CHOG Convention 2014

Home , Catherine Lowe, Sandi Patty

July 2014 In this issue CHOG Convention 2014: A New CHOG Convention 2014: A New Day for the Church of God, 1 Day for the Church of God IYC2014 Brings Lives InTUNE with Holy Spirit, 2 By Carl Stagner Café Neustart, Pink Door Berlin n Isaiah 43:19, the Lord’s message is to love, and commissioned to serve, the Offer Hope to Victims of Sex heard loud and clear: “See, I am doing Church of God once again embraced Jesus’ Trafficking, 3 a new thing! Now it springs up; do you mission to seek and save the lost, to bring Convention Snapshots, 4 Inot perceive it?” (nlt). What was true for life more abundant, to serve, and to destroy Jamaican Couple Blessed to Be Bold, 5 Judah and Jerusalem still rings true for the the works of the Devil. CHOG Convention 2014 Opening Church of God today. The same Creator Two major initiatives were presented at Day: Refocusing on the Subject, 6 who brought new life to the Israelites gen- CHOG Convention 2014, each designed to CHOG Convention 2014: Tuesday erations ago is still making all things new. change the world and reclaim what Hell has Turns a Page in Our Unfolding Church of God Convention 2014 signaled stolen. CHOG TraffickLight was formed to Story, 7 the onset of a new day, and the creation of intentionally respond to the global epidemic CHOG Convention 2014: Wednesday new life, for the 134-year-old movement. of sex trafficking. Framed by the riveting Wrap-Up, Thursday Thoughts, 8 “Jesus is the subject” was the drumbeat. story of the Shelter—a 100-year-old Church Introducing Missionaries Elect, 9–10 “Be bold” was the motif. Across four anoint- of God orphanage in Cuttack, India—the A Conversation with the Man Behind 70,000 Church Plants, 10 ed days at Crossings Community Church vision to rescue women and children from Church of God Ministries Unveils in Oklahoma City, the Holy Spirit orches- the sex trade at home and abroad prompted New Website, 12 trated a brand new symphony that echoed an unplanned offering on Wednesday. Lead- the dynamic strains of the earliest days of ers were encouraged to accept a “1,000 X Subscribe our movement. Called to action, compelled continued on page 11 To subscribe to this e-newsletter, please go to www. chog.org/ chognews-subscribe. Your news To submit news items regarding your church, district, state/regional assembly, or organization for possible use in CHOGnews, send an e-mail to [email protected] along with a short summary, including contact information. For the most up-to-date news, go to www.chognews.org

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Church of God Convention 2014 crowd packed inside the main sanctuary at Crossings Church in Okla- homa City. CHOGnews 1 July 2014 IYC2014 Brings Lives InTUNE with Holy Spirit By Carl Stagner

