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.

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."

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.

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.

Book signings for Fri., Aug. 10

Thursday Book Signings at TPE GC Booth

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

If you are coming to General Council ...

... be sure to stop by the TPE booth. Our booth is open August 8, 9, and 10. We will be having free book signings as usual. I always enjoy meeting folks from our AG churches. Be sure to say hi. We will also be snapping pictures to post on the blog. When you come by, just mention the blog, and, voila, your picture will be taken for later posting here. Here is our Weds. schedule. Click on the image for a bigger version.