“Go, Send or Disobey” –John Piper“He must increase, but I must decrease.” –John 3:30

Vol. 78, No. 6 February 2017

VO I C E O F T H E A PPA L AC H I A N C O N FER EN C E O F T H E I PH C

**Please RSVP Sandy Wood at 540-674-4131 x210 or woodsh12@gmail.com

East Tennessee District – Saturday, March 4 – 11:30 a.m.Perkins Restaurant, 2608 N. Roan Street, Johnson City, TN

Bluefield/McDowell Districts – Saturday, March 4 – 5 p.m.Voice of Praise, Route 20, Bluewell, WV (N. R. Taylor, Pastor)

Roanoke/Central Virginia Districts – Monday, March 6 – 12 noonOriginal Italian Pizza, 1128 E. Lynchburg-Salem Turnpike, Suite 300, Bedford, VA

**Shenandoah Valley District – Monday, March 6 – 6 p.m.Good News Ministries, 18 Kerry Lane, Staunton, VA (Wanda Myers, Pastor)

Greenbrier District – Tuesday, March 7 – 12 noonCucci Pizzeria, 566 E. Madison Street, Covington, VA

Central West Virginia District – Tuesday, March 7 – 6 p.m.Beckley Praise, 250 Elm Street, Beckley, WV (Paul Chapman, Pastor)

**New River Valley District – Thursday, March 9 – 6 p.m.New Conference Center, Oak Grove Avenue, Dublin, VA

**Southwest Virginia District – Friday, March 10 – 6 p.m.Wytheville Recreation Center, 333 Community Blvd., Wytheville, VA

2017 Great Commission Meals

VOICE OF THE APPALACHIAN CONFERENCE OF THE IPHC

Bishop’s PagePRESTON MATHENA

CHRISTIAN LOVE AND EVANGELISMReal evangelism involves caring about those around us and about evangelism itself. The

relationships that are cultivated out of Christian love reveal unfeigned passion. Whether we are helping a neighbor in a time of need or stopping to help a family broken down on the highway, our Christian love should be evident. Our lives become the flavor that is savored by the unbeliever. In the same way, our lives give light and hope to those walking in darkness. We cannot accomplish this feat as isolationists. Jesus was the perfect example of effective evangelism. Additionally, he did not limit his exposure of influence. He went to the unbeliever! William McRaney stresses that “dealing with lost people will cause us to get our hands dirty and sweaty just like tending to yard work.” This describes the meticulous work of Christ as well. He wasn’t afraid to go against the grain. He also encountered accusations, scoffing, untruths, and fabricated stories; however, he did not allow them to displace his focus. His focus was on lost people! Our focus must be equivalent to Christ’s! We may encounter the same challenges; however, our focus must remain on the lost!

Evangelism is a process! David Wheeler asserts, “Effective evangelism respects the processional nature of evangelism.” Therefore, realizing its significance, a disciple maintains patience in its progression. Additionally, the process requires that various people be involved. This is not a one-man-band experience! Wheeler also states, “Different people can play different roles in the harvest. Some can plant; others can water.” Jesus disseminated the mandate of personal evangelism to his disciples. In turn, they forwarded it to new disciples. Today, as disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to carry the mandate to our generation. You may not be the person that plants; you may be the person that cultivates or waters the seed, but always remember that each is vitally important in the process!

This was an eye-opener in our church. Through Christian love, godly men and women planted the seeds of the Gospel generations ago and cultivated them. Subsequently, someone else came and watered them. Today, our church is reaping a harvest! Real evangelism is being faithful to the cause! We may not see instant results; however, the harvest will eventually come through our faithfulness!

–Submitted by Jim Tunnell, pastor of Baker’s Chapel PHC; Executive Council member

WORKS CITED:• William McRaney, The Art of Personal Evangelism (Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group, 2003), 46.

• David Earley and David Wheeler, Evangelism Is—How to Share Jesus With Passion and Confidence (Nashville, TN: B and H Publishing Group, 2010), 85 & 86.

