Special Testimony: John Allaway

I haven't written to the Lamplighter for a long time, but now I have something to write about.  Sunday, October 2, 2011 I was standing in our church preaching on our authority in Christ. The Lord was blessing but it began to get real warm, or so I thought. One of the people opened the windows, another turned on two fans, but I was still hot, very hot, and sweaty. I was about half way into my message when the people started to sway back and forth. I thought, "My, that's funny." They usually do that when they're singing, but I found it was me doing the swaying. Then I lost my balance and my two son-in-laws came up and caught me. My legs would not move, so Elias picked up my feet and put them down until I got off the platform. They set me on the front pew. My wife and daughters were trying to get me to breathe with no success. I died sitting in the front pew.

Tim Moon and Billy Tyler picked me up and laid me on the floor. There was a young lady that came that Sunday who hadn't been there for about a month, but she knew CPR.  Did God have something to do with that?

Let me tell you what happened when I died: all the noise, crying, and praying stopped. I felt my spirit leave my body, very peaceful. Remember when you were a child and you would find a piece of plastic, put it on the lawn and run the sprinkler on it? We called them slippy slides.  Well, that's just how it felt to me, but I was going up a very fast speed.  All of a sudden I could see the top; it was the prettiest light blue cloud I had ever seen.  when I entered the cloud, it reached out and encompassed me.  It was just like Jesus put his arms around me and was hugging me. 

Then I started hearing voices around me, "Pastor, Pastor, don't leave, we need you. Brother John you are loved. Daddy, Daddy, I love you, don't die!" Then I heard about 40-45 people praying for me and it seemed like they were very little in a group and the group got bigger and bigger until they were all there praying and crying over me. The lady that had performed CPR on me cracked one of my ribs, but thank God she was there and knew what to do. I just did not know that so many people loved me that much.  I think we do too much labeling on folks.  Labels are for filing, labels are for clothing, or just about anything you buy but labels are not for people. 

I finally came to my senses and the ambulance crew was there trying to get me on the gurney. I wound up at Harrison Hospital in the E.R.  They told me I would be admitted, so I spent four days of tests and more tests.  The ultrasound showed the left carotid artery that feeds the brain was 99% blocked so, you fill in the blanks.  They sent me home and told me they would have to operate in ten days. 

I was home for two days and had another seizure.  My daughter-in-law Barbi drove me back to the hospital. I was in the operating room the next day for three hours. I hurt so bad that all I could say was, "Jesus, Jesus." After three more days they sent me to a transitional care facility where I learned to walk, talk, eat, and do the things that normal people do. I spent eleven days getting so I could be a normal person again.  I done a lot of soul searching while I was there. Folks, I think we need to do that. So anyway I am doing a lot better and I want to thank every one of you for your prayers and support. God bless.

Pastor John F. Allaway

Overseer's Insight: November 2011

Dear Saints:

During the month of October we had our Gordon-Conwell School in Kirkland.  The class that was taught was “Church and Community” by Dr. Eliana Runyon.  This was an outstanding class that stretched our minds and caused us to think outside the box (the church).  One of our textbooks challenged us to be the best church for the community, not the best church in the community.  When you are focused on being the best church for the community, then you will look beyond the four walls of the church for ways that you can minister to a community in need.  Our professor taught us that it only takes small steps to reach the community.  The whole idea is to first get outside of the church.  Our goal of reaching the community is encompassed in the Lord’s Prayer, when Jesus stated, “Thy Kingdom Come.”  In other words, Jesus’ prayer was that Shalom, in all the fullness of the word, would infiltrate our communities and our cities. 

As always, we are so thankful for the Kirkland Family Church providing a wonderful facility for us to learn in.  We are also appreciative of the lunches that were provided.  Thank you Sister Kaye and Sister Josie for all of your hard work in preparing the meals.

Please look forward to our next School in the Spring of 2012.  If you have any questions or are interested in enrolling in the Seminary, contact Dr. Don Knoblich at: dknoblich@aol.com.

Regional Ladies Retreat

As you learned at State Convention, the Regional Ladies Retreat will be held at the Red Lion at the Quay in Vancouver, WA on November 4-6, 2011.  This is the Retreat that is directed by Sister Cathy Payne, International Women’s Ministries Director.  So, ladies, mark this date on your calendars and get ready for a Fantastic Retreat!

