AG churches somewhat spared by wildfires, so far

Although hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated and
thousands of structures lost due to the wildfires in Southern
California, so far not one Assemblies of God church has been lost,
though there are reports coming in of damage done to churches by the
fires.

According to the office of Ray Rachels, the Southern California
District Council superintendent, at this point, they are only aware
of one pastor losing his home. Lupe Hernandez, who pastors Rincon
Chapel Assembly of God on the Rincon Indian Reservation, had his
home destroyed by the fire.

However, a number of churches have experienced fire damage, and
almost all AG churches in the area have been affected by the blaze
as church members, family members or friends have lost homes.

Although the fires are not as wide-spread now, they are still
burning on three different fronts. Rachel's office asks for prayer
for moderate rainfall (to avoid mud slides) and that the powerful
Santa Ana winds expected this weekend will not materialize.

Convoy of Hope is working with the district and churches to help
assess and meet needs in the area. To assist Convoy in this
ministry of compassion, see http://www.ConvoyofHope.org.

For updates from the Southern California District on the relief
efforts, see http://www.socalag.org/disasterupdate.

— Dan Van Veen, AG News

Reaching out, making a difference

Saturday, Oct. 27, volunteers from the Assemblies of God headquarters, Evangel University and Central Assembly of God in Springfield, Mo., partnered with Convoy of Hope for a neighborhood outreach in observance of Make A Difference Day.

About 2,700 guests were in attendance. Volunteers distributed 2,500 bags of groceries and prayed with more than 1,000 guests.

Make A Difference Day is a national day of helping others. The annual event, created by "USA Weekend," takes place the on the fourth Saturday of every October. In 2006, more than 3 million people participated in various projects nationwide.

If you, your church or business participated in this year’s Make A Difference Day, tell us about it. We’d love to hear how you are making a difference in your community.

Photos by Dan VanVeen

Twister destroys Indiana church

An Oct. 18 tornado that damaged or destroyed 199 homes and 53 businesses in Nappanee, Ind., demolished an Assemblies of God church in the town of 7,100.

The twister wiped out the sanctuary and most of the upper floor at New Beginnings Assembly of God. The building has since been condemned and is scheduled for demolition.

The church was unoccupied when the tornado hit, and no injuries were reported.

The tornado also destroyed the church’s bus, two storage buildings and maintenance equipment.

The congregation of approximately 50 is meeting in facilities owned by another local church.

“When you face something like this you know you can’t rebuild on your own,” says Mick Tomlinson, pastor at New Beginnings. “It takes God stirring the hearts of the people to rebuild, and that is what He is doing. Not only in our church, but God is stirring others to come and help.”

Though the church was insured, Tomlinson says the settlement may not cover all the losses.

AG Disaster Relief has set up a fund for the church. Donations can be made either online or by mail. When donating online, write "IN Tornado" in the comment field. To donate by mail, send a check to AG Disaster Relief, 1445 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield, MO 65802-1894 and write “IN Tornado” on the memo line.

— Christina Quick

Convoy of Hope sends team to Southern California

With more than half a million people displaced by the Southern
California wildfires, the need for food, water and shelter is
critical. In order to help meet this need, an assessment team from
Convoy of Hope, based in Springfield, Mo., was dispatched to
Southern California Tuesday afternoon as wildfires, fanned by Santa
Anna winds, continued to whip across the region.

"Because we felt it was important to get an assessment team in
place immediately, our team arrived in California Wednesday to
assess the situation and determine how Convoy of Hope can be of the
most help," says Kary D. Kingsland, U.S. Disaster Response director.

So far, hundreds of homes have been destroyed and more than a half a
million people have been forced to evacuate their residences and
places of business. Many evacuees have made their way to local
churches, schools and even Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.

President Bush declared a federal emergency for seven counties, a
move that will speed disaster-relief efforts. Convoy of Hope
representatives plan to enlist the help of corporate partners to
speed relief supplies to organizations and people in need. Though
the fires have been blazing undeterred for three days, containment
of the fires will be difficult as the ground is tinder-dry, high
winds aren't forecasted to abate any time soon, and temperatures are
expected to rise in the coming days.

Kingsland believes Convoy of Hope's role will grow even larger after
the fires have been contained. "There is a lot of need right now,"
he says. "But we expect that need to become even greater after the
fires are contained. That's when people will have time to assess
what they have lost and what they need."