FEBRUARY 2017

MESSENGER(USPS 621-580)

Vol. 78 — February 2017 — No. 6

EXECUTIVE EDITOR – Preston Mathena

STAFFPhone 540-674-41315847 Oak Grove AvenueDublin, VA 24084

EVANGELISM & WORLD MISSIONS MINISTRIESLarry Meadors5847 Oak Grove AvenueDublin, VA 24084

DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRIESRon Fredericks5847 Oak Grove AvenueDublin, VA 24084

WOMEN’S MINISTRIESKathy Mathena103 Windsor CircleBluefield, VA 24605Phone: 276-326-3000

WINDonna Hankla139 Ridgeway DriveBland, VA 24315Phone: 276-688-3709

Deadline for all script to reach the office:1st of each month for the next month’s issueEmail to woodsh12@gmail.com.

CONFERENCE BOARDSuperintendent – Preston MathenaAssistant Superintendent – Mike DodsonSecretary/Treasurer – Frank NeffBoard Member – Larry MeadorsBoard Member – W.A. MillsBoard Member – Wanda MyersBoard Member – Jim Tunnell

MESSENGER (USPS 621-580) is published monthly by LifeSprings Resources, 2425 W. Main St., Franklin Springs, GA 30639, for the Appalachian Conference. Subscription price $2.00 per year. Periodicals Postage Paid at Franklin Springs, GA 30639.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MESSENGER, 5847 Oak Grove Avenue, Dublin, VA 24084.

WEBSITE: www.appconf.org

CREDIT GRAPHICS: Thinkstock.com

MARCHRETIRED MINISTERS’ BIRTHDAYS

MARCH 23 MARCH 23Rev. James LaValley Rev. Ms. Ethel Swart 2856 Graham Road 513 Awaroa, RD1Draper, VA 24324 Kaitaia North Island, New Zealand 0410

MARCH 24Rev. Thomas Cochran204 Woodland DriveBuena Vista, VA 24416

4 Bible Quiz Scrimmage – Christian Life International 4 Great Commission Meals 6-7 Great Commission Meals 9-10 Great Commission Meals 10 Conference Deadline for Creative Writing, Video & Web Design 12 Daylight Savings Time begins 12 Women’s Ministries Day 17 March for Life 17-18 Maranatha College Classes 22 – April 3 South Sudan Missions Trip 25 Pinewood Derby 28 WIN Prayer Call 31 Conference Junior & Teen Talent

MARCH EVENTS

REV. EVERETTE ROGERS IIRev. Everette Joe Rogers II, 85, went to be with the Lord on Nov. 28,

2016. Joe joined the Appalachian Conference in 1952, when he was ordained as a minister. He was a talented musician and taught vocal, piano, English and Spanish in a number of states and schools. He is survived by his wife Harriett, a son, a daughter and two grandchildren. His funeral was conducted at Christian Life International on Dec. 2. His life reflected his love for Jesus, and he was faithful to his calling.

VOICE OF THE APPALACHIAN CONFERENCE OF THE IPHC

World Missions & Evangelism LARRY MEADORS

What Missionaries Wish You KnewIt’s a tough job – leaving your family, culture and sometimes security to take the gospel

message to people you are called to love with God’s love. It’s the life of a missionary. In this article several IPHC missionaries were asked, “What do you wish people knew about missionaries?” Perhaps you will find their responses intriguing.

“I wish you knew it’s a real job and I am not on an assignment to ‘a people.’ We live, work and love real humans who are real friends and real colleagues. ‘The land’ is a real place that often feels more like home than anywhere else in the world.”

Another brother who serves put it succinctly: “Missionaries always need prayer and missionaries always need money.”

Other responses to the above two needs dominated the discussion and generated some great points for action.

“I wish pastors would appoint and empower a designated prayer team for their missionaries and world evangelism.”

“I wish pastors would not be fearful when it comes to inviting their members to give and commit to monthly contributions to support me and my family.”

