** Record-breaking crowd celebrates Teen Challenge 50th anniversary Nearly 1,600 people from approximately 30 countries convened in New York City, June 25-27, for Teen Challenge's 50th anniversary celebration. As powerful testimonies were shared, attendees praised God for countless lives that have been transformed as a result of ministry. All services were recorded and are available for sale in an eight DVD set. In addition, 50th Anniversary coffee table book and historical DVD are also available on Teen Challenge Web site, http://www.teenchallengeusa.com/. ** Women ministers to connect at Conversations 08 Conversations 08 is theme of upcoming national Women in Ministry event, October 30-November 1, at Wyndham Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. Hosted by Network for Women in Ministry and Assemblies of God executive leadership, title reflects focus on dialogue and community that will mark this unique experience. Well-respected speakers and roundtable discussion will address issues common to women ministers of all ages. Event organizers expect 800 to 1,000 women to attend Conversations 08 For registration information and conference schedule, visit Network's newly updated Web site, at http://womeninministry.ag.org/. ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Dynamic Duo ‹ in YOUR home? That's right, in just a few days your home can play host to the Dynamic Duo! No, not the caped crusader and his sidekick, but you and your spouse. Imagine having a marriage that causes a smile with just the thought of being together with your spouse. Experience a dynamic marriage through Marriage Encounter ‹ see http://www.agme.org/. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Send a "person"al message to a wounded friend or family member! Ed and Faith Ferguson are AG missionaries to U.S. Military personnel/families stationed in the Kaiserslautern area of Germany. They also volunteer with the Wounded Warrior Ministry at the Army Hospital where personnel wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan are taken. If you have a family member or friend who is wounded, and you would like Ed and Faith to visit him/her, please contact the Fergusons at elferg41@yahoo.com or call their U.S. phone at 239-677-4562 (Germany is six hours ahead of the east coast of the U.S.) It is important to contact the Fergusons quickly as the wounded only stay at the hospital three or four days before being transferred to the U.S. for further treatment. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ** RECORD-BREAKING CROWD CELEBRATES TEEN CHALLENGE 50TH ANNIVERSARY Nearly 1,600 people from approximately 30 countries convened in New York City for Teen Challenge's 50th anniversary celebration. The June 25-27 event was a time to praise God for the countless miracles he's already done and the miracles yet to come. "All of the services, from the worship time to the talks and the testimonies, just celebrated what God has done in the ministry as a whole and in individual lives," says George Thomas, Teen Challenge USA business manager. Thomas reports that one of the most powerful moments of the celebration was seeing so many people who were significantly involved in the ministry's early years, together again in one place. Among those in attendance were Teen Challenge founder David Wilkerson, Nicky Cruz, Israel Narvaez and Sonny Arguinzoni. "The 50th Teen Challenge celebration lived up to its slogan, 'Celebrating 50 Years of Miracles,'" says Mike Hodges, president of Teen Challenge USA. "To experience the opening rally was awesome, there will never be another time in the history of Teen Challenge when three of the first converts and David Wilkerson will share the same stage." The celebration services were held at Times Square Church, which Wilkerson established in 1987. To accommodate a greater number of attendees, the final service was located at Brooklyn Tabernacle. Those who weren't able to come to New York could still participate in the celebration, as the services were streamed live on the Teen Challenge USA Web site. In the months leading up to the celebration, registration quickly exceeded expectations, making it necessary to provide overflow seating. Thomas reports that prior to this event, the largest attendance at a conference hosted by Teen Challenge USA was just over 400. The celebration's large turnout is indicative of just how many lives have been powerfully transformed through the ministry. "Every time we met together we heard testimonies of those who had been strung out on drugs, alcoholics ‹ at the end of their rope but when they cried out to God, He heard them, delivered them and turned their lives around," said Kevin Tyler, Global Teen Challenge Eurasia Representative. "We had constant cause to rejoice! We also heard testimonies of what God is doing in 82 countries around the world and were challenged upon hearing that 46 other nations are requesting help in establishing Teen Challenge programs." Although Teen Challenge founder David Wilkerson was unable to speak as scheduled at Friday night's service, he delivered the message he had prepared Sunday morning at Times Square Church. Wilkerson's sermon, entitled "The High Cost of Mercy," is available at http://www.tscnyc.org/sermons.php/. All of the celebration services were recorded and are available for sale in an eight DVD set. In addition, the 50th Anniversary coffee table book and historical DVD are also available on the Teen Challenge Web site, http://www.teenchallengeusa.com/. -- Kara Chase ** WOMEN MINISTERS TO CONNECT AT CONVERSATIONS 08 Conversations 08 is the theme of the upcoming national Women in Ministry event, October 30-November 1, at the Wyndham Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. Hosted by the Network for Women in Ministry and the executive leadership of the Assemblies of God, the title reflects the interactive focus on dialogue and community that will mark this unique experience. Emerging out of the earlier executive-sponsored Task Force for Women in Ministry, the Network exists for the purpose of "developing, mentoring, and resourcing vocational women ministers and women preparing for ministry." At Conversations 08, four day sessions will address real issues that touch the lives of every female minister. Well-respected speakers will begin the sessions by sharing their own stories, leading into a time of roundtable discussion. Facilitators will encourage honest dialogue leading to shared practical insights for fulfilling God's call. A special feature of the Phoenix experience will be "Conversation with Dr. Wood," an open forum with AG General Superintendent George O. Wood. "It's so appropriate that Dr. Wood can be a strategic part of this experience for women ministers in our movement," says Network chairperson, Beth Grant. "Since the formation of the Task Force for Women in Ministry and now Network for Women in Ministry, Dr. Wood has been a primary catalyst for a renewed focus on women ministers in the AG," Grant explains. "Conversations 08 will be a unique opportunity for young women preparing for ministry, as well as established ministers, to ask questions and participate together in the present and future of our movement." Event planners hope to have 800 to 1,000 women in attendance at Conversations 08. Like the first two national conferences, young women in their twenties will be an integral part. In addition to the main sessions, there will be opportunities for intensive training in coaching, mentoring and leadership. According to the AG General Secretary's 2008 report, the number of female ministers in 2007 was 6,502, representing a net gain of 237. Such growth reaffirms the need for the Network's ongoing efforts to connect this community of women. The deadline for Conversations 08 pre-registration is October 15. Wyndham Hotel reservations are available at a discounted rate when specifying "General Council of the Assemblies of God" and "Women in Ministry." For additional registration information and the conference schedule, visit the Network's newly updated Web site, at http://womeninministry.ag.org/. -- Kara Chase and Amanda Rickman more >>

** Inner-city church meets inner-city needs Hope Assembly, Charleston, South Carolina, pastored by U.S. Missionaries Gordon and Kim Cashwell, focuses on going to the streets to present Christ to community. Church, which Cashwells planted, now has about 200 regular attendees, many former drug addicts and homeless individuals. Although church doesn't have much money, by partnering with other churches, businesses and obtaining grants, Hope Assembly is making a huge impact on Charleston's inner city, as hundreds commit to Christ and are discipled each year. See http://www.HopeAssembly.org/ for more information on the church or to learn about its Without Walls Ministry, see http://WithoutWallsMinistry.org/. ** Young adults in Hawaii experience Move the Nations July 11-12, First Assembly of God in Honolulu sponsored Move the Nations, Hawaii's first ever district-wide young adult's convention. Approximately 150 people attended the event, which also included Reef Fest, a non-competitive fine arts festival. Move the Nations organizer, Danny dj Morales, believes event marks a new chapter of unity for young adult ministries in Hawaii. To learn more about The Reef, First Assembly's young adult ministry, see http://firstaog.com/blogs/youngadults/. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Is divorce a leading cause of death? Divorce doesn't just mean the death of a marriage. It also signals the death of a family, friendships, hopes, dreams, security, love and oftentimes, a bright future ‹ especially for children. Divorce IS a vicious killer on multiple levels...don't let it destroy your marriage and so much more. Contact MarriageRestored today ‹ it will change your life! http://www.marriagerestored.com. Upcoming events: Lafayette, Indiana, August 29-31; Columbus, Ohio, September 5-7; St. Louis, Missouri, September 26-28. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Before It's Too Late Don't miss the July 27 issue of "Today's Pentecostal Evangel," or the opportunities you encounter to share your faith with the dying. A conversation with Melody Rossi and an excerpt from her book consider that subject. Visit "Today's Pentecostal Evangel" Web site for more resources and for free e-mail devotionals: http://www.tpe.ag.org ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Send a "person"al message to a wounded friend or family member! Ed and Faith Ferguson are AG missionaries to U.S. Military personnel/families stationed in the Kaiserslautern area of Germany. They also volunteer with the Wounded Warrior Ministry at the Army Hospital where personnel wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan are taken. If you have a family member or friend who is wounded, and you would like Ed and Faith to visit him/her, please contact the Fergusons at elferg41@yahoo.com or call their U.S. phone at 239-677-4562 (Germany is six hours ahead of the east coast of the U.S.) It is important to contact the Fergusons quickly as the wounded only stay at the hospital three or four days before being transferred to the U.S. for further treatment. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ** INNER-CITY CHURCH MEETS INNER-CITY NEEDS Hope Assembly in Charleston, South Carolina, is not your typical AG church. Located in the inner city, its members are mostly former drug addicts, homeless people and individuals who have less than "sterling" pasts. Yet if passion for ministry were money, this church is a goldmine. Planted 10 years ago by U.S. Missionaries Gordon and Kim Cashwell, Hope Assembly has grown from "knowing no one in Charleston" to about 200 regular attendees. However, by its location and targeted ministry group, the church is far from a financial powerhouse. But behind the Cashwells' vision, the church created Without Walls Ministry, asking themselves WWJB ‹ Where would Jesus be? "In the Bible, people didn't bring the sick, the needy or downtrodden to the synagogue, they just brought them to the street ‹ where Jesus was ministering," Gordon says. "That's where people will find us . . . we're taking ministry back to the streets." Recently, the church held an event where they gave away 170 bikes to needy community members ‹ the event was big news, as two local newspapers featured the giveaway and local television stations were also on hand for the outreach. "In our area of town, many people work in the service industry, so they don't make enough to buy a car or pay for insurance, or now, even buy gas," Gordon says. "However, many live within biking distance of their jobs ‹ or potential jobs ‹ and if they had a bike, they can keep their jobs or find one." Since the event, Gordon says he's heard reports of several people getting jobs due to having a bike for transportation. The church has also seen an additional 15 to 20 people in attendance. Gordon says that the church also gives out 3,000 pounds of food every week, offers a Celebrate Recovery class, a computer class, has a men's home, does Thanksgiving and Christmas meal events, has coordinated seven Convoy of Hope outreaches, and coming in August, they'll be giving away 500 bags of school supplies and 500 school uniforms to inner-city children. But how does a church with so much heart, but relatively little income, do so much for its community? "It's all about working together," Gordon states. "We're a part of a group of churches that work together to take Christ to the streets of Charleston." Gordon says that the group mostly consists of other AG churches, but a couple of Baptist churches, a Presbyterian church and a Church of God are also involved in the ministry ‹ accomplishing more together than they could ever do apart. The church, Gordon explains, also seeks out grants and partners with local businesses to make a difference in the lives of the needy. "Every year, we see about an average of 800 people make decisions for Christ through these events," Gordon says. "But we don't stop there, we ‹ along with the other partner churches ‹ aggressively follow-up on every decision and provide discipleship for them." However, Hope Assembly doesn't just rely on "big" events to take Christ to the streets. Every week they have an adopt-a-block program that sends volunteers into the community to help people with household needs, provide food or even assist the homeless with their needs, such as helping to find employment. In those same neighborhoods, the church establishes "preaching points" where Bible studies are held to share Christ and begin discipleship, even sending a bus into the community to pick up those interested in coming to church on Sundays. Gordon encourages other churches, those interested in planting churches and laypeople to seriously consider the difference passion for ministry makes. His congregation, many who have incredible life-changing experiences but no finances, are passionate about sharing the gospel ‹ and with passion, money is not the focus. "The world may not see a former drug addict or even an average person as a leader," Gordon says, "but if they have a passion for God, God can do great things through them. The Assemblies of God started in houses and storefronts. Those who attended were mostly middle and lower class ‹ they worked hard, prayed hard, relied on the Holy Spirit and loved people. That's what our passion at Hope Assembly is all about." For more information about Hope Assembly see http://www.HopeAssembly.org/ or to learn more about the Without Walls Ministry, see http://WithoutWallsMinistry.org/. --Dan Van Veen ** YOUNG ADULTS IN HAWAII EXPERIENCE MOVE THE NATIONS From July 11-12, approximately 150 young adults attended Move the Nations, the first ever district-wide young adult convention in the state of Hawaii. The free event was sponsored by First Assembly of God in Honolulu (senior pastor Klayton Ko) and organized by Danny dj and Martha Morales and the staff of First Assembly's young adult ministry, The Reef. Danny dj Morales' primary hope for Move the Nations was "to see the Lord motivate young adults to move the nation within themselves, the nations in their spheres of influence, and the nations of the world for God's glory." Dr. Roger Ovalle, senior pastor of Templo Calvario (AG) in Bakersfield, California, and Honor Bound Director for the Northern Pacific Latin American District, was the guest speaker for Move the Nations. In his messages he emphasized the life-giving power of the word of God and challenged those who may feel disqualified to serve in God's Kingdom. "The testimonies have been pouring in from what God did through the convention," Morales reports. "Some came to the convention feeling disqualified to minister, but they walked out feeling that the entire convention affirmed God's callings on their lives." Morales believes that young adults are one of the most unreached people groups in today's culture, despite the tremendous potential that they have to change the world. Through events like Move the Nations, young adults can connect to one another and to ministry opportunities. "It is vital that our fellowship provides ministry opportunities to, for, and by young adults at every level, starting at the local church," says Morales. Move the Nations also included Reef Fest, a non-competitive fine arts festival. Two local Christian bands and seven graphic artists participated. "Our vision is to see the Reef Fest grow into a novel island-wide event where local talent is coupled with a Christian witness to reach the young adult community at large," says Morales. In a reflection of technology's potential for ministry, Morales reports that a group of young adults who discovered the event through The Reef's MySpace page returned to hear Dr. Ovalle preach at First Assembly on Sunday night. They were among many who responded to an altar call for salvation, rededication and Holy Spirit refilling. After witnessing the fellowship of so many young adults from various churches and denominations, Morales says, "We believe that Move the Nations has heralded a new chapter of expanding unity for young adult ministries on O'ahu and the rest of the Hawaiian islands." To learn more about The Reef, see http://firstaog.com/blogs/youngadults/. -- Kara Chase more >>

** Donaldson steps down as editor-in-chief of Today's Pentecostal Evangel Reverend Hal Donaldson announced plans to step down, effective August 29, 2008, as editor-in-chief of "Today's Pentecostal Evangel," the official Assemblies of God publication. He has served in that position since 1995. Donaldson co-founded Convoy of Hope and currently serves as its president and CEO. He plans to dedicate more time to organization. Evangel staff has been requested to remain in place during this time of transition. An operations committee, appointed by Executive Leadership Team, will study and make recommendation regarding Assemblies of God publications. ** National Youth Ministries gets digital National Youth Ministries now offers six distinct digisource® [digital resources] packages to help equip churches and pastors in reaching and discipling youth. Seven digisource® and new STL/AIM digisource® will premiere during this year's National Youth Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, August 4-8. For more information on all of nym's digital resources, visit nym Web site at http://www.youth.ag.org/digisource/. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Send a "person"al message to a wounded friend or family member! Ed and Faith Ferguson are AG missionaries to U.S. Military personnel/families stationed in the Kaiserslautern area of Germany. They also volunteer with the Wounded Warrior Ministry at the Army Hospital where personnel wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan are taken. If you have a family member or friend who is wounded, and you would like Ed and Faith to visit him/her, please contact the Fergusons at elferg41@yahoo.com or call their U.S. phone at 239-677-4562 (Germany is six hours ahead of the east coast of the U.S.) It is important to contact the Fergusons quickly as the wounded only stay at the hospital three or four days before being transferred to the U.S. for further treatment. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ** DONALDSON STEPS DOWN AS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF TODAY'S PENTECOSTAL EVANGEL Reverend Hal Donaldson announced plans to step down, effective August 29, 2008, as editor-in-chief of "Today's Pentecostal Evangel," the official publication of the Assemblies of God. He has served in that position since 1995. Donaldson co-founded Convoy of Hope and currently serves as its president and CEO. He plans to dedicate more time to the compassionate care organization. "I am grateful to the leadership of the Assemblies of God for their years of trust and the multiplied opportunities I've been given," Donaldson said. "It has been an honor to serve at the national headquarters as an editor, but I believe God is wanting me to change hats ­ to focus on mobilizing caregivers to meet the physical and spiritual needs of hurting people in the United States and around the world." "I met Hal over 20 years ago when he came to me with a plan to help smaller and struggling churches in southern California through Church Care America," states General Superintendent George Wood. "Convoy of Hope was born out of the Church Care America vision. Hal has always demonstrated a heart of compassion for the poor. I was one of those who recommended him as editor-in-chief of the Pentecostal Evangel because I knew he would bring strong spiritual and innovative leadership. We announce his resignation with a great sense of loss, but we know also that it had become too much for him to serve two thriving ventures at the same time. Now he will be able to devote his full energies to Convoy of Hope." Through the years, Donaldson, a graduate of Bethany University, led efforts to redesign and reshape the magazine. During his tenure, more than $1.7 million dollars was raised to send more than 7 million magazines into prisons. And more than 20,000 readers came to know Christ through the publication. The Evangel staff has been requested to remain in place during this time of transition. Ken Horn will continue as editor, Kirk Noonan as managing editor while an operations committee, appointed by the Executive Leadership Team studies and makes recommendation regarding Assemblies of God publications. ** NATIONAL YOUTH MINISTRIES GETS DIGITAL "We are a digital generation. Cell phones, iPods, and laptops are everyday components of a teenager's life," says AG national Youth Ministries (nym) Student Outreach Director, Steve Pulis. "And our digisources® [digital resources] are leading the way in resourcing students and leaders with digital products." "Our goal at nym is to equip churches and pastors with the tools they need. These electronic resources are unique in that they can be adapted to fit different churches in different settings," Pulis explains. "This is a more comprehensive approach to training than traditional printed material since each of these packages comes with a wide variety of digital tools and resources that not only help students and leaders get off to a strong start, but ensures continued success and growth opportunities." NYM now offers six distinct digisource® packages which are comprehensive and offer great flexibility. Current digisources® include the Campus Missionary digisource®, Campus Club digisource®, G5 digisource®, and the Speed the Light EVERYWHERE digisource®. The Seven digisource® and the new STL/AIM digisource® are the two latest and will premiere during this year's National Youth Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, August 4-8. "At the end of the day, everything we do is to see souls saved and lives changed here in the U.S. and around the world," says Speed the Light Director, Rick Lorimer. "God has made each one of us responsible to reach the lost and help fulfill the Great Commission. Use these digisources® as tools to keep this message of accountability and love in front of your students and congregation." Regarding the soon-to be-released Seven digisource®, Pulis says, "The Seven Project is more than a school assembly or evening rally. It is a comprehensive strategy that equips leaders and students for effective evangelism, follow-up, and discipleship. The new digisource® materials will help ensure that both leaders and students have all the guides and tips they need to make their event incredibly successful." For more information on all of nym's digital resources, stop by the nym store at the National Youth Convention and Fine Arts Festival in Charlotte or visit the nym Web site at http://www.youth.ag.org/digisource/. -- Rachel Tolbert and Monica Gallinger more >>

** Conversation with Auntie Anne's founder available online Auntie Anne's Pretzels founder Anne Beiler recently sat down with Assemblies of God General Superintendent George O. Wood to record two discussions for online video and audio series "Conversations with Dr. Wood." Beiler transparently shares her powerful personal testimony and discusses her experiences as a leading franchise owner. To watch or listen to conversations, see http://ag.org/top/General_Superintendent/Media/Video/Interviews/ index.cfm/. A video of AG National Headquarters chapel service in which Beiler recently spoke is also available at http://ag.org/top/Media/Video/Chapel_Services/index.cfm/. ** New major, two minors added by Evangel Evangel University's Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department has added an Exercise Science major, Personal Training minor and Sports Administration minor to its list of educational offerings. All three will be available to students this fall. More information about Evangel (Springfield, Missouri) found at http://www.Evangel.edu/. ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Dynamic Duo ‹ in YOUR home? That's right, in just a few days your home can play host to the Dynamic Duo! No, not the caped crusader and his sidekick, but you and your spouse. Imagine having a marriage that causes a smile with just the thought of being together with your spouse. Experience a dynamic marriage through Marriage Encounter ‹ see http://www.agme.org/. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Send a "person"al message to a wounded friend or family member! Ed and Faith Ferguson are AG missionaries to U.S. Military personnel/families stationed in the Kaiserslautern area of Germany. They also volunteer with the Wounded Warrior Ministry at the Army Hospital where personnel wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan are taken. If you have a family member or friend who is wounded, and you would like Ed and Faith to visit him/her, please contact the Fergusons at elferg41@yahoo.com or call their U.S. phone at 239-677-4562 (Germany is six hours ahead of the east coast of the U.S.) It is important to contact the Fergusons quickly as the wounded only stay at the hospital three or four days before being transferred to the U.S. for further treatment. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- ** CONVERSATION WITH AUNTIE ANNE'S FOUNDER AVAILABLE ONLINE Auntie Anne's Pretzels founder Anne Beiler recently sat down with Assemblies of God General Superintendent George O. Wood to record two discussions for the online video and audio series "Conversations with Dr. Wood." In the personal interview, Beiler recounts the painful tragedies that threw her into a dark depression for six years. She emphasizes that confession was key to her healing and she encourages fellow Christians to be open with one another. "If we are transparent with someone else and confess your faults to one another, you really will find your way out of that deep, dark pit of despair," Beiler says in the interview. The second interview focuses on Beiler's business experiences. She shares the values and principles that helped propel Auntie Anne's from a single stand at a farmer's market to a thriving franchise with more than 850 stores by 2005. When Beiler sold the company in that year, she was the leading female franchise owner in the United States. Through all of her business success, Beiler says she and her husband Jonas could see God's hand at work. Earlier this year, Beiler released her autobiography "A Twist of Faith" that greater details her life experiences and her journey of faith. Though this includes painful memories, as Beiler often says, she "shares her story for God's glory." To watch or listen to the conversations, go to http://ag.org/top/General_Superintendent/Media/Video/Interviews/ index.cfm/. A video of the AG National Headquarters chapel service in which Beiler recently spoke is also available at http://ag.org/top/Media/Video/Chapel_Services/index.cfm/. -- Kara Chase ----------------------------------------------------------------- ** NEW MAJOR, TWO MINORS ADDED BY EVANGEL Evangel University's Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department has added a new major and two new minors to its curriculum. The Exercise Science major, Personal Training minor and Sports Administration minor will be available to students this fall. "The demand for qualified future professionals in the allied health market is excellent," said Dr. Keith Hardy, department chair. "The Exercise Science major will prepare students entering these fields of study. The Personal Training and Sport Administration minor will prepare other majors for the challenges that await them in today's growing fitness market." The Exercise Science program is designed to prepare students for entry into graduate school in one of the disciplines related to physical and occupational therapy or other health-related fields such as physician assistant or medical imaging. For those students not intending to pursue a graduate education, the Exercise Science program prepares them for employment as an exercise specialist in community, corporate or clinical settings. The Personal Training minor is for students who wish to become personal trainers or group fitness instructors. The program includes extensive hands-on training and a 10-week internship program. The Sports Administration minor is for students who wish to learn how to manage sporting events and facilities. For additional information, call Ann Stekete at (417) 865-2815, ext. 7283. To learn more about Evangel, located in Springfield, Missouri, see http://Evangel.edu/. --Becca Hodge more >>

** Evangelists, with numbers dwindling, stick to Scripture while adapting to new methodologies In-depth look at the evolving role of evangelists in today's church (U.S.). Reveals how culture shift has virtually eliminated old methodologies where "camp meeting" was town's big event. Now evangelists seen in multiple roles, including a "second" to a pastor's message, as part of church staff, specialized ministries (instead of general topics), as motivational speakers and even online. Pole reveals that death of evangelist position not true, and plenty of room for growth exists. More information about AG evangelists found at http://evangelist.ag.org/. ** SAGU distance education students impact Mexico Through feeding program and outreach efforts of Engage in Missions student interns, hundreds of children living in poverty outside of Guadalajara, Mexico, hear the message of God each week. There are no Assemblies of God churches in El Collí neighborhood where children live, so ultimate goal of Engage is to plant a church that will be able to disciple many people who are coming to Christ. Engage in Missions partners with Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) to provide distance education for student interns. Currently, Engage has 10 students studying with SAGU. For more information about program, or an application, visit http://www.sagu.edu/engage or http://www.engageinmissions.com/. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Is divorce a leading cause of death? Divorce doesn't just mean the death of a marriage. It also signals the death of a family, friendships, hopes, dreams, security, love and oftentimes, a bright future ‹ especially for children. Divorce IS a vicious killer on multiple levels...don't let it destroy your marriage and so much more. Contact MarriageRestored today ‹ it will change your life! http://www.marriagerestored.com. Upcoming events: Lafayette, Indiana, August 29-31; Columbus, Ohio, September 5-7; St. Louis, Missouri, September 26-28. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Always and Forever The July 20 issue of "Today¹s Pentecostal Evangel" features singer and actor Randy Travis and his story of finding faith after years of self-destructive decisions. Also, a journey to post-genocide Rwanda. Visit "Today¹s Pentecostal Evangel" Web site for more resources and for free e-mail devotionals: http://www.tpe.ag.org ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Send a "person"al message to a wounded friend or family member! Ed and Faith Ferguson are AG missionaries to U.S. Military personnel/families stationed in the Kaiserslautern area of Germany. They also volunteer with the Wounded Warrior Ministry at the Army Hospital where personnel wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan are taken. If you have a family member or friend who is wounded, and you would like Ed and Faith to visit him/her, please contact the Fergusons at elferg41@yahoo.com or call their U.S. phone at 239-677-4562 (Germany is six hours ahead of the east coast of the U.S.) It is important to contact the Fergusons quickly as the wounded only stay at the hospital three or four days before being transferred to the U.S. for further treatment. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- ** Evangelists, with numbers dwindling, stick to Scripture while adapting to new methodologies Evangelism in America in 2008 doesn't conjure up images of Billy Sunday, or even Billy Graham. Like a lot of other popular forms of mass communication ‹ movie musicals, TV Westerns and competing city newspapers, to name a few ‹ crusade evangelists aren't as prevalent or widely known as before. The era when a crusade could pack a city stadium with tens of thousands of people eager to hear an evangelist preach and a robed choir sing seems almost nostalgic. It's not due to any lack of worthy successors to Billy Graham. Rather, societal expectations, schedules and priorities have changed. With more urban commuters and a plethora of interactive technological alternatives contending for free time, fewer Americans appear willing to soak in biblical wisdom for a couple of hours three or four evenings a week. But savvy evangelists who have survived the culture shift are tailoring their outreaches for a new generation. While sticking to scriptural truths, they have reinvented their methodology. Instead of being a general revivalist, many are specializing in a certain area, such as baptism in the Holy Spirit or youth ministry. Others are cooperating with compassion ministries or other parachurch organizations in conducting outreaches as a way to broaden their appeal. Additional adjustments are noticeable. Rather than crisscross the entire country, evangelists are likelier to focus on geographic regions. And many are serving as husband-and-wife teams. "Our Fellowship was founded on revival and crusades," says Marshall Windsor, national evangelists representative for the Assemblies of God in Springfield, Missouri. "But we're on different turf today. We have to adapt with meaningful venues." CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS The Assemblies of God and other fellowships saw their numbers of evangelists decline over the past two decades. Because mainstream society has grown more pluralistic and cynical, itinerant evangelists are finding fewer opportunities to minister in public venues such as a city park or high school auditorium. Many local congregations have changed as well. Fewer churches are holding Sunday evening services, which has curtailed the typical four-night consecutive evening revival meetings of the past. Likewise, Sunday morning services typically are shorter than a generation ago, leaving less time for evangelists to make a presentation. "Gone are the days when a church camp meeting was a big event in town," says Windsor, 46. Still, evangelists fill vital complementary and supplementary roles in meeting the spiritual needs of a local church, according to Randy Hurst, Assemblies of God commissioner on evangelism. "An evangelist supplements by providing a particular specialty that may not be the local pastor's strength, such as teaching on Spirit baptism," Hurst says. "The evangelist complements by teaching the people from a second voice that confirms what the pastor has been sharing with them." STAFF EVANGELISTS On the other hand, the position of "staff evangelist" is growing among AG churches. The role allows an ordained evangelist to occasionally teach and train those in the local congregation while still focusing on reaching those outside the church. Usually staff evangelists receive an office, health insurance and small stipend in conjunction with the church affiliation. Greg and Robyn Hubbard have been staff evangelists at Glad Tidings AG in Reading, Pennsylvania, since 1999. One week a month they preach services, spearhead outreaches and do evangelism training at the church. The rest of the time they are on the road ‹ including leading church teams on overseas missions trips. "After 22 years of ministry as an evangelist that has included church revivals, over 130 youth camps and ministry around the world, the passion of our hearts continues to be reaching the lost, seeing believers baptized in the Holy Spirit and to see each church ignited with a fresh vision," says Greg, 49. "Staying current with the culture is key." Gayle A. Brostowski, 44, has been staff evangelist at Green Ridge AG in Scranton, Pennsylvania, since 1994. While she is scheduled for revival crusades or Sunday services in the Northeast or mid-Atlantic states for 47 weeks of the year, Brostowski is grateful to have a local church link. "It provides a covering and accountability," says Brostowski, who is single. "It also allows me to function in a pastoral role through hospital visitation or occasionally teaching a Wednesday evening Bible study when I'm home." SPECIALIZED MINISTRIES Tim and Rochelle Enloe, based in Wichita, Kansas, have traveled throughout the nation and to 30 foreign countries with their teaching and music ministry. For 15 years, for 50 weeks annually, the Enloes have focused on connecting listeners with the Holy Spirit's power. "Today's culture is so unchristianized in its desires," says Tim, 37. "Postmoderns are looking for experience and wanting something that will have a long-term impact in their life. The message of Spirit baptism fills those needs." As with many evangelists' wives, Rochelle Enloe acts as a crucial ministry partner. She is the administrator, and shares in speaking, authoring books, and music and prayer ministry. Some evangelists still find favor at tax-supported institutions. Wayne Northup conducts high-energy choices-based assemblies in high schools. After much good-natured humor, Northup in the final few minutes talks about the rebellion of his teenage years that included abusing illegal drugs. Although not allowed to speak about Jesus during the daytime presentations, Northup wraps up his appearance with a quick pitch for students to return in the evening to hear about how his personal faith helps him in life. About 40 percent customarily return for the evening session. Last year he addressed 100,000 students across the nation. "We hit the pain in the schools," says the 33-year-old Northup, who is assisted by his wife, Kristi. "I've had students come up to me weeping about being diagnosed with cancer. They have written me gut-wrenching letters talking about the family cycle of alcoholism." TECHNOLOGY TOOLS Northup has embraced technology through his ministry Web site, MySpace account and photo-laden blog as a way to connect with the youth he's trying to reach. The Enloes jumped on the modern technology bandwagon early, opening their ministry Internet site in 1996. People from around the world have accessed the free ministry materials available on the site. In fact, many biblically based house groups in countries where church buildings are scarce or forbidden burn a compact disc of sermons from the site. The groups play the materials in a DVD player as a teaching aid during the church service because they don't have a pastor. "The Web is a great tool," Enloe says. Windsor's national office provides a Web site (http://evangelists.ag.org) to help educate, mentor and connect evangelists. The site's main feature is a searchable directory of AG evangelists. Windsor is exploring the option of overseeing one-week schools for evangelists, offering mentoring and internships in conjunction with AG colleges and Bible schools. "Evangelists can have a tremendous place in teaching, training and equipping the church," Windsor says. "They can take the fear out of sharing faith and being the witness the Lord wants us to be." Youth specialist Northup, who also conducts summer camps, weekend conventions and a Mardi Gras outreach, has started a school for evangelists at the church where he serves as missionary evangelist, Oaks Fellowship in Red Oak, Texas. Graduates of Bible colleges or Master's Commission ministries attend the school in an effort to find their evangelism niche. "The model is changing and we're living in a specialty world," Northup says. "We're shifting away from the old way of simply calling up pastors in the district and seeing if they have a time for you to speak." Still, Windsor notes that a recent survey conducted by his office of more than 5,000 pastors shows that local ministers are largely supportive of the role of evangelists. The study shows that 37 percent of AG pastors invite an evangelist to their church annually while another 32 percent have an evangelist come twice or more per year. Only 7 percent of AG pastors never have evangelists hold meetings. "There still is a demand for old-time Pentecostal revivalists to help round out a church's ministry," Windsor says. "God is still calling men and women into a ministry where He alone guides and provides." Hurst says evangelists provide teaching and exhortation that motivates churchgoers in areas such as helping them mature in Christ and being motivated for personal evangelism ‹ which all Christians are called to do. "The most critical issue in evangelism today is the credibility of the messenger," Hurst says. "If people in our churches are not living godly lives, blameless before the world, the credibility of their message suffers." --John W. Kennedy, Today's Pentecostal Evangel ----------------------------------------------------------------- ** SAGU distance education students impact Mexico Every Saturday morning, 150 to 200 kids gather on a small cement court to color pictures, play soccer and watch puppets, but most importantly, to hear the Word of God. Each child has their own story, their own background; but all of them have had a hard life. These children are growing up in a community on the fringe of Guadalajara, Mexico, a city with a metropolitan population of 10 million. The area, known as El Collí, is an impoverished neighborhood where drug abuse, alcoholism, and physical abuse are a part of everyday life for almost every child. Strict Catholicism dominates the city and very few have ever heard the message of a God who desires to have a personal and intimate relationship with them. It is this message that the students of Engage in Missions bring to the community each week, showing them the love and hope that is found in Jesus Christ. In January 2007, Engage students began playing soccer in an open dirt field that was used as the neighborhood dump, inviting any child who happened to be walking by to join them. Afterwards, they would hand out sandwiches and water to the kids while sharing Christ with them. The "feeding program" has been expanding ever since, and today it is a thriving ministry. Each week, these kids are provided with food, games, love and the Word of God. La Comunindad Cristiana Esmirna, a Mexican AG church from the other side of the city, has been working alongside Engage to provide a Bible study for mothers of the children who come to the program each week. There are no Assemblies of God churches in the El Collí area. The ultimate goal of Engage is to plant a church in this neighborhood that will be able to disciple the many people who are coming to Christ each week during the feeding program. A church plant in this area would also open the door for a Latin America Child Care school to provide education to hundreds of children who are otherwise unable to afford it. The feeding program is just one of the various ministry opportunities Engage in Missions offers. From week to week, Engage students are involved in a variety of ministry experiences, including Chi Alpha university ministry, sidewalk Sunday schools, church planting, teaching English as a second language, feeding programs, homeless ministry and leading short-term missions trip teams. Cooperating with local churches, as well as actively living and working alongside Assemblies of God missionaries, students are offered a first-hand perspective of missions life. Located in Waxahachie, Texas, Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) and Engage in Missions have come together to provide an entirely new type of missions internship, giving first- and second-year college students the opportunity to receive an extended experience in cross-cultural missions while continuing a formal college education. Within the two-year Engage internship, students can receive a full Associate of Arts degree from SAGU as well as local language studies through credit-transferable universities in their country of residence. Currently, Engage has 10 students in the program studying with SAGU. Engage in Missions is directed by AGWM missionaries Steve and Amy Shoop in Guadalajara, Mexico. For more information about the program, or to request an application, visit http://www.sagu.edu/engage or http://www.engageinmissions.com/. --Isaac Lewis and Kayla Lowther more >>

** Center for the Blind participates in national convention At this year's National Federation of the Blind convention, June 29-July 5 in Dallas, Assemblies of God Center for the Blind had unprecedented opportunities to share with and listen to blind community. CFTB Director Paul Weingartner was asked to speak at convention's July 4 devotions and also served on panel discussion for communities of faith. Convention provided ministry with time to interact with some of 2,600 attendees and hear feedback as to what resources blind are currently in need of. Such feedback will help shape Center for the Blind's upcoming goals. For more information about Center for the Blind, visit its Web site at http://blind.ag.org/. ** "Prayer Basics" inspires rebirth of Sunday School AG National Prayer Center's "Prayer Basics" materials help Summit First AG, Holts Summit, Missouri, to reestablish its adult Sunday School program. Pastor Dwight Warren gives free materials strong praise. NPC Director John Maempa says materials for children and youth will be coming early next year. See http://prayer.ag.org for more information on NPC or "Prayer Basics." ** Heroes honored by AG church Grace Assembly of God, New Whiteland, Indiana, honors local heroes who serve community and nation at "Honor Our Heroes" patriotic event. More than 600 individuals honored and more than 4,000 attend growing celebration. Pastor Wayne Murray says "hundreds respond to altar call each year" at the event. More information about church found at http://grace-assembly.org/. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Send a "person"al message to a wounded friend or family member! Ed and Faith Ferguson are AG missionaries to U.S. Military personnel/families stationed in the Kaiserslautern area of Germany. They also volunteer with the Wounded Warrior Ministry at the Army Hospital where personnel wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan are taken. If you have a family member or friend who is wounded, and you would like Ed and Faith to visit him/her, please contact the Fergusons at elferg41@yahoo.com or call their U.S. phone at 239-677-4562 (Germany is six hours ahead of the east coast of the U.S.) It is important to contact the Fergusons quickly as the wounded only stay at the hospital three or four days before being transferred to the U.S. for further treatment. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- ** CENTER FOR THE BLIND PARTICIPATES IN NATIONAL CONVENTION Since 1995, the Assemblies of God National Center for the Blind has participated multiple times in the annual National Federation of the Blind convention. At this year's convention, June 29-July 5 in Dallas, the ministry had unprecedented opportunities to share with and listen to the blind community. Center for the Blind Director Paul Weingartner says attending the convention and interacting with some of the 2,600 attendees is a valuable learning experience for the ministry staff. "We get to learn from the blind what they want and what they need," says Weingartner. "The convention gives us a chance to let people know what we are and what we offer. It gives us a connection with the non-Christian blind world." In what Weingartner calls a "milestone" for Center for the Blind, he was asked to speak at the convention's July 4 devotions. Using Matthew 6, he shared a message about the freedom that the Lord offers, a theme that was also reflected in a song performed by Center for the Blind's Sarah Sykes. Afterwards, Weingartner says more than a dozen people came up to say that their hearts had been touched by the devotion and song. At the National Federation of the Blind convention, Weingartner also served on a "Communities of Faith" discussion panel. Weingartner says the convention attendees let out a big cheer when they heard that the "Chronicles of Narnia" are now available with tactile illustrations. Recently completed by Center for the Blind's certified Braille transcriber Sarah Sykes, the ministry gave away two copies of the popular book series as a door prize. Interacting with convention attendees helped to confirm what the Center for the Blind is finding to be a growing need for digital books and BRFs (Braille-formatted digital books). This feedback will help shape future ministry priorities. In the coming year, the Center for the Blind will also concentrate on translating Christian children's books into Braille. While at the convention, the Center for the Blind team was able to connect a number of AG blind people who were previously unaware of the ministry. "Though they were glad to learn of the valuable resources that will now bless their lives, they were heartbroken to know the Center for the Blind existed all this time without their knowledge, even though they have been AG all of their lives," Weingartner recalls. He encourages sighted people to share information about the ministry and its resources to blind people in their churches. According to Weingartner, the Center for the Blind's impact and effectiveness at the convention would not have been possible without the help of the ministry's dedicated volunteers who assisted at the exhibit. For more information about the Center for the Blind, visit its Web site at http://blind.ag.org/. --Kara Chase ----------------------------------------------------------------- ** "PRAYER BASICS" INSPIRES REBIRTH OF SUNDAY SCHOOL Earlier this year, the Assemblies of God National Prayer Center released "Prayer Basics," a new, biblically based teaching resource designed to help people understand the "who, what, when, where, why and how" of prayer. John Maempa, director of the National Prayer Center, explains that the free "Prayer Basics" materials are ideal for small group study, midweek services, prayer retreats, a sermon series, a prayer seminar ‹ and Sunday School. Pastor Dwight Warren of Summit First AG (Holts Summit, Missouri) couldn't agree more. Warren explains that a previous pastor at the church had discontinued Sunday School, and the church was struggling to get it restarted. "After downloading it ["Prayer Basics"], examining it, and noting that we were free to copy it for use in our own church, I started by preaching a series of three sermons on prayer that were primarily based on material in Lesson One (the overview chapter) of the package," Warren says. "We then began with Lesson Two in our adult Sunday School class." Warren says that when they first started, there were only four to six people in the adult Sunday School class, and that included him and his wife. But the lessons triggered extensive discussions and interest by the few in attendance. Lessons were going three and four weeks long, and beginning to draw others' attention. "This past Sunday, we had about a dozen in the class," Warren says. "Not only that, two of our former regulars are now teaching in our children's Sunday School, which had also been struggling. The Lord has used this prayer package as a marvelous tool in our church." "Pastor Warren's experience is an answer to our prayers," says Maempa in great satisfaction. "This is the kind of result we had prayed the 'Prayer Basics' materials would produce. It's exciting to see God use these resources to draw people to Him." Maempa adds that next year, the National Prayer Center plans to release age-level adaptations of "Prayer Basics" for children and youth. "We want to enable churches to share the meaning and power of prayer cross-generationally," Maempa states. "These new resources, which will be just as adaptable as the original 'Prayer Basics,' will help young people have a firm understanding about reaching out to God in prayer." Although Warren has now taken his class through the materials, he says he isn't through with "Prayer Basics." "I plan to use it again," he says, "either here or anywhere else the Lord may provide opportunity." To learn more about the National Prayer Center and its free "Prayer Basics" resources, see its Web site at http://www.prayer.ag.org/. --Dan Van Veen ----------------------------------------------------------------- ** HEROES HONORED BY AG CHURCH More than 4,000 people were present for the seventh annual Honor Our Heroes Community Patriotic Celebration on Sunday, June 29, at Grace Assembly of God in New Whiteland, Indiana. The outdoor celebration honors law enforcement officers, firefighters, veterans and active military. More than 600 local heroes were honored at this year's celebration. "We had always held special patriotic services on the Sunday before the Fourth of July. After the tragedy of September 11, we decided to take our annual patriotic emphasis outside and honor local heroes who serve our communities and our nation," says Wayne Murray, senior pastor of Grace Assembly of God since 1997. "We took the emphasis outside and made it a festival