he Church of God knows IYC2014 is all about life change. Every time students Tgather together for the International Youth Convention, they encounter the Holy Spirit’s comforting, compelling, and convicting presence. This year was no different, as thousands of students made first-time commitments to Christ, renewed commitments to Christ, received calls to ministry, and experienced freedom from a variety of personal struggles. Students and leaders alike accepted the Galatians 5:25 challenge to live InTUNE with purpose, purity, power, and people. Before the lights, the bands, and Bridgetown of Warner Pacific College at IYC2014. crowds, the heart of IYC had already begun. Before IYC, Church of God and, thanks to recent expansions, in one season of ABC’s The Bachelorette, took youth groups take advantage of the room. Music performed by Anthem the stage to share their testimony of opportunity to take part in work proj- Lights, Alanna Story, and Passion with purity. A range of conferences directly ects—this year through the IYC Mission Kristian Stanfill reached decibels only confronted issues of relevance to Church Experience and Lead222. From June matched by the echoing of five thousand of God students, including sexual puri- 29 until the start of the convention, voices raising the roof and ten thousand ty, relationships, and sharing faith at students began a work in the greater hands clapping. When the enthusiasm school. National recording artist For Nashville area. Even before the conven- of thousands of students boil over into King and Country presented a concert tion began, God began a work in these rhythmic jumping, it’s hardly a stretch for a packed house, and the ever-popular students’ hearts. to imagine its impact on the Richter and always-funny Skit Guys brought the During every worship service, enthu- scale—yes, the floor actually did shake! house down. siasm for God spread contagiously But InTUNE with the Spirit, these IYC2014 students did not leave host through the auditorium at the Gaylord students knew when to dial it back a city Nashville without leaving a mark. Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennes- notch. Can you imagine thousands of On Monday afternoon, IYC attendees see, where students worshiped en masse teenagers taking a stroll at 9:45 at night dispersed across the Nashville area and in complete silence? During the Silent made an impact on the community for Walk on Monday, July 7, that’s exactly Christ that students and many Nashville what they did. And perhaps as powerful residents will never forget. Students as the silent prayers that students offered cleaned up parks, beautified schools, was the chance to hear the voice of the prepared housing units for low-income Spirit above the noise of everyday life. families, shared the gospel, and packed David Nasser, Becky Tirabassi, 75,000 meals to combat global hunger. Kyle Idleman, and Greg Stier Additionally, Church of God students delivered impassioned messages gave nearly $64,000 for Spread the Word. that resonated with today’s youth. IYC2014 left an impact on students, Though not advertised, Sidewalk leaders, hotel staff, and the city of Prophets and Bridgetown made Nashville. From July 5 to 8, souls were guest appearances. One of the big- brought into harmony with God, broken gest surprises came when Sean and chords were restored, and hearts were Catherine Lowe, of the seventeenth brought InTUNE with the Holy Spirit. CHOGnews 2 July 2014 Café Neustart, Pink Door Berlin Offer Hope to Victims of Sex Trafficking By Rhonda Philips

aughter and talking can be heard outreach, (6) through advice and help coming from a small unassum- from a staff social worker, and (7) by ing café in Berlin, Germany. rescuing women from sexual exploita- ButL as one enters this café, it is obvious tion and human trafficking. that it is not just another quaint Euro- As women with different life situa- pean café. This café is filled with only tions come to us for help to get off the women, and they are speaking different street, I see a missing link in the process languages. Christian music is playing in to help them transition into a dramati- the background, and each woman enter- cally different, free, and sustainable life. ing is met with a warm greeting and a After much prayer and research, I am hug from those who work in this café. in the beginning stages of founding This is Café Neustart, a Jesus-centered a new organization called Pink Door café located directly on the main pros- Berlin. The mission of Pink Door Berlin titution street in Berlin. Neustart was is to build a bridge to a life of freedom, started almost seven years ago and has health, and sustainability for survi- Missionary family to Germany: Kelley, Rhon- da, and Christian Philips. seen many changes on the street during vors of human trafficking and sexual those years. Traditionally, the street was exploitation. We will accomplish this in Berlin, and even the rest of Germany, lined with German women, some with by becoming experts in a professional, who work in this area. Together we are drug addictions. Today, thousands of holistic approach to transition for these definitely stronger! A young German eastern European women are the major- women and also by positively affect- woman named Marie-Lisanne Wilker ity, of which less than 10 percent are ing the lives of their children, a new and I are partners in this project. We German women, many with addictions. generation. Our first phase is opening also have at least six other Christian Prostitution in Germany has been a Christian transition home where the women who are part of our team. legal for more than ten years, making it women will be nurtured and cared for Please pray for the work of Neustart a normal profession and normalized in in a Christ-centered environment. Of Café, as well as the new formation and German life. Berlin alone has more than course, we are more into cooperation development of Pink Door Berlin. We four hundred brothels and clubs, as well than competition; therefore, we will be hope to open the transition home in the as several prostitution streets. Neustart’s closely connected with all organizations last months of 2014. ministry focuses on Kurfürstenstraße and the surrounding area. The women on the streets are there due to myriad of reasons: addiction, human trafficking, dire economic conditions in their home country, illiteracy and lack of education- al opportunities, as well as traumatic and dysfunctional histories. Neustart accomplishes its mission in several ways: (1) by serving free coffee and tea along with food in the women-only café, (2) by making available Christian literature in several languages, as well as information on social services available in Berlin, (3) by offering prayer and the liberating message of Jesus, (4) through relationship and friendship with café workers, (5) through street CHOGnews 3 July 2014 Convention Snapshots

