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• Kenya crisis far from over
  Fear. It's rampant in Kenya, especially for those outside the protection of the Nairobi police force. Due to the political conflict that has resurrected long-standing tribal prejudices, which led to horrific mob killings, "fear" is the sanitized term many Kenyans are now living with on a constant basis.
• Kenya Update
  Kenya Assemblies of God leaders give a report on the violence affecting their nation
• Come Forth and Be Healed
  Calling on the power of God to heal spiritual, physical and emotional pain is nothing new in churches and revival meetings, but a non-denominational independent organization has helped the practice spread.

ag-news

• AG NEWS #1749: November 20, 2009
  **AG Bible Quizzer wins "National Bible Bee" Fourteen-year-old Isaac Ward of First AG, Binghamton, New York, is Junior Winner of first National Bible Bee and $50,000 scholarship. Ward says AG's Teen Bible Quiz helped him with contest, through memorization. For more information about the National Bible Bee, visit http://www.biblebee.org/nationals2009. For information on Bible Quiz, see http://www.biblequiz.com. **The "Fire Bible" -- now in Angola and Mozambique AG Bible Alliance representatives present copies of African Portuguese "Fire Bible" at launch services in Angola and Mozambique. "Fire Bible" is now available in 30 languages, 30 more in development. For more information about these Fire Bibles, visit http://www.BibleAlliance.org. ----------------------------------------------------------------- **AG BIBLE QUIZZER WINS "NATIONAL BIBLE BEE" Isaac Ward, a national Teen Bible Quizzer from First AG of Binghamton, New York (http://binghamtonfirst.org), is the Junior Winner of the first annual "National Bible Bee." Isaac, 14, son of Hank and Annette Ward, won a $50,000 scholarship for taking first place in the 11- to 14-year-old age category in the contest, which was held November 5 and 6 in Washington, D.C. The National Bible Bee is a motivating Bible memory competition for children and youth from 7 to 18 years of age. More than 17,000 contestants signed up to participate in the event, according to the Bee's Web site. In September, approximately 340 Local Bible Bee contests were held across the U.S. The 100 highest scoring contestants in each age bracket were then invited to participate in the National Bible Bee. Of the 300 students participating in the National Bible Bee, 20 students in each age division moved on to semi-finals. Then, seven contestants from each group of 20 moved to the final round. Tiebreaker rounds were held until there were three contestants in each age category. Isaac's older sister, LaJoie, 18, also competed in the Bible Bee. She finished in the top seven finalists of the Senior Division. Both children have been involved in Teen Bible Quiz (TBQ) and have competed at the National level. LaJoie has been in TBQ for six years and has gone to four National TBQ Finals, while Isaac has been involved in TBQ for the last five years and has gone to two National Finals. Isaac and LaJoie, who were both home schooled, started preparing for the contest in July, once the National Teen Bible Quiz competition was finished. Isaac kept up with school work and studying for AG Bible Quiz while memorizing for the Bible Bee. LaJoie was a full-time student at Broome Community College, a lifeguard, and a math tutor during much of the preparation period. Through the AG's Teen Bible Quiz, Isaac has memorized entire books of the Bible, including James, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, Mark and parts of Romans and Acts. He is currently memorizing 1 and 2 Corinthians for Teen Bible Quiz. LaJoie memorized 13 books in AG Bible Quiz before finishing her quizzing career at National Finals in July of 2009. "For Isaac, it actually becomes easier for him to memorize Scripture because he has been memorizing Scripture for several years. In other words, the discipline and training makes it easier once you do it for the Lord and in the power of the Spirit," says Bernie Elliot, National Bible Quiz Coordinator. "Hiding God's Word empowers one to become the individual God wants us to be and do what God wants us to do. Also, for Isaac, he has encouraging parents who love their children and the ministry of Bible Quiz." "It's easier to memorize Scripture in Bible Quiz," Annette says, "because the quizzers memorize an entire book or books, and the passages flow together. But in this contest, you have to recite the passage by a reference, since the verses were taken from many different books of the Bible." Annette also mentioned how, unlike Teen Bible Quiz ‹ which is a team competition ‹ the Bible Bee relies on a single contestant to come up with the right answer. In Teen Bible Quiz, only one book, or a group of small books is memorized at a time, containing anywhere from 600-1000 verses. "The Bible Bee was more intense. The contestants had to be familiar with six books of the Bible and memorize 1,500 verses," Annette says. "At one point they were called upon to recall 20-verse-long passages." As part of the National Bible Bee, each contestant was required to take written and oral tests, in which they were asked Bible knowledge questions and required to recite Bible passages from memory. Students studied hundreds of multiple-verse passages of the Bible in order to prepare for the contest. The Ward family heard of the Bible Bee through a friend and "World Magazine," and both children decided to register for the contest. According to Annette, Isaac just wanted to try out the contest this year. "He definitely wants to do it again," she says. "In the midst of the competition, before we knew final scores, I asked him if he wanted to participate again next