More information on how Convoy of Hope is working to bring
relief to the victims of the Southern California wildfires is available at http://www.convoyofhope.org or by calling 417-823-8998.

— Kristin Kubitschek, AG News

To All Veterans

A Message Looking Forward to Veterans Day

I sit here thinking about how “tough” life is being at war for a back to back of 12 months and then a 15 month combat tour. I miss my wife and dogs. I miss not being able to pick up and get a McDonald cheeseburger when I want to. I miss a real bed where when I get up I don’t have to travel a block to use the facilities or don’t have to check your shoes for what might be in them. Than I feel ashamed as I remember how fortunate the Soldiers of today really are. I know that I am basically whining when I take a look at what other veterans have done for our country in the past 70 years. I have it easy and want to thank each and every one of our veterans for their job well done.

I have been asked to address all of the men and women that I consider my heroes. What an honor to be able to address you. Regardless of whether you volunteered or were drafted and this also includes the spouses and those who supported “their” Soldier. You stood up for your country and the people of American. You did a job that so many were afraid of and you never ran off to Canada or Europe to hide. During World War 2 they estimated that 97% of the United States was involved in some way or another with the fight for freedom. Everyone knew someone that did not come home either directly or in directly. Due to everyone being involved our military personnel, our Hero’s both male and female came home and went to work trying to rebuild a life that for many was gone. I have talked with Soldiers of that era and asked them why they did not put their story to paper? They responded this way…”Cliff, everyone did it or would do what I have done. I was not special, I was called and I went, I did what was expected of me.” So many of our unsung heroes of that day have gone to their graves with many heroic stories and many unhealed pains and memories of friends lost. Why; because they believed they were nothing special. I DISAGREE.

It did not end there. Uncle Sam was not done. The huge war machine of WW2 was winding down, but many of our Service men and women did not get to relax for long. We went to a War with a country many never heard of: Korea. However, something different for us to deal with this time…It was called a military conflict and was never classified as War. To those that were involved it sure seemed like war. There were dead and dieing yet Congress never declared war. In fact they have not since WW2. The horrors of war did not stop just because a group of men were unable to see it for what it was. It was war with stories that could make a grown man cry. The Soldiers came home and many never talked about their experiences. Why? Because it was not a war. It was not a victory; it was considered a draw. Oh sure, there were semblances of a war, but many felt it was just a mop up conflict following WW2. We were nothing special; we did what we were called to do and did what was expected. Many to this day hold the pains inside because they felt that they were nothing special…I DISAGREE!!

A new generation of Soldiers came of age during the next war that we call Vietnam. They were raised on the battles of WWII and Korea. They watched TV where “Rat Patrol” would win battles in 30 minutes time and John Wayne traded his horse in to lead a Battalion of Soldiers to victory in some battle. They heard stories of victories and trials that “made a man out of you.” Though the beginning of this conflict is argued, the trials, deaths and hurts were and are still very real today. It was a war that tore our country apart. While a loud immoral minority condemned the war and those involved (including the Soldier), A Moral Majority sat back confused. While thousands marched on Washington in disagreement, the numbers grew of our dead and the hands of our military leaders were tied by the political leaders of the time. As not to condemn the protestors because that is their right, we must understand that this protesting was not new. Even in WWII the protesters marched on Washington in large numbers, but because of lack of media during the 1940’s, the world in the 60’s and 70’s thought they were doing something completely new. Something in which they thought could change a mind of a nation’s leaders.

Indeed, something new was taking place but not by the media and protestors, but by the men and woman of this generation that set them apart from all generations. Yes, they were called, they went, they did what was asked of them and yes, many did not come home. However, the difference was they survived even when they were told that they weren’t special by those that sent them. They were expected to deal their feelings by themselves. You see in the previous wars, it took time to get home (up to 3 months) and in that time they were able to talk to others with many of the same experiences and they were welcomed as heroes. Vietnam was a 24hour turn around from the jungles to any street in the United States and there was no parade, no thanks, just forget about what happened and move on. No wonder our men and women felt so rejected and worthless. I am one individual that would like to publicly say I am sorry because I DISAGREE!!! Each and every one of you are special and we thank you for the job and sacrifices all of you made.