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5 1. Christian Women Connection presentation to the General Assembly on Wednesday. 2. Hands raised in worship on Thursday of the CHOG Convention. 3. Diana Swoope preaching on Tuesday. 4. Gene Fauntleroy is always ready to give a hug! Madison Park (Anderson, Indiana) location. 5. Danny Al-Naser (left) was interviewed by Jim Lyon on Wednesday at the Church of God Convention. CHOGnews 4 July 2014 Jamaican Couple Blessed to Be Bold By Carl Stagner

or the Bennetts of Kingston, explains. “For the price that they were proclaimed at the convention. “One Jamaica, God just proved once able to pay, there was nothing left in night we were thinking about getting a again that he is always on time. the area. Everything was booked.” So ride over to the church from the hotel,” ThoughF others may have thought it was Church of God Ministries stepped in. Stanford recalls. “We had been thinking difficult to get to Oklahoma City for “The important thing is that they we were going to walk. But I said, ‘You Church of God Convention 2014, they were able to make the trip out there,” know what? We’re just going to be bold probably didn’t have to cross as many Daniel explains. “We did what we need- and ask for a ride!’ And from then on, hurdles as this couple. Stanford and ed to do. We have to be willing to be we’ve been offered to be picked up and Lorna, leaders in the Mt. Charles Church compassionate and engage the world. taken wherever we’ve needed to go!” of God in St. Andrew, desperately want- We have to be bold. And they were mak- Stanford, who can’t wait to share his ed to join us in Oklahoma City, and just ing every effort possible to be a part of experience and insight from the conven- in the nick of time, God provided a way. this event.” tion, functions as an interim pastor at “Sometimes while his home church. He also Stanford was making regularly practices street the calls to try to get evangelism, as he has suc- us here,” Lorna con- cessfully done for seventeen fesses, “I was thinking, years. As a result of his street ‘I wouldn’t bother any- ministry, which includes more.’” Who can blame preaching on the bus and on her? Multiple obstacles street corners, his ministry lay between the Bennetts has blossomed and brought and the convention. The about noticeable change in couple had never been to the community. But Jesus the United States before wasn’t always the subject of on a visiting visa. They his life. didn’t have the discre- “Well I was planning tionary income for such to go to a dance on one a trip, but they knew Saturday night,” Stanford Stanford (left) and Lorna (right) Bennett were excited to meet Sandi Patty (cen- God’s hand was upon ter), as well as many others, at the convention. recalls. “I was a womanizer, them. They couldn’t a partier, and I worked as a make hotel arrangements in the States Stanford and Lorna call their experi- DJ. I wasn’t planning on getting saved. because they didn’t know if their visa ence nothing short of a miracle. “The I didn’t think I could be. I’d just had a request would be granted. Then God’s theme and the speakers really moved us beer and had walked out of the bar. And plan started to unfold. in a great way,” Stanford reflects. “The suddenly just something happened, and “At the last minute, we received experience is like heaven here on earth. during that the Spirit of the Lord led me our visiting visa,” Stanford explains. Being with the family of God here has down on my knees. I confessed my sin “A friend bought us plane tickets. But made an impact on us. It means we and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ. Peo- being so close to the convention, we have so much to contribute when we ple around me thought I’d gone crazy! It had not made hotel reservations. I called go back to Jamaica. The Lord renewed just hit me all of a sudden. And the next Church of God Ministries to ask for a us, recharged us, and motivated us in the Sunday I went to the nearest church to recommendation.” way to go.” be baptized. When I looked in the mir- It was after hours, but the answering Lorna adds, “Being bold is theoreti- ror, I knew it was a total change.” service relayed his message to Daniel cal, but now that we are here, it’s more “And now I’m compelled to tell Kartchner, chief operating officer for practical. No one else from Jamaica was somebody else,” he continues. “God can Church of God Ministries, who was coming, so we could have been discour- change your life! So I started to minister already in Oklahoma City. “They were aged. But boldness brought us here.” on the street. And I never stopped.” willing to pay for the transportation, While still in Oklahoma City, the Step out in faith and be bold, Church but were needing a place to stay,” he couple put into practice the boldness of God! CHOGnews 5 July 2014 CHOG Convention 2014 Opening Day: Refocusing on the Subject By Carl Stagner

