apostolic accent march 2014

In Defense of Biblical Marriage | NAM O�erings | Freedom to Worship and Fellowship | Missionary Gaps to Fill

The O�cial Magazine of the Oregon District UPCI March 2014

accent

Editors NoteEvery season of our lives bring with it many opportunities to mature and

grow if we allow. Before we had kids (as I’m chuckling), my husband and I

couldn’t understand why people couldn’t make it to every church event, district

event, wedding, etc. Okay, I may be exaggerating a little but I hope you get the

point. We couldn’t relate to them. We couldn’t understand. We learned later on

that it wasn’t about wanting to or not. We had kids and began to understand

quite well as to why parents were not at every possible event.

There are times when kids have school, they are sick, you are worn out and

take a much needed rest, and the list goes on...but when changes happen in

your life, or you go through an illness, or even work full time, got to school and

have a family, you learn through these seasons and grow from them.

I have compassion now for parents...especially those with busy kids!! If we

never had kids, there is so much we would have missed out on and we would

have never really understood what it truly was like to be a parent. We would

have never related.

That goes with anything though. You never fully understand something

until you, yourself, have gone through the season. You never fully understand

what it’s like to go through cancer, diabetes, divorce, breaking an addiction,

losing a loved one, having children, never being able to have children, etc. until

you have gone through it. Sure we can understand to some small extent but

never fully until we are there in the midst of it going through it. And in

those times we can grow, flourish and become better people because of it. Those

seasons will help shape and mold us.

And seasons will change. That is the beauty of it… you will never have to

stay in that season forever. There will be good seasons and there will be bad

season but through it all, God remains faithful and will see you through each

season of life.

Kassie Meyer

Oregon District Apostolic AccentVolume 50, Number 3

www.ORUPC.com

Editor……………………..........…………….Kassie [email protected]

(503) 689-3589

District OfficialsSuperintendent……………......……………Ted GravesSecretary/Treasurer……..........……..Dan Sargeant

PresbytersSection 1…………………......…..…………Gary GleasonSection 2……………………........…M. Dennis JohnsonSection 3………………………......……..Kevin GoodwinSection 4…………………………......Steven L. Johnson

Honorary Board MemberM. David Johnson

North American MissionsDirector…………………………….......…..Steve HansonSecretary…………………….……….....…Virgil Alldritt

Global MissionsDirector…………………………….......David Reynolds

Apostolic ManDirector……………………………..……......Mark Edday

Ladies MinistriesDirector…………………………......….Geanice LangleySecretary…………………...…….....…….Rachel Sparks

Sunday School Director………………………….…......…Darrell SparksSecretary…………....………………….....…..Joe Higgins

Oregon YouthPresident………………………….......…Shane Graves

Secretary………………………………......……Kevin NeuSpanish Ministries

Director……………………………………......Fito Avenia

Life in Focus Coordinator…...........Bill TittsworthPrison Ministry Coordinator….....….Doug LethinMedia Missions Director……......David P. JohnsonA.C.T.S. President………...….......M. Dennis JohnsonSenior Quiz Coordinator.…......…..Brian HuffmanJunior Quiz Coordinator.…......…Jonathan Toews

Ecc 3:1-81 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: 2 A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; 3 A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance;

5 A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; 7 A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; 8 A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.

2 APOSTOLIC ACCENT March 2014

Inside this IssueArticles/Columns2 Editors Note KASSIE MEYER

4 In Defense of Biblical Marriage M. Dennis JOHNSON

8 Freedom to Worship and Fellowship KATHLEEN VANDEVENDER

11 What can You do to Encourage a Home Missionary? STEVE JOHNSON

12 I Know Abraham for He Will Command His Children DAVID REYNOLDS

Promotions 6 Fill in the Missionary Gaps

GLOBAL MISSIONS

10 NAM Giving NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS

14 emPOWERed A.C.T.S. MINISTRIES

March 2014 APOSTOLIC ACCENT 3


By M. Dennis. Johnson

In Defense of Biblical Marriage


The historical model of Christian marriage--defined as one man and one woman in lifelong partnership—is presently collapsing. “The scale of marital breakdown in the west since 1960 has no historical precedent and seems unique. There has been nothing like it for the past 2000 years, and probably much longer” (Lawrence Stone). As Christians we need to do all we can to resist this trend and to uphold the sacredness of marriage, and by extension the family. The family is foundational to every area of successful human enterprise. Also, it is God’s desire that marriage would help us understand His desired relationship with the church. The institution of marriage as presented in the Bible was and continues to be integral and foundational to God’s plan and purpose for creating man.

Our world increasingly holds personal perspective, personal experience, and personal fulfillment in higher regard than spiritual values and truths handed down from past

generations through the Bible and C h r i s t i a n t r a d i t i o n . This is a tragic mistake, for e v e r y t h i n g God has done and said in the past has e x t r e m e

significance! He set up human institutions in Genesis (beginning with the family), placing Adam in a position of responsibility for his own destiny, and creating Eve from Adam’s rib to complete and complement Adam and also to make visible His plan for the bride which would someday be taken from His pierced side.

God has ordained that the visible world, including the family, should reflect spiritual realities of the unseen world. When man allows the physical world to deviate from

the patterns of conduct God has established for humanity, there are results that are far reaching and devastating! The current trend to devalue marriage, devalue the importance of commitment to marriage vows, and even redefine what c o n s t i t u t e s marriage is wreaking havoc on humanity. The violation of God’s standard of marriage is more serious than many other present evils because to attack marriage is to attack the veritable foundation of the entire plan and purpose of God’s creation.

We should diligently and intentionally uphold and proclaim the biblical standard for marriage in order to bring a greater measure of God’s blessings on our families, our churches, and the lost that are coming in to our churches, and also to hold up a standard for a witness to this last generation. God’s plan is still best!◊______________________________________

M. Dennis Johnson is the pastor of United Pentecostal Church in Albany, Oregon. He also serves as the Section 2 Presbyter and A.C.T.S. Coordinator for the Oregon District.

As Christians we need to do all

we can to resist this trend and to uphold the sacredness of marriage, and

by extension the

The violation of God’s standard of marriage is more serious

than many other present

evils because to attack marriage

is to attack the veritable

foundation of the entire plan and purpose of God’s creation.

News! Parkers completed their PIM’s right here in Oregon and are going back to the field! Praise God!


Ken & Kay BurgessEl Salvador & Central America/CaribbeanOpenings on Tuesday, May 20 and on Thursday, May 22.

Allan & Georgene ShalmAsia & PakistanOpening on Tuesday, May 27

Paul & Stephanie RiveroCosta Rica & Central America/CaribbeanOpening on Tuesday, June 17

Lonnie & Damarys BurtonVenezeula & South AmericaOpening on Tuesday, July 15

Marcus & Renee BrainosEurope/Middle East & FranceOpening on Thursday, August 14

Bob & Judy AddingtonPacific & New ZealandOpenings -- Thursday August 28, Sunday AM and Sunday PM

J.R. & Janet BlackABC Islands, Central America/Caribbean & Spanish CaribbeanOpening on Thursday, September 18

Chris & Paula RichardsonAfrica & MadagascarOpenings on Tuesday September 23 and Thursday, September 25

Darry & Kathy CrossleySouth AmericaOpenings for Tuesday, November 4 and Thursday November 6

Eugene & Sherri DominguesPeru & South AmericaOpening on Sunday PM, November 23

Michael & Dianna TuttleRegional Director, Europe/Middle EastOpen November 22-27

Please fill in the Gaps for these Missionaries...


fàxÑ{tÇ 9 WxuÜt fâÅÅxÜá i|vàÉÜ|t 9 _tâÜxÇ

Stephan and Debra Summers received full intermediate missionary appointment to Cyprus in March 2011 and are the only UPCI missionaries under appointment to that country. During their Cyprus AIM assignment, they taught Bible studies, established a church in the city of Larnaca as well as two preaching points on the island, and were involved in the translation of church materials into Arabic and Greek. Their plans while living in Cyprus are to study both Greek and Arabic, initiate Bible school programs for both international and national students in Cyprus, plant churches and work within the existing structure to promote leadership development for local ministry.

at our church on

GLOBAL MISSIONS SERVICE

Cyprus

April 2011 This poster and other info is available online at: www.globalmissions.com

In Oregon April 22-27, 2014


By Kathleen Vandevender

Freedom to Worship And Fellowship


What a blessing to have fellowship with the saints of God! Recently Medford Life Church had a progressive dinner with those who wanted to participate. It was of course a success, or I would not be writing about it. I feel it is imperative to thank the participants, as they do not have to be a part, if they chose not to be. Therefore, this statement: “Thank you to all who participated in preparing food for our Progressive Dinner and all who participated by enjoying the food and fellowship! Thank you to our Hospitality Committee for planning this event for our enjoyment! How sweet it is for “brethren to dwell together” (Psalms 133:1). To an outsider, it may have looked like total chaos, but to the family of God – it was simply fun and fellowship”. The importance of appreciation is also imperative.

While reading the Word of God, often the scripture opens a window into the daily lives of Christians. Windows of opportunity to see how they lived, how they fellowshipped, and how they struggled as they strived to draw closer to God. Instead of progressive dinners, they simply went to visit and “broke bread” together (Acts 2:46).

Good fellowship and good conversation is always in order for the children of God. It’s our down fall when we falter and begin finding fault with those we love, those around us. We all have our faults and failures, and the Lord knows them. No sense in discussing them with others …… “take them to the Lord and leave them there”.

Being part of or in the Ministry for over 35 years and being raised by a Pentecostal Preacher gave me a little insight into what people will allow themselves to carry and what they refuse to take on. You can watch people and see whether they left their burdens at the alter or at the door, or whether they decided to hang on to them and bring them on in and set them on the pew next to them. Often the folks who make the decision to lay their troubles on the alter; leave rejoicing, free from those burdens of life that want to drag us down spiritually. What an awesome difference when we believe that the Lord is still in control and will take care of our burdens.

The difference in hanging on to those burdens or issues is the freedom felt in the presence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We cheat ourselves when we do not “give them all to Jesus”. It remains a choice of the heart. I for one am tired of “hanging on” to issues that I cannot change. And if I can change them – I know I have to get it done! We are only stifling your walk and relationship with God and the people of God.

When Paul stated in Philippians 3:13-14:

13 “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

These verses of scripture are quite straight forward and yet only demand common sense on

our part, as it did on Paul’s. We can choose to press forward in Jesus and grow in Him. We can choose to be an encourager. We can choose to believe that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. We can choose to be as close to God as we want to be.

Ephesians 4:3; Philippians 2:2; 1 Peter 3:8 talk about unity of the body of Christ. Let us choose to be part of the solution and not part of the issue. Let us all become in unity; showing love one for another; drawing closer to the Lord and becoming the true body of Christ.

Unity and fellowship are main ingredients for the children of God. There are things of this world that only come to pass when the children of God are unified – moving forward in one accord! Let us enjoy the ability and freedom to worship and fellowship together while we still have the opportunity to do so.

God bless you – the Children of the Most High God – Joint Heirs with Him – the Bride of Christ – Privileged People! Wow we are truly a blessed people!◊____________________________

K a t h l e e n Vandevender is a pastor’s wife in Medford, Oregon. She holds her Master’s of Science in Management as

well as her Master’s of Business Administration. She enjoys writing encouraging notes, singing, and has years of experience teaching adults, ladies, youth, and children the encouraging truths of God’s Word.

Apostolic Worship Center $50.00 Apostolics of Portland - Alldritt $50.00 Bend, True Gospel U.P.C. $90.00 Corvallis, United Pentecostal Church $50.00 Florence, Apostolic UPC $30.00 Grace Point Ministries $25.00 Hillsboro, Bethel U.P.C. $50.00 Klamath Falls, United Pentecostal Church $50.00 Oregon City, United Pentecostal Church $565.00 Redmond, Heights Pentecostals $50.00 Springfield, United Pentecostal Church $20.00 Total $1,030.00

North American Missions Giving for

February


This message is to inform you that CHRISTMAS FOR CHRIST officially broke the $3 million goal today, Thursday, March 6th. On behalf of North American Missionaries of Oregon, we thank you for your giving that has pushed us over the top in world-wide giving! We know that saints sacrificed, pastors pushed and together we made it happen. Because of your all-out effort, more missionaries will be blessed, more churches planted and together we will rejoice in Advancing the Kingdom.

We also had an UP year financially in the state of Oregon. This will enable us to continue ministering to our North American Missionaries in an effective manner.

Steve HansonOregon NAM Director

With your time-Above all else, pray for them.-Babysit their children to give them a date night.-Consistently help with the physical needs of the church, such as setting up and taking down what is needed for the church services, cleaning the facilities, snow removal, etc.-Faithfully assist with outreach.-Stay in touch, be a friend.

With your talents

-Repair/maintain their vehicle and any church vehicle as needed.-Provide meals when sickness strikes the family.-Assist with the sound equipment, bookkeeping, teaching classes, and whatever

else is needed to help carry the load.With your resources

-Get them an occasional gift card to eat out or have coffee.-Cover their expenses for some time to relax out of town such as time at a campground, a trip to the beach, or elsewhere.-Provide what is necessary for a special speaker bless them.-Surprise them with a bag of groceries.-Give both the husband and wife some “Crazy Money” to spend on whatever they want without feeling guilty for doing so.

___________________________________________Steve Johnson is the pastor of True Gospel UPC in Bend, Oregon. He also serves as the section 4 presbyter and section 4 NAM director for the Oregon District.

What can you do to encourage a Home Missionary?

