Arkansas.
In following God's leading, Mooney says that God has been preparing
him for this moment through his experiences as well as his God-given
passion to minister to youth and those who lead them. "We do not see
this transition as an abandonment of love for students and youth
leaders," Mooney says, "God is simply shifting the placement of our
hand upon the stem of the umbrella known as Assemblies of God youth
ministries."
AGFSA is home to three vital "family service" ministries: Hillcrest
Children's Home, Highlands Maternity Home and Life Center, and Murry
Transitional Living Center.
"Hillcrest Children's Home and Highlands Maternity Home and Life
Center are avenues of opportunity to married couples dreaming of
adoption," Mooney says. "And the new Murry Transitional Living
Center is a gifted gateway to independent living for emerging adult
graduates of Hillcrest and new mothers of Highlands."
"Jay has been an exemplary leader throughout his ministry," states
Alton Garrison, AG assistant general superintendent and executive
director of Church Ministries. "He has used his passion for youth
ministry to impact tens of thousands of youth for Christ and has
surrounded himself with a team who together have powerfully
redefined for youth and youth leaders what it means to be 'sold out
for Christ.' I believe he'll continue to make that same kind of
life-changing impact on the young people AGFSA serves."
Mooney began his service in national Youth Ministries as the
national Youth Alive director in May of 2000. In August of 2004, he
became the Student Outreach director for a short time, before being
appointed as national Youth Ministries director in January 2005.
"Heaven alone will reveal the full details of the reach to young
people that has occurred during Jay's time at the helm of this vital
ministry," says George O. Wood, AG general superintendent. "I know
he will do extraordinarily well in his new assignment as executive
director of AGFSA."
Robert Michels, the former director of AGFSA, has accepted a
position with the General Council of the Assemblies of God in
Springfield, Missouri. His primary duties will involve development
and fundraising for AGFSA and other AG ministries.
Currently, Mooney is slated to begin his service in Hot Springs in
the next month or so. Following Mooney's departure, Mark Entzminger,
the senior director of Children's Ministries at the national
offices, will be interim director of national Youth Ministries,
while retaining his other responsibilities.
For more information about AG Family Services, see its website at
http://agfamilyservices.org.
--Dan Van Veen
----------------------------------------------------------------------
**EVANGEL UNIVERSITY REACHES RECORD SPRING ENROLLMENT
For the second consecutive year, Evangel University has reached a
record enrollment for the spring semester, with 2,006 students
currently enrolled from all 50 states and abroad.
"We are very pleased to maintain strong enrollment this spring,"
says Andy Denton, vice president for enrollment management.
The previous enrollment record for the spring semester was set last
year with 1,910 students.
"These numbers are the result of a tremendous amount of hard work by
our enrollment management staff as well as an excellent partnership
with faculty and staff in recruitment and retention activities,"
says Denton.
The fall 2011 enrollment reached an all-time record high of 2,168
students from all 50 states and abroad.
For more information about Evangel University, visit
http://www.evangel.edu.
--Paul Logsdon
----------------------------------------------------------------------
**RIGGS SCHOLARSHIP SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 15TH
A high school senior who plans to attend one of the 17 undergraduate
Assemblies of God endorsed colleges or universities
(http://www.colleges.ag.org) may be eligible to apply for a Ralph
Riggs Scholarship. This scholarship fund is made available by the
Assemblies of God Trust in partnership with The Alliance for
Assemblies of God Higher Education.
Two Riggs scholarships (The General Superintendent's Scholarships)
of up to $30,000 each will be awarded (over a 4-year period) to one
male and one female high school senior. Eight one-time scholarships
of $5,000 each will be awarded to high school seniors (and
distributed over the student's first two semesters).
To be considered for a scholarship, an applicant must have a minimum
of a 3.7 GPA; an ACT score of 28 or SAT score of 1870; be active in
an Assemblies of God church; and plan to attend an endorsed AG
university directly following high school. Scholarship recipients
will be chosen based on these qualifications: academics,
extracurricular involvement, Christian service, Christian life,
financial need, personal essay and references.
The Riggs Scholarship Fund is one of three scholarship programs
sponsored by AGTrust in its efforts to train young leaders and
empower future generations. The AGTrust is under the leadership of
Chairman George O. Wood, general superintendent of the Assemblies of
God.
Since 2009, AGTrust has awarded a total of $310,000 to 32 high
school graduates chosen as Riggs Scholarship recipients. The 2012
Riggs scholarship winners will be named in April 2012.
To download the Riggs Scholarship application form, go to
http://www.agtrust.org. The application submission deadline is
February 15, 2012.