“I wish others would contact us once in a while. Missionaries desire to build relationships and partnerships. I find it a blessing, refreshing and encouraging when churches celebrate missions and take an active role in their responsibility to missions and missionaries. Go ahead and send that email, make that call or even lick that stamp.”

“I wish people knew we are not super saints. Don’t put us on a pedestal. We are like anyone called of God into the ministry or called to do something. We are all required to hear the word of the Lord and obey.”

“I wish the church knew how much we feel part of your church family. We may not remember every name, but we have a God-given connection that feels like family.”

“I wish all pastors and donors knew how much they are held in highest esteem and appreciated by me and my missionary colleagues!”

“Go, send or disobey” (John Piper).

See you in March for the Great Commission Meals!

FEBRUARY 2017

Discipleship MinistriesRON FREDERICKS www.appconf.org

OPPORTUNITIES TO BLESS AND BE BLESSED EncoreMinistriesSpringTrip…Comejoinusaswe

stepbackintobiblicaltimesandenjoyaneventfilledwithfunandlaughter.

THE ARK ENCOUNTER!

Ark Encounter features a full-size Noah’s Ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible. Spanning 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high, this modern engineering marvel amazes visitors, young and old. Ark Encounter is situated in the beautiful Williamstown, Kentucky, halfway between Cincinnati and Lexington on I-75. From the moment you turn the corner and the towering Ark comes into view, to the friendly animals in the zoo, to the jaw-dropping exhibits inside the Ark, you’ll experience the pages of the Bible like never before. THE CREATION MUSEUM! The state-of-the-art Creation Museum allows you to venture through biblical history, stunning exhibits, botanical gardens, a planetarium, a petting zoo, a zip line adventure course, and much more. This 75,000-square-foot facility has welcomed over 2.5 million guests since opening in Petersburg, Kentucky.

Date: May 15–17, 2017

Cost: Single: $529 Double: $399 Triple: $359 Quad: $339

(Includes: travel, motel, tour tickets, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners)

Deposit due by Feb. 10. For more information and registration, contact

Alice Crigger at 540-674-4131 ext. 201

Join the Men’s Ministries and Discipleship Ministries Department and score a hole-in-one as we make a

difference in the lives of children!

MASTER’S SEED GOLF TOURNAMENT Fincastle on the Mountain Bluefield, Virginia April 28, 2017

and THE 22ND ANNUAL A.T. A. M.

GOLF CLASSIC (Alternative to Abortion Ministries)

Blue Ridge Country Club, Galax, VA Aug. 11, 2017

Registration for each tournament will begin at 9 a.m. with tee off starting at 10 a.m. The field will be limited to 30 foursomes on a first return, first serve basis. Reservations may be made by returning the entry form with the fee of $70.00 per person or $280.00 per team. If you cannot get a foursome but would like to play, send a completed form with the fee and a place on a foursome will be reserved for you.

All participants will enjoy:

18 holes of golf (Shotgun start at 10 a.m.) Green fees and riding carts Sandwiches and drinks provided

The following prizes will be awarded: Trophy for each 1st, 2nd & 3rd place player. Longest drive on a designated hole. Prize for closest to hole on all par 3 holes.

Putt-off contest winner. Fee includes: 1 Mulligan 1 Red Tee 1 Free-Throw per player

HOLE SPONSORSHIPS ARE AVAILBLE AT $100 PER HOLE. PROCEEDS WILL HELP FUND

CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS FOR NEEDY CHILDREN! FOR MORE INFORMATION

CONTACT THE DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRIES OFFICE AT 540-674-4131 EXT. 201

VOICE OF THE APPALACHIAN CONFERENCE OF THE IPHC

Women’s MinistriesKATHY MATHENA

LOVELove is not a feeling or an emotion. It’s not always warm and fuzzy. Sometimes it’s courage, kindness,

unselfishness or patience. One may describe it as meeting another’s needs without expecting something in return.

