Streaming Reports from the
91st Regional Convention of
The Church of God of IN/KY/OH
Held July 14-16, 2006
in Richmond, Kentucky
Friday Evening Session
The delegates of this wonderful Region came together on this, the 14 day of July 2006 expecting great things from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; expecting a great move of God and of the Holy Ghost.
The presence of the Lord could be felt the moment you walked in the door of theMadison Middle School in Richmond, Kentucky. The love and unity that could beseen and felt is like none other. God has done so much for this Region over thepast several months, since our last Regional Convention held in this sameplace, but one of the greatest things that He has done has been to establishsuch a love and a bond of unity among the saints that there can be no doubtthat it has come from heaven.Nearly everyone who is in attendance at this Convention had a struggle of some sort getting here. Some were delayed for quite some time by automobile accidents that blocked their paths, while others weathered torrential downpours and severe thunderstorms from every direction, and a few endured both. It was as though the enemy was trying his best to hinder our coming together to worship God at this Convention. However, we serve a God who is greater than anything the devil can cast our way, and He will bring us through each and every obstacle that the enemy places in our path.
Our Regional Overseer, Bishop Danny Carter, opened the 91st Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio Regional Convention of The Church of God by immediately relinquishing the program to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. The theme of this convention this year is “...Hope To The End...” (1 Peter 1:13).
We heard testimonies from several regarding how important the Prayer and Fast Conferences have been to them over the past several months and how much of a blessing they have been. We of this Region have drawn tremendous strength and faith from the Prayer and Fast conferences, and God has used these Conferences to bind us together with cords that can not be broken. They have without a doubt been a lifeline to the dear saints of this Region.
Brother Russell Aucoin fed us with a soul stirring message entitled, “Hope to the End”. He brought to light the scriptures in Acts chapter 27 of the apostle Paul in the time immediately prior to his shipwreck on the island of Melita. There were 276 men on board the ship that was taking him to Rome. The ship was being tossed about by a tempest for days, but because of the faith of one man, all 276 souls were saved. Paul told the men aboard that ship to be of good cheer, because he believed God.
Church of God, be of good cheer today, because we believe God.
Saturday Morning Session
We feasted so much from the Friday Evening visitation of the Lord that we were excited to return for breakfast on Saturday morning; we were excited to set once again at the table that the Lord had prepared for us and to feast on yet another portion of God’s word.
The morning began with the Souls Harbor Trio ministering to us in song. What a blessing the trio has been to our Region throughout this time of uncertainty. Their ministry has been an inspiration and an encouragement to everyone who has had the privilege of hearing them praise and worship the Lord.
Sister Doris Randols and Sister Pauline Loveless followed the trio with the WMB program beginning with the march of the Mission Ladies following in the Footprints of Jesus. Sister Randols, Sister Loveless, and the Mission Ladies blessed us with songs, worship, and encouragement. Sister Randols tried real hard not to preach, but God had other plans, for a little while anyway. There was a flag march in which nearly everyone in attendance participated. The flag march was followed by a prayer line in which Sister Randols asked all the brethren to pray for the Mission Ladies. The Spirit of God came down mightily during the prayer line. Many received a touch from God as they went through the prayer line.
Brother and Sister Carter honored all of
the pastors in the Region and their
companions to close out the session.
We appreciate our Overseer and his
companion so much in this region.
They are such a pillar of strength and
a source of encouragement for us all.
It has been such an honor and a
privilege to work shoulder to shoulder
with someone whose sole desire is to
serve God and His glorious Bride.
Brother and Sister Carter are just such
people; they love God and they love
The Church of God, and everything they
do in some way has something to do
with the work of the church.
Saturday Afternoon Session
At the very beginning of the afternoon session the Holy Ghost came on the scene in such a mighty way with two messages and interpretations.
- Yeah I say unto my children, I see you. If you want to walk with me, you are going to have to die to the flesh. If you are going to walk with me you are going to have to die to the flesh, and you will see what I can do in your midst, and you will see what I can perform, and you will see how I can move for you and how I will do what you want me to do; how you prayed and how you prayed, and how you seeked after me. You will see me move, but first you must die to the flesh; you must die to the flesh; you must die to the flesh. You can not serve me and still live in the flesh. You must walk in my Spirit if you want to see me perform what I say I will do for you. Yeah I say unto thee my little children.
- I say again unto thee my children; I speak to you now. I tell you I love you, I tell you, you are my sheep; I tell you, you are mine; I tell you, you are my chosen. I love you. I want to do for you. I want to do for you; my sheep; my little children; I love you so very much. I will take you in my arms and I will take you and hold you. Just be obedient unto me and do what I tell you to do. Put me first. Start thinking of me first. I say unto thee my children that I will perform miracles.
Immediately following the messages in tongues and interpretations Brother Carter called the Convention to prayer during which time the Holy Ghost ministered to many souls. We prayed that God would help us to die to the flesh and to walk in the Spirit. The flesh is going to have to go. There is a spiritual church that is getting ready to emerge that is going to be see all over this earth, and it won’t be in the flesh, it will be in the Spirit.