Adult Retreat

This year, as in past years, Adult Retreat will be held at Pacific Beach.  The dates are for February 3-5, 2012.  Our Retreat Theme is: “Designed For God’s Greatness.”  All of us are part of a wonderfully designed plan of God.  We are expecting an awesome time in the Lord!  International World Mission’s Director, Bishop David Bryan and his lovely wife, Sister Rosita will be our special guest speakers at this year’s  Retreat!   They both are so excited  to be with us.  Applications have been sent to the pastors and have been sent out individually.  You can also download an application by going to the State Website at: wacogop.homestead.com

Applications should be sent in no later than November 30^th, 2011.  This is going to be a Great Retreat!!!  Please don’t miss it!!!  We look forward to seeing you there!!!

Events Calendar for 2011

November 4-6             Regional Ladies Retreat (Cathy Payne) - Vancouver, WA

November 11-13         Pastor's Wives Retreat - Cannon Beach, OR

November 30              Final deadline to send in Adult Retreat Applications.

“Driven By The Spirit”

Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich

Excerpts (State Convention Annual Address)

For November's Lamplighter, I am going to begin a series of messages that come from excerpts from my State Convention Annual Address.  The Theme of the State Convention was "Driven By The Spirit." 

For this month, I will begin with the Introduction: 

Introduction: 

Why this Theme?   “Driven By The Spirit?” This was the Same theme as used in Adult Retreat.  Also, if some of you might remember, the Theme of last year’s General Assembly was, “Pursuing The Spirit.”

I.  Scriptural Texts

Two seemingly simple passages of scripture, yet so powerful! 

“And immediately the Spirit driveth Him into the wilderness.”  (Mark 1:12)

“And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordon, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.”  (Luke 4:1)

But, What is it that proceeded these Passages? 

1.  Here, we see that Jesus had just been baptized in the River Jordon by John the Baptist.  Remember, the word “Baptism” means a full immersion into.  The Father spoke and said, “This is My Beloved Son, In Whom I am well Pleased.”

2.  Note that Jesus was “Full of the Holy Ghost.”

It therefore appears that there is a direct correlation or connection between being “Baptized”  and being “Full of the Holy Ghost” and being Led (being Driven) by the Spirit.

“Led”   and   “Driveth”

Luke uses the word that Jesus was “Led”  by the Spirit and Mark chooses  “Driveth”, i.e., that Jesus was Driven by the Spirit.

“Led” as used in Luke’s passage (Greek = ago) means to bring, to drive, to lead.  The word “Led” as used by Luke, seems more “passive.”

However, Mark’s usage of the word “Driveth” is much more sharp and direct.  The word here in the Greek literally means, “putteth” or Hurrieth Him forth” or “impelleth Him.”  This word suggests that Jesus was under the mighty contstraining impulse of the Spirit!

By being “driven by the Spirit.”  I don’t want you to have the impression that Jesus was “Forced by the Spirit” against His will.  That He was totally helpless, with no control.  No, Not at All!   IT IS JUST THAT JESUS WAS SO FULL OF THE HOLY GHOST THAT HE WAS TOTALLY MOVED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD!!!  In other words, He was so imbued, so infused, so immersed, so consumed by the Spirit that He totally was in the Spirit’s Hands!

Like when a garment in dyed, it becomes totally imbued, infused in that color!!!

And dear Brothers and Sisters, that is what God intends for all of us, He wants us to be so Full of the Holy Ghost that:

-When HE talks, we talk

-When HE moves, we move

-When He goes to the right, we go to the right

-When HE goes to the left, we go to the left

-When HE goes straight, we go straight

-When HE goes backwards, we go backwards

You see, We are in total, complete control of our will, yet our will is totally submissive to Him, that is, we are subject to Him in everything, and thus we become the moving, breathing, living body of Christ on Earth!

"The Best Gift Ever" Dessert Concert!

"The Best Gift Ever"

Dessert Concert and Silent Auction

At Kirkland Family Church

When:  Saturday, December 3rd at 6:30pm  (Doors will open at 5:30pm), open seating

Where:  Kirkland Family Church

            10489 NE 52nd St

            Kirkland, Wa 98008

Tickets are on sale now!  Space is limited so purchase your tickets soon.