By Steve Johnson



By David Reynolds

I Know Abraham for HE WILL COMMAND HIS

CHILDREN


“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.” Genesis. 18:19

The family, under God, is not a democracy! We are all equal in worth but have been assigned definite and differing roles within the family structure. Contrary to modern day thinking there is a line of delegated authority and this authority is mandated by God Almighty.

“ But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God” I Cor. 11:3

This scripture plainly shows that the family, as in the church, is designed to be a “Theocracy”. God is the head of the family and He has delegated this ‘head ship’ to the man within the family. With this responsibility comes the authority to command his own household. God expects him to provide benevolent leadership for his family in the major decisions. Man is the manager of the family. Good managers always ask for impute before making a decision, but the decision is made and the responsibil ity assumed; by the manager. Men today are uncertain as to their authority, thus they are not taking the lead. What greater authority do you

need than God’s Word and God’s plan for the family?

In holding with Bible Principles the man is to protect and provide for his wife and children. This God given role is being challenged and turned upside down. Men today do not know how they are to act, they are uncertain as to their function as well as their role; this has lead to inaction and a vacuum has developed in place of family leadership. A n y institution that has no leadership soon flounders. Any vacuum does not so remain for long, so the wife or even the children are in command in our homes today.

Men, God expects you to be in command in your own family. To be a dictator? No! To take assertive leadership? Yes! Especially in spiritual things. God knew that Abraham would “Command his children and his household after him.” How?

1. ”They shall keep the way of the Lord”

There was no question or debate in my home, growing up, as to the principles we were following or to the priorities within my family. God’s ways and God’s house took president. My father ‘commanded’ it so. There was no discussion as to

where I would be at church time --I was to be in church. No high School function ever took me out of

church. There was no negotiation as to where I was to sit in church --I

would be sitting up front or with my parents. I had no problems with talking or ‘gum chewing’ in church --my father saw to that.

Even today I have no problem determining where I will be on any given Sunday --I will be in church. Dad commanded then and I still hear his marching orders.

2. ”To do Justice and Judgment”There should be no question as

what principles will be followed in your home. All justice and j u d g m e n t must be based upon

God’s Word, but, all judgment must also have an enforcer for there to be justice. Men -- God has made you the enforcer.

Men, your children will never learn justice and judgment unless they see it modeled and enforced. Men, God will hold you responsible for commanding your children and your household. You need no other authority than God’s Word. Use your authority wisely, lovingly and prayerfully --but assertively assume your command.

“In matters of taste, float with the waves. In matters of principle, stand like a rock.” Thomas Jefferson◊____________________________

David Reynolds has been the Minister of Discipleship at Portland Pentecostals since 2007. He is a graduate of Conquerors Bible College, Cascade College, Portland State University and post graduate work

at the University of Oregon. He served as a teacher, assistant Principle & Principle. Since retiring from public education he has traveled extensively to over 37 countries preaching & teaching in Bible Schools and has written several books on Education, The Family & Parenting.

Men today are uncertain as to their authority, thus they are not taking

the lead.

There should be no question as what

principles will be followed


Everyone welcome!!! West Coast ACTS Student Convention

April 30 - May 2, 2014

Palace of Praise 6750 SW 198th Ave Aloha, OR

Special Guest: Evangelist Chris Green

May 2, 2014 5:00 p.m. ACTS Business Mtg beforeevening rally at Palace of Praise

Wednesday, April 30

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Track Competition held atHare Field*, 1151 NE Grant St, Hillsboro, OR(Directions to Hare Field are on the website)2:00 p.m. BBQ at Palace of Praise3:00 p.m. Orientation at Palace of Praise5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Volleyball and Basketball Pre-finalsCompetition held at South Meadows Middle School*,4690 SE Davis Rd, Hillsboro, OR (Directions onwebsite) *Competition locations tentative, watch for updates.

Thursday, May 1

8:30 a.m. Prayer9:00 a.m. Devotion/Judges Meeting9:30 a.m. Jr. Performance events & other activities12:00 noon Pizza and Soda available for $56:00 - 7:30 p.m. Evening Rally, Evang. Chris Green7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Junior Awards8:30 - 9:30 p.m. Top Ten Junior performances.Basketball/Volleyball Finals following the service.Snack bar will be open after service.

Friday, May 2

8:30 a.m. Prayer9:00 a.m. Devotion9:30 a.m. Sr. Performance events & other activities12:00 noon Lunch at reasonable cost will beavailable on campus6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Evening Rally, Evang. Chris Green7:30 - 8:30 p.m. Senior Awards8:30 - 9:30 p.m. Top Ten Senior performances

(Rally, Awards & Top Ten will be streamed

live both nights at www.oregonacts.org )

apostolic accent march 2014

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