Spring 2021 • Assembly Messenger 2 SUPERINTENDENT Don Miller [email protected]

somoag org. 528 West Battlefield Rd . info@somoag .org Springfield, MO 65807 facebook .com/SOMODistrictAG 417-881-1316 District Leadership In Memoriam Executive Presbyters Sectional Presbyters Joseph Mezzacasa...... 12/3/2020 Superintendent...... Don Miller Cape Girardeau...... Phil Roop Lindell Buck ...... 12/3/2020 Assistant Superintendent . . . George Westlake III Clinton...... Allen Perkins Secretary-Missions ...... Stan Welch Joplin...... Ken Robinson Ben Edward Lankford...... 12/16/2020 S. E. Region ...... Brenda Henson Kansas City...... John Martz Thomas Jennings ...... 12/21/2020 N. E. Region ...... Paul Scheperle Kennett...... Richard Ross Gladness Jennings ...... 12/28/2020 S. W. Region...... Gary Ankrom Park Hills ...... Dwight Jones N. W. Region ...... Jason St. John Saint Louis...... Joe Zarro Dale Eugene Ekstrand...... 12/30/2020 District Ministries Sedalia ...... Jeff Higbie Ray Trask...... 11/29/2020 Chief Financial Officer...... Rhonda Amer Springfield North...... Brad McAtee Robert Rhoads ...... 1/28/2021 Church Planting ...... Jerry Harris Springfield South ...... Ted Cederblom David Guenther...... 3/5/2021 Church Development/Men’s Ministry. .Greg Perkins Sullivan...... Jerry Beers Missions...... Stan Welch Van Buren...... Scott Reynolds Women’s Ministries...... Sherry Welch West Plains...... Mike Dillinger Church Growth & Ed...... Jim Calvin Ethnic Presbyter...... Yvonne Bailey Ministerial Updates Youth Ministries ...... Austin Westlake New Pastors Royal Rangers ...... John Hicks Robert Elder ...... Eldon East Side A/G Girls Ministries...... DeShae Thrasher Fifty Plus Ministries...... John Heide Duane Little...... Rogersville AG Cross Pointe Camp. . . . Curtis & Cindy Washam Leonard Reimer...... Billings AG Gabriel Felan...... New Life Fellowship Available for Ministry Transfers In: Duane Little...... Appalacian Rev. Reggie Ballard: Available for fill-in ministry. Rev. Dennis DeLine: 816-524-7543 Chad Brandon Rose...... OK (605) 680-4552 [email protected] Ronald Duncan: fill-in ministry, revivals, interim. Chaplain Robert H . Lee...... So . Cal Rev. Clifford Batye: Available to do creation seminars. 636-586-8151 Joy Acosta...... NoCal 816-507-9737 [email protected] Sophia Garcia: Hispanic or English Ministry: Women, Timothy Howell...... PennDel Kevin Boggs: fill-in ministry. 417-380-1149 or Marriage Enrichment. 417-881-1919 Joseph Pridgen...... Alaska [email protected] Sue Harper: 573-429-7018 Terry Witt...... N CAI/Neva Carol Brown: Available for fill in ministry, Bryce Hargis...... OK Rick Ianniello: interim, fill-in min.. 816-322-6825 or revivals, women’s services and/or retreats. Heather Marble...... IL [email protected] 314-378-7438 or [email protected] Charles Crowder...... MI Alfred Keith: fill-in ministry 417-775-4121 Michael Campbell: 660-624-1672 – Summer Crowder ...... MI [email protected] Kevin Larsen: Fill-in ministry. 417-379-8441 Jacob Rose...... N . Tx Rev. Thomas Canter: fill-in ministry..(314) 550-2222 Kirk Metzger: fill-in ministry, weekly evenings, Andrew Lundgren ...... IL Sundays. 