Overseer's Insight: July 2012

Dear Saints,

The Month of June was an Historic month for us.  First of all, on Saturday, June 23, 2012, the Brush Prairie Spanish Church of God of Prophecy was officially dedicated to the Lord.  Many attended from around the State as well as several parishioners from the Lutheran Church across the street.  The Lutheran Church was so instrumental in helping two years ago when the Church was destroyed by  fire.  Right from the start they offered their building for Brother Munoz and his congregation to use.  The Church is now a beautiful new building that will house over 300 people.  We give God the glory for this accomplishment!

The Second Historic Event, that occurred at the end of the month (really, on July 1st) was the Othello Spanish Mission was officially set in order as an organized Church of God of Prophecy.  Along with Pastor Dora and Brother Arturo, 28 adults and children became members of the church that day.  The Church is called the Alpha and Omega Church of God of Prophecy (Alpha y Omega Iglesia de Dios la Profecia).  Will you please join me in welcoming this new congregation to our Church Body?!  Please pray for them as they reach new souls for Jesus in Othello.

The third Historic event is Our Youth Camps are now in full swing at our NEW CAMPSITE!  This is the first time ever in our State History that we have ever owned our own Campground.  As of the writing of this letter, our Senior Camp, Yaker’s Camp, Junior Camp, and PeeWee Camp are all going great.  All of the Campers I have talked to are so excited to be at our new Campground.  Everyone, from the youngest to oldest, seems to experience a real peace the moment they set their feet on the site.  One of our Mission Objectives is that Camp Roganunda be a place where all Encounter God, Experience God, and Exalt God!  And that is exactly what has happened at our Camps this Summer.  I am hearing that God is moving in special ways among our young people.  Much thanks to our Camp Directors, Shelly Symonds, Bill and Cindy Davison, Robert and Pam Murkerson, and Ramon and Icela Maldonado.  They are all doing a terrific job!  You can be assured that when your young people attend Camp, our Staff will do their best to make sure that they are ministered to holistically - body, soul, and spirit.

I cannot thank Bob and Donella Gaines for the wonderful job that they are doing as Caretakers of the Campground.  They, along with many volunteers from around the State, have helped to give this Camp a nice facelift.  A great big THANK YOU to all who have volunteered their time, talents, and finances to this Ministry.  If you haven’t seen this Camp, you will be pleasantly surprised!  God has truly blessed us with it, to use as a ministry for His Glory.

When the Summer Camps are completed, there is still much work to complete.  One goal is to get  as many cabins winterized so that they may be used for Fall and Winter Retreats.  Again, any help or finance that you can give in bringing to fruition the completion of these projects will be greatly appreciated.  Please mark your Calendars for September 1, 2012.  This is going to be an “Open House” which we will call a “Super-Saturday” at the Campsite.  This is a time for all, both in or outside our Church, to visit the Camp.  If you would like to stay a day or two later during this Labor Day weekend, and help out with some work projects as well as enjoy time with your family and others, please contact Bob and Donella Gaines in advance.

WASHINGTON STATE CONVENTION

IT IS NOT TOO EARLY TO BEGIN PLANNING FOR STATE CONVENTION. This year, Convention will be held at the Red Lion in Kennewick, Columbia Center. It will be on August 17-19, 2012. Bishop Mark Menke, CBL Instructor, will be with us as our special guest speaker from the International Offices. Please make plans now to attend a glorious and spirit-packed Convention. I would encourage you to call the Red Lion and make reservations as soon as possible, to be assured of a room. When you call the Red Lion (509-783-0611), please tell them that you are with the Church of God of Prophecy to get the special group rate. There are lots of exciting things going on in the State, so come anticipating a great time together!  Prior to Saturday’s Youth Service we will have a nostalgic and historical look at our Camping Ministry over the last several years.  You will not want to miss it.  Looking forward to seeing you there!!

Events Calendar for 2012

July 6-8                       Alaska State Convention -  Anchorage

July 25-29                   International General Assembly - Louisville, KY

August 17-19              Washington State Convention – Kennewick

Sept. 1                         "Super Saturday" - Open House at Camp Roganunda
Sept. 13-16                  Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Boise, ID
                                    (Foundations of Leadership)

Oct. 25-28                   Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church
                                    (Theology Survey II)

“Driven By The Spirit”
Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich