Overseer's Insight: July 2011

Dear Saints:

Youth Camps

This last weekend, we finished up our Youth Camps.  Senior Camp was fabulous.  Senior Director, Shelly Symonds reports that were 10 saved, 20 sanctified, 7 Baptized in the Holy Spirit, and 9  that were Water Baptized.  Thank the Lord for these experiences!  Sister Palma Hutchinson was the Camp Evangelist.  She along with teachers Rob Judd and Shelly Symonds really ministered to the hearts of our young people.  The Yaker’s Camp had great classes with Sister Ruth Turner and Brother Rick Bear.  Brother Smith spoke in the evening services regarding the tactics of the enemy and the importance of keeping our vessels unspotted from the world.  He spoke on many issues that are facing our young people today.  Brother Bill and Sister Cindy Davison did a great job putting this camp together.  Junior Camp was also a blessing.  Sister Shuree was the Camp Speaker.  She did an excellent job relating to the kids.  Each evening several of the young campers were touched in a special way as they sought to draw closer to the Lord.  Brother Robert Allen and Sister Pam Murkerson, along with their staff were used of the Lord to minister to the juniors.  Our last Camp, directed by Ramon and Icela Maldonado was the PeeWee Camp.  Their were 28 PeeWee Campers registered.  They had activities going from sun up to sun down.  Again, all the staff did a superb job.  Our appreciation goes out to our cooking staff, headed  up by Sister Kaye Cabales.  They work hard in kitchen, making sure that our campers and staff are well nourished.  Our Camp Coordinators, Bob and Donella Gaines, are to be congratulated for another blessed Camping Season.  Thank you Brother Bob and Sister Donella for your dedication in the Camping Ministry.  Only heaven will record all the lives that were touched in Camp. 

Washington State Convention
Before long State Convention will be here, so please make sure that you have your rooms reserved! This year, Convention will be held at the Red Lion in Kennewick, Columbia Center. It will be on August 19-21, 2011.  Dr. Hector Ortiz, International Director, Center for Biblical Leadership, will be our special guest speaker from the International Offices.  Dr. Alvin Padilla, Dean of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, will also be with us during our Graduation Ceremony for those graduating from the Diploma Program!

Please make plans now to attend a glorious and spirit-packed Convention. I would encourage you and those in your church to call the Red Lion and make reservations as soon as possible, to be assured of a room.   Remember, last year, the rooms went fast.  Also, the cut-off date for rooms being held by the motel is July 19^th.  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.

 Events Calendar for 2011

       

July 8-10                     Alaska State Convention -  Anchorage

                                                                                                                                   

August 19-21              Washington State Convention - Kennewick

Sept. 22-25                  Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Boise, ID

                                    (Introduction to Pentecostalism - Dr. Hector Ortiz)

Oct. 27-30                   Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church

                                    (Church & Community - Dr. Eliana Runyon)

“Seek Ye The Peace Of The City”

Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich

In a World Saved by Grace...

July! Independence Day! It’s the month we celebrate our freedom.

 

Most of us revel in that freedom and are aware of it; we thank God daily that we live in a land of such liberty.  However there are some who see life as endless daily repetition and find that daily grind disheartening.

I once heard a man break down his work day this way; “After taxes, my first 4 hours at work each day is to pay the mortgage payment, then we have lunch, the next hours is to pay for the car that is no longer worth what I still owe on it, forty five minutes for credit card payments, a half hour for that new furniture we just had to get before the Holidays two years ago, then I get a coffee break.  After break I work the rest of the day to pay for power and water and to buy groceries and gas to get us through until next week.    “Vacation”?  Unless we camp in the backyard or the “Master” MasterCard says we have available credit there is no vacation in my future.

“The borrower is slave to the lender.”

In a world saved by Grace, in the land of the free, this man has bound himself financially and lives as though he has been taken captive and enslaved by a merciless enemy.

It’s unfortunate that many in our society have bought into the “short road to the good life” only to find they’re enmeshed in growing debt.  The road out is available; however, one must choose to change direction.

Do you know someone who needs freedom from financial enslavement? Scripture is rich in examples of people being set free. Here are steps to claiming and walking in financial freedom.

1. Seek God’s wisdom.

1 While Jeremiah was still locked up in jail, a second Message from God was given to him: 2 "This is God's Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God:

3 'Call to me and I will answer you. I'll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.'

Jer 33:1-3 The Message

 

When the Lord is asked to be a part of our plan He promises results that we cannot fathom.  Look forward to being a living testimony of God’s awesome intervention.

2. Get up, get a plan, get going, and get free!

Shake off your dust; rise up, sit enthroned, O Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains on your neck, O captive Daughter of Zion.