What about the soldiers that entered their service to our country after Vietnam. Well, let’s think about this for a second. All the wars and rumors of war that took place all over the world didn’t get much Media attention, but people still died. I am sure that I would forget some of them, but let me try. Beirut, Grenada, other South American countries fighting drugs and dictatorships. The different embassies that were bombed throughout the world. Our Navy being shot at, the war that is still going on in Korea, Cuba and other fronts during the Cold War. The Gulf War, fighting in Afghanistan and of course those who are home after fighting in this war on Terror. Our forces of National Guards, and Reserves being used in ways they were never intended, but they are always at the ready to move.

For anyone that has worn any of the uniforms in defense of our precious United States of America, I rise to salute you and the commitment that you have shown to our Great nation. At times, it is correct that many do not understand the things you have gone through, but please understand that you are the Select, you are the heroes, and you are the guide to the next generations of Americans. In your Special and Unique way, the nation is once again calling on you because you have something that many are looking for. Yes, it your experience, but it is also knowledge and relationship that you have with the Lord Jesus Christ and that is what so many people today are lacking, sadly, even within our churches It is no longer time for any of us to take a passive role in showing the world that they need the Lord. It is time to remember yesterday and strive with perseverance in telling the world just how special we all are in the eyes of the Lord. The blood that was shed throughout our nation’s war history is impressive, but it is time for us to teach the world about the blood that was shed upon a tree by our Savior, for our sins…
My friends, you have your orders:

“Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on
earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and
of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have
commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end
of the age."
Matt 28:18-20 NIV

Thank you and God bless,
In HIS service,
CH (CPT) Cliff Neuman
1-4 CAV, Squadron Chaplain

Teen charged with killing mother, wounding pastor father

The 16-year-old son of an Assemblies of God minister in Wellington, Ohio, was charged Monday with murder and attempted murder in the shooting death of his mother and the critical wounding of his father.

Daniel Petric appeared in juvenile court, where he was charged as an adult.

Mark Petric, 45, pastor of New Life Assembly of God, was shot in the face Saturday night and remains hospitalized at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. Sue Petric, 43, was pronounced dead at the family home in Brighton Township, outside Wellington, about 35 miles southwest of Cleveland.

“We believe that Daniel is the sole person responsible for this tragedy,” says Capt. Rich Resendez of the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office. “He has given us some details about what occurred and indicated some of his reasoning.”

A 9 mm gun was found at the scene, Resendez said. Police pulled Daniel Petric over in the family’s minivan shortly after the shooting.

The Petrics’ daughter Heidi Archer and her husband, Andrew, found the couple when they arrived at their home to watch a baseball playoff game on television.

Andrew Archer, 23, gave his father-in-law first aid, while Heidi Archer, 21, called 911, Resendez said.

“The first aid that Andrew applied to Mark possibly did save him,” Resendez says.

A memorial service for Sue Petric will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at Christian Heritage Assembly of God in Avon, Ohio. AG General Superintendent George O. Wood plans to attend.

Those wanting to make a financial contribution to the family’s expenses in memory of Sue Petric may send checks to Fifth Third Bank, 161 E. Herrick Ave., Wellington, Ohio, 44090. “Memorial fund for the Petric family” should be mentioned in the memo line.

“The Petric family has certainly been strengthened by the prayers and support of ministers and churches,” says Ohio District Superintendent Doug Clay. “It is times like these that the value of belonging is most evident. Both Mark’s and Susan’s families are filled with faith and are comforting one another during this difficult time.”

Mark and Sue met at Valley Forge Christian College. Before moving to Wellington, the Petrics were youth and associate pastors at Eastgate Assembly of God at Reynoldsburg, Ohio, for 10 years. They also worked as house parents for troubled teens at the Choice Place Boy’s Home in Ashland.

“Mark and his family were easy to love,” says Hal Stiles, a member of New Life church.

"Sometimes miracles happen"; Infant Survives Tornado

A Michigan child is being called the "Miracle Baby."

A family was asleep when a tornado demolished their home. The twister reduced the house to rubble. The Flint Journal reported that the baby’s crib was thrown 40 feet away from the home.

A neighbor found the baby under a pile of debris, including the crib, about 40 feet from the home after hearing a faint whimper.