The Spirit continued to bless during the song service and during the business that was transacted in this session. What a blessing it is to be able to conduct the business of The Church of God in complete harmony and unity among the brethren.
Brother Hazel ministered to us with what he called a sermonette entitled “Spread a Little Hope”.
A few reports were read and the ladies from Ladies Retreat blessed the convention with song, and shared the blessings that God poured out on them during their retreat in Nashville, Ind. earlier this year.
Brother Ron Legg ministered to the convention with sermon entitled “Looking for that Blessed Hope”.
Saturday Evening Session
The Saturday Evening Service began with the Gleaner/VLB program. Sister Melissa Wilcox boosted the Senior Camp of Youth Camp and Brother Frank and Sister Earlene Edwards boosted the Junior Camp of Youth Camp.
The Gleaners had their own march this year, followed by the VLB march. What a wonderful sight it is to see the Youth of The Church of God marching and worshipping God wearing their colors and flying their banners. The Gleaners blessed the convention with a number of songs.
Brother Jeff Wilcox ministered to the convention on “The Hope That Is In You”. We all share in the same hope today. We walk hand in hand with one another in the unity because we have the same hope, and that hope is some day seeing Jesus Christ face to face when we have finished our course on this earth.
We are so privileged to have Brother James Anders and Sister Anders as our special guests during this Convention. This region has a very special place in our hearts for Brother and Sister Anders, and we welcome them to our 91st Regional Convention. Brother Anders ministered to us in the Saturday Evening Service on “HOPE”. Brother Anders is always anointed of God and always brings a message that will reach to the deepest depths of your soul. Hope and faith, once substantiated, become divine revelation.
Sunday Morning Session
Sadly, we have come together today for the final session of the 91st Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio Regional Convention of The Church of God. God has been so good to us and has blessed us so mightily throughout this convention that we do not look forward to the end of the convention drawing near. However, we do look forward to returning to our fields of labor and going on for Jesus Christ and for His bride irregardless of what the future may hold.
This session began with a Sunday School boost. Our Sunday School Superintendents and Teachers marched in and stood in front of the congregation with their signs and banners while Sister Imogene Griffits expounded on the importance of the Sunday School auxiliary of The Church of God.
Sister Doris Randols followed the Sunday School program with the ABM program. She gave honor to our Regional Overseer Bishop Danny Carter, Sister Carter, and their son Ryan Carter. Sister Gina Phelps blessed this convention with a song proclaiming that Jesus just needs a few good men.
Words could never express just how much this region appreciates the Carter family. They have made themselves available to each and every member in this Region, and to anyone else from around the world who feels the need to contact them. Through all they have endured over the past several months, they continue to be encouraged, and they continue to encourage everyone who crosses their path. This region draws great encouragement from them.
Sister Randols asked the entire congregation to come around and show our appreciation to the Carters. Not a single soul failed to greet them and to express their love to our Regional Overseer’s family. Theirs is truly a work of love; love for God, love for The Church of God; love for the members of this Region; and love for you.
Brother Carter addressed the convention expressing his appreciation for the hours of work that his family has given to the Church. Sister Carter, Ryan, and Chad have literally spent hours working in the Regional office and maintaining and updating the 1fold.com website. Brothers and Sisters, while we may not be able to help them in the physical work of their office, but we can certainly help them by our prayers, our fasting, and our love. Let’s do all that we can to help them in their work for The Church of God.
The Souls Harbor Trio blessed us with yet another beautiful song. It is amazing when we stop and realize that God has provided us with everything that we need throughout this time of disruption within the church. The trio is one of those things that God has provided us that has helped to carry us through. Their songs are always of encouragement and inspiration, and they always leave you with praise on our heart and an uplifted soul.
Brother Carter asked Brother Anders to address the convention once more. What a wonderful blessing Brother and Sister Anders are to this region. Our love, our prayers, and our appreciation are very deeply extended to them, and we thank them for their stand and there efforts for The Church of God. They are always welcome to this region anytime the Lord leads them this way.
Brother Carter delivered his Annual Regional Address to this convention encouraging us to “HOPE TO THE END”. He shared with us that he heard from Southern Mexico this morning. They are in convention there as well with over 800 delegates in attendance, and they called to let us know that the Holy Ghost is pouring out His blessings on their convention. Brother Carter encouraged them to go on doing what they are doing; to go on working for God and for The Church of God. He encouraged them to HOPE TO THE END.
CHURCH OF GOD
BE OF GOOD CHEER FOR WE BELIEVE IN GOD
The battle may not be over yet, but we serve
the One from which the victory will come.
THERE IS HOPE BEYOND THE BATTLE!
HOPE TO THE END
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Bishop Danny Carter, Regional Overseer, addresses the Regional Convention