he church isn’t the subject. Our history isn’t the subject. Our traditions aren’t the subject. TOur location isn’t the subject. Our name isn’t the subject. Jesus is the subject!” Jim Lyon’s words to the Church of God on Monday were clear: the Church of God must make the proclamation of Jesus through word and deed priority again. From the afternoon town hall meeting to the kickoff service with Sidewalk Prophets, the opening day of the Church of God Convention was full of energy, people, and contagious enthusiasm. Dave Frey, lead singer for Sidewalk Prophets, hits the high notes on Monday at the CHOG Crowds of guests poured into the Convention. foyer at Crossings Community Church on Monday afternoon, well before the of praise and thanksgiving under the Also included in Monday evening’s official kickoff of the convention at 7:00 leadership of national recording artists gathering were a memorial video trib- that evening. At one point, the line to Sidewalk Prophets. The spirit in the ute to ministers who had gone on to check in stretched across the very large room could hardly be classified as any- be with the Lord over the past year, a entry way, circled back, and reached thing less than electrifying. One glance “Jesus is the subject” audio clip featuring the door. From the discussions in the around the vast sanctuary and it was the iconic voice of Eugene Sterner, the hallway, to the Twitter universe, it was abundantly clear that the Church of God late Church of God radio speaker and evident that excitement for a new day was excited to host this group, which author. in the movement—mixed with a little began on the fourth floor of Anderson For more information, visit www. curiosity—had brought the Church of University’s Smith Hall several years chogconvention.org. God to Oklahoma City. ago. Hands were clapping, many were The Town Hall Meeting—“Go raised, and everyone was reminded that Ahead, Ask Anything”—provided two the Church of God can surely sing! CHOG Fast Fact hours of opportunity for Jim to respond Jim Lyon’s message resonated with to questions ranging from the revamp the gathered saints and prompted both of the convention to politics and policy. applause and plenty of amens. His tone “Powerful!” reflects Melissa Pratt, pas- communicated a passion and urgency Human tor of Teays Valley Church of God in for the Church of God to discard dis- Scott Depot, West Virginia. During the tractions and make Jesus central to our trafficking is a event she commented, “I am here and vision and mission. Jim challenged the am so excited about the transparency church to embrace the heart of Jesus $32 billion per and passion of our general director! I in a world that has changed dramati- have already received new understand- cally since the Church of God began, year industry. ing about some things that weren’t clear yet renew the boldness exhibited by our to me!” pioneers, like that of E. Faith Stewart. Following a break for dinner, con- Stewart, who founded the Shelter, will vention guests returned to Crossings, be featured again on Tuesday during a Join the fight at eagerly anticipating a night of worship. special video presentation on the min- More than two thousand believers istry, which for a hundred years has www.JesusIsTheSubject.org! from across the movement sang songs rescued children from the sex trade. CHOGnews 6 July 2014 CHOG Convention 2014: Tuesday Turns a Page in Our Unfolding Story By Carl Stagner