year." Isaac, who will compete in the Senior Division next year, said, "Yeah, I think I will." LaJoie, who is no longer eligible to compete because of her age, continues to memorize Scripture independently, and is currently studying the books of 1 and 2 Corinthians. Annette says the National Bible Bee has benefitted both of her children. "I've seen wonderful growth and spiritual impact on their lives through this contest." "My daughter always says 'There are two things you can take with you from this world: People you've brought to the Lord, and The Word,'" Annette says. "Even before my kids were involved in Teen Bible Quiz, we made an effort to encourage them to memorize Scriptures at home." Contest or no contest, they will continue to do just that. For more information on the National Bible Bee, visit http://www.biblebee.org/nationals2009. To learn more about Teen Bible Quiz, see http://www.biblequiz.com. --Becca Hodge ----------------------------------------------------------------- **THE "FIRE BIBLE" -- NOW IN ANGOLA AND MOZAMBIQUE Church leaders, pastors and lay workers in Angola and Mozambique now have the "Fire Bible," a Pentecostal study Bible, in their language. In August, Assemblies of God Bible Alliance representatives presented copies of the "African Portuguese Fire Bible" to all those attending two concurrent launch services in Angola and Mozambique. "Wherever a 'Fire Bible' becomes available," explains Phil Combs, Fire Bible director for Bible Alliance, "the reactions are virtually the same ‹ Christians are overjoyed with having God's Word in their own language. It just opens Scripture up to them and makes sharing God's Word with others vastly easier." "Fire Bible" is the name for the international language editions of the Full Life Study Bible, originally published in 1992. This one-book biblical library includes Pentecostal notes, a concordance, 77 Old and New Testament articles on doctrinal and practical topics, biblical charts and maps, and many other study helps. The "Fire Bible" is now available in nearly 30 language editions and about 30 more are in development. To see a list of these Fire Bible and updates on their progress, visit http://www.BibleAlliance.org. --Janet Walker
• AG NEWS #1748: November 18, 2009
  **Radio network helps others by helping Convoy of Hope New Life Network donates three dollars of every pledge received during campaign to Convoy of Hope. Money provided food and supplies to help families suffering from typhoon damage in Philippines. For more information on Convoy of Hope, visit http://www.convoyofhope.org. **Church Safekeeping: Protecting property proves to be tougher in troubled times As economy has tightened, crime has increased -- churches not immune from being target of criminals as many no longer respect God or His house. In first 6 months of 2009, $6.3 million worth of damage done to Christian organizations through burglary, theft, robbery, arson and vandalism. Churches offered advice on how to detour crime and protect property. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Nothing brightens Christmas like love! What would it take to see your wife's eyes sparkle like the lights on a Christmas eve tree? What would it take to give your husband the grin of a boy who just opened his "dream" Christmas present? Marriage Encounter knows. Check it out and make this a Christmas you'll love to remember ‹ together! Sign up today at http://agme.org Upcoming events: December 4-6 ‹ Medford, Oregon. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- **RADIO NETWORK HELPS OTHERS BY HELPING CONVOY OF HOPE After typhoons drenched the Philippines, an emergency appeal sent to New Life Network in Carlinville, Illinois, prompted the ministry to take a bold step to help others. "We were just starting one of our annual fundraisers," says Barry Copeland, network director for New Life Network, which consists of 18 family-friendly stations owned and operated by the Illinois District Council of the Assemblies of God. "We realized we were in the midst of a tough economy and every dollar counted, but after receiving the appeal we didn't feel right about doing a fundraiser only for us when tens of thousands of Filipinos had no place to sleep and no food to eat." Leaders of the network decided to donate three dollars to Convoy of Hope for every pledge they received during their campaign. "The generosity of the listeners of the New Life Network made a significant difference in the lives of thousands of people," says Jeff Nene, senior director of communications and technology at Convoy of Hope. "Such partnerships have helped us serve nearly 5 million poor and suffering people throughout the world in 2009." Another donor offered to match New Life Network's gift of $16,000. Convoy of Hope was then able to leverage each dollar received into $7 worth of food and supplies. "Suddenly our gift was transformed into nearly a quarter of a million dollars worth of food and supplies," says Copeland. "Our listeners helped us we meet our goals and they helped people who were suffering." Larry Griswold, superintendent of the Illinois District Council AG, says giving to Convoy of Hope was the perfect fit for the network. "Convoy of Hope provides a well-trusted avenue of ministry, and a rapid response to need, clear and authentic handling of funds, and compassionate ministry," he says. "We couldn't ask for more." For more information on Convoy of Hope visit http://www.convoyofhope.org --Kirk Noonan ----------------------------------------------------------------- **CHURCH SAFEKEEPING: PROTECTING PROPERTY PROVES TO BE TOUGHER IN TROUBLED TIMES Tough economic times have hit church budgets hard. Not only has rising unemployment strained offering-based incomes, but property crimes also are exacting a painful