Death of a Princess

It has been 10 years today since the death of Princess Diana. I wrote this column for the Evangel shortly after her death:

Death of a Princess

On August 31, the world was stunned by news of the tragic death of one of the world's best known—and perhaps most loved—individuals, the former Princess Diana of Great Britain. Ever since her fairy-tale engagement at the age of 19 to Prince Charles, this pretty, stylish girl had captured the attention and the hearts of her own nation, as well as most of the western world. And even though her divorce from the future king erased her own claim to royalty, she was still the mother of the two royal princes—one a future king.

Thus, when the tragic information was flashed of a high speed chase by photographers ending in a crash that killed two and left Diana mortally injured, people reacted much as if a close family friend had died. They grieved; many sat in front of their TV sets and wept.

Pardon this seemingly insensitive question, but, why should we care? We never met Diana; for all we know she was simply a television character—a caricature of life. Her life didn't change ours, and neither will her death.

Of course, I know, we should care. She was, after all, a human being. But why should we care so much more about her than all the other little princesses that die, unknown and unloved, by multitudes, each and every day? While a full complement of physicians worked frantically and futiley to save Princess Di, in an abortion mill other medical professionals violently end the life of a little princess—one loved by God and special in His sight. There was no multitude to know or love; the little princess ends her brief life under the bloody instruments of the abortionist—and no one grieves. Under a bridge, a homeless woman, bottle in hand comes to the end of a life just as important as Princess Di's—only she ends it unloved and known only as a crazy bag lady, one that most feel we are better off without. In a crack house, a teenage runaway scores her final hit—a fatal overdose. She was 20 years younger than Di—and she will not be mourned. If she has parents they may never even know; there is no media to broadcast the news of her fate. She is listed in the morgue as "Jane Doe" and buried in an unmarked grave.

Why then should millions weep over a fairy-tale princess? Why should the collective grief over this one life amount to so many billion times the grief wept for those dying daily?

Christians are born to royalty (1 Peter 2:9); but this is God’s desire for every life. The bag lady, the drug addict, the unborn child, are precious in His sight. He sees the sparrow fall and intends royalty for all (Romans 5:8; 2 Peter 3:9). There is not one life, no matter how vile or insignificant it might seem, that is one iota less valuable than that of Princess Diana.

What then shall we do? Shall we cease mourning the princess? No. Indeed, we should weep for the princess; but not for her alone. We should—we must—weep for the forgotten—the multitudes that pass into eternity daily with none to care. God loves them; Jesus died for them. And we must have more than sentimental tears; we must reach down to the fallen royalty—and give them Jesus. We must make a difference. If Christians don’t, who will?

Ken Horn

Ideas welcome!

You have a voice. Whether you’re a long-time subscriber to Today’s Pentecostal Evangel, have picked up an occasional copy at your church, or are just discovering us online, we want your feedback.

The Evangel recently turned 94 years old. The magazine has served the Assemblies of God and the wider church community through two world wars and six additional decades of cultural change. Feedback is the key to the Evangel’s continued relevant content for 21st-century readers.

The magazine invites comment on any of its columns and articles. You can e-mail your reaction to tpe@ag.org. Or, feel free to contact Senior Associate Editor Scott Harrup at sharrup@ag.org with your ideas of how the Evangel can better serve churches and readers.

Scott Harrup

10 Reasons to Pick up Your Bible Today by Charles T. Crabtree

The TPE Blog will be running some of the best past articles from outgoing assistant general superintendent Charles T. Crabtree. This one was published in Today's Pentecostal Evangel Dec. 11, 2005:

10 Reasons to Pick up Your Bible Today

By Charles T. Crabtree

An open letter to those who need to reconnect with God’s Word

Dear Friend:

It has come to my attention you are not as diligent in reading, internalizing and applying the Word of God as you were in the past. I cannot overstate how critical it is for you to re-establish Bible reading and study as a high priority in your daily schedule. Please prayerfully consider these reasons why it is absolutely necessary for you to become a person of the Word.