--Janet S. Walker
----------------------------------------------------------------------
**THIS WEEK IN AG HISTORY JANUARY 30, 1932
Dr. Florence J. Murcutt (1868-1935) was the first female medical
doctor to serve as an Assemblies of God missionary to Mexicans and
Mexican-Americans. Born in Australia into a Jewish family, as a
child Murcutt could not have imagined what the future held for her.
Murcutt immigrated to the United States in 1901 and graduated in
1907 from the Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania (now Drexel
University College of Medicine), the world's first medical school
specifically for women. While in medical school, she was befriended
by Dr. Jenny Trout, a Canadian woman who was also a devout
Christian. Murcutt later referred to Trout as her "spiritual
mother." While Trout sowed spiritual seeds in Murcutt's heart, it
was not until Murcutt witnessed signs and wonders in Pentecostal
meetings in Vancouver, Canada, and Portland, Oregon, that she became
convinced of the reality of God. After hearing believers speak in
tongues and seeing sick people receive healing, she accepted Christ.
Later, sometime between 1910 and 1912, she also experienced baptism
in the Holy Spirit.
After her conversion and Spirit-baptism, Murcutt devoted the rest of
her life to mission work. In 1912 she visited Palestine, where she
cared for the sick and passed out Scripture portions. On her way
back to the United States, she stopped at the London Missionary
Home. There she met Alice Luce, an Anglican missionary who had just
returned from India. Murcutt gave Luce medical attention, and the
two became close friends. Two years earlier, Luce had received her
own Pentecostal experience during a significant revival in India.
Both women felt called to spread the gospel among Spanish-speakers
in the United States and Mexico. Murcutt moved to southern
California to prepare for this vocation. In 1914, Luce resigned from
the Anglican Church Missionary Society and joined Murcutt. They
received ordination as Assemblies of God missionaries in 1915 and
labored primarily in California, Texas and Mexico. Murcutt's
surgical and medical skills, in conjunction with Luce's training as
a nurse, opened numerous doors of ministry.
Murcutt shared her testimony in the January 30, 1932, issue of the
"Pentecostal Evangel."
Read Murcutt's article, "A Retrospect of the Lord's Leadings," on
pages 7 and 9 of the January 30, 1932, issue of the "Pentecostal
Evangel."
Also featured in this issue:
* "A Secret of Victorious Living," by Rachel Craig
* "Is Pentecost a New Religion?" by Charles E. Robinson
And many more!
Click here to read this issue now: http://s2.ag.org/jan301932
"Pentecostal Evangel" archived editions courtesy of the Flower
Pentecostal Heritage Center (http://ifphc.org). For current editions
of the "Evangel," see http://pe.ag.org.
--Darrin Rodgers
AG NEWS #2048: January 27, 2012
**Valley Forge Christian College alumna, Jessica Buchanan,
rescued by Navy Seals
Jessica Buchanan, 2007 graduate of Valley Forge Christian
College (AG), has been held hostage for 3 months in Somalia.
Earlier this week, Navy Seals rescued her and a coworker. VFCC
President Don Meyer, staff and student body have been praying
for her, but have kept quiet about kidnapping due to
family/authorities' request. Buchanan now reunited with family.
More information on VFCC at http://www.VFCC.edu.
**Young Evangel graduate killed in Afghanistan
First Lt. David Johnson, 2010 Evangel graduate, was killed in
action on January 25, 2012, in Afghanistan. Johnson was
deployed on December 14, 2011. He was 24 years old.
**Paul Finkenbinder, "Hermano Pablo," passes away
Earlier this morning, Friday, January 27, 2012, Paul
Finkenbinder, 90, passed away in Irvine, California. He was
known throughout Latin America as "Hermano Pablo." As soon as
they are finalized, funeral arrangements will be posted at
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/hermanopablo.
**Consolidation Steering Committee moves ahead with assignment
Steering Committee met this week and discussed various facets
of consolidation of AG Theological Seminary, Central Bible
College and Evangel University. Standards for consolidation
process adopted, Evangel approved as lead institution and
progress made on scholarships for CBC students.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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**VALLEY FORGE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE ALUMNA, JESSICA BUCHANAN, RESCUED
BY NAVY SEALS
Jessica Buchanan, a 2007 graduate of Valley Forge Christian College
(AG), Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, was rescued along with her Danish
coworker, Poul Hagen Thisted (60), reportedly from Somali land-based
pirates by Navy Seals early Wednesday morning (Tuesday night U.S.
time), after being kidnapped and held hostage for 3 months.
According to reports, the Seals that accomplished the mission were
selected from the same unit who killed Osama bin Laden. In the
rescue of Buchanan (32) and Thisted (60), approximately a dozen
Seals parachuted into the region and advanced on foot, ultimately
killing nine gunman in the raid, with Buchanan, Thisted and the
Seals team making it out unharmed.
In early reports, it was stated one of the reasons for the strike
taking place now was that Buchanan's health was failing. However,
Dr. Don Meyer, president of Valley Forge Christian College (VFCC)
says that analysis was overstated. "In talking with the family,
we've learned that Jessica is in good health and doing well," he
says.
Meyer says that even though the school was informed soon after the
kidnapping occurred, by authorities' and the family's requests, the
school has said very little publically about Buchanan's kidnapping.
However students and faculty have been lifting her up in individual
and corporate prayer on a regular basis. Meyer says that Buchanan's
love for Africa is something he and his wife also share, so they
knew her well.
"Due to the requests we received, we asked our students not to
Tweet, Facebook or share anything about this on social media," Meyer
says. "They did a great job and now we're all rejoicing at God's
faithfulness in Jessica's life."
According to the Danish Refugee Council, Buchanan and Thisted were
kidnapped on October 25, 2011, while driving to visit a project site
at Galkayo in central Somalia. The two work for the Danish Refugee
Council's demining unit a group that clears unexploded ordnance
and land mines that are spread across Somalia. Buchanan serves as a
regional educational advisor for the refugee council.
Meyer says Buchanan was passionate about Africa. "She couldn't talk
about Africa without tears coming to her eyes," he says. "She went
to Africa her senior year to student teach for a semester at Rosslyn
Academy in Nairobi, Kenya. That's when she really fell in love with
Africa the school hired her when she graduated." While in Nairobi,
Buchanan met and married her husband, Erik Landemalm, and after
teaching two years, transitioned into the position with the Danish
Refugee Council.
A number of reporters have questioned Meyer as to why Buchanan would
ever want to go to Africa in the first place. He says it's been a
wonderful opportunity to share how mission, conviction and obedience
to God can change the world. "I tell them that we have a core of
students here with similar commitment," Meyer says. "And that Valley
Forge is just one of 18 Assemblies of God schools and some 16,000
students who have that same kind of core commitment, devotion and
obedience to God."
Buchanan graduated from VFCC with a degree in early childhood
education. Buchanan's sister also graduated from VFCC and her
brother-in-law currently is a student there. The family was reunited
Thursday at the U.S. military base in Sicily, Italy.
For more information about Valley Forge Christian College, see its
website at http://www.VFCC.edu.
--Dan Van Veen
----------------------------------------------------------------------
**YOUNG EVANGEL GRADUATE KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN
The Evangel University family is sad to announce the loss of a 2010
graduate, First Lt. David Johnson, killed in action on January 25,
2012, in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered after
encountering an improvised explosive device (IED) while conducting a
dismounted patrol.
His home was in Mayville, Wisconsin, and he is survived by his
parents, Andrew and Laura Johnson, and three siblings Michael,
Matthew and Emily. Johnson was 24 years old.
"Our entire community joins David's family in mourning the loss of
this outstanding young man who distinguished himself as a student
and as a campus leader," says President Robert H. Spence.
"David was a leader in the ROTC program which Evangel shares with
Missouri State University, serving as the commander of the Bear
Battalion during his senior year," Spence added.
Last fall, Johnson had been given command of an infantry platoon in
the 3rd Brigade Combat Team of the 2nd Infantry Division. The 2ID is
the "Indianhead Division," which is based at Ft. Lewis, Washington.
He was deployed on December 14, 2011. This was his first deployment.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple
Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal
with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terror Service Medal, the
Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat
Infantryman Badge and the Overseas Service Bar.
"David was a well-respected leader among our students, and he was
highly regarded by his peers in the ROTC," says John Plake, campus
pastor at Evangel.
"He also served as an assistant director of our CROSSwalk campus
ministries, in a role that helped many students find ways to serve
others in our community, in the love of Christ."
Johnson was most recently in Springfield when he appeared as a
special guest during the Veteran's Day chapel service at Evangel
University on Friday, November 11, 2011.
In reference to that chapel service, Plake remarked, "It is good to
remind ourselves that the freedom we enjoy isn't free. It has cost
many families a great deal and it has cost some everything. Our
veterans, reservists, active duty military personnel and military
families deserve our thanks."