toll. In its inaugural ³Crimes Against Christian Organizations in the United States² report, the Christian Security Network recently put the combined national tab for burglary, theft, robbery, arson and vandalism at $6.3 million for the first 6 months of 2009 alone. Jeffrey A. Hawkins, executive director of CSN, says burglaries accounted for 64 percent of church property crimes from January through June, but the level of internal thefts proved to be surprising and disturbing as well. In studying nearly 500 incidents in 42 states, CSN ‹ a national provider of training, information and resources to help faith-based organizations address safety concerns ‹ put losses from internal thefts at $2.3 million. The figure is likely much higher, as many losses go unreported to authorities. It is the very nature of Christian congregations to trust the people within the church, whether secretaries, treasurers or those collecting the offering, Hawkins says. ³But we are all sinners, all tempted, and all likely to fall,² Hawkins says. ³Churches need to have controls in place.² Chuck Brewster, a retired Secret Service agent who is CEO of the Pensacola, Florida-based Church Security Insights consulting group, warns that many congregations are behind the curve when it comes to meeting the challenges of protecting both life and property. ³Church really is not the Œsafe zone¹ anymore that we used to take for granted,² Brewster says. ³There is a deterioration of respect for authority, and now the church is just another place to break into, defame, vandalize or attack.² Brewster, former national director of the Assemblies of God¹s HonorBound Men¹s Ministries, says the most effective countermeasure in these more dangerous times is to establish both inner and outer ³security awareness perimeters.² ³Churches leave themselves open for break-ins and thefts because we are so trusting as a church community,² he says. Instead of opening an entire church building on Sunday mornings, Brewster suggests establishing areas that require permission to enter. ³We need to be more mindful of the property that God has provided for us, and realize there are many now who would come and steal that property,² Brewster says. Many congregations have yet to implement even commonsense solutions, Hawkins laments. ³Churches need to do background checks on all staff and volunteers, especially if they are handling money,² he advises. ³People not related to each other should count tithes and offerings.² Regular review of church credit card receipts and other financial transactions is recommended. John Heckathorn, administrative pastor at Life Church of Utah, an Assemblies of God congregation, adds a few more recommendations: ³Buy a fireproof and theft-proof safe ‹ and limit the number of persons who have access to the combination and even the room in which the safe is located,² he says. ³No person should ever handle church money alone,² Heckathorn adds. ³And no cash, checks or credit cards should be left unsecured.² Life Church, in West Valley City, also must guard against break-ins, theft and vandalism. In recent years, two cars were stolen from the 1,100-strong congregation¹s parking lot. Thieves took car keys from an unlocked choir room (it is now always locked, and belongings are stored in a secure cabinet). Additionally, two church-owned vehicles were damaged with a crowbar during unsuccessful attempts to steal them, and gang graffiti has showed up on a nearby wall. Life Church uses a key- and password-protected alarm system, has installed heavy-duty locks that must be opened by key with each entry, and has strategically placed bright lighting in the parking lot and along its buildings. Smaller churches ‹ which make up the bulk of Assemblies of God congregations ‹ may not be able to afford such measures. But that does not mean they don¹t have effective options to safeguard property and finances, says Jeff Schexneider, senior pastor of Calvary Assembly of God in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Schexneider says the problems his congregation of 100 worshippers has faced have been relatively minor, so far: The church¹s sign has been tampered with a couple of times, and the fuel line on a church van was cut by gasoline thieves. Calvary has a simple, motion-detection-based alarm system in place. It has been tripped a number of times, proving an effective deterrent to would-be burglars, Schexneider says. ³We also maintain our exterior security lights by replacing bad lights or bulbs immediately, and have moved our vehicles to more visible parking places,² he adds. Both Life Church and Calvary AG count on off-duty law enforcement officers to help keep a protective eye out for church property and worshippers during Sunday services. At Life Church, that involved hiring local police officers for the task; Calvary happens to have a sheriff¹s deputy in its congregation whose volunteer vigilance has been a blessing, Schexneider says. In addition to a two-person policy for money counting, Calvary uses a background checking service for everyone who works with children or teens in church programs. ³Thankfully, we have not had to reject anyone¹s application. But we would not hesitate to do so, if warranted,² Schexneider says. He is convinced even small- to medium-sized churches can benefit from having a security assessment done on their facilities, and it need not be expensive. ³Most local police departments would be open to addressing church security,² Schexneider suggests. Robert Cirtin, director of the criminal justice program at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri, and CEO of Safe at Church LLC, concurs. Cirtin says there are two primary reasons churches are seeing property losses like those reported in CSN¹s study. ³Many church leaders are naïve and believe they are immune from criminal activity,² Cirtin says. ³Another reason is that our culture is changing, and there is not the respect for the church facility as in previous times. There are those in society who no longer have a fear of, or respect for, God and His house.² --Robert Mims, Pentecostal Evangel
• AG NEWS #1747: November 16, 2009
  **Trinity Life Center revives in Sacramento Weekly attendance and church condition declines at Trinity Life Center, Sacramento, California by 2007. Glen D. Cole accepts senior pastor position in 2008. Today church thriving with 800 average attendance and church remodeled without borrowing. More information about church at http://www.tlcsac.org. **SEU receives final installment on $10 million pledge Southeastern University (AG), Lakeland, Florida, received $8 million gift Friday -- the final installment on a $10 million pledge from Hobby Lobby, Inc. Owner Mart Green presented gift to SEU staff. More information on SEU found at http://www.seuniversity.edu. **This week in AG history -- November 15, 1964 A look at the "Pentecostal Evangel" from this week in 1964. Click http://s2.ag.org/nov151964 to read this historic issue. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Pastor -- there are hurting marriages in your church . . . Statistics reveal that even within the church walls ‹ your church walls ‹ marriages are suffering due to infidelity and/or the addiction to porn. Don't wait until those marriages turn into divorce statistics. Tell them about MarriageRestored! See http://www.marriagerestored.com or view the video at http://youtube.com/watch?v=-qfcbVsHHmU ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- **TRINITY LIFE CENTER REVIVES IN SACRAMENTO At one time, attendance at Trinity Life Center in Sacramento, California, approached the 1,600 mark. Yet by the end of 2007, weekly attendance had slipped to 150 people, payables had risen to almost $250,000, and church leaders wondered how to keep the doors open. A sanctuary that would seat 2,000 people sat almost empty on a property in deteriorating condition. William O. Vickery, former district superintendent for the Northern California/Nevada District, taught Sunday School at the church and assumed leadership during the difficult time. At the end of 2007, Vickery talked to another former district superintendent, Glen D. Cole, about filling the pulpit in January 2008. Having pastored Capital Christian Center in the same city for 17 years, Cole asked his son, Rick ‹ the current pastor of that church ‹ to make sure he didn't have any objections. Three months into the "temporary" assignment, the Trinity Life Center Board asked Cole if he would be willing to be a senior pastoral candidate. Even at 74, Cole didn't hesitate. In May 2008, Cole was elected with a 100 percent vote of the congregation. Average attendance now tops 800 on Sunday, all past and current bills have been paid, the parking lot has been resurfaced, the kitchen remodeled and the sanctuary is updated ‹ without borrowing. Missions giving has tripled in one year. More than 400 attend a Wednesday evening Bible study. "People are responding to the invitation to give their lives to Christ," Cole says. "A water baptismal takes place once a month as converts make a public declaration of their faith." For more information on Trinity, see http://www.tlcsac.org. --Pentecostal Evangel ----------------------------------------------------------------- **SEU RECEIVES FINAL INSTALLMENT ON $10 MILLION PLEDGE Southeastern University (AG), Lakeland, Florida, received an $8 million gift Friday, representing a second and final installment on a $10 million pledge from Oklahoma-based Hobby Lobby, Inc. Mart Green, owner of the nationwide chain of craft stores, made the pledge earlier this year along with an initial $2 million gift. The $10 million total represents the largest single gift ever donated to Southeastern, a 74-year-old liberal arts institution. ³On behalf of the Board of Regents, faculty, staff, students and alumni of Southeastern University," said Dr. Charles Kelly, the Regents chairman, "I want to express our deep appreciation to the Green family for their extraordinary generosity and commitment to our cause ‹ providing a strong Christian education that produces servant leaders to be world changers.² Dr. James L. Davis, Southeastern¹s vice president for Development, echoed those thoughts, adding the money will go a long way toward advancing the curricula and programs to bring the university to the forefront of Christian higher education. ³It is our hope that the financial assistance will only increase Southeastern University¹s financial strength,² Green said in a letter that accompanied the first installment. ³It is the joy of the Green Family to be faithful stewards of our resources and to partner with many ministries in the advance of the gospel of Christ and His kingdom.² With Friday¹s $8 million gift, Green said, ³We appreciate your commitment to Christian higher education and all that Southeastern is doing to raise up students with a Christian world view.² For more information on Southeastern, call 863.667.5000 or visit its Web site at http://www.seuniversity.edu. --Gary Kimler ----------------------------------------------------------------- **THIS WEEK IN AG HISTORY -- NOVEMBER 15, 1964 Featured in this week's November 15, 1964, issue of "Pentecostal Evangel" * Tongues -- Then and Now by Mary Tregenza * Two Questions At Pentecost by Gary S. Williams * Real Expectance by Normand J. Thompson And much more! Click http://s2.ag.org/nov151964 to read this issue now. "Pentecostal Evangel" archived editions courtesy of Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center (http://iFPHC.org). Current editions available at http://pe.ag.org.