Reason 1. The enemy of your soul does not want you to be a person of the Word. Since our first parents in Eden, Satan has sought to destroy God’s children by questioning God’s Word. He was bold enough to tempt Jesus by misapplying the Scriptures. If Jesus found it necessary to use the Scriptures to defend himself in this world, your knowledge and application of God’s Word are more than choices; they are matters of spiritual survival.

Reason 2. The Bible is a priceless treasure. For thousands of years, God has protected this precious Book from extinction. Believers have died to protect it. Evil regimes and false religions have done everything in their power to keep you from having a copy of the Word of God. Millions of your brothers and sisters in Christ would give their last dime to have a Bible, let alone the three or four copies that many American Christians possess.

Reason 3. The Bible is your resource for absolute truth. In a day of spiritual confusion, moral relativism, and intellectual hypocrisy, you hold in your hand a direct communication from God, which gives you spiritual clarity, moral certainty and intellectual revelation. The Bible consists of more than little black letters on a page. It is a “contract” in force between God and man. Every word is true and unchanging.

Reason 4. The Bible is your manual for living. Its Author is your Creator. God knows why you exist and the best way for you to live. No matter how much money and time you spend on “self-help” books, you’re far better off getting back to your “God-help” book. God is the ultimate expert. He loves you and wants you to succeed. Ultimately, He cares about your eternal destiny.

Reason 5. As a child of God, you should keep up on all the blessings your Heavenly Father desires for all His children. God’s promises in His Word are not reserved for a few “super saints.” They are for every believer. Most Christians do not have any idea how “rich” they are in Christ. By some counts, 7,000 promises are yours. Others have found many more. Find them and claim them. The Maker of Bible promises will never die, has all the resources to fulfill every guarantee, and is not running for political office.

Reason 6. The Word of God is powerful. It is powerful for many reasons. The Bible is the Word of the eternal, omniscient, omnipotent God. Every word of man is conditional and temporal, but God has the final word. The Bible is our powerful defensive and offensive spiritual weapon (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12). It is a word of healing and deliverance (Psalm 107:20). People who curse God or refuse to admit He created the world would be shocked to know He sustains the universe by His word of power (Hebrews 1:3).

Reason 7. The Scriptures should be your “food for thought.” The thought processes of the world have become so evil and depraved you must overcome the ideas and philosophies from darkened minds by daily planting the incorruptible seed of the Word of God in your heart (Romans 8:5-8). Everyone knows that positive thinking is better than negative thinking. Imagine how your day would brighten if you met every challenge with a divine promise and every situation with a divine truth.

Reason 8. Those who neglect the written Word of God will soon have serious questions about the living Word: Jesus Christ. The spirit of Antichrist is certainly evident and prevalent in our culture, but truth about Jesus’ past and present and future is clearly revealed in the Scriptures. Remember, we are saved through faith in Jesus and “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17, KJV).

When Peter stepped out of a fishing boat in a storm and walked on water, he didn’t begin to sink until he took his eyes off Jesus (Matthew 14:22-31). Believers are in serious trouble when they do not constantly read the Word, which reveals Jesus. Like Peter, those who do not keep Christ in plain view will be dragged down by the storms of life.

Reason 9. Every person has a desire to know about the future. It is amazing to what lengths people will go to see beyond the present. This innate interest feeds fortunetellers, astrologers, palm readers, clairvoyants and other charlatans. Their lack of accuracy is pathetic, yet millions continue to seek their counsel. You have in your possession the greatest Book about prophecy ever written — the Bible. “We have also a more sure word of prophecy” (2 Peter 1:19).

When people speak of the future with fear and panic, they have taken their future out of the hands of God. They have neglected the words of Jesus: “Set your troubled hearts at rest. Trust in God always; trust also in me. There are many dwelling places in my father’s house; if it were not so I should have told you; for I am going there on purpose to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1,2, NEB).

Reason 10. How would you like to hear God speak to you? How would you like to sit down and listen to the teaching of Jesus, the greatest Teacher who ever lived? You can every day by opening the pages of the Word of God. It really is a letter to you. As you read it, the Spirit of God will quicken and reveal life-giving truth to you.

Reading God’s Word should never be viewed as a laborious task or even a duty. It is a wonderful privilege to open the Book every day and receive divine insights into the nature of God, the purpose of man, and the truth about time and eternity.

The Word of God is vital if you are going to live a victorious life. I pray this letter stirs a fresh desire in your heart to know divine truth. Remember: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word [emphasis mine] that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4, KJV).

Charles T. Crabtree is assistant general superintendent of the Assemblies of God.

Zollie Smith, New U.S. Missions Executive Director

Reverend Zollie L. Smith, Jr. was elected to serve as the U.S. Missions executive director at the 52nd General Council. He is presently serving as the Executive Secretary of the New Jersey District Council of the Assemblies of God.

“Assemblies of God get ready, get ready, get ready,” an impassioned Smith said moments after the election results were announced. “We together are going to invade America and we are going to go into the cities and the highways and byways and take back what the devil has taken away.”

Smith, 58, praised the Assemblies of God for permitting and promoting diversity. “We today can testify that God moves through His leaders to bring about His end results,” he said, with his wife Phyllis accompanying him.

Smith will fulfill the unexpired term of Alton Garrison, who was elected the Assistant Superintendent, beginning in October.

Get to know Zollie Smith better at the AGUSM bio page.

Earthquakes are nothing new to Peru

Little girl wanders through the remains of a neighbor’s home in Llanquiza, about 3 hours from the capital city of Lima


Kirk Noonan just filed this on-location report:

In 1970 a massive quake in the North-Central part of the country killed more than 60,000 people. In 2001 an earthquake wreaked havoc on the city of Arequipa, one of Peru’s major cities. Most recently (on August 15) a 7.9 earthquake rocked this country killing at least 500 people and leaving thousands of Peruvians homeless.

The devastating quake also destroyed at least 15 Assemblies of God churches throughout this country that is tucked among Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Brazil and the Pacific Ocean.

Within hours of the earthquake AG representatives in Peru and in the United States were coordinating relief efforts to bring immediate help to those who needed it most.

Food, water, blankets and clothing were the first items distributed by AG missionaries Rich Ferguson and Ronnie Mask, and their teams in the days following the disaster.

“Our efforts are not only for church people, they’re for the communities surrounding our churches,” says Ferguson.

Last Thursday, Ferguson toured the city of Pisco with local pastors. Here, more than 200 people were killed while attending a funeral when the roof of the church they were in collapsed. No AG adherents were among the dead.

But in a nearby village Julio Mitacc, the pastor of The Good Shepherd Church (AG), informs us that two women from his church were crushed to death by a falling wall.

On many fronts there is much work to be done ranging from meeting people’s basic needs to rebuilding churches and homes of pastors and laypeople. Not an easy task when one considers the low wages many of the victims of the earthquake earn (for most less than $8.00 a day).

For an in-depth look and more on-the-scene coverage pick up the November World Missions Edition of TPE.

—Kirk Noonan

Church in Pisco where more than 200 people diedPhotos by Kirk Noonan

Articles Featuring Charles T. Crabtree

Charles Crabtree has frequently written for Today's Pentecostal Evangel and been featured in the magazine in other ways. For your gateway to all of these materials, click here . For even more material, go to this list on ag.org .

Articles Featuring Thomas E. Trask

A wealth of material about and by Thomas Trask has been published by Today's Pentecostal Evangel. Click here for your gateway to this material. The main Assemblies of God Web site, ag.org, has even more material here.

Daily Boost ministers to family in crisis

By Scott Harrup

The August 21, 2007, entry for the TPE Daily Boost e-mail devotional was a powerful testimony of healing submitted by Stephen and Carrie Clardy.

Ten years ago, Carrie tripped and fell on concrete while holding their nine-month-old son, Stephen Wayne. Stephen Wayne was seriously injured with a fractured skull. Through a series of miracles, he completely recovered. Despite doctors’ fears, he has never lagged behind in his development.

Within hours of that testimony’s release, the Clardys received a telephone call from New Jersey. Two-month old Madalyn was seriously injured on August 15, 2007, when her mother fell with her down some stairs onto concrete.

“An aunt was calling us to let us know they had lost hope until the girl’s mother came across our story,” Stephen Clardy told the Evangel today.

Please join the Clardys and the Evangel staff in praying for Madalyn’s complete healing.

Read the original devotional.

Thomas Trask, Charles Crabtree Appreciation Web Site Online

Express Your Appreciation


Please express your appreciation for the ministry of Thomas E. Trask, who steps down as general superintendent of the Assemblies of God in October, and for Charles T. Crabtree who steps down as assistant general superintendent at the same time. Click on on the links below to visit their sites and leave your comments of appreciation and memory.

Thomas Trask Appreciation

Charles Crabtree Appreciation

Hurricane Dean Hits Mexico - Team Readies to Go

Representatives of the TPE, Convoy of Hope and HealthCare Ministries are preparing to go to areas of Mexico (and perhaps Belize) affected by the massive storm. Hal Donaldson and Ken Horn of the TPE are scheduled to make the trip.

TPE's Kirk Noonan Heads to Earthquake-Ravaged Peru

PISCO, Peru

The AP reports:

"Rescuers said there was 'no hope' of finding anyone else alive in the rubble of this southern port city leveled by a magnitude-8 earthquake that left at least 540 people dead.

"'We've stopped the rescue work,' said Jorge Vera, a firefighter who led the operation to find survivors at the San Clemente church in Pisco, on Sunday. 'We're now working to recover the bodies.'"

Read the whole story here.

TPE Managing Editor Kirk Noonan leaves tomorrow for Peru with a team consisting of representatives from Convoy of Hope, MAPS, and Healthcare Ministries. They will be traveling with missionary Rich Ferguson to cities and villages hit heavily by the earthquake to distribute supplies and assess the needs of Assemblies of God adherents and churches.

Thought for the Week

When thou prayest, rather let thy heart be without words than thy words without heart.

—John Bunyan

Kristian Walker, Couriers Connection

Kristian Walker stopped by the TPE booth at the recent General Council in Indianapolis. Kristian's wife, Shannon, is the daughter of Duane Nicholson of the original Couriers. Kristian sang with the new Couriers for a while and is now ministering with his wife. He dropped off a copy of their latest CD release, Simply Exalting.

From their Web site (www.kristianwalker.org):

"Kristian & Shannon Walker have been involved in full-time music ministry for the past 12 years. They have sung in 100's of churches of all denominations throughout the U.S., and have had the opportunity to share their music ministry in 25 foreign countries as well. The Walkers use a balance of ministry in music, ministry through worship and ministry from the word to create an atmosphere of God's presence where people can experience His peace, healing and refreshing. They have a Godly heritage of 27 ministers throughout their respective family trees, and draw from this background to provide ministry that encompasses many generations through a variety of musical styles. The Walkers provide additional ministry to churches through worship seminars and church audio consultation."

TPExtra: Dennis Franck on Ministry to Singles

On the latest TPE podcast, host Ken Horn discusses ministry to singles in the local church with Dennis Franck, national director of singles ministry for the Assemblies of God. Hit the play button on the player bar below, or visit our TPE Podcast Web site .

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Thomas E. Trask and Charles T. Crabtree's Final General Council Messages as Assemblies of God's Top Leaders

August 8th and 9th, Thomas E. Trask and Charles T. Crabtree preached their final General Council messages as General Superintendent and Assistant General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God. But you haven't missed it if you weren't in Indianapolis. Watch or listen to Thomas Trask and Charles Crabtree’s farewell messages on a special page that has recorded the historic 52nd General Council for posterity.

General Superintendent-Elect George O. Wood Greeted Warmly in Springfield

When George O. Wood was introduced as our next general superintendent at today's chapel at Assemblies of God headquarters in Springfield, Missouri, the assembled employees broke into applause, which soon turned into a standing ovation. Dr. Wood clearly has the support of the people who will work closely with him in Springfield. As does Alton Garrison, who also was roundly applauded when introduced as our next assistant superintendent.

There is a sense of appreciation and excitement in the air that was palpable at this first HQ chapel since the close of the historic 52nd General Council.

Interview With Alton Garrison

L. Alton Garrison, Assistant General Superintendent-Elect, sat down with Ken Horn to discuss his vision for America. The interview took place prior to the just-finished General Council.
Listen to the interview here .

More Who Came by the TPE Booth at General Council

Missionary to Greece Bob Creel
K.K. Devaraj, director of Teen Challenge and Project Rescue in Bombay, India

Paul Veliquette, pastor of the Assembly of God in Windsor, Colorado
Bruce Yee, Book of Hope

Couriers Awarded General Superintendent's Medals of Honor

The original Couriers received the Assemblies of God General Superintendent's Medals of Honor at the just completed General Council in Indianapolis. The Couriers have been featured in TPE.

General Superintendent Thomas E. Trask presents the medals to (left to right): Neil Enloe, Dave Kyllonen, and Duane Nicholson.














At their booth in the exhibition hall: Duane Nicholson (left) and Dave Kyllonen.







Superintendent’s Medals of Honor awarded

By The Council Today staff

During the Friday morning business session of the General Council, General Superintendent Thomas E. Trask awarded Dave Kyllonen, Duane Nicholson and Neil Enloe of the original “The Couriers” music ministry team and layman Richard Hammar the prestigious General Superintendent’s Medal of Honor.

The Medal of Honor is the highest award the Assemblies of God bestows upon a layperson and is reserved for those who have greatly distinguished themselves through meritorious service to God, the church and fellow citizens.

Following is the recognition given by General Superintendent Trask during the presentation.

The Couriers — Dwight D. Eisenhower was president and gas was under 20 cents a gallon when God placed his call upon three young men students at Central Bible Institute who formed a music ministry team. Some five decades ago, they chose the name “The Couriers” and the rest is history.

Dave Kyllonen, Duane Nicholson, and Neil Enloe have spent these years singing the Good News of Jesus Christ in churches, concerts, prisons, hospital rooms, and countless other places. They have recorded over 40 albums of music, traveled to every state in the Union as well as 80 nations in missionary evangelism.

The Couriers have received three prestigious Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association. Two of the awards, “Song of the Year” and “Associate Member Award” were bestowed on Neil Enloe for his original music composition, “Statute of Liberty.”

In l980, the group decided to launch out into individual ministries with their families which they did for several years. A few years later, they reorganized and resumed the Couriers. However, in 2000 the three stepped out of the Couriers—but not the music ministry—for the last time. So today they are simply Dave, Duane, and Neil. And they take life at a little slower pace so they aren’t on the road day in and day out as has been the case for so many years.

Their former pastor, Paul Wislocky, says, “I have been friends with Dave, Duane and Neil since our years together as students at Central Bible Institute (now college). I can tell you first hand they always operate within the bounds of ministerial ethics and Christian courtesy. They are men of integrity, heart and vision. They have a tremendous desire to introduce people to the saving grace and power of Jesus Christ. Their focus has always been on ministry. They have exhibited a great love for people, been a consistent example of faithfulness to our Lord, and represented our Fellowship well.

For exemplary lives, bringing glory and honor to God and to this church, it is my privilege to confer upon Dave Kyllonen, Duane Nicholson and Neil Enloe the General Superintendent’s Medal of Honor.

Convoy of Hope on Final Day of General Council

The Convoy of Hope in Indianapolis today was a resounding success. The Convoy involved 1,331 volunteers from 56 churches and 47 organizations. They served 4,275 guests; 317 received Christ as Savior.

Photo 1: Convoy Director Mike Redmon coached the volunteers prior to opening on Saturday morning.



Photo 2: Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson with Indiana District Superintendent Don Gifford and his wife.

Photo 3: A few of the 4,275 to receive free groceries ... and a lot more.

Singles director signs at TPE booth

National Singles Director Dennis Franck signs his book, Reaching Single Adults, at the TPE booth on Thursday.

Friday at the TPE booth

There were 5 book signings today. Authors who signed included: (1) Leslie Callaway, Peggy Horn, and Kristy Dykes; (2) Dishan Wickramaratne; (3) Doris Johnson and Peggy Horn; (4) Beth and David Grant; (5) John Kennedy, Ron Kopczick, and Ken Horn of the TPE staff.

It was an incredible week at the booth. We will post more pictures soon of others who came by.

