Overseer's Insight: June 2012

Dear Saints:

The month of May began with Spring Clean-up at Camp Roganunda.  What a great time was had by all that attended!  There was in excess of 75 people that represented 15 churches from over the State.  Some individuals from the Kiwanis Club were there to lend their assistance and expertise in that they have been  instrumental in working on this Camp for many years.  Young and old(er) worked together to get many projects completed.  All of the cabins were cleaned; the K-Lodge and Dining Room and Kitchen were thoroughly cleaned.  Brush and branch debris was raked and hauled away from the cabins and from the main trails.  Several dead trees were taken down (thank you Russ McLoud).  The pool house and swimming pool were in the initial stages of cleaning.  Several people worked on the plumbing and heating units.  Brother Bob and Donella Gaines did a great job in coordinating this cleanup effort.  Much was certainly accomplished as a spirit of unity prevailed over the Camp.  Several individuals have been coming up on the weekends and working in preparation for our Summer Camps.  A Big THANK YOU to all of our people who have been so diligent in getting the Camp ready.  There are still some more projects that need to be completed before Camp begins.  Any who feel like they would like to offer their assistance in getting the Camp ready, please contact Bob and Donella Gaines at 509-658-1013.

Also, during the month of May we had our Gordon-Conwell Seminary School in Kirkland.  The class was on Homiletics as taught by Dr. Padilla, Dean of the Hispanic Ministries Program, South Hamilton, Massachusetts.  We had 20 students attend.  They came from Jamaica, Bahamas, Canada, California, and Oregon.  I am sure that all of us learned how to be better ministers of the Word.  Much thanks to Kirkland Family Church in allowing us to have the School there.  Also, much thanks to Kaye Cabales for preparing some wonderful meals for the students. 

The month ended with the Senior Retreat at Washougal.  There were a good number of seniors at this year’s Retreat.  I have heard some say, that it was the best one ever!  The presence and power of God were felt at every service.  The worship times were spectacular.  Many needs were met among the attendees.  Special thanks to Brother James Cabales for directing our Senior Retreat.  Also, thanks go to New Horizons Church for sponsoring this event.

SUMMER YOUTH CAMPS!!!

Yes, Summer Youth Camp is right around the corner.  Going from June 26th to July 7th, 2012, the new Campground will host the very first Camps of the Summer Camping Season.  This includes Senior Camp, Yakers Camp, Junior Camp, and PeeWee Camp.  Please do all that you can in getting your kids, grand-kids, and church kids to our Camp.  The spiritual enrichment that our youth receive will far outweigh any monetary costs that are involved.  Please do your part to sponsor our youth to Camp and make sure that they have a way to Camp.

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!  Looking forward to seeing you there!!

Events Calendar for 2012

June 24-29                  Senior Camp - Camp Roganunda (Shelly Symonds, Director)

June 29-July 1             Young Adult Camp - Camp Roganunda (Bill & Cindy Davison, Directors)

July 1-6                      Junior Camp - Camp Roganunda (Robert and Pam Murkerson, Directors)

July 6-7                       PeeWee Camp - Camp Roganunda (Ramon and Icela Maldonado, Directors)
July 6-8                       Alaska State Convention -  Anchorage
July 25-29                   International General Assembly - Louisville, KY

August 17-19              Washington State Convention - Kennewick

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

Senior Adult Retreat: Memorial Day Weekend 2012

"The best one ever"...That is what is circulating among those who attended Senior Retreat over the Memorial Day weekend. Fifty eight folks gathered to "Lift Jesus Higher," which was the theme for the weekend. After a delicious meal Friday evening, we met in the chapel to worship the Lord. Our state Music director, Pam Murkerson, led us in worship each service. Director James Cabales ministered the word Friday night. Saturday morning Ruth Turner gave a great devotion on the fruit of the Spirit which was followed by a presentation from the Murkersons on the Santos project. A great weekend for all who attended and a special thank you to New Horizons Church for sponsoring this time.

