BREAKING NEWS

God is so good! Please give me a minute to share what God is doing in my life and how I have been changed through a 7 day journey with Tony Lane and 8 other ministers. I met Tony Lane through Grant McClung after taking a course at the Church of God Theological Seminary. The course was on world missions and I felt God calling me to do more than send a missionary a check or remember them in prayer. Tony invited me to join him to the Philippines. I accepted not really knowing how I would pay for the journey.
After a series of circumstances God provided the finances through my wonderful church. They paid my way and allowed me to take extra. I went to the Philippines with 9 strangers and the faith that God was going to use me in some way. We taught at the Asian Seminary of Christian Ministries and I was able to meet Scott Raines. There we taught workshops around practical ministry and issues students would deal with when they graduate and get into church ministry.
The response was amazing and I feel that I connected with my Asian brothers and sisters in a way that few can fathom. They are hungry for God and He is moving mightily in their midst. I was amazed at their responses and how they encouraged me with their testimonies. I met Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Korean and many other students from all over the world. That school is strategically placed in the only Christian country in that part of the world. Those students will carry the Gospel into place we will never see.

I could go on and tell you more about the Samaritan Place Orphanage where Marc Morris and his wife are taking care of 30 orphans in a beautiful facility. They smile like they are in the best place on earth, in many ways I have to concur. I could also tell you about Pastor Anthony who started a church on the side of the road by a pig pen with two other people. He now has over 6,000 members and holds 7 services on Sunday. However, I will save those stories for another time. Please pray for these people, and pray for God to continue to pour out His Spirit on that region.
I just wanted to thank God, Tony Lane and the Church of God for allowing me this wonderful opportunity. I have been changed forever and I will never be the same. God is truly good-all the time!

Until He Comes,
Everett Fraley

THE GATHERING 2009 REVIEW

Although snow was falling and bone chilling wind was blowing, the energy and excitement at THE GATHERING 2009 kept spirits and hearts warm and ready to learn. Embracing the team theme and excellence in participation, tables mimicked football fields with green table cloths, white yard lines, field goals, and pom-poms. “We wanted to make this event, including decorations, party themes, games and ideas applicable and accessible to the volunteers and leaders in our local churches”. Not only did THE GATHERING showcase inexpensive ways to make a room creative for youth and children’s events, but how it can be fun too!

State youth and children’s leaders lead entertaining and creative games, crowd breakers, and challenges that made everyone want to be a kid again. “The key is to keep the schedule changing”, said Kim Dawson of Beckley Family Worship Center. This was a phrase that echoed throughout the weekend. Leaders learned creative ways to keep youth and children involved and interested in the service by using applicable games, transition activities and options, and fresh ways of presenting the gospel. Everyone got involved and had a blast with the “fun time” hour of the weekend.

Not only was everyone challenged by the games and icebreakers, but by the applicable word brought by Randy and Rhonda Parris. “The key is to love children, yourself, and your family”. The necessity of love for the youth and children you minister to was the first area to consider in ministry, remembering however, not to neglect yourself and your family. All three areas are essential in creating a holistic environment for everyone involved.

This was the first year that youth were invited to this event. Tom Madden challenged state directors to identify and encourage “The Eagles” in our youth groups. Rhonda encouraged and challenged “The Eagles” to embrace their callings and to be able to hone in on the characteristics of a good leader. “Write down the vision, pray, fast, surround yourselves with people of excellence and know how to raise funds for your ministry”. Every Eagle walked away with a new perspective on how to embrace the purposes that God has set for them.

THE GATHERING 2009 provided an atmosphere of unity, fellowship, and learning. Challenges and different approaches to ministry were presented, and everyone left with the same words echoing from their lips “I can’t wait for next year” and we agree.
Be sure to watch our monthly promo videos and bulletins so that YOU don’t miss…THE GATHERING 2010!

Until then…RISE UP