"Sometimes miracles happen," Millington Township firefighter Dan Detgen told The Flint Journal.

God was watching over this child.

Master's Commission North Pole in Beaver, AK

The great young Christians I traveled with on the Yukon River in Alaska in July. Director Ron Pratt is in blue. Look for the story in our December AGUSM edition.

20,000 and Counting

If you’re reading this, you’ve joined readers from more than 70 nations around the world who took this site past its 20,000th page view today.

Internet statistics are typically in the stratosphere numerically, so 20,000 may not sound like a figure worth noting. But even small milestones here at the Evangel blog represent new avenues for touching lives.

You’ll find more than news and celebrity gossip on our blog. You’ll find resources to encourage you in your walk of faith. We hope you’ll visit often. And feel free to leave us a comment as you navigate to your next destination.

Scott Harrup

From Prison to Pulpit

Editor’s note: The following article ran in TPE’s annual KeyBearers edition on April 24, 2005. Since then, Eric and Shari Earhart have had a son, Mitch, born in June 2006, and a daughter, Mandi, born in September 2007. Upper Room Assembly recently broke ground on an 8,000-square-foot worship center and Earhart has been ordained by the North Carolina District of the Assemblies of God. The AG’s current “Nothing’s Too Hard for God” media campaign features Earhart’s life story. In August 2007, the Earharts escaped a fire that extensively damaged their home.


From prison to pulpit

A passion for Jesus replaces cocaine trafficking in Eric Earhart’s life

By John W. Kennedy

On the street, the gregarious Eric Earhart is constantly on a mission. Every passerby he sees is an opportunity for evangelism. Within a few seconds of meeting a stranger, Earhart joyously explains in a booming voice what a blessed life he leads, recounting how his faith in Jesus Christ helped him through a 42-month prison stretch.
A decade ago, a different force drove the muscular, 6-foot-5 Earhart in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Much like today, whenever anyone saw him coming they knew he meant business — but not the Lord’s business.
As a cocaine trafficker, Earhart had little patience for those who owed him money.
On Christmas night in 1995, Earhart went to the house of a man who owed him several thousand dollars from a drug deal. Three weeks earlier he had beaten the guy with a baseball bat and warned him to pay — or face a deadly assault the next time. In the brutal drug business, a dealer who doesn’t collect his debts by enforcing such threats soon is out of business. Earhart didn’t plan to miss a payday the second time.
Slightly intoxicated, Earhart kicked in the front door. Within a couple of seconds he had the barrel of an assault rifle pointing into the mouth of the stunned drug defaulter as he sat on his living room couch.
Earhart pulled the trigger.
The gun misfired, ejecting the round of ammunition, which Earhart caught in midair.
Earhart flung the bullet into the lap of his intended, terrified victim.
“You’re lucky tonight!” a fuming Earhart shouted, stabbing the frightened man in the neck with the gun’s bayonet. “But you better get out of town!”
For Earhart, years of alcohol and marijuana abuse began at age 12. So did vandalism and thievery. Adulthood didn’t change him. In a rural culture where men often are judged by how tough they are with their fists, Earhart’s bruising reputation increased.
“I was as deep in sin as a human being could be,” Earhart recalls.
The U.S. Army even booted Earhart — twice — for his inebriated, violent behavior.
After being discharged, Earhart and his brother, Robert, began a wholesale seafood business to regional restaurants. Although lucrative at first, the enterprise began to fail. Earhart didn’t want his family and friends to see that he had failed yet again, so he began trafficking cocaine from North Carolina to New York in an effort to keep up the facade.
Soon the drug trade grew lucrative, so much so that it attracted the attention of state drug enforcement officials. After a six-month investigation, Earhart got busted and faced 40 years behind bars.
Meanwhile, the mother of Earhart’s live-in girlfriend plus the captain of the shrimp boat where he found work while out on bail both evangelized him. One night on the beach Earhart fell on his knees.
“Lord, I’ve ruined my life,” he cried out. “If You can do something good with it, I’m Yours.”