Local Church Report: Kirkland Family Church

Folks here in Kirkland are excited about our new Campground and many have already made their way there to help get it ready for the Campers this summer.  Memorial Day weekend was a special time for KFC to spend the weekend there, tools in hand, helping. What a great job all are doing in this area and a special note of appreciation for all the hard work by our camp directors, Bob and Donella.

In the Month of May, KFC has hosted the Gordon Conwell School, which from all reports was a blessing to all who were able to attend.

Also during the month of May, KFC had a special time on morning service to honor our Senior Citizens. A very special program was directed by Kathy Johnson. Members of the congregation participated, sharing thoughts for every Senior. Good job, Kathy and all who helped. The service concluded that Sunday with our State Overseer, Bishop Don Knoblich, ministering the word.

Overseer's Insight: May 2012

Dear Saints,

The month of April concluding with some outstanding Events. Sister Sherry Johnson directed the Ladies Retreat in Vancouver at the Red Lion. It was well attended and was blessed of the Lord. The Theme was: “This Is My Story: I Am Blessed.” The ladies testified how that no matter what they had gone through in life, God was indeed with them, therefore, they were blessed. Sister Shelly Symonds had another inspiring and instructive Youth Convention. Bishop Trevor Reid, from the International Offices was there to minister to the Youth. Thank you, Sister Shelly, for the great job that you and your leaders do! The month ended with a powerful Men’s Retreat on White Pass. The theme was “Men of Prayer.” Truly, if we are to be the men of God that He desires for us to be, then we must be men of prayer. We had wonderful speakers with Pastor Brian Sturgill on Friday evening, Bill Davison teaching on Saturday, and Bishop Knoblich preaching on Sunday. On Saturday evening, the film “Courageous” was shown. This film really spoke to the hearts of the men. Thank you Bishop Smith and your staff for a powerful Retreat!

UPCOMING EVENTS

We have three State Events coming up in May. For the weekend of May 4 and 5, Camp Focus and a Camp Workday are scheduled. (See Below). On May 17-20, 2012 at Kirkland Family Church, we have scheduled our Gordon-Conwell Homiletics Class with Dr. Padilla. On the last weekend of the month Senior Retreat is scheduled at Washougal. This is always a fun time for all who attend. Our Seniors enjoy the fellowship, the worship, and the Ministry of the Word. Our prayers continue to go out to Retreat Director, Brother James Cabales for a complete and speedy recovery from his recent heart surgery.

CAMP FOCUS/WORKDAY

Please make special note on your Calander that our May 4-5 Camp Focus Meeting will be held at our new Campground! All are welcome to come and help out in preparing our Campground for the Summer Camps! There is cleaning and repair work to do, so bring your work clothes and tools, and let’s join together for a great time. If you have questions, please contact Bob or Donella Gaines at donellag@hotmail.com

WASHINGTON STATE CONVENTION

It is not to 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! Looking forward to seeing you there!!

Events Calendar for 2012

May 4-5 Camp Focus/Workday - (Camp Roganunda) (Bob & Donella Gaines, Coordinators)

May 17-20 Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church

(Homelectics, Dr. Padilla)

May 25-27 Senior Retreat - Washougal (James Cabales, Director)

June 24-July 8 Summer Youth Camp (At our New Campground - Camp Roganunda!)

August 17-19 Washington State Convention - Kennewick

Oct. 25-28 Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church

(Theology - Survey II)

“Driven By The Spirit”

Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich

Excerpts From State Overseer's Address

Over the last few months we have looked at excerpts of my Annual Address regarding the importance of being "Full of the Holy Ghost" so that we can be "Driven By The Spirit." We have looked at the necessity of being "Driven By The Spirit" to Pray and "Driven By The Spirit" to Study, and "Driven By The Spirit" to Reach The Harvest. The section below will focus on the how we should be "Driven By The Spirit" to Pursue Holiness.

Driven by the Spirit To Pursue Holiness

Hebrews 12:14 states: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”

“Follow” = “Pursue” “Seek After” (These are Stronger verbs than “Follow.”) We are to Pursue Peace and Pursue Holiness

“Holiness” = Sanctification (It is not the same as God’s Absolute Holiness) But, rather it means “to put on” His Holiness.