etter than a cappuccino from thirty-minute video documentary about the coffee shop at Crossings was the Shelter (Cuttack, India) and a follow- a spiritual jolt from God’s Word up message from Kimberly Majeski, the throughB Michael Thigpen on Tuesday Church of God was inspired to rejoin morning. The second day of the Church this social cause which had originally of God Convention 2014 began with been taken up in the early days of the our movement’s history and rounded movement. out with Revelation. Jesus our Subject During the lunch hour, some conven- transcended all the activities that took tion attendees went to Sonic and others Anne Graham Lotz at the CHOG Convention. place and challenged the Church of God went to Braum’s—both local favorites. to take up the cause of rescuing children But a few special meetings also took explained how a resurrected Jesus can from the epidemic of sex trafficking. place at lunch that captured the attention certainly resurrect a dead church. “We Smiling faces and open hearts con- and participation of many souls hungry can be bold because the fight is fixed!” gregated within the cavernous expanse for deeper fellowship. Christian Women she exclaimed. The session that followed of the Crossings auditorium on Tues- Connection and the Military Chaplains featured Marty Grubbs, senior pastor of day, anticipating a biblical and practical each hosted luncheons, but a new group Crossing Church. Drawing on personal message through Michael Thigpen. also gathered around the table. At the experience, Grubbs used wit, wisdom, Touching on our historical roots, but Young Pastors Luncheon, pastors from and frank honesty to challenge ministry expounding on them, Thigpen chal- across the movement between the ages leaders to reflect and make the message lenged the church to renew the unity of of twenty-five and forty were invited to of Jesus central. “I have no time for petty its earliest days and tap into the power come together to meet one another, get arguments,” he asserted, because “Jesus source available to all in the form of the to know one another, and encourage is the subject.” Holy Spirit. one another over common experience. Alanna Story served as worship lead- Tuesday’s second session, “Change a The fruitful event packed youthful ener- ers for the first two sessions of the day. Life, Change the World,” was dedicated gy and fresh ideas into one room. During the last session, Sandi Patty, to illuminating, for the Church of God, In the afternoon, Diana Swoope backed up by a choir and augmented by the extent of the sex trade. Through a delivered a message of exhortation and the talents of parents Ron and Carolyn, encouraged the Church of God in worship through timeless classics. Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of renowned evangelist Billy Graham, spoke from Revelation 1 as she challenged the Church of God to develop an even stronger love for Jesus Christ. She emphasized that God’s people can truly be bold if we exalt Jesus’ name above all else. “Omni- scient, omnipresent, and omnipotent,” she proclaimed. “Jesus is unique. There is nobody like Jesus!” For more information, visit www. chogconvention.org. To learn about the Church of God response to sex trafficking in our world today, visit www. Ally West of Alanna Story joins father Ken Long for a special music presentation on Tuesday. JesusIsTheSubject.org. CHOGnews 7 July 2014 CHOG Convention 2014: Wednesday Wrap-Up , Thursday Thoughts