• AG NEWS #1746: November 13, 2009
  **Two Masters Commission students die as van hits black ice Van filled with students from New Life Worship Center (AG) Rocky Mountain Masters Commission program, Federal Heights, Colorado, rolls after driver believed to have hit patch of black ice and lost control of vehicle. Two students die and six in critical condition. Fund established for victims (see article). **GPH brings classic back to life Gospel Publishing House unexpectedly has out of print book suddenly become "in demand." As a result, GPH creates downloadable PDF of W.I. Evans' classic work, "This River Must Flow." Marketing director hopes this tests successful and that many more classic, out of print Pentecostal works will follow in PDF format. See article for link to book. ----------------------------------------------------------------- **TWO MASTERS COMMISSION STUDENTS DIE AS VAN HITS BLACK ICE Early Thursday morning, November 12, a van from New Life Worship Center (AG) in Federal Heights, Colorado, crashed on Interstate 84 near Baker City, Oregon, leaving two passengers dead and six in critical condition. The church van was filled with Rocky Mountain Masters Commission students. State police suspect that the van hit a patch of black ice, with the driver losing control and the van rolling several times before coming to a rest on its roof. Fourteen of the sixteen young adults, ranging from 18 to 26 years old, were reportedly ejected from the van during the crash. The two Masters Commission students that died are 23-year-old Taune Nicole Winter Pepper of Deer Trail, Colorado, and 20-year-old Joshua Pischura of Geneva, Ohio. According to John Oh, associate pastor at New Life, the students were on their way to work at a convention in Portland to help raise money for the Masters Commission mentoring ministry. Senior Pastor Bo Sosa and several other staff members have flown to the area to be with the students and family members as they arrive. Oh says the Masters Commission students are an integral part of the New Life family and are known in the community for their volunteer work, especially with the poor. The accident has left the church on its knees, seeking God on behalf of the students and families. "This is an incredible tragedy," Oh says. "Last night the church held a prayer vigil for the students still in the hospital and for their families, as well as for the families who lost their children." "The Federal Heights Masters Commission is one of the best," says Rocky Mountain District Youth Director Lee Terry. "They are very skilled, very disciplined and have kids in the program that tremendously love God. We are praying for the families and students . . . and that they [the Masters Commission group] are going to bounce back and be even stronger than before." Lee says that although this is an incredibly difficult time for everyone, New Life is not a stranger to tragedy. The leadership and members have proven strong. "They've known God at times of adversity, and they know that He is faithful," he says. According to news reports, the Baker City Church of the Nazarene is providing housing and food for those students who are no longer in the hospital. Oh says that New Life is also working to help the victims and their families. "We've established a fund to help with the hospital and additional costs for the families who have lost their children in this tragedy and for those with children still in the hospital," Oh says. "Those who would like to help these families and young people, can e-mail the church at newlife5280@gmail.com." Donations may also be sent to: North Valley Bank, 9001 North Washington St., Thornton, C0 80229. In the memo line write "Masters Commission memorial fund." To learn more about New Life Worship Center, see its Web site at http://www.nlwconline.com. To learn about the Rocky Mountain Masters Commission program, see http://www.rmmcdisciple.com. --Dan Van Veen ----------------------------------------------------------------- **GPH BRINGS CLASSIC BACK TO LIFE In 1954, W.I. Evans' book, "This River Must Flow," was printed by Gospel Publishing House for the first and last time. The book was well received at the time, but sales didn't warrant another printing, and like so many books, it faded into history. But 55 years after the book's release, Billye Brim was being interviewed on television by Gloria Copeland. Brim referenced Evans' book, remarking on its excellence, and suddenly, the Internet was abuzz with individuals searching for the book. Gospel Publishing House soon began to hear of the new interest and demand for the book, but reproducing it in print form would be too costly and time-consuming. However, the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center had a copy of the book in its archives ‹ which proved invaluable. Soon after being notified of the new demand, GPH leaders met and after learning of the available edition, decided to reproduce the book not in print, but as a downloadable PDF file. The original copy of the book was carefully scanned and placed into a PDF format. Suddenly a rare book was once again available to the public. "Although this book represents a test concerning the demand for out of print Pentecostal classics," states AG Marketing Director Ken Peckett, "I believe that there will be a growing interest in these works. I hope to see us produce many additional classics for churches, students and other individuals to download, read and benefit from ‹ all for much less than print versions." According to Peckett, many of the classic works are still applicable today, with timeless advice and some containing what could only be called "prophetic" warnings concerning the future ‹ that have now come to pass. "Modern technology is the only way we could bring Evans' classic brought back to life," Peckett says. "And now, the book can be ordered by anyone and delivered anywhere in PDF format in a matter of just a few minutes." To order items from Gospel Publishing House, see http://GospelPublisingHouse.com. For Evans' book (only available on the GPH Web site), search for item #35-1300 or click here: http://www.gospelpublishing.com/store/startitem.cfm?item=351300 &promo=EB --Dan Van Veen
• AG NEWS #1745: November 11, 2009