Have you ever looked at light and thought how it appears to be white? But if you pass light through a prism, you will see its many colors. It breaks apart much like a rainbow. But we don’t think of light in that manner; we just enjoy its benefits.

You experience love every day without thinking about it – that is, until it’s no longer there! Then you miss it. Love can be seen in many different ways. Some of these ways are listed in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

When a parent protects a child or responds with patience, that’s love. When a child does an act of kindness, it is an act of love. You have seen the bumper sticker Have You Hugged Your Child Today? But did you know that it has been proven that unless a sick baby is held and cuddled, it can’t grow. Nursing homes often bring in puppies and kittens for the elderly to pet because it brings them happiness that comes from giving and receiving love.

“If I give all I possess to the poor … but do not have love, I gain nothing” (1 Cor. 13:3). It’s easy to love the lovely, but what about those who aren’t so lovely? God tells us in Luke 6:27, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” God does not want us to pick and choose those we love. In fact, he tells us just the opposite. The world is full of people who are hard to love. But we are to be examples of God here on this earth.

Why is love so important? Why is it the best thing that anyone could ever hope to have, be or do? Because love never fails (1 Cor. 13:8). Love is what lasts. It’s what makes life worth living. Love is what endures forever because God is love and He endures forever.

Love is the one thing you will find in heaven and on earth – the one thing that will outlast it all – LOVE.

WOMEN’S MINISTRIESSPRING TRIPApril 7 & 8, 2017

Savannah, Georgia

Final payment is due February 20.For more information and registration contact:

Kathy Mathena Martha Hall Alice CriggerW. M. President W.M. Sec./Treas. 540-674-4131 x201304-952-1050 540-250-7761

FEBRUARY 2017

World Intercession Network DONNA HANKLA

Malachi 3:17 says, “And they shall be Mine, says the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels.”

HIDDEN ONES of the Lord are priceless in His eyes. These faithful ones, found in the Book of Remembrance, are described as jewels. They are hidden, just like natural gems, which are chiseled out of intrusive igneous rocks.

For the most part, jewels don’t just lie on top of the ground to be seen easily. A search for jewels involves strategic planning for location and for digging in veins of rocks.

HIDDEN TREASURE

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like unto TREASURE HID in a field; the which when a man hath found, he HIDETH, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath; and buyeth that field” (Matthew 13:44).

JEWEL QUALIFICATIONS

The jewels of the Lord are contrasted to the people who served God, with stout words against Him (Malachi 3:16). The jewels, on the other hand, are described as:

*Those who feared and reverenced the Lord!

*Those who spoke to one another about God’s goodness!

*Those who frequently honored God with their speech!

*Those who THOUGHT upon His Name.

BE A JEWEL IN THE YEAR 2017

HIDE yourself in your PRAYER CLOSET. Then come out of that PRAYER CLOSET and SHINE for the Lord. It does not matter if you shine with SAPPHIRE’S blue or EMERALD’S green or RUBY’S red. It does not matter if you shine with DIAMOND’S white.

You will SHINE as you SPEAK to others about the GOODNESS of THE LORD! You will SHINE as you STRENGTHEN others in their walk of faith!

A JEWEL FOR THE LORD

MESSENGER(USPS 621-580)5847 Oak Grove AvenueDublin, Virginia 24084

Address Service Requested

Periodicals Postage Paid at Franklin Springs, GA 30639

MARANATHA COLLEGE OF CHRISTIAN MINISTRIESWINTER/SPRING CLASSES

January 20-21CH 243 – Charismatic Pentecostal History Guest Instructor: Dr. C. R. Conner

February 24-25EM 233 – Evangelism & Outreach Guest Instructor: Pastor Steve Willis

March 17-18EM 323 – Small Groups & Church Health Guest Instructor: Pastor Tony Atkinson

April 21-22LEAD 343 – Spiritual Encounter Guest Instructor: Dr. Garnet Pike

May 19-20LEAD 323 – Team Ministry & Leadership Guest Instructor: Pastor Wanda Myers

“The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.”

–Brian Herbert