Isaiah 52:2 NIV

Be committed to reclaiming your freedom!  There are several very effective debt elimination programs available on line and in the library.  DaveRamsey.com and Crown.org both offer a wealth of information on how to get free from debt and testimonials to encourage those just beginning.  Most of their forms are free to copy and print.

3. Do it with intensity! Do it now!  Work at it as though your life depends on being free; it does!

1 Dear friend, if you've gone into hock with your neighbor or locked yourself into a deal with a stranger, 2 If you've impulsively promised the shirt off your back and now find yourself shivering out in the cold, 3 Friend, don't waste a minute, get yourself out of that mess. You're in that man’s (that bank, car dealership, furniture store, Credit Card Company) clutches!  4 Don't procrastinate - there's no time to lose. (4 Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. NIV) 5 Run like a deer from the hunter, fly like a bird from the trapper!

Proverbs 6 1-5 The Message

Get the message?  It’s pretty clear that getting out of debt should be a priority and a main focus until it is no longer an issue in our lives.

Do it now!  Do it with intensity! Work at it as though you are the only one who can make this happen in your life; you are!

Overseer's Insight: June 2011

Dear Saints,

 

Camp Focus

During the month of May we had our Camp Focus Meeting and Senior Retreat.  The Camp Focus Meeting was held at Millersylvania State Park.  It was directed by Camp Coordinators, Bob and Donella Gaines.  It was very informative with instruction given by the Camp Directors and Coordinators.  Pastor Rob presented a good class on “Your Part in the Altar Call.”  Bishop Knoblich presented some information on the policies and protocol of the proper reporting of child abuse.  On Saturday, the  team members worked on projects at the Campground in preparation for the upcoming Camping Season.  (By the way, this would be a great time to make sure that your children and grandchildren, and those youth in your Church have sent in their applications and deposit for Camp!) 

 

Senior Retreat

Senior Retreat was held at during the weekend of May 13-15 at the Washougal Salmon Falls Retreat Center.  Brother and Sister Riley from Kentucky were there for the second year as special guests.   They ministered wonderfully to all those that attended.  Brother Cabales and Pastor Smith and the New Horizons Church are to be commended for sponsoring this blessed annual gathering of our seniors. 

 

Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary

As of the writing of this newsletter, we just finished the Systematic Theology I class at the Kirkland Family Church.  We had 24 registered students with three from Oregon and one from Texas.  The four days of instruction from Dr. Hector Ortiz were anointed and inspired from the Lord.  There were many times during the teaching of the class that the Spirit manifested Himself as to confirm what was presented.  There was such a depth to the topics that were taught.  It is encouraging to see many of our ministers (young and senior) involved in this program of study.  It is making a noticeable difference in their ministry.  We are thankful to Pastor Kaye Cabales and Kirkland Family Church for allowing us to use their wonderful facilities.  (Our next class, Church and Community, will be October 27 -31, 2011 in Kirkland.  If you are not yet a student, but would like to enroll in the Seminary, please contact Bishop Knoblich at dknoblich@aol.com)

 

Washington State Convention
It is not too early for you and your church 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 19-21, 2011.  Dr. Hector Ortiz, International Director, Center for Biblical Leadership, will be our special guest speaker from the International Offices.  Dr. Alvin Padilla, Dean of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, will also be with us during our Graduation Ceremony for those graduating from the Diploma Program!

Please make plans now to attend a glorious and spirit-packed Convention. I would encourage you and those in your church to call the Red Lion and make reservations as soon as possible, to be assured of a room.   Remember, last year, the rooms went fast.  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. 

 

Events Calendar for 2011

June 19-24                  Senior Camp - Millersylvania (Shelly Symonds, Director)
June 24-26                   Young Adult Camp - Millersylvania (Bill & Cindy Davison, Directors)
June 26 - July 1           Junior Camp - Millersylvania
July 1-2                       PeeWee Camp - Millersylvania
July 8-10                     Alaska State Convention -  Anchorage 
August 19-21              Washington State Convention - Kennewick
Sept. 22-25                  Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Boise, ID

                                    (Introduction to Pentecostalism - Dr. Hector Ortiz)
Oct. 27-30                   Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church

                                    (Church & Community - Dr. Eliana Runyon)

 

“Seek Ye The Peace Of The City”

Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich

State Leadership Directory

In an effort to update our state directory, we are asking all pastors and church leaders to review the contact information here: http://wacogop.homestead.com/WA_State_COGOP_Directory_2010.pdf.