Immediately Earhart changed his lifestyle. He read the Bible six hours a day as he waited to enter prison. As Earhart began serving a seven-year term for cocaine trafficking, his parents and siblings — who didn’t cut him off during his drug dealing days — no longer wanted to see him. His incessant talk about Jesus proved to be too much. They also told him not to write. They didn’t want to read letters rambling on about the Savior of the world.
In the first cellblock where he lived — the first of eight prison camps — Earhart stood out as the only Christian. Although committing his life to Jesus didn’t abolish his sentence, it gave him peace to endure the circumstances.
“Prison is a dark, evil place,” Earhart says. “But to know the Lord makes all the difference in the world.” His newfound faith also enabled him to cope with his past mistakes.
“Prison allowed me to be humbled and real with myself,” Earhart says. “It wasn’t the fault of my mama, my daddy, my lawyer, the district attorney or my girlfriend that I was in there. I was there because of my sin and my poor decisions.”
Early during his incarceration, Earhart was filled with the Holy Spirit at a Bible study. Bold evangelism has been a hallmark of his life ever since.
“I was always amazed at how Christian literature discipled me in the prison system,” says Earhart, 37. “Whenever I needed to go to the next level, God had always provided free materials and Bibles through the generosity of His people.”
Earhart believes it’s important for inmates to have access to magazines such as Today’s Pentecostal Evangel because prisoners also are inundated with theologically suspect material. “It’s so important in the discipleship process of inmates, especially for those weak in the faith, to be doctrinally sound,” he says. “It’s easy to end up with wrong teaching.”
Shortly before his release, Earhart had the opportunity to be out in the community a few hours every week. He chose Sunday mornings, when he visited The Carpenter’s Shop church, an Assemblies of God congregation in Ahoskie, N.C. For four months no one in the congregation knew he lived in prison. Then after services one Sunday he asked Pastor Wallace Phillips to visit him at his residence — the regional penitentiary.
During their visit, Phillips immediately sensed from God that Earhart had a ministry calling upon his life.
Even though the Lord had cleaned him up, Earhart balked at the notion.
I’m not pastor material, Earhart told himself. I’m a fighter, a redneck fisherman. Earhart had a concept of preachers as meek, horn-rimmed men in black suits, even though the husky Phillips showed up at prison wearing jeans and a casual shirt.
When Phillips offered to mentor him, Earhart initially turned him down. When released, he simply wanted to go home and hang out at the beach. On reflection, he yielded to full-time ministry.
Not that Earhart had held back in prison. There he led 380 inmates and five guards to make salvation decisions.
In fact, revival broke out at the prison camp immediately after Phillips told Earhart about God’s calling. Inmates started coming up to Earhart asking what they needed to do to get right with the Lord.
Prison officials viewed Earhart as the ringleader of this Christian “gang.” The camp supervisor called Earhart into his office and ordered him to stop preaching, unless he wanted to be convicted of inciting a riot and disrupting the function of a correctional facility — charges that would result in an additional eight years to his sentence. At the time, Earhart had only 60 days until freedom.
Just as Peter and John refused the Sanhedrin’s orders to stop speaking the name of Jesus (Acts 4), Earhart responded that he couldn’t stop preaching. In a response worthy of the apostles, Earhart told the warden that as long as he had breath, he would continue declaring the gospel. And he did. The warden backed off his threats, just as the Sanhedrin did.
“Christians face violent persecution in prison, from other prisoners and from staff as well,” Earhart says. “Christians bring a message of conviction to those not walking with the Lord.”
In December 2000, after serving half of his seven-year term, Earhart walked out a free man. The next year he attended an Assemblies of God boot camp for church planters, but he still craved assurance from North Carolina District Superintendent Charles O. Kelly.
“I wanted to make sure he knew what a lying, cheating past I had,” Earhart says. Kelly told Earhart if God wanted him in ministry he needed to heed the call.
After being trained in evangelism and discipleship, Earhart in October 2002 became pastor of the first church planting endeavor of Carpenter’s Shop: Upper Room Assembly, located 26 miles north of Ahoskie in Gatesville. He started with half a dozen people.
“Eric is the kind of guy who lives by strong convictions,” says Carpenter’s Shop’s Pastor Phillips. “His personality is exactly what the county needed for a strong, vibrant Pentecostal work.”
Now, Upper Room, which meets in a newly renovated former auto parts store, has 100 attendees — in a town of 280. Earhart knew a few of his flock while in prison, including James Gresham.
“I could hear him in Bible study about 10 bunks away,” Gresham recalls. “He prayed for me one day and immediately I was cured of my 20-year bondage to alcohol.”
Only one Upper Room family has any kind of Pentecostal background. Around one-third are African-
American.
It’s not that Gates County, which has a population of only 10,500, had no congregations before. Although the county has but a single traffic light, there are 62 houses of worship, most of which have worshippers belonging to either one ethnic make-up or the other. The county is 59 percent white and 39 percent black, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Signs of racial division are still very evident.
In such an environment, Earhart preaches that turning from evil is a requirement of salvation. “John the Baptist, Jesus, Peter and Paul all taught to repent and reject darkness first,” Earhart says.
“He is well suited to pioneer a church there because of his passion and his ability to identify with people,” says District Superintendent Kelly.
For Earhart, sin, not skin color, is the black and white issue.
“He’s not one to pussyfoot around,” says Mickey White, a ministry volunteer who met Earhart when he lived in prison. “He’s a real repent-and-turn-from-sin-or-you’re-going-to-hell kind of guy.”
Chuck Small, a paint store manager who doubles as Upper Room’s associate pastor, agrees. “In Christian circles I’ve met so many people who say one thing and do another,” Small says. “But Eric is refreshing. He’s lived what he preaches.”
Upper Room is located less than a mile from where Earhart spent his final months as an inmate. Ironically, state prison officials have started calling him to ask if prisoners being released can spend transition time in his care. So far, three men have stayed with him.
Eventually, Earhart’s family stopped avoiding him, too. Earhart led his father to salvation a year before he died of cancer at age 63 in 2002. Two years ago, Earhart’s brother, Robert, who had a drug abuse history similar to Eric’s, also converted. Robert now is a scallop boat captain.
For Earhart the future is even brighter. On July 1, 2005, he weds Olathe, Kan., kindergarten teacher Shari R. Albertson. And yes, she knows about his past.