Adults- $12.00 ea

Children (2-12 years old)- $8.00 ea

Family of 4- $30.00

Children under 2 are free.

As always, there will be yummy desserts and coffee served, along with some great music to kick off your holiday season.

CDs of the music will also be available to purchase at the concert.

This year, we will have a 5 silent auction items to bid on.  You may find the perfect Christmas gift for yourself or someone you love.

Any questions, please visit www.kirklandfamilychurch.com.  

To order tickets, talk to anyone who attends Kirkland Family Church, or email jesscabales@gmail.com

Overseer's Insight: October 2011

Dear Saints:

During the month of September, Sister Shelly Symonds, State Youth Ministries Coordinator, sponsored the first ELITE weekend, a training seminar for those youth that are serious in wanting to learn more how to prepare for and fulfill the calling of God on their lives.  Bishop Knoblich taught on how you know you are called of God and how to be led by the Spirit.  Corey McBee taught some wonderful classes on prayer and the Word of God.  Sister Shelly gave some instruction on the history, vision, and mission of the Church of God of Prophecy.  The young people seemed to glean a greater appreciation of what it means to be a member in our church.   

 

Overall, it was a great time of training and instruction.  On Sunday morning, each of the young people presented with a 3-5 minute message/testimony.  Sister Shelly relates, "they all did fantastic...you would have thought that they had been publicly speaking for years...their content was great and they had scriptures with their testimonies."  Sister Shelly further stated that the ELITE weekend was a tremendous blessing for her in being able to share from her heart with our future leaders.  The young people were thankful for the weekend of instruction and asked when the next one is going to take place.  Thanks to Sister Shelly for putting together a great weekend of learning and inspiration to our next generation of church leaders!

 

Pastor Appreciation Month

The month of October is known as "Pastor Appreciation Month."  The Bible tells us in I Timothy 5:17, "Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor."  Double honor literally means "double pay."  This is a month to honor our pastors and the parsonage family.  How can we double our support to them?  We can demonstrate that  in our acts of kindness, in our giving, and in our prayers.   So, let the Lord impress upon your heart ways to "doubly" honor your pastor.  Let us go beyond what is normal and truly make it a special month for your parsonage family.

 

Adult Retreat

This year, as in past years, Adult Retreat will be held at Pacific Beach.  The dates are for February 3-5, 2012.  Our Retreat Theme is: "Designed For God's Greatness."  All of us are part of a wonderfully designed plan of God.  We are expecting an awesome time in the Lord!  International World Mission's Director, Bishop David Bryan and his lovely wife, Sister Rosita will be our special guest speakers at this year's  Retreat!   They both are so excited  to be with us.  Applications have been sent to the pastors and have been sent out individually.  You can also download an application by going to the State Website at: wacogop.homestead.com

 

Applications should be sent in no later than November 30th, 2011.  This is going to be a Great Retreat!!!  Please don't miss it!!!  We look forward to seeing you there!!!

 

Regional Ladies Retreat

As you learned at State Convention, the Regional Ladies Retreat will be held at the Red Lion at the Quay in Vancouver, WA on November 4-6, 2011.  This is the Retreat that is directed by Sister Cathy Payne, International Women's Ministries Director.  So, ladies, mark this date on your calendars and get ready for a Fantastic Retreat!

 

Events Calendar for 2011

 

October                              Pastor Appreciation Month

October 27-30                   Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church

                                                (Church and Community - Dr. Eliana Runyon)

 

November 4-6                   Regional Ladies Retreat (Cathy Payne) - Vancouver, WA

November 11-13               Pastor's Wives Retreat - Cannon Beach, OR

                                                                               

"Driven By The Spirit"

Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich

"Men of Honor" Men's Conference 2011

“Men of Honor”
1st Annual Men’s Conference 2011
Sponsored by New Horizons Church

Come join us for “Men of Honor” Conference.
November 12th, 2011 at 10:00am
Special Speakers:
State Overseer Bishop Don Knoblich
Bishop Frank Smith
Pastor Lionel Bickham
(Spanish translation will be available)

Location: New Horizons Church 2349 Main St, Washougal WA 98671
Cost of the Event is $10.00 which will includes a catered lunch
Please RSVP by email to: Anthony.Newhorizons@gmail.com

Thoughts of Receiving from God's Abundant Wealth

In 2 Corinthians 9, it states if you sow sparingly you will reap sparingly and if you sow bountifully you will also reap bountifully. If you give freely, God will supply your needs, physically and spiritually. Friends, you know members in this church and in your community who has given honestly and freely to the Lord and God gives them more and more. Perhaps you’re one of those people who have learned the reality and truth about being a steward of God’s unlimited riches.