A new slate of officers

Besides our new general superintendent, George O. Wood (see article below), we have a new assistant general suoerintendent, Alton Garrison; a new general secretary, John Palmer; and a new AGUSM director, Zollie Smith. Go to ag.org for the full story. We at Today's Pentecostal Evangel are thrilled with our new leaders and excited about the future. (Pictured: Alton Garrison)

Dr. George O. Wood – New General Superintendent

Dr. George O. Wood was elected the 12th general superintendent, August 10, at the 52nd General Council. Having served as general secretary since 1993, Wood fulfills the unexpired term of Thomas E. Trask, who stepped down during the middle of his four-year term. Needing a two-thirds majority, Wood was elected on the sixth electoral ballot, receiving 70 percent of the vote.

The son of missionary parents to China and Tibet, Wood holds a doctoral degree in pastoral theology from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, and a juris doctorate from Western State University College of Law in Fullerton, California. He did his undergraduate work at Evangel College in Springfield, Missouri, and served the college in several capacities, including being director of spiritual life and student life from 1965-71. Wood was ordained with the Southern Missouri District in 1967.

Prior to his current post, he was assistant superintendent of the Southern California District from 1988-93. He also pastored Newport-Mesa Christian Center in Costa Mesa, California, for 17 years. During his tenure, the church experienced significant growth, relocated and constructed new facilities, and gave $1 million to world missions in the last biennium of his pastorate.

Wood is author of seven books which include, A Psalm In My Heart Vol. I & II, Living Fully, The Successful Life and a college text on the Book of Acts. He also co-authored Jesus and You with Hal Donaldson and Ken Horn. He also is an attorney and a member of the California State Bar.

From ag.org

Look who came by the TPE booth at GC

A few of the folk who have stopped by our booth: Tom Lindberg, pastor of First Assembly of Memphis, Tenn. and frequent contributor to TPE; Chris Neau, professional fisherman who was featured in our 3/12/06 issue; Ron DiCianni, artist and writer whose works have appeared in TPE, and who painted the four paintings of the AG's four defining truths.

Thursday at General Council, TPE booth

Lots of people have stopped by the TPE booth at GC. We have given out hundreds of free magazines and dozens of free books. People have stopped by with compliments ... and a few complaints. We have enjoyed getting feedback and meeting so many of our readers. Here are a few highlights from today. We will update later with highlights of previous days and more from today and tomorrow.

Three of our signings from today are pictured: Mark and Lynda Hausfeld and myself (Ken Horn), co-authors of Silk Road Stories (my wife, Peggy, is pictured with us); Hal Donaldson signing his book Midnight in the City; and Earl Creps signing his book Off-Road Disciplines.

Council is up and running

A variety of things happened today. The highlight was a touching retirement dinner for our assistant general superintendent, Charles T. Crabtree. He has had, and will continue to have, an anointed and effective ministry. Continue to pray that the AG will know God's will for his replacement, and for our general superintendent, Thomas E. Trask. Tonight and tomorrow, the AG put on its first multifaceted Leadership Seminar. One of the speakers in the plenary session is Saturnino Gonzalez, who was the district superintendent in Puerto Rico when I was there following Hurricane Georges. A writer's track is part of the seminar. The TPE session is tomorrow morning.

General Council is almost here

General Superintendent Thomas E. Trask has announced he will resign at the 52nd General Council in Indianapolis, IN, August 8-11. Delegates will vote in a new general superintendent at the 52nd General Council to fulfill his remaining two-year term. Charles Crabtree has also resigned as assistant general superintendent and that position will be voted on as well. Please pray for God’s will to be accomplished in this upcoming Council.

Stay updated on General Council at ag.org.

Master's Commission North Pole in Beaver, AK

Here are the great kids of Master's Commission North Pole in the village of Beaver, Alaska. What a great bunch of young Christians, guided by MCNP Director Ron Pratt. Story coming in TPE later in the year.

Book signings for Fri., Aug. 10

Look who came by: Johan Hovda from Norway

Johan Hovda from Norway stopped by. He is a writer for Norwegian Pentecostal magazines including Korsets Seier. He is shown with TPE Editor Ken Horn.

Thursday Book Signings at TPE GC Booth

Schedule for our August 9 book signings. Click on the image for a larger version.