TPE Production Coordinator Receives Award

We've been wanting you to meet our staff. Today meet Lucas Key. Lucas is the production coordinator for Today's Pentecostal Evangel. He recently received a safety award for providing information that rectified a safety hazard at Assemblies of God Headquarters in Springfield, Missouri.

Way to go, Lucas.

Wood, Smith Share

New General Superintendent George O. Wood and new Executive Director of U.S. Missions Zollie Smith completed the special series of messages by new officers of the Assemblies of God last Thursday and Friday at Assemblies of God Headquarters in Springfield, Missouri, sharing their personal life stories. Go to ag.org to listen to or view the messages.


(Images are screen captures only. View videos at ag.org.)

Audio Files for TPE Articles Begin

Senior Associate Editor Scott Harrup has begun reading selected articles from each issue of TPE. Note: This a second podcast, separate from TPExtra.

Powered by Podbean.com

Video From the Recent Walk for Life

Garrison, Palmer Share Testimonies

Assistant General Superintendent Alton Garrison and General
Secretary John Palmer began a special series of services, sharing
their testimonies. Garrison tells the remarkable story of his wife's
family coming to the Lord and how God brought him into a
Christian family, when it seemed he was destined to be the son of
an alcoholic. Palmer shares about the powerful examples his
parents lived out before him, how that influenced his life and
how God has used failures and disappointments as cornerstones for
success. See and hear the complete testimonies at http://ag.org/.
Dan Van Veen


(Images are screen captures only. View videos at ag.org.)

AG Participates in Pregnancy Care Center Walk for Life

Walkers raised $113,100 for the 6th annual Pregnancy Care Center Walk for Life Saturday, Oct. 6, at Jordan Valley Park in Springfield, Mo. Including a separate simultaneous walk in nearby Monett to help the center’s branch in Aurora, Mo., more than 2,200 walkers participated in the event, including 95 representing the Assemblies of God.

The funds will be used for the Pregnancy Care Center’s building campaign. The center will move into its own more spacious facility next summer.

“We are very grateful that Assemblies of God leadership stood with us in this,” says Cindi Boston, executive director of the Pregnancy Care Center. “The Assemblies of God is making a difference in serving the community where we live.”

The Pregnancy Care Center provides services for more than 1,600 people annually. The center launched a Fatherhood program this year.