By Carl Stagner

Heritage Sing-Along in the Chapel at Crossings Community Church on Wednesday afternoon. uests of the Church of God throne of God in a powerful followup Wednesday evening to lead worship. Convention 2014 were doubly to Lotz’s message. After a short break, The presence of the Holy Spirit had blessed on Wednesday, June the Church of God reconvened in the been palpable all day, preparing hearts 25G as Anne Graham Lotz returned to auditorium of Crossings Church in for a convicting, often humorous, yet the pulpit for a second message. From Oklahoma City to witness Jim Lyon inspiring message on personal and cor- Lotz’s presentation of Revelation 2 to interview former Muslim Danny Al- porate evangelism. Dave Stone’s words the opportunity for every church to Naser. Danny’s story of transformation echoed the bold sentiment of Jesus’ dis- “Change a Life, Change the World” in by the love of Christ has inspired a desire ciples in Acts 4 and dared the Church of their own innovative way, Wednesday in him to teach the church about Islam God to reach beyond its comfort zone. could be characterized as practical, and evangelism. His plan for an online “The church exists for those who aren’t purposeful, and powerful. Wednesday tool for this purpose is just one example members yet,” Stone insisted. “Silence also included the first business session of how individuals and churches can is not an option.” In light of a trend for of the General Assembly, the Heritage submit creative, fresh ministry ideas for churches to increasingly turn inward, he Sing-Along, several receptions, the grants through the Change the World asserted, “We have to get close to people commissioning of missionaries, and initiative. who are far from God.” a compelling call to evangelism from Joe Gregory, Jean Shackleton, Ruth On Thursday morning, the General speaker Dave Stone. Ann Yerden, and friends gathered in the Assembly reconvened to conclude busi- The first session on Wednesday began chapel Wednesday afternoon to worship ness for 2014. Reggie McNeal delivered with a message from Lotz—before any the Lord through a special time of sing- the final message of the convention, worship song had been sung. Interweav- ing the heritage songs of the Church interspersing humor and personal sto- ing personal vignettes of her struggles of God. At the same time in another ries to urge the Church of God toward as a caretaker for her husband, she com- hall, the General Assembly convened kingdom-thinking and community pared the pangs of the church today to and heard opening statements by Jim involvement. “It’s our job to connect heart blockages that need cleared up. Lyon before offering him a standing with the community—not the other Her message challenged individual ovation. The Assembly also carried out way around!” he exclaimed. In an excit- leaders to reignite passion for personal regular balloting procedures, briefly ing and powerful finale, Ashmont Hill worship time and urged the church discussed two resolutions, and received joined Alanna Story for a musical cel- to return to its first love—Jesus. The the presentation of the budget. Midway ebration of our God and all he had done Church of God was reminded of its first through the session, members took a to orchestrate such a historic event in love and emphasis later on Wednesday break to attend a reception for Jim Lyon the life of the movement. when participants of the Heritage Sing- to honor his new role. Following the ses- For more information about the Along echoed the resounding cry of the sion, the Church of God took time to Church of God Convention, visit www. movement in song: “Then forward let honor David Sebastian, who is retiring chogconvention.org. To learn about the us go, our hearts with love aflame, our as dean of Anderson University School Change the World initiative, visit www. snowy banner borne aloft, inscribed of Theology. jesusisthesubject.org/change-the-world. with Jesus’ name….” With unfettered energy and enthu- Alanna Story led worshipers to the siasm, Ashmont Hill took the stage on CHOGnews 8 July 2014 Introducing Missionaries Elect

NAME: Jonathan and Beth Todd

COUNTRY: Brazil

ASSIGNMENT: Teaching at Boa Terra Amazônia

DATE OF APPOINTMENT: May 9, 2014

STATUS: Career Missionaries

LENGTH OF SERVICE: Two Years

TARGET LEAVE DATE: Fall 2015

INTRODUCTION: Beth remembers Jonathan and Beth Todd being deeply aware of God at a very young age, but she had never considered Doors have opened; and those doors ministers. They will also act as a liaison the possibility of going into ministry as are to Brazil. Jonathan and Beth will be between the North Brazil assembly and a profession. It wasn’t until after she working with Brazilian leaders to help Global Missions. The Church of God had been working for a few years after train new pastors, both theologically is growing quickly in Brazil, with con- college that she was able to identify the and spiritually, by teaching in the semi- gregations regularly outgrowing their source of the restlessness that she felt: nary located in Itiatuba. They will work church buildings. The Todds will work God was calling her to do work that with established pastors and local con- with the Brazilian leadership to establish had an eternal focus and away from a gregations to support church-planting a sound foundation for this growth. job that just focused on the day to day. initiatives, as well as providing pastoral Beth’s call was further clarified as a call support to these geographically distant PROJECT # 42.10039 to missions as God made her aware of the global nature of the body of Christ. Being the son of a pastor, Jonathan Anderson University School of Theology knew all about ministry as a profession. Master of Arts in Christian Ministry At the age of twelve, Jonathan felt that God was calling him into ministry, but This 48-hour program is offered 100% online. he knew that it was not the traditional This degree is fully accredited by the form of pastoral ministry in a local Association of Theological Schools, one of church. At seventeen, Jonathan went only six fully online professional degrees in on a mission trip to Quito, Ecuador, North America. Students from across the with Johnny and Paula Snyder. It was globe have benefited from this intentionally designed degree program. Why not join them? there that he discovered that the call on his life was for international missions. Over the course of several more trips to For more information visit Quito with Jon and Karen Lambert, he www.anderson.edu/sot/academics/onlinemacm. was encouraged to follow that call and to keep watch for and be ready to walk Apply online today! 765.641.4526 • www.anderson.edu/sot through the doors that God would open. CHOGnews 9 July 2014 Introducing Missionaries Elect