417-207-1543 Christopher Cleghorn...... N .Carolina Evangelist Terry Carter: 417-773-4151 Judith Myrick...... Oregon Rev. Naomi Merritt is available for services. Edward Catron: Weekend/fill-in ministry. (314) 609-1252 or [email protected] Eric Ingwerson...... Rocky Mountain 417-742-3045 or [email protected] John Johnson...... Michigan Matthew Thomas: fill-in ministry. 618-401-1014 Julie Perkin (Stout) Davenport is available for Christina Johnson...... Michigan services, women’s ministry meetings, etc. Mel Rowland of Ironton: fill-in ministry. Glenda Mohr...... Kansas (816) 304-6244 or [email protected] 573-576-8453 Casey Noce...... MI Brandon McNair ...... IL Items of Interest Arnold Green...... W FL David L Wilson...... S TX FOR SALE: Church Buses for Sale–Two: Hammond Spinet Organ, FREE to good home. Contact: Eva Nixa First Assembly of God. 2006 Chevrolet 3500, Collins Transfers Out Leach 417-881-8447 body, seats 14 passengers plus 1 driver. Both buses Darrell W . Nichols ...... NM have automatic transmission, vinyl passenger seats, Glad Tiding Assembly is selling: Robert Cunningham ...... NE cloth driver seat, safety belts, fire extinguisher, first aid Church Pews with Cushions. There are 4 different sizes to Starla Gooch...... IN kit, backup alarm, manual bus door, tinted windows, rear choose from ranging from 10 feet in length to 25 feet in Cari Hurst ...... PenFI heat and AC, front heat and AC, RCA rubber flooring. Both length and 39 Pews in all. Asking $50.00 for each or best buses well maintained, thorough going over in shop in Jennifer Kinnamon ...... S . New England offer. They are in great shape and would be great pews June. Low mileage! One bus has 34,000 miles, the other Mason Rozean ...... Minnesota for an established church or church plant. Contact Wes has 42,000 miles. Asking $16,000 for 42,000 mile bus, Thomas Mclntoch...... Iowa Hansen or Pastor James McIntosh at (417) 866-2434. $17,000 for 34,000 mile bus. Contact Steve Randolph @ Jason Houston ...... West Texas Buyer is responsible for pickup. 417-763-5128 or church office 417-725-3075 Brent Johnson...... Wisc/N Mich First Assembly of God in Lexington, Mo have 26 pews (108” John P Robetson...... Potomac length) to give to a church that needs them. They are WANTED: New or Used Overhead or Video Projector. Missionaries Douglas Reed...... Potomac in excellent condition. If interested, call Jack Blansit at Richard and Deborah Crabb. 573-578-6790 or Shannon Lambert...... Pen Fl 816.838.1779. [email protected]. Gary Griffin ...... OK lvagene Shive ...... N .Cal/Nevada EDITORS Melanie Walker ...... OK Don Miller, Executive Editor Rhonda Amer, Managing Editor Matthew Baker ...... AL The Assembly Messenger is the official publication of the Southern Missouri District Council of the Assemblies of God. It is published Kevin R . Johnson ...... N .Cal/Nevada quarterly by the Southern Missouri District Council. Products and/or services advertised in the MESSENGER are not necessarily Tom C Mathew ...... OK endorsed by the Southern Missouri District Council. Davis Wright ...... Alaska Spring 2021 • Assembly Messenger 2 SUPERINTENDENT Don Miller [email protected]

I Raise a Hallelujah The Power of Praise

he year of 2020 will be one that we remember for the the secret? Why was the battle won through praise? Worship Trest of our lives. No doubt we all will be glad when we and praise bring about several key catalysts toward victory: do not have to regularly hear the word Covid! Yet, coupled 1. Worship gives God the praise he is due. Before anything with Covid were a mixture of other “perfect storms” that else. Before remembering what he has done. Before combined to create a tumultuous season. No only did the thinking anything about ourselves. God was the only various crises cause may problems; they also served as God and worthy of praise before this world existed. He magnifiers and accelerators of weaknesses and foundational will continue to receive his due worship when this world fissures which already existed…in personal lives, in is gone! All of creation, from the angels to the animals, marriages, in government, and even in the church. declare that he is worthy. As Jesus declared, “If these We are not the first ones who ever faced uncertain times people don’t praise me, then the very rocks will cry out!” or battles. Our theme for this issue of the Messenger took We are fulfilling the very purpose of our existence when me back to the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20. we praise him. Warriors from three different people groups came together to rise up against Judah. (This reminds us that we don’t always 2. Worship reminds us of who God is. Praise brings face one enemy at a time.) The forces opposing the people about perspective. Our “monumental” problems dim in of God seemed undefeatable. In the midst of the crisis, comparison in the knowledge of the creator of all things, Jehoshaphat goes to prayer. God assures him of victory and Almighty God. In the words of the song writer, “The then directs him to use a tactic that flew in the face of all things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of his glory human reasoning: and grace.” …he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD 3. Worship generates faith in our hearts. As we praise him and praise him in holy attire, as they went before for who he is and thank him for what he has done, we are the army, and say, “Give thanks to the LORD, for encouraged to believe he can do it again. If Jehoshaphat his steadfast love endures forever.” (2 Chronicles and his armies could over come insurmountable odds, 20:21b, ESV). so can we. If the shout of Joshua and the Israelites could bring about the collapse of the walls of Jericho, God can The military warriors were led by spiritual warriors, knock down the barriers to our victory as well. raising up a hallelujah to God! And look at the outcome: This is not the time for the church of Jesus Christ to And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD cower or to fear. He is calling his church to move the set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Kingdom forward. We are called to be salt and light; to Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that make a difference, to be part of the solution not part of the they were routed. For the men of Ammon and Moab problem. We are called to bring hope to hopeless situations. rose against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting We are called to bring certainty in the midst of uncertainty. them to destruction, and when they had made an end So, let’s raise a hallelujah. Let’s praise him with all of our of the inhabitants of Seir, they all helped to destroy beings so others will know God is still on the throne. one another, (2 Chronicles 20:22-23, ESV). God literally turned the enemies of Judah against each other. And the people of God had a great victory. So, what is

Spring 2021 • Assembly Messenger 3 REFRESH MINISTRY WOMEN Vicki Miller [email protected]

ecently, I was touched by the story shared by a of worship. More often than not, these times come Ryoung woman in ministry who is also a minister’s when we, as women in ministry, but also wives wife and mama. This beautiful lady was driving and mamas, lead the way in our own homes. If we home with her elementary-age daughter, both of them aren’t careful, we can allow our leadership in the listening to her daughter’s favorite Christian song on church to overshadow our leadership in the home. the radio. Singing along with the lyrics, she looked What simple, yet important things can you do to over and discovered her daughter crying and praising provide an atmosphere in your home that exalts our the Lord. This mama was so blessed! Upon arriving Heavenly Father? Think about it, pray about it, write home they continued to sit in the presence of God it down, and then put it into action. You can “raise a as together, they joined their hearts in worship and hallelujah” in the middle of washing dishes, cooking “raised a hallelujah”toward the God whom they love dinner, walking the dog, or on the way to a ballgame. so much. Live it out and teach your children how to place Have you had these moments with your children? themselves in the presence of The One who deserves Maybe you crave to have these spontaneous times all their praises. Refresh Women’s Luncheon Ministry Wives and Credentialed Women Wednesday, April 28 at District Council (Room 1)

Spring 2021 • Assembly Messenger 4 Filling Our Homes with Praise ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT George Westlake III Raise A Hallelujah

Proclaim: A Shout of Joy; A Shout Praise Him with a crash of cymbals; I find myself whispering it or saying of Praise; A shout of Gratitude... Raise praise Him with loud clanging it quietly to myself, in response to the a Hallelujah! cymbals; Let everything that breathes, presence of God or a sense of His love Give Praise to the Lord... sing praises to the Lord....” for me. I typically declare it only to a point of me hearing my praise and no Psalms 146 says, “Praise the Lord! Giving God praise is THE RIGHT one else. Which is OK. God loves my/ Let all that I am praise the Lord. THING TO DO. Giving Him praise is the best thing to do. our praise. However, there are times I will praise the Lord as long as I that His presence is so overwhelming Raising a Hallelujah to God/the live. I will sing praises to my God with and consuming that I have to raise Lord is only fitting. my dying breath....” my voice, with no regard for people’s Psalms 147 says, “ Praise the Lord! When we are in favor of something, opinions or agreement. I HAVE to How good to sing praises to our God. we typically give some form of verbal raise my voice with a passionate How delightful and how fitting....” agreement. We vote “yea” or “I”... We “HALLELUJAH”... that is an overt say yes or give an affirming “uh huh”. Psalms 148 says, “Praise the Lord! proclamation of God’s amazing Praise the Lord from the heavens. When we strongly agree with presence, from the depths of my soul. Praise Him from the skies. Praise Him, something, we are likely to yell out a resounding “Yes!”, or decree firmly, all His angels. Praise Him, all the As you wander down the road, on “That’s Right!” We Might even raise armies of heaven. Praise Him, sun and your journey (following Christ), live our hands and/or jump up and down moon. Praise Him, all you twinkling to praise Him. Give praise to Him. in response to something we deem stars. Praise Him, skies above. Praise Live hallelujah to Him. .. and don’t praiseworthy. I’m guilty. I’ve done it! Him, vapors high above the clouds. Let be afraid to RAISE a resounding every created thing give praise to the In contrast to an appreciated event HALLELUJAH to Him....the one who Lord, for He issued His command and or a victorious effort, praising the Lord changed your direction; changed your they came into being. He set them in is (should be) an ongoing “happening” heart and changed your destiny. place forever and ever. His decree will that flows out of our heart in response never be revoked....” to His goodness, mercy, love and Psalms 149 says, “Praise the Lord! consistency. Praise to God or the Lord Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing is a response to who He is. He does His praises in the assembly of the amazing things for us. What He does, faithful.....” flows out of who He is. Psalms 150 says, “Praise the Lord! We praise Him. We give praise to Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him. We sing praise to Him. We live Him in His mighty heaven.. Praise praise to Him... because of WHO HE Him for His mighty works; praise His IS. unequaled greatness. Praise Him with The word Hallelujah can be a a blast of the ram’s horn; praise Him decree of joy, thankfulness, praise, with the lyre and harp. Praise Him agreement or any of several other with the tambourine and dancing; heart-felt responses. praise Him with strings and flutes.

Spring 2021 • Assembly Messenger 5 EXECUTIVE SECRETARY Stan Welch [email protected]

Raise A Hallelujah EVEN IN TIMES OF CONFLICT

e are living in a time of conflict; Paul felt John Mark had disquali- 3. CONFLICT REGARDING GEN- Wthe pandemic has given the pastor fied himself from going on this ministry TILE BELIEVERS the impossible task of pleasing people by trip but Barnabas believed that John Teachers had come from Jerusalem having to decide, mask or no mask, ser- Mark could be useful to God’s work. So and taught these new Christians that they vices or no services. Whatever is decided, Barnabas took him to minister in Cy- must come under the Law to be saved. someone is upset, and there will be some prus while Paul chooses Silas, and they The council in Jerusalem had written a conflict. effectively minister and strengthen the letter to these new believers, telling them Conflict in the church is inevitable. churches where ever they were sent by otherwise. Acts 16:4-5. There will be times when we look at cer- the Spirit of God. Paul confronts the conflict with the tain things from a different viewpoint and You don’t quit if you have a disagree- truth that we are saved by faith in Christ disagree. Ministry is not to stop when ment and encounter conflict. You allow and Christ alone. As a result, the church- we disagree; the cause of Christ is more your heart to become open to being used es were strengthened, and they grew with significant than our view about an issue. by God, and he will direct you and use new converts. My wife, Sherry, has a saying, “some- you to strengthen the church. Conclusion – Life is filled with times you’ve got to take one for team 2. CONFLICT OVER TIMOTHY. conflict, and sometimes it comes into Jesus.” My granddaughter Haley plays Paul had just left Jerusalem, where the church. You, as a Christian, must basketball, and she is 5’3”, but she will it was settled that Gentiles did not need make sure you aren’t hurting the cause of step in front of a girl much larger than to be circumcised and follow the Law of Christ by defending your opinion. her and take a charge. She stands her Moses to be saved. He was carrying a Some conflicts may arise because of a ground while she gets run over by the girl letter from the Elders at Jerusalem stating difference of personal opinion. Like Paul trying to make the layup. She does this that very decision. Acts 16:1-3. and Barnabas, we are not to allow this for the team. We must be willing to take Paul meets a young man named Timo- difference of opinion to stop the ministry. some blows for team Jesus. thy, and he sees great potential in him for Some conflict will hinder the advance- There are three areas of conflict going the ministry. ment of the Gospel, so this may be when on within the church in Acts 15 &16, but Paul circumcised Timothy for the sake you ‘take one for the team’ and do what ministry still occurred even though these of effective ministry, not for salvation. you need to do to avoid the issue, like the conflicts were not completely resolved. Paul’s missionary strategy was to go first Timothy issue. The lesson being taught here is to live to the local synagogue and preach to for Jesus and work for Jesus even when Some conflict is a clear question of the Jews. But in the eyes of the Jews, an defending the truth of the Gospel, so everybody may not see things just like uncircumcised man was a spiritual reject. you do. we take a firm stand for the truth, as the So Paul circumcised Timothy to avoid Council at Jerusalem. 1. CONFLICT OVER JOHN MARK. unnecessary barriers to the gospel. Paul and Barnabas decide to visit the Paul had passionate convictions about believers in the churches they had started two things: (1) don’t let anything com- on their first missionary journey. Acts promise the gospel. (2) don’t let anything 15:36. block the advance of the gospel (1Co Paul and Barnabas agree on the need 9:19–23). for ministry, but they disagree sharply We learn you don’t hinder the minis- over John Mark accompanying them on try from proving a point, but you do your this trip. Acts 15:37. best to get along.

Spring 2021 • Assembly Messenger 6 MISSIONS Stan Welch [email protected]

I raise a hallelujah to the Lord! Specifically, I want to ex- ed opinion of himself? As he saw the suffering of God’s people, press my gratitude to Him, because the Lord does not abandon Moses was compelled to do something about it. Perhaps he us, or throw us aside when we make a mistake or fail Him. thought, “I can do this for God. Father, I have this. Watch me Moses messed up. Exodus 2:11,12 serve your people.” Sometimes we servants of God step out to do something for God, but we want to do something for God, When Moses saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of rather than allowing Him to do something in and through us. his own people, he rose up. Then glancing around, but seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. Moses Moses became a fugitive running for his life. God did not did not make a small mistake. He royally messed up. Though forget him or forsake him. God led Moses into the wilderness destined to be an instrument of deliverance for God’s people, for a forty-year leadership training course. this was definitely not the way to do it. Moses was precipitous Moses received a second chance. God prepared him in and impulsive. secret, and then brought him forth in victory. Moses would no Moses trusted in himself. Thus he overstepped and did the longer be haunted by his past mistakes. His wrong thing. Have many times have we stepped ahead of our- failure would not define him. God would selves, gotten in the flesh, and have done the wrong thing? bless him and use him. Moses was arrogant. When we are haughty, we yield to our Do you need a second chance? Come to carnal nature which results in bad behavior. Him in faith believing. Raise a Hallelujah to the Lord! Moses was guilty of self-reliance. Did he have an exaggerat-

Carrol Deal

Please prayerfully consider inviting these missionaries to your church giving them opportunity to share their heart. Southern Missouri District Itinerating Missionaries

Anders, Nathan & Tara Sensitive Castleberry, Terry & Babs Caszatt, Clinton & Jane Courter, James & Rachael Davis, Danny & Sherri Dell, Peter & Rachel 417-207-3374 Justin & Anna 417-522-3233 573-489-0643 [email protected] 417-413-9781 417-619-2109 [email protected] 417-389-4315 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Fisher, Jason & Sheila Fraizer, Rob & Kim Gerges, Gamal & Amal Gray, Chris & Kim Harshbarger, Jessica Hunt, David & Christy Julian, David & Amy 314-607-7053 316-259-2535 660.346.1768 417-894-2969 573-201-1667 417-425-8652 417-459-2866 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Kappler, Kevin & Sharon Land, Tim & Jenny Lynn, Derek & Natalia Moyer, Chris & Lori Sensitive Rojak, Phil & Kim 812-589-9132 918-208-5932 817-939-4887 417-234-2932 Jacob & JoAnna 417-840-2089 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 417-763-2615 [email protected]

Snavely, Andre’a & Darla Snively, Casey & Jeanie Summers, Ryan & Hope Turney, Nathan & Lisa Vasquez, Terisa & Fredy 417-350-2613 503-752-3096 816-398-3966 417-597-4728 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Spring 2021 • Assembly Messenger 7 CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Rhonda Amer [email protected] Raise a Hallelujah I raise a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies I raise a hallelujah, louder than the unbelief I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody I raise a hallelujah, heaven comes to fight for me Raise a Hallelujah lyrics © Bethel Music Publishing

Spring 2021 • Assembly Messenger 8 CHURCH DEVELOPMENT Greg Perkins [email protected]

Whatever You Do Have you ever been asked to do something for someone that is very important or influential?

When that occurs, there seems to be a higher level of commitment to completing that task or project because we don’t want to let that person down. When we are also aware that the person who asked us to perform that task is watching, or that they will inspect the work, there is usually a greater focus on the quality of work because we know that it will be noticed.

In Colossians 3:17 (NIV), The Apostle Paul encourages his readers with these words: “And whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the father through him.”

Essentially, what Paul is saying is that EVERY task we are asked to do is ultimately for someone important or influential…the Lord. Who could be more important or influential than Him?

In the midst of our busy schedules and the pursuit to move our churches forward, it is easy to become consumed with our plans, our tasks, and our agenda and begin to think that we’re doing this for ourselves.

Your ministry in and through the local church demand the highest level of attention and quality—not because it reflects upon us—but because it reflects upon the ONE who called (asked) us to do it. I am confident that each of you are already serving to that level, but every so often, it is important to remind ourselves that we don’t do what we do for ourselves, or even for our church…we do it for HIM!

THANK YOU for answering HIS call to serve, and for all you are doing for His Church!

Greg COMING TO YOUR SECTION 90 minute breakfast, lunch or dinner for leadership enhancement.

Sponsored by SMD Healthy Church & SOMOMEN

Spring 2021 • Assembly Messenger 9 CHURCH PLANTING Jerry Harris [email protected]

BY JERRY HARRIS, REACH MISSOURI NETWORK

We are in a Church Reproduction Movement

I have dedicated my life to seeing a God- ordained “natural church reproduction movement," and it is happening across the country, and most recently, in our District now. This movement is being pursued by those who know the most effective way to reach and disciple people is by establishing a healthy local church.

The numbers below show that more than 62% of all new church starts have been parent affiliated, which is the healthiest way to start a new church. Imagine with me, 80% of all our Southern Missouri churches reproducing themselves into at least one healthy new church in 2021-2022. In real numbers that would mean over 200 healthy new church starts in our District! Think of how many people would be saved! Think of how many communities would be impacted! Think of how many new mission dollars would be sent around the world!

Can we do it? Yes!

New Churches and New Church Starts beginning Accumulative Giving Results: 2012 to current: Missions giving for 26 stand-alone plants in 2019 73 new places of worship (66 of those since 2013) was $1,339,936. 45 are Parent Affiliated Churches Weekly attendance for 26 stand-alone plants in 26 stand - alone plants 2019 was 4,816. 2 Churches joining A/G Literally, countless new decisions for Christ were made.

Spring 2021 • Assembly Messenger 10 CROSS POINTE CAMP Curtis & Cindy Washam, Directors [email protected]

n the times that we are living, we need the empowerment of worship and seek God, we can be assured that the Holy Spirit Ithe Holy Spirit to give us the peace, joy, boldness, courage to will fill us and give us the enablement we need. continue God’s work in the face of adversity. What Samuel told Camp Intercession will be a time for our district to come Saul in 1 Samuel 10 is a promise to us today. Samuel told Saul together and seek God for the outpouring that so many feel God to meet a procession of prophets worshiping and prophesying. has promised. We believe that as we seek the Lord together, Samuel told Saul that when he joined them, that the Spirit of that God is going to pour out His Spirit in a special way upon the Lord would come upon him in power and he would prophesy our district. with them and he would be changed into another person. What a promise to us today. As we come together with others to

Getting Ready for the 2021 Season at Camp! Camp Intercession 2021 Raise a Hallelujah!March 26th-27th

Cafeteria basement is being being completely renovated!

You are invited to Camp Intercession at Cross Pointe Camp. This is a special time for our district to come together and pray for our camps and retreats as well as for the districts goals to reach Southern Missouri and the world. We are expecting God to do great things in 2021 in response to our prayers. This year we will be challenged in faith at Camp Intercession by Choco de Jesus, the General Treasurer of the Assemblies of God. There is no registration fee for this, but for hotel accomodations, please contact the camp or register at SOMOprayer.com More rooms in the hotel are being renovated .

Spring 2021 • Assembly Messenger 11 MEN Greg Perkins [email protected]

MAN TOUR 2021 HIGHLIGHTS

SEPTEMBER 24-26

2021REGISTRATION OPENS MAY 1 SOMOSUMMIT.COM Spring 2021 • Assembly Messenger 12 YOUTH Austin Westlake [email protected]

Spring 2021 • Assembly Messenger 13 WOMEN’S MINISTRIES Sherry Welch [email protected]

ur women’s department exists to with passion is better than forty women merely structure your women’s program, or just en- Ochallenge and equip women to pas- interested.” courage your ladies. sionately pursue God and to influence their Our desire is to help you find that one You can go to our district website for more world. We are here to encourage, partner woman who will be passionate about information. with you, and provide resources to help you Ministry in your local church, and she It is an honor to serve as your women’s minister to the needs of women. will do more for God than 40 women who are Director. We have a team of advisors to help you merely interested. Won’t you join us as we ANTICIPATE all minister effectively to Young Women, Single I am available to help your local church that 2021 will bring? Moms, Widows, and Prayer Ministry. I would like to highlight a few of our events. Our spring event, “EMPOWERED Leader- ship Conference” is for all women. Friday Night Service is a time to inspire and refresh our spirits. This year, our guest speaker will be Vicki Miller, Director of Women in Ministry for our district. Resources, encouragement, and training are provided to equip the women of your lo- cal church as they reach their world for Jesus Christ. “EMPOWERED Leadership Conference 2021” will take place April 9th and 10th @ Life360 Chesterfield Springfield MO. On April 30 - May 1, we will host our annual “YOU & ME” event. This event is for moms, daughters, Nana’s, and aunts. This time is set aside to speak into the lives of our girls! We have fun together, learn together, and host open forums, so our SO MO girls can express their hearts in a safe place. How awesome would it be to bring a group of girls from your local church that might need a little extra attention! This event is held at our beautiful Cross Pointe Camp and Retreat Center. Fall brings our “Retreats on the Lake”. These take place annually the second and third weekend in September. This retreat provides a rare opportunity for women to step away from the responsibilities of their everyday life and enjoy boat rides, paint classes, quiet moments by the lake, as well as anointed services and God ordained altar times. Our 2021 retreat speaker is Jeanne Mayo. Jeanne has thrown her heart and passion into ministry for over four decades! Among her hon- ors, Jeanne was awarded the Lifetime Influence Award from the National Assemblies of God. All of our events are team planned and saturated with prayer! One of my favorite quotes is, “One woman

Spring 2021 • Assembly Messenger 14 GIRLS MINISTRIES Deshae Thrasher [email protected] Everyday Praise e are living in a season of taking things day-by-day, Wnot sure what each new day will hold. Like we really knew before either, but even more so we are reminded that everyday we need Jesus for us to make it through. Every day we are faced with choices, emotions, and relationships where we must look to Jesus for direction. We have the unique opportunity every day to praise God in every part of our life from school, to work , to our health and even what we do for fun. The Everyday is a wonderful resource for your leaders and the girls in your church and community. The Everyday is a vlog series that dives deep into the conversations girls are having and provides an

accompanying free daily devotional. What is something that What is love and how Your words can bring God’s will is peace and others do for you that do you show it to others healing to others. Ask unity for every believer. you appreciate? Take around you? This God for His wisdom on He is our helper when some time this week to passage shows us the how to respond to conflict arises, and He do this for someone characteristics of love, people with peace can equip you to live else and watch how which reflect who God and love, rather than at peace with others. God gives you a is. Ask for His help to words that may tear Do all that you can to deeper love for them! love others well. people down. pursue peace! Luke 6:31 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Proverbs 12:18 Romans 12:18

The Bible teaches us a God blesses those who There is so much wrong May the words on your respectful, godly way live in tenderhearted in the world, but God lips be a different script to resolve conflict. Are love and humility to helps us cling to what is from the world’s. May you carrying an others. You can use good. In doing this, you be an offense? Pray and ask the blessings God has how can you show encouragement to the God how you might poured out on you to honor to someone this body of Christ. May reconcile with that bless others. week? you know God’s love person. to love others well. Matthew 18:15-17 1 Peter 3:8-11 Romans 12:9-10 Ephesians 4:29

There’s so much that Every worry or stress When anxious thoughts God gives us grace for happens in life that that you are carrying fill your mind, God can each and every day. can wear you out, but can be laid at the pierce through the You do not have to God can give you feet of Jesus. Leave noise to bring you worry about tomorrow supernatural strength your worries with Him. peace. There’s joy in because God is and refreshing. He will take care of receiving God’s already there. Receive this strength you. comfort is difficult or Surrender your future to today! disappointing times. God today! Isaiah 40:30-31 1 Peter 5:7 Psalm 94:19 Matthew 6:34

What pressure or stress Anytime you feel Life on Earth is not What burdens can you may be weighing on worried or stressed, exempt from give to the Lord today? you today? Write pray. Tell God what hardship, but Jesus He is the one that these out and ask you need! He is the gives us this promise. sustains you and holds God to replace it with God of peace, He gives us rest and you together, no His joy. There’s joy in comfort and His yoke is easy and matter what happens following and restoration and He will light. Receive this from in life. This is His promise knowing Him! help you. Him today! for you. Psalm 119:143 Philippians 4:6 Matthew 11:28-30 Psalm 55:22

February

Spring 2021 • Assembly Messenger 15 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Jim Calvin [email protected]

Spring 2021 • Assembly Messenger 16 ROYAL RANGERS John Hicks [email protected]

Mentoring Boys into Christlike Manhood since 1962

Although many aspects of the Royal Rangers program have changed through the years, our mission remains the same: to provide churches with a pla�orm to... · EVANGELIZE boys for Christ, · EQUIP them to become the next genera�on of Christlike men, and · EMPOWER them for service as life- long servant leaders. For more informa�on contact us at [email protected]

Visit us online at SoMoMen.com/RoyalRangers

Spring 2021 • Assembly Messenger 17 SENIOR ADULT MINISTRIES John Heide [email protected] Raise a Hallelujah! One part of the song and the theme for this Messenger is interesting: “I raise a hallelujah, in the middle of the mystery.” Most of us can look at the past year as certainly a “mystery.” Sicknesses, deaths, and canceled meetings left most of us with questions...lots of them. Working through these issues is a challenge and causes those, 50 Plus, to dig deep and draw upon the grace of God in perhaps new ways. Most have had to simplify life to some of the basics...family, food, church, and being at home much more than we are used to. The mystery of God’s working in these last days may not be fully revealed to us until we get to heaven. However, like Job, those who have served the Lord for years can say, “the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” We can bless the Lord. We can “raise a hallelujah.” We can lean on His everlasting arms, even in the middle of our mystery. He remains faithful and “Great is Thy Faithfulness” is still true in 2021. We are excited about planning for this year’s Camp Meeting and fall trip. We would love for you to be a part!

September 18-26, 2021

$1499 per person 50Plus Camp Meeting Price based on 2 per room. May 20-22, 2021 1 per room cost is $1999 Cross Pointe Camp & Retreat Center Sneak Peek of things included: * 17 Meals * Tour Morse Farm Maple Sugar works * Tour Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory * Dinner Cruise on Lake Champlain * Shelburne Museum Guest Speaker 50 Plus Director Guest Speaker Dwayne Maynard John Heide Martha Tennison * Cold Hollow Cider Mill * Rock of Ages Granite Quarry HOTEL - $150 per person (based on 2 per room) FACTORY HOTEL - $185 per person (based on 1 per room) * Stowe Village If you don’t need Housing the cost is $75 per person If you don’t need Housing or Meals the cost is $30 per person To Register, or for more information: - First Day Schedule - 417-881-1316 ask for Nancy It’s possible we could see Thursday: Registra�on (Hotel Lobby 2-4pm * Dinner 5pm * Service 6:30pm the Northern Lights!

For more informa�on or to register: Nancy 417-881-1316

John Heide 50Plus Director

Sponsored by the 50 Plus Department - Southern Missouri District Assemblies of God

Spring 2021 • Assembly Messenger 18 ———- Commissionings ——-—

Pastor Larry and Shirley McGuire, Mt. Olivet Pastor Troy and Yvette Smith, New Life, Farmington

Pastor David and Carol Cox, Duenweg Pastor Duane and Cindy Little, Rogersville

Spring 2021 • Assembly Messenger 19