It is like going to the blood bank and you give your blood, a precious commodity. In 36 hours, you have that blood back. Your body reproduces it. God returns the blood that you gave in approximately 36 hours. (This is a wonderful illustration- Please take note that there are approximately 10 pints of blood in the average human body!) That is the way it is with God.  He may not return your giving to you within 36 hours, but He will return it with interest. 

Remember the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:21 that came to Jesus and Jesus said go sell all that you have and give to the poor and then you could come. People hear that and say, you mean you have to give all your money away? No, I do not think that is what it is saying. What He was saying is that there is something between you and me and it is your money. 

There was a slave one time that was a great Christian and he gave testimony to his master. One day his master came to him and said, "Whatever you have I want. You have such peace and contentment and joy.  How can I get this?" The slave answered, "Go to your house, put on your white suit and come down here and work in the mud with the rest of us and you can have it." He said, "What are you talking about? I could not do that. I am the master and you are the slave. That would be beneath my dignity." He then walked away angered with his slave. A few months passed and he came back to the slave and said, "I cannot resist asking you again. What is it that you possess and how can I have this?" He said, "I told you. Go put your white suit on and come down and work with us in the mud and you could have it." And he was furious again and stomped away. Finally, in desperation, he came again. "I do not care what it takes," he said, "I have to have that assurance that you live in. I'll do anything." The slave said, "Go put on your white suit and come down. Will you do that?" "Yes," Replied the master “I will do whatever it takes.” The slave said, "You do not have to." 

You see the point? He knew what was standing between the man and Christ - pride.   And that is all Jesus is saying. Until you are detached from your money you are separated from God because you cannot serve both. Giving is a matter of attitude. Remember what Solomon said? What is new? Nothing! The system of giving is the same. We learn what we choose to learn. Where is your treasure? What is really important to you? Giving is sacrificial. It is not the amount. It is what it costs you to give. Even when there is little there is much when God is in it.

Carol Dillard

Stewardship Ministries

Adapted from a sermon by:

Rev. Fr. William Chiganos

Holy Apostles Church

Westchester, Illinois

Video Archives of State Convention

You can access the archived videos from the 2011 Washington State COGOP Convention at the link below, courtesy of New Horizons Church.
www.ustream.tv/channel/new-horizons-church

Overseer's Insight: September 2011

Washington State Convention Report

A Plethora of Blessings was experienced this year at State Convention held at the Kennewick, Red Lion Inn.  Bishop/Dr. Hector Ortiz was our Representative and he delivered some outstanding messages, challenging all of us to move up to a higher place. When we see things at a higher level, we have a vantage point with a better view that allows us to go higher with God than ever before.

Bishop/Dr. Knoblich and our Gordon-Conwell Representative Dr. Ortiz conducted a graduation ceremony, complete with caps and gowns on Saturday morning.  It was an outstanding ceremony with eight students graduating with a Diploma in Religious Studies through Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.  The Graduates were: Pastor Jim Alexander, Chaplain Ray Clark, Pastor Leonard Lord, Pastor William Martinez, Bishop Samuel Munoz, Pastor Sheri Paquette, Bishop Frank Smith, and Assistant Pastor Shelly Symonds.  Two of these, William Martinez and Sheri Paquette, graduated with academic honors, .  Congratulations are due to every one of our graduates, so when you see them, be sure and offer your congratulations to them.

Bishop Knoblich delivered his annual address as well on Saturday morning.  It was a power packed message that centered around the theme of being “Driven by the Spirit.”  He challenged all of us first of all to be Full of the Holy Ghost so we are able to be Driven by the Spirit.  Then he challenged us to be Driven by the Spirit in prayer, in study of the word, in reaching souls in the harvest, in being faithful stewards, and in being Pastor Passionate.  His message was followed by a powerful altar service with many being ministered to.  