NAME: Timothy and Angelita Downing

COUNTRY: Ecuador

ASSIGNMENT: Teaching in the Church of God seminary and assisting with Chil- dren of Promise and other programs meeting social needs

DATE OF APPOINTMENT: February 27, 2014

STATUS: Career Missionaries

LENGTH OF SERVICE: Two years

TARGET LEAVE DATE: August 2015

INTRODUCTION: Timothy was raised Tim and Angelita Downing surrounded by their children. in the Breiel Boulevard Church of God in congregation from a young age. She may follow him closely.” It is that heart Middletown, Ohio. A passion for missions transferred to Mid-America Christian cry that that has led them to missionary was planted in his heart by his parents University during her sophomore year service in Ecuador. Timothy, Angelita, Darlene and Cordell and his grandmother of college, where she and Timothy met. and their children are committed to Ruth. He received his call to ministry on After getting married, the Down- serve Christ in Ecuador by training lead- a short-term mission trip to Panama. To ings served Christ in pastoral ministry ers at S.E.T.E. (Church of God seminary) prepare for this calling, he attended Mid- in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Ohio. and assisting with the Children of Prom- America Christian University. They have four children: Timothy, 12; ise program. Angelita was born in Wisconsin Esperanza, 8; Ezequiel, 2; and Elias, 1. to Manuel and Tomasa Garcia. She The Downing family prayer is: PROJECT # 42.10063 worshiped and served in her local “Allow us to see Christ clearly so we A Conversation with the Man Behind 70,000 Church Plants

oday, 1.2 billion people live in there is a gospel of hope and peace in India. Among the vast range of Jesus Christ. needs in this massive country, Through the leadership of Samuel Tthere are very few that differ from other Stephens, God has planted some sev- locations around the world. Yet the enty thousand new churches—most in Samuel Stephens unique culture and diversity of language regions where the gospel had never been cast of CBH ViewPoint in early June. and landscape make India a truly one- preached. In May 2014, this Indians lead- Part One is available at http://www. of-a-kind place. There are sixteen major er paid a visit to the United States. While oneplace.com/ministries/viewpoint/ languages spoken by at least ten million here, he spent some time with Jim Lyon listen/india-a-new-government-and- people each. The predominant religion and discussed life and ministry matters. the-future-408945.html. Part Two is is Hinduism, but Islam’s influence is Listen to Jim Lyon and Samuel Ste- available at http://www.oneplace.com/ growing rapidly. Yet ringing through the phens discuss life, politics, faith, and ministries/viewpoint/player/india-part- noise of political and religious disunity, ministry as recorded for the broad- 2-the-status-of-women-408947.html. CHOGnews 10 July 2014 A New Day continued from page 1