--Paul Logsdon
----------------------------------------------------------------------
**PAUL FINKENBINDER, "HERMANO PABLO," PASSES AWAY
Paul Edwin Finkenbinder, known throughout Latin America as "Hermano
Pablo," passed away earlier this morning, Friday, January 27, 2012,
in Irvine, California. He was 90.
On Wednesday, January 25, Finkenbinder celebrated his 70th
anniversary with the love of his life, Linda, and with friends and
family.
Finkenbinder, an AG minister, was born to missionary parents in
Puerto Rico in September 1921. The missionary atmosphere of his home
set the foundation for his life in ministry. He felt called by God
to become a minister in 1938, at 17 years old. He married his wife,
Linda, at age 20.
Their ministry began on a Spanish mission to New Mexico in 1942. The
Finkenbinders and their son, Paul Jr., traveled to El Salvador as
missionaries in 1943. For the first 13 years in El Salvador, Hermano
Pablo taught in Bible schools, ministered in churches, directed
youth outreaches and made himself available in many different areas
of need all over the country.
Finkenbinder has preached in the towns and cities of Latin America
for the past 70 years and thousands have accepted Christ as a result
of his teaching.
In 1955, he began his first radio program, and in 1960, he produced
prime-time Bible dramas for television that were reported to be the
first regularly-scheduled Christian television broadcast outside of
the United States. Since that time he had utilized mass evangelism
radio, television, print, crusades and special events.
In 1964, the Finkenbinders returned to the United States and
established Hermano Pablo, Inc. in Costa Mesa, California.
Finkenbinder was best known for his radio and television program, "A
message to the Conscience," which began that year. The program is
now broadcast more than 6,400 times each day in 33 countries.
Finkenbinder and his board of directors ensured the future of the "A
Message to the Conscience" program by choosing his successor in
1996.
"Multiplied millions have been blessed by Paul's life and ministry,"
says Dr. George O. Wood, general superintendent of the Assemblies of
God. "His voice lives on through Hermano Pablo ministries even
though now his presence is with Jesus."
As soon as they are finalized, funeral arrangements will be posted
at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/hermanopablo.
--Becca Dickson
----------------------------------------------------------------------
**CONSOLIDATION STEERING COMMITTEE MOVES AHEAD WITH ASSIGNMENT
The Steering Committee, chaired by Dr. Robert Spence, Evangel
University president, met this week to discuss various facets of the
consolidation of the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, Central
Bible College and Evangel University.
During the meeting, the group decided to add several new Task Forces
which will focus on: athletics, personnel, housing and plans for use
of the CBC campus, spiritual formation, legal issues, distance
education and the library. Members of these working groups will be
representative of the three institutions and will be appointed
within the next two weeks.
Dr. Robert Cooley, consultant for the consolidation, discussed the
need for the group to establish standards which will provide a
common understanding of how the consolidation process will work.
Such standards would guide each of the committees and project
managers as they approach their work. The five standards, which were
later adopted by the committee, are:
* Nature of Consolidation.
* Nature of a Culture of Trust.
* Nature of Common Good.
* Nature of Education Quality.
* Nature of Common Language.
These will be defined by the Executive Steering Committee in the
next couple weeks.
After considerable discussion, and in an effort to meet the June 1
deadline to get the application to the Higher Learning Commission
(HLC) of the North Central Accrediting Association, the committee
unanimously voted to recognize Evangel University as the lead
institution in the consolidation process and to use the academic and
operational systems of Evangel University as a guide and
foundational resource for the HLC application process. Because
Evangel's academic and operational systems have been recently
reviewed and approved by HLC, this content resource will more
effectively facilitate the HLC application. Acknowledging that all
three institutions have HLC accreditation, the Evangel template can
serve strategically to streamline the application process while
meaningfully transitioning CBC and AGTS into the consolidated
university structure.
Andy Denton, chairman of the Enrollment committee, reported his team
is moving forward on several fronts. He noted two of these are the
CBC Legacy Scholarship, which will be available to traditional
full-time, on-campus CBC students who enrolled in 2011-12. A $500
scholarship, renewable for four years may be awarded upon the
recommendation of a CBC alumnus. The second initiative is an Evangel
University Grant to current CBC students in preparation for their
transition to the consolidated Evangel University. This grant in
effect provides a tuition discount to bridge the gap between CBC's
tuition and Evangel's. The Steering Committee approved these and
asked that the Enrollment committee move forward with the efforts.
The Steering Committee will meet monthly through April. The
Transitional Board of Trustees meets in Springfield May 25. This
board is comprised of all members of the boards of the schools.
--AG News