Saturday evening was our Youth Service directed by Shelly Symonds.  Her message correlated with Dr. Ortiz’s thoughts.  She talked to the youth on what it is to “Be Cool”.  It has nothing to do with your name, what you do, or the clothes you wear.  It has everything to do with your relationship with Christ.  Again, there was a powerful altar service with the 29+ years of age generation praying with our youth. Sister Shelly challenged the youth to step up to “fill the gap of ministry.”

The highlight of Sunday morning was our healing line service.  In excess of a hundred people went through the healing line to be anointed and  prayed for.  People experienced wonderful healings and deliverances and answered prayers.  Some were slain in the Sprit and others danced in the Spirit.  It was a glorious time that will not soon be forgotten.  We would like to encourage you to send in to the Lamplighter a testimony of what God did for you during this time so others can rejoice with you and that other’s faith may be lifted.   Please send this to Pastor Rob at:  rjjunior@hotmail.com.  We would love to hear your testimony, so please share it with us.

Sunday morning concluded with an Affirmation and Prayer Service for all appointed State Workers and Pastors.  Our prayer is that God would mightily bless and use each one as they reach into the Harvest Field, as they are “Driven By The Spirit.”

People have commented that this was the best Convention yet!!  We want to thank Sister Pam Murkerson and all of our musicians  for the outstanding job they did in leading worship.  The special singing done before and during service was inspirational and a blessing as well.  We want to thank all that contributed to the success of our convention, all of the workers and also the delegates.

A special thanks from our hearts for the special Love offering to us, the Knoblich’s, as well as the blessings spoken over us as you came through the line to shake our hands or give us a blessing hug.

We feel like we have the “Greatest People” to be found anywhere!  Thank you for your love and support to us. Please make plans to come next year and bring someone with you!!

E.L.I.T.E.  (Emerging Leadership Intensive Training Excursion)

September 23-25, 2011 at the Kirkland Family Church, there is going to be a powerful weekend of training for our older teens and for young adults.  State Youth Ministries Director, Sister Shelly Symonds states that this weekend will be specifically designed for those who want to deepen their understanding of the Word of God, for those wanting to know how to share Christ, for those feeling that God is calling them and how to start on that journey.  There will be information given on being a licensed minister and the importance of continuing your education (e.g., S.O.P.A.S and Gordon Conwell).  There will also be  practical information given on ways to study the Bible and the importance of prayer.  So, again, please mark this date on your calendars and encourage all youth that are aspiring to be leaders in the church to attend this important training session.

Adult Retreat

This year, as in past years, Adult Retreat will be held at Pacific Beach.  The dates are for February 3-5, 2012.  Our Retreat Theme is: “Designed For God’s Greatness.”  All of us are part of the wonderfully designed plan of God.  We are expecting a wonderful time in the Lord!  International World Mission’s Director, Bishop David Bryan and his lovely wife, Sister Rosita will be our special guest speakers at this year’s  Retreat!   They both are so excited  to be with us.  Applications have been given to the pastors and some will be sent out individually.  You can also download an application by going to the State Website at: wacogop.homestead.com

Applications should be sent in no later than November 30^th, 2011.  This is going to be a Great Retreat!!!  We look forward to seeing you there!!!

Regional Ladies Retreat

As you learned at State Convention, the Regional Ladies Retreat will be held at the Red Lion at the Quay in Vancouver, WA on November 4-6, 2011.  This is the Retreat that is directed by Sister Cathy Payne, International Women’s Ministries Director.  So, ladies, mark this date on your calendars and get ready for a Fantastic Retreat!

Events Calendar for 2011

September 22-25         Institute of Children’s Ministry - Ridgecrest, NC

September 23-25         E.L.I.T.E. Training (Shelly Symonds) - Kirkland Family Church

September 22-25         Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Boise, ID                          

                                    (Introduction To Pentecostalism - Dr. Ortiz)

October                       Clergy Appreciation Month

October 27-30             Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church

                                    (Church and Community - Dr. Eliana Runyon)

November 4-6             Regional Ladies Retreat (Cathy Payne) - Vancouver, WA

November 11-13         Pastor's Wives Retreat - Cannon Beach, OR

                                                           

“Driven By The Spirit”

Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich