Regional Report
2006 Regional Ministers' Convention of
The Church of God of IN/KY/OH,
Bishop Danny L. Carter, Regional Overseer
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Report of the 2006 Minister’s Convention
The Church of God
Indiana, Kentucky, & Ohio
October 13 – 15, 2006
Held at The Church of God in Franklin, Indiana
Regional Overseer – Bishop Danny Carter
As I sit down to write this report a phrase from Numbers 23:23 comes rushing to my mind; “What hath God wrought!” This is not a question, but rather an exclamation of the awesome delivering power of the God we serve.
I do not think that words alone will be able to describe the events of the Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio Minister’s Convention this year. Many left this convention saying that it was the best Minister’s Convention they had ever attended. That is why it is so wonderful that the entire convention was broadcast live on the World Wide Web, and is also available to order on DVD. There were some issues pertaining to the sound on the Webcast, but these issues have been resolved.
Church, we serve a mighty, mighty God. He is true, He is just, He is faithful, and He is love. He is our very present help in times of trouble. Believe me when I say that the wonderful people of this region have experienced God in ways this past year beyond anything that we ever have experienced before.
We are so grateful and appreciative for our friends who were able to be with us during this convention and to share with us in the showers of blessings that rained down all weekend long. Brother and Sister Daniel, Brother and Sister Brenizer, and Brother and Sister Griffin – you were all such a wonderful blessing to this convention. The worst part about the convention coming to a close is that we will be without your company until the Lord brings us together again; and He will. Of course we cannot neglect to mention the hundreds and possibly thousands of our friends, brothers, and sisters who joined in with us on the internet. Your presence and your prayers were certainly felt even though most of you were many, many miles away. God bless each and every one of you!
The convention began on Friday evening, October 13th. God’s presence could be felt the minute you walked through the doors. What love and fellowship we enjoyed from the opening to the closing of this convention! God blessed every part of the program from the congregational singings, to the auxiliary boosts, to the messages that were brought to us from God’s own heart, and every point in between.
The regional theme for the coming year, and the theme for this Minister’s Convention is “Workin’ On A Building,” and the scripture text is 2 Corinthians 10:18 which says, “For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth”.
Bishop Danny Carter opened the convention promptly at 7:00PM in prayer and words of wonderful encouragement. Brother Jeff Wilcox read from 1 Peter 2:1 – 8, and Sister Missy Wilcox led the convention in singing. What a wonderful time in the Lord we had from the opening moments of the convention. There was such a very special presence of the Lord felt throughout and by everyone present.
Following the congregational singing Brother Carter called the convention to prayer. God had a direction for this meeting and we wanted nothing more than to begin the convention by getting into the realm of the spirit in order that we might be obedient to the direction the Lord had set for us.
Brother Carter then gave an inspiring boost for Men’s Retreat, followed by Sister Carter giving an equally inspiring boost for Ladies’ retreat. Sister Carter also had Sister Phelps and Sister Newport testify of what Ladies’ Retreat means to them. Men’s and Ladies’ retreats always serve as a wonderful spiritual refueling stop each year for the long journey that lies ahead. After we have been through a long winter, most of us not being able to travel very far due to the weather, these retreats are a welcome stop and we always leave lifted up, encouraged, and energized to continue with the work of the Church for the coming year.
Sister Regina Goodin then blessed the Convention by singing “Built on the Rock”, after which Brother Carter introduced Sister Sharon Griffin who ministered to us through her message on “Divine Deliverance” (the message she attempted to preach at the General Assembly).
The Church of God is in need of Divine Deliverance in these last days, and because He has heard the cries of His people, God has raised up deliverers in Mount Zion. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego “The Church of God” can trust in God because we know in whom we believe. The Church of God does not have to be intimidated by the Nebuchanezzar spirit that still works today, even within The Church. Just as the fire had no power over the three Hebrew Children, the enemy has no power over us today; and just as God was in the fire with them, He is in the fire with us; and just as He delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the flames, He will deliver The Church of God when we sincerely seek His face and call upon Him.
Following this soul stirring message, Brother Carter called the convention to prayer for the afflicted. We are The Church of God – Why should we be bound by affliction or anything else the enemy tries to bind us with? God is getting ready to take a group of people out of this world that the world is not worthy of having anymore; why should we be bound?!
We then sang the song, “Why Should I Be Bound” and immediately went into a prayer-line for deliverance in order to give an opportunity for God to deliver anyone who is bound in any way. There was, without question, a very present spirit of deliverance in the house that night. We want to be ready for the Lord’s return and do not want to be bound by any trick or trap of the enemy that might tend to hinder our departure.
On Saturday morning Bishop Carter opened the morning session of the convention by talking about the church as and organism rather than an organization. The Church of God is not an organization, but rather an organism, which is defined as something living, something alive. With regards to The Church, wherever the organism is found will also be found the divine institution.
Brother Frank Edwards conducted the scripture reading from Matt. 7:13-27, followed by Sister Earlene Edwards leading the congregational singing. Sister Gina Phelps then sang “That’s All That Matters To Me”. The Lord was moving in such a mighty way that Brother Carter asked Sister Gina to sing that song again while the entire convention dwells on making heaven our home. Heaven is real, and Brother Carter encouraged us to keep our minds on making heaven our home and to stay on the road that will get us there. The Hutton Family then blessed us with the singing of “I’m a Winner Either Way”.
The special singing was followed by Sister Doris Randols speaking to us about "Workin’ On A Building Through WMB (Women’s Missionary Band)." Missions is all about winning souls for the Lord. We are going on doing the things that we know to do; Workin’ on a Building through WMB. Our Region has chosen the country of Mexico as our Mission Drive country this year. We are so happy to be able to offer help and to be a blessing to our Brothers and Sisters in Mexico. Sister Randols led the convention in prayer for the dear saints in Mexico. It honors us to pray for The Church of God in Mexico and we welcome their friendship and association. We look forward to the times ahead when we have the opportunity to worship together.
Sister Randols then spoke to the convention about “Workin’ On A Building Through the ABM (Assembly Band Movement)." The ABM is all about keeping those souls that were won for the Lord by WMB and other auxiliaries of The Church of God. Sister Randols strongly encouraged the local churches to have in-home band meetings where the primary purpose and goal is to spend time seeking God and having His Spirit working and moving within our midst. She then shared with us the story of the “One little lost lamb”, how the shepherd left the ninety and nine to find the one that was lost. The ninety and nine were not left unattended or unguarded; the shepherd knew that they were being cared for. That is where the ABM program comes in; caring for ninety and nine so that the shepherd can go after the one little lost lamb.
Following the ABM boost Sister Carter then paid “Special Recognition to those in the Ministry”. What a time of love that we all felt for one another! We do honor and appreciate our ministry throughout this region. They have all stood strong and firm for God, for The Church of God, and for Truth throughout this entire ordeal that we have found ourselves. This session was closed out by Sister Gina Phelps singing “That’s All That Matters To Me” and by everyone coming around greeting and showing appreciation for the ministry. Speaking as one of the ministers being honored, the appreciation and recognition was also flowing just as strongly and sincerely from the ministry to those whom we serve. This region has been blessed with the most loving, hardworking, and spiritually discerning church folks that you will ever have the pleasure to meet and work with.
The Saturday afternoon session began with the devotional being led by Brother and Sister Legg. Brother Ron Legg conducted the scripture reading from Luke 6:45-49 and Sister Legg leg the convention in singing.
Brother Frank Edwards then spoke to the convention concerning “Workin’ On A Buiding Through CPMA and BTI”. The theme for CPMA for the Region this year is Church Property Made Attractive. We want the outside to reflect what God is doing on the inside.
Our media team then boosted all of the different forms of media that the Region currently has operating. Brother Ryan Carter reported statistics for the 1fold.com, .org, and/or .net website. The Region owns all three domains so we can log in as any of the three and get to the same website. What a blessing this website has been to thousands around the world! It is the only source of factual and complete information regarding the events of the past year, and more, of The Church of God. Our thanks go out to Ryan and Chad Carter for their many, many hours of labor on this website. It is a world-class website, and something that this region can be proud of, not only in its appearance, but in its content as well.
Brother Jeff Wilcox then boosted the 1fold audio/video department. This is the department whereby all of the copies of the Prayer & Fast Conferences, the Regional Conventions, and this Minister’s Convention are being made available for you to order on DVD. A lot of work, equipment, and time go into the recording and copying of these events. We are so appreciative of Brother Jeff and the entire audio/video staff which currently consists of Brother Jeff, his son Brother Brian, Brother Travis Phelps, and Brother Ryan Carter. Brother Jeff then honored Brother Ryan Carter for his work on the 1fold website and the 1fold audio/video, not to mention that Brother Ryan just recently celebrated a birthday. This region very much appreciates Brother Ryan and all of his work; it does not go unnoticed.
Brother Randy and Sister Regina Goodin have agreed to develop and print the monthly regional paper which will be known as, what else but 1Fold News. When you find something that works you stick with it. In order for the paper to be successful Brother and Sister Goodin have asked that all reports and articles be submitted to them by the 5th of each month. It is their goal to have the paper out sometime around the middle of each month. They will be including a Biography of a different person in each paper, beginning with the pastors. It is the intent of all of the forms of media that we are using to draw us closer together to one another and to let the readers know that “THY GOD REIGNETH”!!
Sister Betty Kendrick followed the media boost by speaking to us regarding “Workin’ On A Building Through Evangelism”; that is where the souls are. We need the fire of Jeremiah, not only in our bones, but clear down to our feet, so that we will get out and work to win the souls. Sister Kendrick spoke of the many doors that are open in our communities through which we can minister. We must have compassion and concern for these souls if we want to win them. There are so many ways by which we can reach these souls but we must get out into the communities where they live; where they work; and where they play. She reminded us that Jesus was a carpenter and told us that we could be one too with the proper tools. Evangelism is about being “fishers of men” and “winning souls”. Our churches will grow, if we go.
The Raceland folks followed the Evangelism program by singing “Called Out.”
Brother Earl Hazel then brought an inspiring message entitled, “The Decaying House.” To decay means to lose the former ability, declining strength, and to decline from a state of prosperity. Brother Hazel shared with us how bad workmanship can lead to the eventual decay of a house or a church. Decay is a slow process, but it is a process that can be prevented with regular checkups and inspections by God the Father. Another cause of eventual decay is temporary fixes. These are fixes that are put in place without regard for who may be following after you. When we work for the Lord we are to work with all of our might and to do all things for His glory; no temporary fixes will do. Brother Hazel also encouraged us for the things that we have endured. He shared with us that the things that we have endured will make us more solid, and more Church of God, and that they will actually work for us. He encouraged us to remain on the straight path and not to zigzag back and forth chasing after every cat or skunk that crosses our path, meaning being blown around by every wind of doctrine that blows, or changing our course every time someone steps up and says they have a better way, or that they know better than someone else. If our eyes and hearts are on the Lord then we will remain on the straight path, it is only when we become distracted that our path begins to zig and to zag. It is time to be The Church of God. Things are not as black, or as decayed, as the enemy would have us think they are. We simply need to get to work for God and pray that He will open our eyes to His glory and that we will see her, His bride, in all her beauty. NO MORE ZIGZAGGING FOR US!!!
Brother and Sister Hutton opened the Saturday Evening session by conducting the devotion. Brother Hutton shared God’s word with us by reading 1 Corinthians 3:9-17, and Sister Hutton led the congregation in singing.
We were then blessed with another song by the Souls Harbor Trio and a boost for the trio by Brother Travis Phelps.
Following the Trio, Sister Daniel sang “Going Home”. She and Brother Daniel have always been such a blessing to this Region.
Brother Daniel then brought the message for the Saturday evening session entitled, “Casa Bonita – Beautiful House.” Before he began Brother Daniel asked Brother Brenizer to come to the microphone to make a few comments and to pray for the remainder of the service. It was so good to have Brother and Sister Brenizer with us in our Minister’s Convention. His words were very encouraging to us.
Brother Daniel spoke about building according to a blueprint, and how that God’s building is about to be finished according to God’s blueprint. In order to be a part of building this house we must be able to read and understand God’s blueprint, His Holy Word. We need God in the building program more than we have ever needed him before. If the enemy were to have his way, God’s Beautiful House would become a den of thieves. As with every message preached during this convention, it would be impossible to include all of the good and pertinent words that were spoken, but Brother Daniel closed his message by relaying to us that if we want to stand with Jesus we must separate ourselves from everything else. Where do we go to get something sure, steadfast, and solid that will last us for eternity? We go to Casa Bonita a Dios (The Beautiful House of God). Jesus told His disciples on the boat to “Come and Dine” (John 21: 1 – 14). Come and Dine at the Casa Bonita – A dining experience of an eternal lifetime.
Immediately following Brother Daniel’s message there was such a powerful move of the Holy Ghost. God spoke to His people through a message in tongues and interpretation. He said,
“Yea, yea, am I not the same that spoke to My disciples then, as I am today? I sayunto thee, the fish is on the fire! I tell thee My people, Come and Dine – Feast – comeand dine on the things that I have provided for thee.”“Yea, be obedient; yea, be obedient unto Me. My word is true; thou knowest; thouhast heard. Yea, I have told thee, and tell thee again. It is My truth, none shall changeit. It shall be thus to the end.” What a way to close out the Saturday evening service!! What a presence of God that we felt!!
Brother and Sister Loveless led off the Sunday morning session with Brother Loveless reading from Jude 20-21 and Sister Loveless leading the congregation in singing. At the close of the singing Sister Loveless honored Brother and Sister Carter for having recently celebrating their anniversary, Brother Carter’s birthday, Sister Randol’s birthday, and Sister Aucoin’s birthday. She then had the convention come around and show their love and appreciation for Brother and Sister Carter in an offering, a handshake, and a hug.
We are always blessed by our children. We so much appreciate Sister Annette Oglesbea for conducting our Children’s Convention during this Minister’s Convention. Following the love offering for the Carters, Sister Oglesbea brought the children from the Children’s Convention out for a special singing. Our children always bring a tear to the eye. They are so young, and will face so much as they get older. It is so important that we teach them now how to deal with the things they will face, and that the most important thing they can do is to give their hearts to God and serve Him and He will bring them through whatever comes their way.
Sister Oglesbea then spoke to us about “Workin’ On A Building Through Children’s Ministries.” She was followed by Brother Randy Hazel who spoke to us about “Workin’ On A Building Through Sunday School.” We appreciate very much the wonderful words that they both brought to us regarding these two very important ministries. Let’s all keep Sister Imogene Griffits in our prayers. She is our Regional Sunday School Coordinator. Brother Randy did a tremendous job filling in for her, as she was unable to attend the convention due to illness.
Sister Jenny Lonz blessed the convention by singing “If You Want Me To”, and the Souls Harbor Trio followed her singing “I’ll Not Be Moved From Mount Zion”.
Brother Carter closed out the convention with his message entitled “Cleansing The Temple.” We need Jesus on the inside working on the outside. It is our desire to build a strong house that will stand against the winds of doctrine that blow in this world. Building that strong house will take Jesus on the inside working on the outside. We need for what we build today, to last for all generations to come. Over the years, even in the recent past, the Building Inspector, the Holy Ghost, has pointed out repairs that must be made in order for this house to stand. It will take time, it will take money, and it will take effort on our part; but no price is too great to pay to keep The Church of God in good order. The Master Builder is inspecting His house; He wants to restore the integrity of The Church of God. He wants to see The Church purified because He is returning for a church that is pure and holy. Every hidden thing shall be revealed; God is revealing all the hidden things within The Church of God as we speak. We want to keep the approval of God, the Master Builder, and to do that we must do right, talk right, walk right, and live right.
There is no possible way for this short report to do justice to the Holy Ghost filled Minister’s Convention that we experienced in the Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio Region of The Church of God this weekend. I strongly encourage you to order the DVD set if you haven’t already. You can do this from the 1fold.com website. Every message came straight from the throne room of heaven. This report only brought to light some of the points brought forth in these messages. We look forward to going on doing what we know to do, and working for God and The Church of God in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio in the coming year. We continue to pray for General Headquarters and that things can be made right there once again, and that the integrity of The Church of God will be restored. Until such time however, she is a decaying house, and not a Casa Bonita. If you want to find the Casa Bonita a Dios, come and see; come and dine; come to Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio.
God bless each and every one of you.Chris Newport,
Regional Reporter
For those interested in receiving DVD Copies of our Regional Ministers' Convention, please contact the Regional Office for more information.
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