  **A good day at school -- more hoped for Central Bible College freshman Corey Miller gets surprise scholarship from strangers. Winston and Sue Hunt, Abundant Life Church (AG), Indianapolis, decide to bless student at CBC -- Miller's name drawn. Hunts hope their effort encourages others to follow in helping AG college students afford education. More information about AG colleges at http://www.colleges.ag.org. **Despite new media, teens watching more TV Teens spend three hours and 20 minutes watching TV a day, despite new media such as texting. Time spent on TV more than other media. Amber Weigand-Buckley says TV in every room can pull family apart. Cautions parents to encourage teens to "unplug." **Next MinistryDirect.com Q&A slated for November 12 AG General Superintendent George O. Wood to be online live answering questions sent via e-mail and Twitter from 3-4 p.m. (CSD) Thursday, November 12. To view or participate, go to http://MinistryDirect.com/live. ----------------------------------------------------------------- One look -- that's all it took! Remember how your heart began to pound when "she" looked your way or how you blushed when "he" smiled at you? Experience the wonders of love again as you renew your marriage with a Marriage Encounter weekend. Sign up today at http://agme.org today -- you won't be sorry! Upcoming events: November 13-15 ‹ Boston, Massachusetts; Rockford, Illinois; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Spokane, Washington. December 4-6 ‹ Medford, Oregon. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- BGMC creates ³i² series to teach kids to ³Pray, Give, Go² BGMC now offers Web-based activities to teach kids how to ³Pray, Give, Go.² Leaders can download the ³i² lessons [http://bgmc.ag.org/helps/pray_give_go] and ³Pray, Give, Go² videos [http://bgmc.ag.org/resources/videos] free on the BGMC leaders Web site (http://www.bgmc.ag.org). Kids can enjoy these activities and more on the new kids¹ Web site (www.bgmckids.ag.org). ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Looking for a great Christmas gift for someone? Senior Adult Ministries offers a Caribbean Cruise! Join Dr. George and Jewel Wood along with The Original Couriers on a cruise of a lifetime April 10-15, 2010. Hosted by Senior Adult Ministries Director Dave and Ladonna Weston, you'll enjoy tropical breezes, warm fellowship, fantastic dining and much more. All ages welcome, so invite your entire family! For more information, see http://sam.ag.org, e-mail cthieme@greatsoutherntravel.com or call 800-749-7116. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- **A good day at school -- more hoped for This past Friday, Central Bible College (AG) student Corey Miller, a freshman music major from Tulsa, Oklahoma, had a good day ­ courtesy of two strangers. During the Friday chapel at CBC, Miller's name was drawn from a container filled with all the students' names. As a result of his name being drawn, a very surprised Miller received a $1,100 scholarship good towards next semester's tuition, a gift from Winston and Sue Hunt, who attend Abundant Life Church (AG) in Indianapolis. Winston explains that when he was a CBC student, he recalled how an elderly woman at the nearby Maranatha Retirement Center used to create paintings and sell them, sending the proceeds to her alma mater ‹ Southwestern Assemblies of God in Waxahachie, Texas. "That always inspired me," Hunt says. "I had been praying, wanting to do something for CBC. Finally, I felt God leading me to help students with their college expenses." This is the second consecutive year the Hunts have given out a personal "at large" scholarship at CBC, located in Springfield, Missouri. They hope that their actions inspire other individuals and churches to seriously consider how they can help AG students attending AG colleges overcome what many see as crushing financial burdens. Although the Hunts recognized $1,100 isn't huge in light of today's tuition costs, every dollar counts ‹ and could make the difference between a student returning to school or having to drop out to earn more money before continuing their education. "Many students are coming out of college with such huge financial debt, they feel it is impossible to even consider going to the missions field or taking a full-time position at a financially struggling church or ministry," says Dr. Bob Cook, executive vice-president for the Alliance of AG Higher Education. "We need people ‹ hundreds even thousands of people ‹ like the Hunts to step forward and invest in the future of our college students." The Hunts, who chose to also honor long-time minister, missionary and CBC-alumnus Spud Dement with this year's gift, officially naming the gift the H.H. Spud Dement Honorary Scholarship, plan to continue giving the scholarship to students on a regular basis. However, Winston believes that many students' financial struggles could be resolved with just $1 a day. "If each member of the Assemblies of God (about 2.9 million members) set aside just $1 a day to help offset the cost of attending our AG colleges, in a year, that would result in more than $1 billion," he says. Although it may not possible for everyone to give $1 a day, Cook says even one-tenth of that amount would transform the future for many AG college students. "At 10¢ a day ‹ that would roughly be $105 million. That means the approximately 10,000 AG students attending our AG schools could receive scholarships of more than $10,000 each on top of whatever aid they already receive," Cook says. "Imagine the liberty students would have to pursue ministry if their first consideration wasn't having to pay off a huge school loan." "I hope to one day see the Assemblies of God develop a National College Day Fund," Hunt says, "where churches and individuals across the country can give specifically to help our students better afford to attend our colleges." For more information about AG colleges, see http://www.colleges.ag.org. For additional information on CBC, see http://www.cbcag.edu. --Dan Van Veen ----------------------------------------------------------------- **DESPITE NEW MEDIA, TEENS WATCHING MORE TV Teens aren't abandoning traditional media in favor of texting and Twittering. In fact, a new report by the Nielsen Company shows that the nation's 33 million teens are watching more television than ever before, up 6 percent in the past five years. In addition, Nielsen says teens spend 11 1/2 hours per month browsing the Internet, compared to 29 1/4 hours for all users. The discrepancy is primarily due to the fact that most adults are online during the workday, when teens are in classrooms. "Teens embrace new media not at the cost of traditional media, but in supplement to it," the report indicates. "Sure, they are digital natives, super-communicators and multi-taskers, but they are also the TV viewers, newspaper readers and radio listeners that some assume they are not." Teens spend an average of three hours and 20 minutes watching TV per day, much more than any other media. A "TV in every room" mentality can be a luxury that pulls a family apart, warns Amber Weigand-Buckley, managing editor of "On Course," a magazine for youth. She counsels parents to help their teens unplug: "As a family, dedicate certain times of the day, and if you can, certain rooms of the house to media free living space. Have a drop station where people check in and out their electronics. Read books and articles on paper, rather than on screen. Pull out the ear buds and talk or play a board game. Not only will you feel reconnected as a family, you'll recapture the lost art of conversation." However, according to the report, today's typical teen sends or receives a whopping 96 text messages in a day, with 83 percent of teens using the service. Two-thirds of teens say they prefer texting to calling. Nearly one in five teens watches some form of video content on their phone. Those who do so spend an average of 6 1/2 hours per month, nearly double the rate of all users. More than three-fourths of teens have their own mobile phone. Youth also tend to visit the same Web sites as adults, with Google, Yahoo! and YouTube being the most