Be sure and check the listings of all individuals in your congregation, including the local church listing, for updates.  You can send corrections to Rob Judd at rjjunior@hotmail.com

Overseer's Insight: May 2011

Dear Saints,

During the month of April we had our Ladies Retreat, Youth Convention, and Men’s Retreat.  Ladies Retreat was held at the Vancouver, WA Red Lion.  Sister Dawkins from Canada was the special speaker.  Ladies from Canada, Oregon, and of course, Washington attended the Retreat.  The theme of Retreat was “God Knows Your Name.”  Indeed, He does know our name and everything there is to know about us.  After all, He created us and formed us according to Psalm 129 before we even existed!  Much thanks to Retreat Director Sister Sherry Johnson and her staff for a great job and a blessed Retreat.

Youth Convention was held on April 15 and 16.  Pastor Rob Judd spoke on the Friday night session and preached on the theme “Fighting for the Great Life.” The Bremerton Youth Dance Team performed both Friday night and on Saturday. Also on  Saturday, there was a sermonette and a DVD with some group discussion.  Sister Shelly Symonds and her District Youth Leaders did a wonderful job preparing for the Convention.

Men’s Retreat on White Pass was held on the last weekend of April.  We were blessed by good weather and by a might presence of the Lord.  We were also blessed by the attendance of several of our Spanish-speaking brethren.  Our special speaker, Bishop Sam Clements, was not able to attend the Retreat due to the storms and tornadoes in the Southeast.  Though we would have enjoyed Brother Clements being with us, God apparently had other plans.  The Retreat Theme was on “Being Men Of Commitment.”  Messages were presented on being Men of Commitment and Men of Valor.  When Retreat ended, there were 2 saved, 8 delivered, 5 filled with the Holy Spirit, and 2 healed.  To God be the Glory!  Our thanks goes to Bishop Frank Smith, Retreat Director, and his dedicated staff. 

Upcoming Events

Senior Retreat

During the weekend of May 13-15 Senior Retreat will be held at the Washougal Salmon Falls Retreat Center.  It is my understanding that Brother and Sister Riley from Kentucky will be back this year as the special guests.  Please encourage all Seniors in your church to attend.  The messages, singing, worship, and fellowship are totally awesome.  Much thanks to Senior Director, Brother James Cabales, and the New Horizons Church for sponsoring this special Retreat. 

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Our next Gordon-Conwell Course (June 2-5, 2011 at Kirkland) will be Theology I as taught by Dr. Hector Ortiz.  Registration forms will be sent out soon.  Please remember that your registration form along with a $50.00 registration deposit is to be sent to Dr. Knoblich, one month in advance of the class, that is, by May 2, 2011.  The deposit will be credited to the tuition cost for the course. 

Washington State Convention
It is not too early for you and your church 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 19-21, 2011.  Dr. Hector Ortiz, International Director, Center for Biblical Leadership, will be our special guest speaker from the International Offices.  Dr. Alvin Padilla, Dean of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, will also be with us during our Graduation Ceremony for those graduating from the Diploma Program. 

Please make plans now to attend a glorious and spirit-packed Convention. I would encourage you and those in your church to call the Red Lion and make reservations as soon as possible, to be assured of a room.   Remember, last year, the rooms went fast.  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. 

Excerpts From State Overseer’s Annual Address

During the month of March we looked at how we are to incorporate “Shalom” in reaching the people.  This month we will expand upon our mandate of reaching people and breaking strongholds through the theology of Prayer.  Please read: 

V.  The Theology of Prayer

Jeremiah 29:7  emphasizes the importance of prayer for the city.  The Lord wants us to Pray for the Peace of the City.Prayer is strongly needed to live and work with the struggles that are present in the city.

How Powerful is Prayer?

In Eastern Europe, we have seen how the power of prayer brought down Communism.  It brought down the Iron Curtain.

The problem with Prayer for us is, generally we have confined it personal needs or individualistic concerns.  Our prayers have been “vertical” in nature, ones that transform us into the likeness of Jesus.

However, our prayers must go beyond the individual.  They must take feet. They must be directed outward.  Why?   Because sin and evil go beyond the individual.  Sin infiltrates systems, all types of social systems, whether they are schools, governmental agencies, political structures.  

All social structures and institutions have moral values associated with them, whether they are for good or evil.  When sinful and evil structures exist in society, those are the things we must pray against.   

The Scripture in Ephesians chapter 6: 11-13 tells us:

 ¹¹Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

 ¹²For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

 ¹³Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

***This is not an Individualized scripture!!  This is not an Army of One!

This Scripture portrays how the whole Church should be armed as a Body together to fight against principalities and powers.

Even John 3:16 is not as much as an Individualized Scripture, as we have taken it!  The word “World” is translated as “Cosmos.”  This word is all encompassing and refers to the Redemption of the Universe, all social structures of humanity, the geo-physical world, the Entire Created Order!!!

(You see, all Creation will bow before HIM!!!)

We must realize that there is a fight for each City.  There are satan’s angels and God’s angels fighting over each city.  These angels infuse the systems and structures, people groups, and individuals of that city.

Each City has a particular spirit associated with it.  All cities are caught in a spiritual warfare, the forces of God and the forces of satan battle for the City’s soul.

The Evil One is out to control and destroy each city.

***Yet, in the shadows of that City, if we look hard, Stands One who loves the City and Weeps over it!!! 

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! (Luke 13:34).

Jesus is saying the same to us today!!! 

One thing I want us each to realize:

In a city that has the potential of being seduced by satan and his angels, We are responsible before God and our fellow citizens in ways that contribute to making our city a City of God or allowing it to drift toward being a City of satan.

I believe there is more meaning to the scripture, “to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.”

Prayer changes the fate of Nations.  Prayer changes the fate of Cities.

Our Job:  Engage in Heavy Duty Warfare.

To bombard heaven with prayers, to tear down the Berlin Walls.

To take the City out of the grips of the devil.

To go to the Babylons of  this world and Seek for Peace, Pray for Peace.

CONCLUSION:

I believe the Historical Statement by John F. Kennedy bears repeating:

Let’s not ask what our Country (City) can do for us, rather let us ask, what can we do for our Country (City.)

Be a Vital Part in Ministry in your City.  Work through your Church, volunteer,

Work to change things for the better.

Events Calendar for 2011

May 6-7                       Camp Focus/Workday - (Millersylvania) (Bob & Donella Gaines, Coordinators)

May 13-15                   Senior Retreat - Washougal (James Cabales, Director)
June 2-5                       Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church

                                    (Theology I - Dr. Hector Ortiz)

June 19-24                  Senior Camp - Millersylvania (Shelly Symonds, Director)
June 24-26                   Young Adult Camp - Millersylvania (Bill & Cindy Davison, Directors)
June 26 - July 1           Junior Camp - Millersylvania
July 1-2                       PeeWee Camp - Millersylvania
July 8-10                     Alaska State Convention -  Anchorage 
August 19-21              Washington State Convention - Kennewick
Sept. 22-25                  Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Boise, ID

                                    (Introduction to Pentecostalism - Dr. Hector Ortiz)
Oct. 27-30                   Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church

                                    (Church & Community - Dr. Eliana Runyon)

“Seek Ye The Peace Of The City”

Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich

Local Church Report: Rivers Fellowship (Tacoma)

Among the highlights of April was a joint Good Friday service with Iglesia Promesa De Jehova, the Spanish-speaking congregation that shares our building.  We were blessed in a wonderful communion service as well as sharing a dinner together.

We are currently remodeling our ladies restroom in the sanctuary building and will have it ready to go for Mother's Day!  Several members contributed to the work and we applaud the shared efforts of our people.

We welcome Bill Thoms into formal covenant fellowship in the Body.  He was a part of our congregation many years ago and God has led him "back home."  We will also be welcoming another new member in May.

Local Church Report: KFC

The past few months have been busy ones here at Kirkland Family Church.  After the membership classes that were held in February,  in March nine members were added to our church body.  It was a beautiful service with such a sweet spirit!  Our State Overseer, Bishop Knoblich was with us that Sunday also and shared the Word with us. 

In April was Ladies Retreat and a lot of our ladies were blessed to attend.  It was a great retreat!  The guest speaker, Lucille Dawkins, did a great job!  The spirit was felt from the very beginning.  A big thanks to Sherry Johnson and staff for all the effort put into this retreat! 

There was a great turnout for Youth Convention held here at KFC!  Pastor Rob gave a good Word Friday evening.  The spirit ministered greatly to our young people! We got to see some youth worshiping the Lord in dance--they are very anointed.  There was fun and games--lots of group activities and pizza
for lunch.  Thanks Shelly and your team for putting together another awesome convention!!  You guys rock!!

Easter Sunday the church was packed!  It was a time of celebration!  The congregation shared in communion to honor the sacrifice Jesus made for all of us.  Thank you Jesus for the gift of life!  After service there was an Egg Hunt for the children.  Our youth group helped hide the eggs.  It was a good time for everyone.  Thanks Rhonda for organizing this event!  There was a potluck dinner to complete this celebration.  Great food
and fellowship!  We are so blessed by the goodness of our Father!  Looking forward to all He has for us!