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.

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.)

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.

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.

Juleen Turnage on TPExtra Podcast

Juleen Turnage, National Director of Communications for the Assemblies of God, recently appeared on our TPExtra Podcast. With a change of administration and leadership in the Fellowship on October 8, 2007, Turnage shares insights from past transitional times and administrations.

Listen Now:

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New Assemblies of God Leaders Accept Charge of Office: View It Here

September 19, 2007

"In a solemn ceremony, filled with prayer and emotion, departing Assemblies of God General Superintendent Thomas E. Trask read commissioning statements to the new AG Executive Leadership Team in a service held Tuesday morning in the AG national headquarters chapel auditorium in Springfield, Missouri."

Read the full article from AG News here.

View the service here.

Core Values - Audio

Dr. George O. Wood, general superintendent-elect of the Assemblies of God, recently addressed Assemblies of God Theological Seminary students and faculty on the subject of his core values as general superintendent. To hear that message, click here.

Trask, Crabtree Appreciation Deadline Set

Assemblies of God News Service

Appreciation deadline set, glitch resolved
September 7, 2007

The "Today's Pentecostal Evangel" Web site (www.tpe.ag.org) currently features a pair of links to sites that enables individuals to post words of appreciation for departing executives General Superintendent Thomas E. Trask and Assistant General Superintendent Charles T. Crabtree.

According to TPE Editor Ken Horn, the opportunity to post a message for either or both men will continue through Sunday, October 7, 2007.

"We want to provide ample opportunity for individuals across the country and around the world to post their memories and words of appreciation," explains Horn. "Your words can be part of something these two remarkable servants of God will always treasure."

Horn also says that a technical error, which has recently kept people from posting their comments, has been resolved. "We are monitoring the sites regularly to make sure they remain accessible," he says.

After the October 7 deadline passes, Horn says the comments from both sites will be printed, bound and presented to Trask and Crabtree.

To post a note of appreciation, go to http://tpe.ag.org and click on the appropriate link to express appreciation for either or both men.

Fulfilling the Great Commission: Thomas Trask

An interview from the October 15, 2000 Pentecostal Evangel.

Fulfilling the Great Commission

Jesus commissioned His church to reach the lost. This mandate from the Master has been the driving force behind the Assemblies of God since its beginning. A continued expression of the Fellowship’s commitment to evangelism is evident in the newly established Commission on Evangelism.

Randy Hurst, who has served for the past three years as director of communications for Foreign Missions, has been appointed commissioner on evangelism.

Thomas E. Trask, general superintendent of the Assemblies of God, and Randy Hurst spoke with the Pentecostal Evangel about this commission and its purpose.

Evangel: What is the purpose of the Commission on Evangelism?

Trask: Pentecost was given for evangelism. God birthed the Assemblies of God for evangelism. For nearly 87 years this Church has fulfilled that purpose. The fire of evangelism must burn within this Church as we enter the 21st century. The Commission on Evangelism will help keep evangelism in focus for the Assemblies of God. We must reach the lost before Jesus comes.

I pray that the desire for evangelism moves through every fiber of this Church so millions more will come to Christ.

Evangel: Will the Commission on Evangelism implement an evangelism program?

Hurst: Evangelism must be implemented in a wide variety of cultures and contexts. Having just one program for every community would not bring maximum results.

Our constant challenge is to understand where we cannot waver in commitment to our distinctive priorities, yet learn to follow the fresh dynamic leading of the Spirit and respond to ever-changing cultures. America has increasingly become a post-Christian culture. The church now faces the challenge of communicating the message of Christ in an intercultural context. American Christian believers need some of the same sensitivities and skills as missionaries to reach our secular society. It is an issue of relevance. When Jesus dealt with the Samaritan woman at the well, He used language and ideas she could understand. He centered the conversation on her needs and interests. If we have spent much of our lives in the church, we have acquired the perceptions, values and even the vocabulary of the church. Unbelievers must be reached through their vocabulary, not ours.

Evangelism cannot be reduced to just one program because each community is different. Programs can be helpful but the more important issues are the character and competence of our people.

Trask: The factor that runs through any culture or church is passion. A passion for the lost will be the driving force. The Holy Spirit in the hearts of people must birth this. The Commission on Evangelism will endeavor to awaken the need for passion for the lost.

Evangel: How will the commission serve individual believers?

Hurst: Both through education and motivation. A major objective is to help bring awareness and understanding of what God can do in and through them personally. Some people think they’re not gifted for evangelism. But all believers are commissioned to be witnesses.

