November 2012
During this time of the year we stop and take time to recognize our veterans. One of the rights purchased by the soldiers of the great nation is the right to vote. This vote is to be based on our conscience and beliefs, and it is valuable beyond words. Each person is motivated by different and sometimes conflicting principles, many of which are born into us by life’s experiences. However, one thing we should never allow ourselves to believe is that our hope or future rests upon this right. We have something much greater, in that we are members of the Church of the living God. Make no mistake, our hope is not in any political party or political process – our hope is in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Be assured, unregenerate man can never govern himself – no matter what his party affiliation.
For this reason, the Church should never allow herself to become divided over political positions and issues. We should always stand strong for morality, but the Bible tells us that Jesus did not “rail in the streets.” The greatest thing one can do to change the world is to win one person to Jesus Christ. Our churches do more good by preaching the gospel than any political institution in existence.
Also, the positive message this world needs to hear is that the Church has always overcome the obstacles it has faced. If the Apostolic Church can thrive in China, as it is, and even see revival in Iran, as it is, then there is hope for revival in America. Though we are appalled at the moral degeneration of our nation, it is also true that light shines brighter in darkness. In these bleak times the church will shine brighter and brighter. The lost sinners do not need politics; they need a loving church telling them about a transforming God. We are that church, and I feel pretty good about it right now!
Alabama Together Project:
The first phase of the Alabama Together Project was the COME meetings across the state. There was great enthusiasm as we took the first step to Combining Our Ministry Efforts. Phase two will be called CORE, and will launch in January 2013. This phase is a state wide effort at reaffirming the core doctrines and beliefs of the Apostolic Movement. We are already on the same page; we just need to take another look at the page. More information will be coming your way. We are Alabama Together!
New Church Plants:
Cornerstone Church of Cedar Bluff, Pastor Richard Coley, is announcing the start of a daughter work in Jacksonville, Alabama, one of the target cities of the state. The on-sight missionaries are Rev. and Mrs. Robert Griffin. Also, the recent church plant in Oneonta (another target city), a daughter work of Church on the Rock in Gadsden, has begun services. On-sight missionaries are Rev. and Mrs. Kevin LoVeless. Also, Victory Tabernacle in Huntsville, pastor Troy Taylor, planted a new church in Gurley a few months ago, and it is doing well. Pastor Larry Wells resigned the church in Marbury, and Mike Markham was elected pastor. The church has been reclassified as Clanton since it is only a few miles from the city limits. Clanton was also a target city. Please keep these churches in your prayers and offer any assistance that you can.
Pre-approved Sites:
The Alabama District Board and North American Missions have updated our pre-approved sites in Alabama. You can find this information by clicking here. Help us pray for Tuscumbia, Decatur, Hampton’s Cove, Birmingham, Hoover, Calera, Demopolis, Tuskegee, Daphne/Fairhope, and Troy.
North American Missionaries:
We currently have eleven North American Missionaries on location in Alabama. Jay Davis pastors Cornerstone Church in Lincoln, Steve Drake pastors Apostolic House of Prayer in Ragland, Matt Edmonson pastors Redeemed Apostolic Church in Tuscaloosa, Minerva Garcia pastors La nina de sus ojos, Iglesia Pentecostal in Athens, Joseph Grimes pastors The Apostolics of Citronelle, Andy Salinas pastors the Pentecostals of Dadeville, John-Paul Wallace pastors 2.42 Church in Montgomery, James Williams III pastors Point of Grace Church in Birmingham, Randall Yeoman pastors Apostolic Revival Center in Hazel Green, Steve Avery pastors Open Door of Holiness Church in Cuba, and now Michael Shuman pastors Living Waters of Double Springs. Let’s build a wall of prayer around these church planters, and remember that you can financially support them through ACTS (Alabama Call to Souls). Contact Alabama North American Missions for more information.
Pastor Transitions:
Pastor Larry Wells, founder and pastor of Marbury First Pentecostal, has resigned from the pastorate after many years of service. A special thanks to Bro. and Sis. Wells for all they have done. Their service has eternal consequences. Mike Markham was elected as pastor and will be reaching into the Clanton area. Bro. Markham was already beginning a work in Clanton, so this has worked well for both of them. Whesley Glenn has been elected to replace Bro. Markham as pastor in West Blocton. Congratulations and thanks to all these ministers and churches.
Pastoral Vacancies:
Pastor and Mrs. Ronald Rivers, founding pastors of First Pentecostal Church in Jackson, Alabama, have felt the leading of the Lord to change the direction of their ministry. We are currently accepting resumes to fill the position of pastor in Jackson. Special thanks to the Rivers for 32 years of faithful service in this pastorate. Please contact me through this website for further information.
Let’s keep lifting up one another in prayer across this great state. Alabama is destined for a great move of the Holy Ghost.
J. Stanley Davidson
Alabama District Superintendent