with food, games and a special ceremony to honor those who serve. More than 1,000 showed up for the first Honor Our Heroes celebration in 2002. Each year the event gets a little bigger." Special guests for this year's celebration included three local mayors, a former congressman, local police and fire chiefs and the Christian band, Salvador. The church provides a free gift to all of the local heroes who come to the event. It takes hundreds and hundreds of volunteers to put on the celebration, Murray says. The family festival begins in early evening with games for kids, food vendors, exhibitors and live music on stage. The ceremony to honor those who serve typically happens one hour before dusk, which includes a clear gospel message and an altar call. Hundreds respond to the altar call each year. The evening concludes with a huge professional fireworks display. According to Murray, many of the guests are shocked when they aren't charged admission and no collection is taken up. Murray explains the event is a gift from Grace AG to the community. Although business leaders in the church help offset some of the costs, the majority of the expenses for this huge celebration is covered by the church's general fund. "We believe in the principle of the church serving the community, not the community serving the church," Murray says. "This principle clearly makes a big impact on the community because many view the church as always wanting a hand out. We don't go to the community with our hands out but our hands down ready to give and bless and serve." Two years ago, the Mayor of Greenwood recognized the congregation of Grace Assembly of God as its Citizen of the Year in recognition of this annual event. For more information about the church, see http://grace-assembly.org/. more >>

** National Bible Quiz Finals week begins Top 40 AG Bible Quiz teams gather in Green Bay, Wisconsin, for 2008 National Bible Quiz Finals this week. Events already held include Senior Shoot-Out competition, One-on-One tournament, Individual Dramatized Quoting and others. Event concludes this Friday, July 11, with awards banquet. More information on Bible Quiz found at http://www.BibleQuiz.com/. ** Ministries underwrite "The Police Officer's Bible" AG minister Gordon Maracle, Springfield, Missouri, works with Light for the Lost, AG Chaplaincy Department and local churches and businesses to get the Bible into the hands of more than 1,200 enforcement officers. States that 98 percent of officers offered a Bible have accepted it. Additional information on Light for the Lost, see http://lftl.ag.org. Go to http://Chaplaincy.ag.org to learn more about AG Chaplaincy Department. ----------------------------------------------------------------- The Dynamic Duo ‹ in YOUR home? That's right, in just a few days your home can play host to the Dynamic Duo! No, not the caped crusader and his sidekick, but you and your spouse! Imagine having a marriage that causes a smile with just the thought of being together with your spouse! Experience a dynamic marriage through Marriage Encounter ‹ see http://www.agme.org/. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- HIGHPOINT, WHERE KIDS BUILD CHRISTLIKE CHARACTER, RELEASES NEW KIT ‹ COURAGE! Order by August 30th and save $10. In Courage, kids discover God helps them in scary situations, from facing a bully to standing up for what¹s right. Bible Focus: Joshua. Check it out today! Visit http://www.gph.org/highpoint for complete HighPoint line. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Send a "person"al message to a wounded friend or family member! Ed and Faith Ferguson are AG missionaries to U.S. Military personnel/families stationed in the Kaiserslautern area of Germany. They also volunteer with the Wounded Warrior Ministry at the Army Hospital where personnel wounded in Iraq or Afghanistan are taken. If you have a family member or friend who is wounded, and you would like Ed and Faith to visit him/her, please contact the Fergusons at elferg41@yahoo.com or call their U.S. phone at 239-677-4562 (Germany is six hours ahead of the east coast of the U.S.) It is important to contact the Fergusons quickly as the wounded only stay at the hospital three or four days before being transferred to the U.S. for further treatment. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- ** NATIONAL BIBLE QUIZ FINALS WEEK BEGINS Each year quizzers from the top 40 teams from across the nation gather together for a week of fun, fellowship and competition at the National Bible Quiz Finals. The 2008 National Finals are being held in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The festivities started Sunday morning, July 6, with a celebration service, which highlighted several senior quizzers ministering in music, drama and preaching. Anointed worship led by Central Assembly of God (Green Bay) ushered in the presence of the Lord followed by a powerful message. Senior quizzer, John Patrick (³JP²) O¹Connor from Tacoma (Washington) Life Center spoke about putting into practice the Word of God ‹ not just memorizing it. Official competition started with a Senior Shoot-Out competition. Each senior quizzer participating on a National Finals team was eligible to participate in this competition. More than 20 senior quizzers competed over the Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon (GEPCP) material studied to earn scholarship money for college. When the competition ended Joshua Forsman (Christian Temple, Houston, Texas) and James Pryer (Orange Hills Assembly of God, Orange, California) walked away as the top winners. The day continued with a One-on-One tournament. Each individual participant competed against one another in a four-round seating competition to determine where they would continue to compete for the remainder of the week. Following the One-on-One Tournament was a newly added category for the 2008 National Finals ‹ Preaching Ministry. Each participant ‹ team or individual ‹ was eligible to compete in this category. Students formulated a five-minute sermon with 90 percent of their commentary coming straight out of the GEPCP material and 10 percent coming from other sources. The winners of this category will be announced at the Awards Banquet to be held on Friday, July 11. As the first day drew to a close, students had the opportunity to participate in an Individual Dramatized Quoting category. Students participating in this event chose a chapter and then delivered the chapter in a dramatic way, which was unique to each quizzer. Winners from this category will also be announced at the Awards Banquet this Friday. For more information on Bible Quiz, see its Web site at http://www.BibleQuiz.com/. --Jason Womelsdorf ----------------------------------------------------------------- ** MINISTRIES UNDERWRITE "THE POLICE OFFICER'S BIBLE" More than 1,200 law enforcement officers in the Springfield, Missouri, area have received Bibles through a cooperative effort involving the Assemblies of God. Copies of "The Police Officer's Bible" have been distributed in the Springfield Police Department, Greene County Sheriff's Department, Missouri Highway Patrol, U.S. Department of Conservation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Secret Service and several police departments near Springfield. Gordon Maracle, an AG minister and president of the Police Chaplains Association of Springfield, says 98 percent of the officers offered a Bible have accepted. "They're reading the Bible during their breaks and off-time, and they're being ministered to through it," Maracle says. The Bibles were purchased using donations from Light for the Lost, the AG Chaplaincy Department, and local churches and businesses. For more information on Light for the Lost, see http://lftl.ag.org. See http://Chaplaincy.ag.org to learn more about the AG Chaplaincy Department. --Today's Pentecostal Evangel more >>