Evangelism is providing people with an adequate witness so they can come to the point of a decision concerning Jesus Christ. We need to understand the Holy Spirit’s part in the process and our part. It is not our responsibility to convince someone of sin; the Spirit does that. The same Holy Spirit who inspired the written Word will illumine its truth and make it come alive in the mind and heart of the unbeliever. We need a fresh understanding that the salvation of souls is God’s business, and we have the privilege of working with Him.

Evangel: Where should we begin?

Hurst: We should begin by addressing what we believe.

First, we must reaffirm our conviction that the lost are really lost. Many American Christians have unconsciously drifted in their personal convictions about the lost. The truth is, if the American businessman in his BMW does not know Jesus, he is as lost as the witch doctor in Africa.

Second, we need to understand the purpose of the baptism in the Holy Spirit which encompasses every aspect of a believer’s life. The promised "power" that accompanies the Baptism means "ability" — whatever ability is required to fulfill the task God has called us to do.

The word dependence describes a Pentecostal’s relationship with the Holy Spirit and evangelism. The Spirit-filled believer depends on the Holy Spirit to do what only the Holy Spirit can do.

In the last decade we have seen more than 10 times the church growth in our Assemblies of God fellowships overseas than we have in the United States. Some Americans have asked me, "What do Christians overseas have that makes them so effective in evangelism?" I believe there’s a more important question: "What do we have that they don’t that we are depending on too much?" Technology, media and other tools are all helpful, but the true power to produce results in evangelism is found in the spiritual realm rather than the natural. Tools don’t do the job — people do.

Pentecostal evangelism is God-centered. Sometimes people with limited resources are more effective because they must depend on God. They may not have the technology or the tools, so they pray and seek God more.

God has chosen to work through prayer. Any church that is effectively reaching the lost in its community will be a praying church. In prayer we submit and humble ourselves before Him. This puts us in a posture of dependence on Him.

Evangel: What do you see happening in evangelism in the coming years?

Trask: My prayer is that we will capture again the thrill of personally seeing people find Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. If we can be zealous about sharing Jesus and then disciple new believers, our churches will grow.

The task of evangelism is not finished. We cannot be satisfied with the spiritual harvest we’ve already seen. There are fields upon fields that have yet to be harvested.

Discovering Jesus: An Interview With Thomas E. Trask

Thomas Trask will step down as general superintendent of the Assemblies of God in October. Between now and then we will be running some of his past interviews and articles. We start with this interview from our March 20, 2005 issue:

Discovering Jesus

In the past 12 months several national magazines and television programs have attempted to answer the question "Who is Jesus?" To provide an accurate answer to that question, Kirk Noonan, associate editor [now managing editor], spoke with Thomas E. Trask, general superintendent of the Assemblies of God.

PE: Many people don't believe Jesus is who He claims to be — what do you say to such people?

TRASK: You need to meet Him because when you get to know Him you'll quickly discover the reality of Jesus. He is a genuine friend who sticks closer to you than a brother. He will not abandon you during hardships, difficulty or pain.

PE: How do we know Jesus' claims are true?

TRASK: The proof is in history. All of His claims have been supported over time. He said, "In three days I will rise again." And He did. It's a historical fact that He died, was buried and rose again.The proof is also in the multiplied millions of people who have experienced His power, love, compassion and miracles.

PE: Why is Jesus such a controversial figure?

TRASK: Because He says, "The only way to have eternal life is through Me." That offends some people. All that Christ asks of us is that we accept His free gift of salvation.

PE: How does Jesus bring us closer to God?

TRASK: Jesus tells us what the Father tells Him. He is that intermediary along with the third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, who reveals God to us. Jesus says, "If you've seen Me, you've seen the Father."

PE: Can Jesus change dire circumstances?

TRASK: When it seems that our world is collapsing, Jesus will come to us with strength and hope that is beyond our comprehension. We can always go to Him in prayer and ask for His help during any situation because He is always there to respond.

PE: Is God concerned with our individual needs?

TRASK: The Bible says He's numbered every hair on our head. I don't know how He does it, but I know I am the recipient of His care and provision, a beneficiary of all He has to offer.

PE: How do you reply to the person who says, "I've spent my life sinning. Why would Jesus want anything to do with me?"

TRASK: Everyone is a sinner. Jesus died for the person who lived the life of wretchedness as well as for the person who has led a good, clean life. No matter what kind of life we have lived, Jesus loves us and wants to have a relationship with us. But it's up to us to accept Him as Savior.

PE: How does a person do that?

TRASK: Jesus does not force himself upon us; He waits for us to invite Him in. When we ask forgiveness for our sins and ask Him into our lives we are saved. Our salvation is not predicated upon church affiliation, heritage, finances or good works. We must only accept Him as Lord and Savior to have eternal life.

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.

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

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.

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.

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