—John W. Kennedy; photos by Ken Horn


Cindi Boston addresses walkers


Prayer prior to the event








The End of the Walk

AG U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Davis Dies From Cancer

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Davis, a member of the Assemblies of God who served in Congress for seven years, died Oct. 6 after a two-year battle with breast cancer.

Davis, 57, became Virginia's first Republican woman elected to Congress in 2000, and she was a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the Foreign Affairs Committee.

“Her determination to fight the disease is an inspiration to all of us,” President Bush said. “She was a fine example of a public servant who worked hard to cut government waste to ensure the people's money was used wisely. “Her common-sense values will be missed on Capitol Hill.''

Her first piece of legislation, passed by the House in 2001, increased the life insurance benefit paid to survivors of military members killed on duty.

A conservative who came from modest means, Davis was known for her unquenchable inquisitiveness and how quickly and deeply she learned about any legislative issue.

“I always admired Congresswoman Davis' strong convictions and the tenacity that she brought to bear in acting on them,” said U.S. Sen. John W. Warner, a fellow Virginia Republican.

She underwent chemotherapy treatments and a mastectomy when her cancer was first diagnosed in 2005. When the cancer returned this year, she underwent chemotherapy again and often monitored hearings from her home in Glocester.

Survivors include her husband, Chuck, two sons and a granddaughter.

Editor Ken Horn interviewed Rep. Davis in Washington, D.C., from a Conversation that was published in the February 29, 2004, Pentecostal Evangel. That interview follows, exactly as it appeared:

Christians in politics

Jo Ann Davis serves Virginia’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House
of Representatives. She spoke with Managing Editor Ken Horn during the
Assemblies of God’s 50th General Council in Washington, D.C.

PE: What is the atmosphere and what are the challenges as a believer
involved in government?

DAVIS: I’m not a politician first; I’m a Christian who happens to be in
politics. I feel very strongly that this is the path that God led me on. I
see a lot of ways in Congress, in Washington, in which God is working. I
think now more than ever we have a godly man in the White House and we have Christians in the House and Senate. I believe God is trying to move and it’s time now that we pray and humble ourselves.

PE: How would you recommend Christians pray for government and for the political climate in the nation?

DAVIS: I would pray that the leaders in government would have godly wisdom, that they would listen to the Lord and that they would be bold, step out and not worry about being politically correct. Pray that God’s Spirit would descend upon Washington and upon each and every member of Congress. I ask people to pray that I would not only have wisdom but that I would be open in my spirit to hear from God, and that I would be obedient to the Lord.

PE: What are the issues that Christians should be concerned about?

DAVIS: Issues that impact the family are the ones that concern me the most — the homosexual agenda, the need for pro-life legislation, for example. Families are the basis of our nation.

PE: During the continuing conflict overseas, how should we be praying and
supporting our troops and our leaders?

DAVIS: I serve on the House Armed Services Committee and International
Relations Committee and I have visited our men and women in the military
over in Afghanistan. We need to pray for their safety, that God will bring
them back home to their families.

PE: How did you come to know Christ?

DAVIS: I was saved when I was 25 in 1981. My husband’s sister led me to the Lord when his mother died.

PE: Describe your journey into politics.

DAVIS: I spent months asking God to use me. Eventually, I got my real estate license and opened a real estate company. One of my real estate agents in 1997 asked me to consider running for the state legislature against a 15-year incumbent. I was not political in any way, shape or form. I voted every year for pro-life candidates, but I didn’t know anything else about them. And then my friend said those fateful words: “Would you pray about it?” So I prayed. I started to feel led by the Lord to run. I asked my husband, knowing that if he said no, I wouldn’t do it. And he said, “I knew three years ago that you would do something like this.” I ran for the state legislature in 1997, and started serving in 1998. I served three years and then the congressman in my district announced his retirement. I knew that I was supposed to run for Congress. I did, against all odds. Even the governor endorsed another candidate, but I knew that the Lord had told me I was going to Congress. So we ran even though we didn’t have any money. We won. Here we are.

PE: Any other thoughts?

DAVIS: Just continue praying. There are so many of us in government who feel those prayers and we know the prayers are what keep us going. Without prayer, I couldn’t be here.

End of interview.

The staff of Today's Pentecostal Evangel are appreciative of the life and ministry of this godly woman who was a patriot and a Christian.