committee to make plans concerning the 2015 convention, and the examina- tion of General Assembly and related organizational roles. A resolution also passed to allow the use of “other than paper ballots” for General Assembly voting. The proposed budged was also accepted. During and after the convention, social media response was remarkable, and reflective of overall sentiment. “Could it be...a new, fresh Spirit wind blowing through the church? Sure feels like it,” tweeted Terry Rolen, lead pastor of Bayside Community Church in Sandi Patty and friends lead worship on Tuesday evening during the convention. Safety Harbor, Florida. Twitter user Jes- $1,000” challenge to fund sex trafficking from the traditional format, the Church sica C. commented, “I’m amazed at the ministries over the next year. Others of God commissioned one missionary #CHOG movement and the direction were led by the Spirit to learn more family in each service. we are headed.” Aaron Perry, associate about starting a ministry to fight sex The 128th Church of God Conven- pastor of First Church of God in Koko- trafficking in their hometown. tion was the first to be held outside of mo, Indiana, tweeted, “#BeBold2014 In an effort to fuel innovation in Anderson, Indiana, in more than a hun- is making me once more proud and ministry, the Change the World ini- dred years; the 96th General Assembly encouraged to be Church of God.” tiative was launched. The Innovation was also the first to be held in Oklahoma Trustees, a grant-making team of leaders City. Resolutions were passed concern- Missed the convention? Sermons will be from across the country, recognize that ing the “ministerial/facility protection available soon; follow www.chognews.org some of the best ideas in the movement against forced officiating/hosting of for more information. For the general direc- are just waiting to take flight. These same-sex marriages” and the opposi- tor’s report to the General Assembly, agency ideas need support. They need funds. tion of human trafficking. Motions were reports, budget details, and more information Innovators are welcome to submit a pro- passed regarding the “1,000 X $1,000” on the General Assembly 2014, visit www. posal by September 15 to www.jesusisthe aforementioned anti-sex-trafficking ini- jesusisthesubject.org/2014-general-assembly. subject.org/change-the-world. Awarded tiative, the formation of a convention proposals will be announced in January 2015. Jim Lyon, Michael Thigpen, Diana Swoope, Marty Grubbs, Anne Graham Lotz, Dave Stone, and Reggie McNeal powerfully presented provocative messages of inspiration and motivation. Sidewalk Prophets, Alanna Story, Sandi Patty, and Ashmont Hill led worshipers in high-energy, high-impact songs of praise. Woven into every session were testimonies of God’s hand at work through the Church of God in North America and around the world. Jim Lyon introduced his new executive team of Bob Moss, Handel Smith, Ben Shular, and Daniel Kartchner. In a departure Prayer circles were common during the convention for the commissioning of missionaries. CHOGnews 11 July 2014 Church of God Ministries Unveils New Website

oinciding with the kickoff of guest. The power of a story to con- Church of God Convention nect people of all ages, backgrounds, 2014, on Monday, June 23, cultures, and regions is evident in the CChurch of God Ministries unveiled a prominence of stories of God’s hand new website for the Church of God. at work in the Church of God. Major Sporting a fresh, sleek, and simple themes and movement-wide initiatives design, www.JesusIsTheSubject.org is are given primary placement to enhance “But if they did it to Moses, intended to serve as an online hub for clear communication. The most utilized why can’t I oat him information, news, resourcing, and tool on the Church of God site has long down the river?” interactivity for the movement. Com- been the “Find a Church” tool; this easy- ©2012 Kevin Spear www.kevinspear.com bining contemporary graphic elements to-find feature is now improved with [email protected] and flair, the site uses the latest in online Google Maps integration. design to enhance—not complicate— On the new website, Church of God each page. news from www.chognews.org auto- Church of God Ministries believes matically populates the lower portion pastors, lay leaders, and other visi- of the home page. To help the person STOP tors will appreciate the new structure in the pew better understand who the and user-friendly options. With easy- Church of God is, a graphical represen- WAITING to-understand buttons and intuitive tation of our impact is also included. menu navigation, the new site brings A continuously updating Twitter feed the most-requested content to the fore- at the bottom of the page demon- START front and highlights material of most strates our commitment to up-to-date practical benefit to the communication channels. Finally, a ACTING BibleGateway.com daily Bible verse feature will provide a daily Degree programs dose of encouragement. New pages for domestic designed specifically ministries, international for adults ministries, and youth are also in development. “Our new website focus- On Campus or Online es on connection, bringing more of what’s happening in the Church of God, here and around the world, right to you,” explains Mary Baker- Boudissa, communication team leader at Church of God Ministries. Can’t find something? Use the enhanced search feature, found at the top of the page, or browse a list of common links at the bottom of the page. Still can’t find something? Give Church of God adults.macu.edu Ministries a call at 800-848-2464 and we’ll serve you in any way possible. CHOGnews 12 July 2014