popular. "Between texting, Facebooking, Twittering and TV it seems that technology-free zones are being lost in the margins," Weigand-Buckley says. "This is why it is so important to encourage your teen to have standard times to unplug ‹ step away from all things electronic. Not only is it healthy for you and your teen's mind, it is healthy for the body." ¬‹Pentecostal Evangel and AG News ----------------------------------------------------------------- **Next MinistryDirect.com Q&A slated for November 12 Never in the history of the Assemblies of God has the thoughts and insights of the AG general superintendent been as accessible as they are in this time period. General Superintendent George O. Wood not only has regular video postings and his own Web site, but through MinistryDirect.com anyone can listen in as Wood responds live to questions being posted through e-mail and tweets. The next MinistryDirect.com Q&A session is slated for 3-4 p.m. (CSD), Thursday, November 12. According to MinistryDirect.com's Mark Forrester, this technology-enabled access to Dr. Wood opens the door to learning first-hand the position of the Assemblies of God on important hot topic items. It also provides opportunity for individuals to get to know the general superintendent ‹ as a leader as well as an everyday person. "We've had questions ranging from the most sensitive of issues to asking about Dr. Wood's favorite football team," says Forrester. "There's no registration required to participate and any question is fair game." To view the Q&A session online Thursday, see http://MinistryDirect.com/live. To ask Wood a question: e-mail questions@ministrydirect.com or use #ministrydirect on Twitter. There will be another Q&A session on December 10, 2009. --AG News
• AG NEWS #1744: November 10, 2009
  **Missionaries honored with parade of flags Jerry and Deanna Nelson, First Assembly of God, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, use parade of flags and plaques at their home church to honor missionaries and their grandson. Nineteen-year-old grandson unexpectedly died, but organs donated to benefit 80 people. Nine flag poles feature flags of missionaries, missionaries serving in that nation and prayer requests. Flags changed every six months. More information about church at http://www.lovefirst.cc. **Women increasingly part of drunk driving problem Drunk driving is one of America's deadliest crimes. Women represent a growing percentage of drunk drivers. Arrests for women driving under influence 28.8 percent higher from a decade ago, arrests for men only 7.5 percent higher. **This week in AG history -- November 8, 1953 Authors in this historic edition include David Clark, Willard Cantelon and Donald Gee. Click http://s2.ag.org/nov81953 to read this edition, courtesy of Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center (http://iFPHC.org). ----------------------------------------------------------------- Pastor -- there are hurting marriages in your church . . . Statistics reveal that even within the church walls ‹ your church walls ‹ marriages are suffering due to infidelity and/or the addiction to porn. Don't wait until those marriages turn into divorce statistics. Tell them about MarriageRestored! See http://www.marriagerestored.com or view the video at http://youtube.com/watch?v=-qfcbVsHHmU ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- **Missionaries honored with parade of flags Jerry and Deanna Nelson of First Assembly of God in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, found a way to honor their deceased grandson and to recognize Assemblies of God missionaries at the same time. Cody Nelson, a 19-year-old college freshman attending the University of Wisconsin-Menomonie, died unexpectedly of acute liver failure in 2007. His parents, Don and Deb Nelson of Lake Elmo, Minnesota, kept him on life support until 80 people benefited from organ donations, including burn victims, cancer patients and the visually impaired. Jerry and Deanna, missions directors at First Assembly and teachers of a missions Sunday School class there, came up with the memorial idea at a perfect time. First Assembly and its affiliated Christian Center School were in the late planning stages for a new church sign and digital electronic reader board for the school. After five years of being turned down by the city because of zoning restrictions, the church received permission and built the memorial on a grassy berm. The memorial contains nine flagpoles and pedestals identifying the country of the flag flying, a missionary serving in that nation, and prayer request for that missionary and country. The countries and missionaries change every six months. In addition, a plaque placed on a pedestal among the flags explains the significance of the flags and honors Cody as well. "Combining the two projects gives prominent visibility to our church's missions efforts, as well as attracts attention to the sign and message center, so we can freely communicate with those who drive by our facility every day," says Tom Rooney, executive pastor of First Assembly. "It's no small coincidence that the combination of the church, its missions department and its largest mission ‹ the school ‹ was finally able to get the project approved by the city." For more information about the church, see its Web site at http://www.lovefirst.cc. --Pentecostal Evangel ----------------------------------------------------------------- **WOMEN INCREASINGLY PART OF DRUNK DRIVING PROBLEM Drunk driving remains one of America's deadliest crimes, with more than 11,000 alcohol-impaired deaths in 2008. Women represent a growing percentage of drunk drivers. According to FBI figures, the number of women arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs was 28.8 percent higher in 2007 than it was a decade earlier. The number of men arrested for DUI in the same time span declined 7.5 percent. Additionally, a new study from the Washington University School of Medicine reports a 40 percent increase in binge drinking among women ages 21-23 from 1979 to 2006. "Teen Challenge daily works with women who are experiencing pressures at home and at work, women who are looking for ways to relieve their stresses and pain," says Patty Baker, Teen Challenge USA promotion manager. "For a Christian woman, a personal relationship with Christ is a key to avoiding risky behaviors," Baker says. "Close Christian friendships help hold us accountable for our actions. Making time for daily personal devotions also helps us manage the stresses we face in our lives." For more information about Teen Challenge, visit http://www.teenchallengeusa.com. --Pentecostal Evangel ----------------------------------------------------------------- **This week in AG history -- November 8, 1953 Featured in this week's November 8, 1953, issue of the "Pentecostal Evangel" *Why I Believe in "Other Tongues" by David Clark *Second Fiddle by Willard Cantelon *Acts and Epistles by Donald Gee And much more! Click here: http://s2.ag.org/nov81953 "Pentecostal Evangel" archived editions courtesy of Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center (http://iFPHC.org). Current editions available at http://pe.ag.org.