(Photo By Peggy Horn)

Parting Words From Pastor Trask

For nearly two years, General Superintendent Thomas E. Trask has delivered a weekly video "Chat With Pastors." His final Chat included words that are appropriate to all believers. We share just a few of them here:

I have a library full of books ... but there’s no book like the Word of God. ... I admonish you — live in the Word and let the Word live in you.

...

David said, “Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). What is going to keep you pure? What is going to keep any of us pure? What is going to keep us righteous? What is going to keep us holy? What is going to keep us on track? What is going to keep us in balance? I’m here to tell you, it’s going to be the Word of God.

...

How can we minister in spiritual things if we are unspiritual? ... I’m talking about walking in the Spirit, living in the Spirit, and ministering through the enablement of the Spirit. We must have a keen sense of what God is doing. He will give you an awareness of opportunities you’ve never had before — daily, so that you can be the salt and you can be the light that He’s called all of us to be.

... I urge you to walk with the Lord. Walk in the power of His Spirit. Live with the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit so you will be effective. I promise you, on the authority of God’s Word, your ministry will flourish. God will bless.

TPE Podcasts

The TPE Podcast continues to draw new listeners. Here is the first program Kirk Noonan and I did. It was "Doing Business God’s Way," a discussion of our 7-8-07 TPE. All of our podcasts can be found at tpe.podbean.com.

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"Nothing’s Too Hard for God"

National Director of Communications for the Assemblies of God Juleen Turnage and Resource Development Coordinator for the Office of Public Relations Rick Griepp recently appeared on our TPExtra Podcast. They talked with host Ken Horn about the AG’s multimedia campaign available to our churches, Nothing’s Too Hard for God. Included in the podcast are sample 60 second radio spots. You can listen on the player below. Visit nothingstoohardforgod.org for more information.

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God’s Grace: Injured Husband Finds New Purpose After Wife’s Unexpected Death

Editor’s note: The following article appeared in the March 25, 2007 issue of TPE. On Sept. 10, 2007, James John Tingle, was sentenced to three to six years in prison upon being convicted of homicide by vehicle while driving a vehicle under the influence in connection with the death of Linda Whited. Tingle received concurrent terms for two counts of aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI.

Meanwhile, James Whited, who wears a leg brace and uses a cane, says he continues to miss his wife immensely. He is preparing for ordination next spring and plans to travel as an evangelist in a motor home. His son Jim Jr. is in college in Williamsport. Pa., studying computers. Daughter Chrissy is in 10th grade.

By John W. Kennedy

James R. Whited Sr. still hobbles with a leg brace. Pain flairs where tendons no longer exist. He suffered permanent damage in what remains a weak left ankle. He has no sensation in the bottom of his foot. Steel plates are inserted in his left arm and hip.

Emotionally, Whited has a difficult time retelling the events that changed his family forever. What troubles him most is the loss of Linda, his wife of 23 years.

On Dec. 4, 2005, Whited drove his wife and two children among the picturesque rolling mountains in central Pennsylvania en route to the Sunday evening service at Gospel Tabernacle, the Philipsburg Assemblies of God church where they are members. An oncoming car driven by Brandi Markel had stopped on U.S. Route 322 to make a turn. In the wintry dark Whited saw a speeding Ford F250 pickup truck driven by James Tingle hit Markel’s vehicle from behind. Markel’s car traveled 120 feet, but she miraculously escaped injury.

However, Tingle’s truck came into Whited’s lane and struck his vehicle head-on. The truck hit with such ferocity that the crushed dashboard pinned Jim and Linda in the front seat.

Whited’s Kia Sportage caught fire and filled with black smoke. John Taylor, driving in the car behind the Whiteds, smothered the flames with a fire extinguisher he carried in his auto. Meanwhile, a passer-by broke out a rear passenger window to free son Jim Whited Jr., then 17. Jim Jr. crawled out, then collapsed. The other backseat passenger, daughter Chrissy, then 13, emerged with only a bruise on her leg.

To read the rest of this article, click here here.

Last Week to Leave a Message of Appreciation for Trask, Crabtree

The change of leadership for the Assemblies of God officially takes place this Sunday, October 8. October 7 will be the last date that messages of appreciation can be left online for outgoing leaders Thomas Trask and Charles Crabtree. You may access the site for Bro. Trask here, and for Bro. Crabtree here.