Why is this important? The Bible tells us that if we do not Follow or Pursue Peace and Holiness, we shall not see the Lord.

A. You see, the Spirit and Holiness go hand in hand. (Soup and Sandwich, you can’t have one without the other.)

-The Spirit will drive us to Holiness and Holiness will invite the Spirit of God. (IF we listen and follow Him, He will direct us on a Holy Pilgrimage.)

-And then, When you Seek after, Pursue Holiness, you Invite the Holy Spirit into the Equation.

-The more Holiness, the more you will find the Spirit of God. The least amount of Holiness,

The less you will find the Spirit of God.

1. We as a Church come from a Holiness/Pentecostal Background. We have Holiness Beginnings. We have Holiness Genes!! (Not talking about holes in our pants!) Holiness is part of our DNA. We should not be ashamed of that, it is one of our Church Distinctives.

-In fact, the Holiness Movement of the 1800’s equated entire sanctification and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The early pioneers saw these as being two sides of a coin.

2. The Holy Ghost is Holy! He will not dwell in an Unclean temple! Those who say they have the abiding Holy Spirit, yet live defiled lives, are only deceiving themselves! Those that speak in tongues, but do not dwell in the cleaning stream are children of the enemy.

2Co 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

3. On the Contrary, The Word clearly tells us we are to Cleanse Ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. We are not to taint ourselves with the things of this world. We are to keep ourselves from the “wicked one.”

(“Cleanse Ourselves”) Some things we are responsible for, and some things God is responsible for. (We should know how to possess our vessels in Sanctification and Honor.)

“Perfecting Holiness in the fear of God.” (Perfecting = Finishing, Fulfilling, Completing The Work of Holiness.) Continuing to Work on Holiness. When we are “Driven By The Spirit,” we will “Perfect Holiness in the fear of God.”

Senior Moment

ATTENTION ALL SENIORS

The news coming back for all our retreats this year. (Adult, Ladies, Men's, Youth Convention) ...The BEST EVER!!!

The last scheduled retreat for the state of Washington will be May 25-27th. Our director, Brother James Cabales is excited and has chosen the theme for 2012 "Lift Jesus Higher". There is still plenty of time to get your applications in. Location is Salmon Falls Retreat Center, in Washougl, Wa. The fee is only $65.00 with a $10.00 deposit required. Send your application in to : Rainier Caminia, 769 9th street, Washougal, WA 98671. Plan to be part of the "Best Senior Retreat Ever".

Stewardship: April Fools

Pranksters take great pleasure in observing the traditions of “April Fool”.  Imagine a day, a month, set aside for their craft –all without recourse because they can call out “April Fool”. (Prov 26:19) The more outlandish their hoax and the more people that fall for their deceitful antics the more puffed up and emboldened they become. 

Have you ever fallen for an “April Fool’s” prank?  Didn’t you feel foolish at having been duped into believing the ruse or falling for the (sometimes obvious) prank?  And of course the prankster isn’t satisfied until everyone hears about how they “gotcha”.

Scripture warns us of a trickster of the deadliest kind.  Sometimes it takes years to discover that we’ve been taken by his deceitful con. This enemy isn’t looking for a little embarrassment, or a red faced “oops”, he is trying to swindle you of your peace, honor, reputation, self-image, relationships, and even your very soul.  Here are a few things to watch out for.  Read through carefully and see if he has begun a ruse in your life.

You might be an April Fool If you: 

Allow resentment to kill you.                                                                                                    Job5:2

Have caused your house be cursed.                                                                                        Job5:3

Say in your heart  “There is no God”                                                                                       Psalms 14:1

Are hot headed and reckless.                                                                                                   Prov 14:16

Allow your mouth to ‘gush folly’.                                                                                             Prov 15:2

Spurn your father’s discipline.                                                                                                  Prov 15:5

Speak arrogantly.                                                                                                                        Prov 17:7

Make others wonder “Of what use is money in his/her hand?”                                        Prov 17:16

Bring grief to your father.                                                                                                          Prov 17:21

Have ‘wandering eyes’.                                                                                                              Prov 17:24

Find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing your own opinions.                   Prov 18:2

Allow your lips to bring you strife and your mouth to invite a beating.                            Prov 18:6

Have perverse lips.                                                                                                                      Prov 19:1

Are quick to quarrel and meddle.                                                                                             Prov 20:3

Scorn the wisdom of others.                                                                                                     Prov 23:9

Continue to repeat your folly.  (As a dog returns to his vomit.)                                         Prov 26:11

See yourself wise in your own eyes.                                                                                        Prov 26:12

Trust in Yourself.                                                                                                                         Prov 28:26

Give full vent to your anger and tell all that is on your mind.                                            Prov 29:11

Have exalted yourself, or have planned evil.                                                                        Prov 30:32*

Walk in darkness.                                                                                                                       Eccl 2:14

Are one to fold your hands and ruin yourself.                                                                      Eccl 4:5

Practice extortion and bribe.                                                                                                   Eccl 7:7

Multiply your words!                                                                                                                 Eccl 10:14

Speak folly, your mind is busy with evil, practice ungodliness and spread

error concerning the Lord                                                                                                         Is 32:6

Leave the hungry empty, and withhold water from the thirsty.                                        Is 32:6b

Think you are wise.                                                                                                                    1Cor 3:18

Go after the strange woman (man) who flatters with her (his) words

as an ox goes to slaughter.                                                                                                       Prov 7:22

Speak with lying lips and utter slander.                                                                                 Prov 10:18

Enjoy doing mischief.                                                                                                                Prov 10:23

Go to men for help before you go to God.                                                                           2 Chr  16:9

Do your own thing vs. taking the advice of your parents.                                                 Prov 13:1

Bring grief or bitterness to your mother or father.                                                             Prov 10:1, 17:25

Tear down your house by your own hands.                                                                         Prov 14:1

Devour all that you have rather than have stores set aside.                                             Prov 21:20

Have eyes but do not see or ears but do not hear.                                                             Jer 5:21

Do not know the ways of or the requirements of your Lord.                                           Jer 5:4

Hear the words of God and do not put them to practice.                                                 Matt 7:26

You call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say.                                                           Luke 6:46

Have allowed yourself to be bewitched, to question the things

 that you know for certain are truth.                                                                                     Gal 3:1

Believe you can attain by human effort rather than by the Spirit.                                   Gal 3:3

Do not consider the cost before beginning to build.                                                          Luke 14:29

Use obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking.                                                                        Eph 5:4

Do not understand the Lord’s will.                                                                                         Eph 5:17

Are disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and

pleasures, live in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.                      Titus 3:3

Do you recognize how the enemy attempts to deceive?  Can you see how he tries leading someone into a trap to defraud?  Should this have happened to you or someone you love remember there is a way out.

Don’t despair!  There is hope!!

Keep in mind all of us have fallen short of the glory of God.                                            Romans 3:23

And if we confess our faults and repent Our God is quick to forgive;

“as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our                 

 transgressions from us.”                                                                                                        Ps 103:12

There is an antidote for the wiles of our enemy. Even if we have proven to be foolish beyond all imagination there is a plan to reverse all foolish ways.  James tells us;

                If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God (for wisdom), who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.                                                         James 1:5

God bless you and may we all increase in wisdom,

Carol Dillard,

Stewardship Ministries Director,

Local Church Report: Rivers Fellowship

Rivers Fellowship (Tacoma) has begun a new initiative we call "Worship in Work Clothes."  One Sunday each month, instead of church as usual, we go door-to-door offering to serve our neighbors in any way possible.  We include a small giveaway (last month was a 9-volt battery) with a non-threatening card attached.

In the last two months, we have mowed lawns, repaired a sink, cleaned a garage, delivered groceries, prayed for many, and even walked dogs.  Two households we have served are already attending services here, as well as three additional households who have begun attending since we began that we didn't even visit.  We believe God is honoring our efforts to simply love our neighbors with no strings attached.

This has also served to revitalize the congregation and we are seeing growth in unity and a spirit of servanthood.  We are striving to make the Church who we are, not simply where we go.



Overseer's Insight: April 2012

Dear Saints,

DISTRICT CONVENTIONS

During the month of March we had our last two District Conventions, one in Kirkland and one in the Tri-Cities. Both Conventions were well attended and the District Overseers, Bishop Roger Jones and Bishop Frank Smith did a great job. For the Tri-Cities Convention we were in the newly remodeled church, which was very nice. Pastor Muro and the Finley Church have much to be thankful for. There was a wonderful presence of the Lord in both Conventions and a worshipful spirit was felt by all.

SOPAS III

Also during March, we held our SOPAS III in Washougal at the New Horizons Church. Three informative classes were taught on Pastoral and Ecclessial Formation and on Theological Perspectives. Our instructors, Bishop Pratt, Bishop Pruitt, and Bishop Rodriquez did an outstanding job. Bishop Knoblich taught a class on “Strategies for Handling Pastoral Stress.” We had 56 students total, with 39 English and 17 Spanish. Much thanks goes to Pastor Smith and the New Horizons Church for hosting this School. The meals were superb! (Thank you Sister Tamara and Sister Shirley!) If you have not had a chance yet, please connect with someone who attended SOPAS III and let them share what a great time we had!

UPCOMING EVENTS

We have three State Events coming up in April: Washington Ladies Retreat, held in Vancouver at the Red Lion, April 13-15th; our Youth Conference held at Kirkland Family Church, April 20 and 21; and Men’s Retreat, April 27-29, 2012 at White Pass Grace Brethren Camp. Please make plans for you and your family members to attend these special meetings. You will be blessed and enriched by the preaching, teaching, and by the worship and fellowship.

CAMP FOCUS/WORKDAY

Please make special note on your Calander that our May 4-5 Camp Focus Meeting will be held at our New Campground! All are welcome to come and help out in preparing our Campground for the Summer Camps! There is cleaning and repair work to do, so bring your work clothes and tools, and let’s join together for a great time. If you have questions, please contact Bob or Donella Gaines at donellag@hotmail.com

EASTER

I pray that all of you have a glorious Easter. Truly, this is a spectacular time of the time when we reflect on our Resurrected Savior and the hope of the Resurrection that He has given to all of us. Jesus is the Firstfruits of the Resurrection and then we will follow Him in the Rapture. Again, may this be a time where you reflect on the New Life that our Lord has imparted to each of us. Thank you Jesus, that You are The Way, The Truth, and The Life! Truly, our Hope is in You!

GORDON-CONWELL

Our next Seminary School is May 17 - 20, 2012 at Kirkland Family Church. The class is Homiletics, “Introduction to Preaching” as taught by Dr. Padilla. This is going to be a great class. To attend this course you must have your $50.00 deposit and Registration Form sent to Bishop Knoblich no later than April 17^th or there will be a $50.00 late fee attached toward your final tuition.

Events Calendar for 2012

April 8 Celebrate Resurrection Sunday in your Local Church

April 13-15 State Ladies Retreat - (Vancouver Red Lion) (Sherry Johnson, Director)
April 20-21 Youth Convention - Kirkland (Shelly Symonds, Director)
April 27-29 State Men’s Retreat - White Pass (Franklin Smith, Director)

May 4-5 Camp Focus/Workday - (Camp Roganunda) (Bob & Donella Gaines, Coordinators)

May 17-20 Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church
(Homelectics, Dr. Padilla)
May 25-27 Senior Retreat - Washougal (James Cabales, Director)

August 17-19 Washington State Convention - Kennewick

Oct. 25-28 Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church

(Theology - Survey II)

“Driven By The Spirit”

Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich

Overseer's Insight: March 2012

Dear Saints:

During the month of February we hosted Adult Retreat at Pacific Beach. Our Retreat Theme was “Designed For God’s Greatness.” God has designed all of us to do great things for Him. If we are obedient and heed His call, He has the most spectacular plan we could ever imagine for our lives. We were truly blessed to have Bishop David Bryan and Sister Rosita with us for Adult Retreat. They blessed us mightily as they shared from their hearts. On Saturday morning we watched the film, “Courageous.” After the film, we had a consecrated time of prayer, where many took on the commitment of honoring their spouses and promising to love God with all of their heart, mind, and strength. We left that session Resolved with Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my House, we will serve the Lord.” During this weekend we felt like relationships and families were restored.

Much appreciation goes out to our Worship Team as led by Sister Shirley Smith. The musicians did an outstanding job. We are always grateful for all the hard work of the sound and audio team, Corey McBee and Paul Symonds. We also want to thank all of our staff members that helped to put this Retreat together and those that helped with the Friday night food preparation: Ramon and Icela Maldonado, Anna Hernandez, Don and Sheri Paquette, and Chris and Judy Knoblich. Looking forward to seeing you all next year, so keep the first weekend of February 2013 open!

DISTRICT CONVENTIONS

The month of February ushered in our first two District Conventions. The first Convention was held in the Tacoma Church on February 24, 2012. Bishop Rick Bear had a wonderful and challenging message of inspiring us to get into the Word. For whatever problems we face, the answer can be found in the Word. On the following day, Saturday, February 25, Washougal/Camas hosted the next Convention. This Convention was a great time of encouragement as each of the District pastors shared what was occurring in their respective areas. One thing came out loud and clear, all of our churches are growing as they become more community minded in reaching out to those so desperately in need of the Savior. Both Conventions were well attended.

Our District Conventions for March are slated for Saturday, March 10^th in Kirkland and Saturday, March 17 in Kennewick. Please come and support your local District Convention. As was stated earlier, District Convention is a great place for worship, instruction, and fellowship. We look forward to seeing you there.

SCHOOL OF PRACTICAL AND ADVANCED STUDIES (SOPAS)

The School of Practical and Advanced Studies is scheduled for three days, March 22-24, 2012 at the New Horizons Church, Washougal, WA. As you recall, we have had SOPAS I and SOPAS II in our Region. SOPAS III will be offered this time and there will be teaching tracts in both English and Spanish. Please note: It will not be necessary to have taken SOPAS I or SOPAS II prior to taking SOPAS III.

(Note: There are No Tests, for those who may be apprehensive about attending.)

(For students completing the reading assignments, a Certificate of Completion will be awarded.)

This is a Must School for all Pastors, Ministers, and Aspiring Church Leadership.

Information has been e-mailed to your pastor. Please ask him or her for a form so that you can register for this School. You can also go to our State website at wacogop.org and download a SOPAS form there.

The tuition cost is only $55.00. This includes lesson material and lunches for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Please go to the State website for more information regarding Lodging Information.

Students should have their “Intention Forms” and Tuition sent to Bishop Knoblich no later than March 12, 2012.

CAMP ROGANUNDA

We are pleased and excited to report that closing has occurred and we are now the proud owners of Camp Roganunda! This Camp is located of off Highway 410 and is about 40 miles NW of Yakima. There are approximately 30 buildings on 16.7 acres of land. This Camp as a Ministry of the Church of God of Prophecy is expected to be open on schedule for all four of our Summer Camps. Our vision is to run this Camp as a year-round facility and to rent out to other groups, churches, and schools. If you are aware of any groups or par-church ministries that would be interested in getting in from the ground up, please contact Bob or Donella Gaines.

Purchasing this Camp Ground is a dream come true. (One interesting side note: Our Camping Program for the Church began in the Summer of 1955, where we rented from the Campfire Girls. Yes, you guessed it, it was at Camp Roganunda!)

We are going to have our first Camp Focus and our first Camp Workday scheduled at the new Campground for May 4^th and 5^th. So please leave this date open on your Calendar. We are anticipating a Work party of 75-100 people. So come, bring your work clothes and see the beauty of this Camp first hand for yourself!

Events Calendar for 2012

March 10 District Convention - Kirkland (Roger Jones, District Overseer)

March 17 District Convention - Tri-Cities (Franklin Smith, District Overseer)

March 22-24 School of Practical and Advanced Studies (SOPAS III) - Washougal, WA
(English and Spanish Tracks)

April 13-15 State Ladies Retreat - (Vancouver Red Lion) (Sherry Johnson, Director)

April 20-21 Youth Convention - Kirkland (Shelly Symonds, Director)

April 27-29 State Men’s Retreat - White Pass (Franklin Smith, Director)

May 4-5 Camp Focus/Workday - (Camp Roganunda) (Bob & Donella Gaines, Coordinators)

May 17-20 Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary - Kirkland Family Church
(Homelectics, Dr. Padilla)

May 25-27 Senior Retreat - Washougal (James Cabales, Director)

August 17-19 Washington State Convention - Kennewick

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

“Driven By The Spirit”

Bishop/Dr. Don Knoblich

Excerpts From State Overseer's Address

Over the last few months we have looked at exerpts of my Annual Address regarding the importance of being "Full of the Holy Ghost" so that we can be "Driven By The Spirit." We have looked at the necessity of being "Driven By The Spirit" to Pray and "Driven By The Spirit" to Study. The section below will focus on the how we should be "Driven By The Spirit" to Reach The Harvest.

IV. Driven by the Spirit To Reach The Harvest

A. If we are Driven By the Spirit to Pray and Study, then we can be Driven by the Spirit to Reach the Harvest.

B. When we have prayed and studied, we won’t say to Jesus, “There are four months than cometh the Harvest.” No, rather we will say, “Lift up your eyes, look on the fields, for they are white ready to harvest!”

1. We will say, “Let’s roll up our sleeves, and get into the Harvest Work.”

C. Some may say that Harvesting is hard work. YES, IT IS!!!

1. But the Bible tells us, “Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Gal. 6:9)

What are the Negative words here? “Faint” “Be Weary” (we maybe focus too much on these words.)

What are the Positive words here? “Due Season” = The Proper Time, It is God’s Time

“We Shall Reap” = To Harvest

Sometimes, we give up right before the Harvest! This is what happens: (Matt. 13:18-23)

1.-Sometimes when we sow the seed the fowls of the air take it away. (The devil robs from some the Word of God.)

2.-Sometimes the ground is rocky and hard. (The Sower finds it to be hard ground, these are those that don’t seem to last too long in the church. Here today, gone tomorrow.)

3.-Sometimes weeds and thorns creep in. (These are the cares of the world that rob the joy and peace from those in your church.)

4.-But pastors, (leaders) keep sowing, for eventually, your seed is going to land on good ground!

(That is 1 in 4 odds, maybe not the best.) But here’s the good part, the seed that lands on the good ground has the ability to multiply and bring forth fruit, some one hundred fold, some sixty, and some thirty!!!

*****SO PASTOR, CHURCHES, DON’T GIVE UP!!! (You plant, others Water, But it is God, But it is God, But it is God, that Gives the Increase!!!)

-DON’T BE WEARY IN WELL DOING….DON’T FAINT (DON’T GIVE UP!) BECAUSE IN DUE SEASON WE SHALL REAP!!!

5. Working in the Harvest, sometimes means going to those areas that you are not comfortable going in!

Act 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Here we see that the Holy Spirit drives us into Jerusalem, into Judea, into Samaria, and into the uttermost part of the earth.

-We feel comfortable going to Jerusalem and Judea, (“Them’s my kind of people.”) But, when we are asked to go into Samaria (Those folks aren’t like us!)

-Then we are driven by the Spirit into the “uttermost part of the earth” that’s where the real geeks are, the people I don’t relate to!

A church was not reaching its community. They did not know what to do. They bought 10,000 9-volt batteries. They went door to door and asked the question, “Have you replaced the battery for your smoke detector?” People at the door would say,”Now, who are you?” They gave packets out with batteries and a brochure saying who they were. Now listen to this, 20% of the 8,000 people they reached became associated with that church! (The Key: “JUST LOVE THEM AND CARE FOR THEM!!!”)

Our Job is to plant and water, and it is God that gives the Increase!