• AG NEWS #1743: November 6, 2009
  **Assemblies of God of Vietnam granted permit Vietnam government grants Assemblies of God of Vietnam official permit to operate. Church leaders grateful for this significant step. Among other things, approval opens doors of opportunity to help believers construct church buildings. For more information or to assist, call 1-866-470-9514. **NPC provides Holiday Prayer Guide National Prayer Center offering Prayer Guide for holiday season. Prayer suggestions focused towards topics such as thankfulness and gratitude. For more information, visit http://www.prayer.ag.org. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Forum for Women Ministers The Network for Women in Ministry Web site invites women ministers to register on its forum to follow discussions, ask questions, and network with one another. If you¹re a woman minister, or a woman preparing to enter ministry, visit http://womeninministry.ag.org and register today. ---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- HIGHPOINT, WHERE KIDS BUILD CHRISTLIKE CHARACTER, RELEASES NEW KIT‹LEADERSHIP! Order by December 30th and save $10 In Leadership, kids discover the importance of leading by example, whether or not they have a position of leadership. The best leaders point others to God. Bible Focus: Solomon, Hezekiah and others. Check it out! Visit http://www.gph.org/highpoint for complete HighPoint line. ---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------- **ASSEMBLIEES OF GOD OF VIETNAM GRANTED PERMIT In October, the Assemblies of God of Vietnam received a permit from the Vietnam government to operate, which is the first step in becoming an officially recognized church. Although the AG was established in Vietnam in 1989, Vietnam's Religion Law requires an organization to be a stable organization for 20 years before the process of official recognition can begin. Now that this step has been passed, the church has an official operating license. The operating license will allow the church to carry on religious activities in Vietnam for the next year, during which time a doctrinal statement, a constitution and bylaws and a four-year working plan must be drawn up and submitted for government approval. If approved, the Church can then hold an organized assembly. According to the official "Vietnam News," AG Vietnam General Superintendent Duong Thanh Lam said that since its inception, the Fellowship has "followed the guideline of living in line with God's words, serving God, the Motherland and the nation." Jeff Dove, a representative of the AG USA, encouraged Vietnamese believers to continue to grow together, help others in need and work to be an even greater asset to the country. The recognition of the AG church in Vietnam is significant. In 2006 the United States took Vietnam off its list of "countries of particular concern" over religious freedom issues. Currently, the AG of Vietnam has an estimated 40,000 members across the country. This recognition will now allow them to organize congregations and construct churches. One of the priorities of the Vietnam AG fellowship is to serve the poor and suffering in their communities. "Vietnam News" reported that Lam thanked the Vietnam government and local authorities for creating favorable conditions and support for the religious society in recent years. Lam stated that the granting of the operating permit reflected the government's openness and goodwill toward religious activities and Protestant followers. "This approval opens new doors of opportunity to help our fellow believers in Vietnam now construct their own church buildings," confirms AG World Missions Communications Director Randy Hurst. "Anyone who would like to help the Assemblies of God of Vietnam in building new churches can call AG World Missions Communications toll-free 1-866-470-9514 to give by credit card or to have additional information mailed to them or their church." --Dan Van Veen ---------------------------------------------------------------- **NPC PROVIDES HOLIDAY PRAYER GUIDE With the holiday season fast approaching, the National Prayer Center is offering a Holiday Prayer Guide to help highlight ways to pray during the next few months. The guide is focused toward directing Christians to pray meaningfully over specific things during Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year. Topics such as thankfulness, gratitude, love and comfort are several of the specific prayers that are mentioned in the holiday guide. "It's sometimes easy for the busyness of the holidays to overshadow the fact of how much God has blessed us," says NPC Assistant Director James Meredith. "There are also those who find the holidays difficult, and are in special need of our prayers." To view the Holiday Prayer Guide or to find other ways to pray, visit the Prayer Center's Web site at http://www.prayer.ag.org. --Becca Hodge

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