National News
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General Conference
News Bulletin from the General Superintendent - September 30,
2011
General Conference is coming soon on October 11-15, 2011, in Louisville,
Kentucky. Let's join together in prayer for God's anointing. I hope to see you
there.
The conference will begin Tuesday evening and will end with a "A Night of
Miracles" on Saturday evening. The business session is scheduled for Wednesday.
To see the full schedule, including the iChurch seminars on Friday and Saturday
mornings, go to
http://louisville11.upcigc.com. Online registration
ends September 30 (tonight) at 11:59 (CST), after which you will need to
register onsite.
http://louisville11.upcigc.com
Annual Report
The Annual Report, including the minutes from last year and the financial
statements, is now available online at
http://www.upciministers.com under
"Resources for Ministers." We will not distribute printed reports at the
conference, but we will project relevant portions as we discuss them in the
business meeting.
Registration for Streaming Video
We are introducing a new high-quality service for live streaming video of
the conference services. To register for viewing of all services, go to
http://www.upcigc.com.
Video will be available in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language.
Prayer for Bishop Kenneth Haney
As reported recently, our former general superintendent, Kenneth Haney,
has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. There has been a tremendous
outpouring of prayer and support from around the world. Today Sister Haney told
me that his condition has stabilized and he is not in pain, so we are thankful
for God's hand at work. Let's believe for a miracle of healing. Let's also pray
for God to give grace and strength to the Haney family. For updates, go to
http://www.clministry.com.
Other Special Prayer Needs
Joseph Carpenter, superintendent of the Michigan District, is in the
hospital battling with cancer.
The news media is reporting on a pastor who is facing execution overseas.
Let's pray for his deliverance.
Sincerely in Christ,
David K. Bernard
Prayer for Bishop Kenneth F. Haney
9/23 - Letter from the Haney Family:
Reverend Kenneth Haney has been suffering in his body and recently developed
memory loss and disorientation - prompting the family to seek medical attention.
After several CAT scans and MRI's, it was determined that there is a large
growth in his brain growing from the inside out. He was then taken to UC Davis
Medical Center where Doctors confirmed the initial diagnosis.
It has been determined that no medical treatment is possible and the doctors
have suggested we take Bishop Haney home and make him comfortable.
He has been given anywhere from one to three weeks to live.
We are asking that those members of the body of Christ whose lives have been
touched by the ministry of Bishop Haney join with the family in prayers and
fasting that God would restore him to complete health.
THE FAMILY IS BELIEVING FOR A MIRACLE!!!!!!!!
Thank you for your prayers.
Sister Joy Haney and Family
9/26 - Update from Sis Joy Haney
Bishop Haney is doing better than he was on Friday! He has NO pain! He is on NO
medication! He is surrounded by prayer in our house & reading of the Word, as
well as surrounded by the prayers around the world. Thank you for your constant
vigil of prayer! God is working a Miracle! Only God can perform this miracle!
Please keep praying & fasting! We deeply appreciate your Love & PRAYERS!
9/28/ - Update from Sis Joy Haney
Bishop Haney rested well last night, but still needs prayers for a miracle!
Please pray that God will REMOVE the tumor completely! He made the brain and
knows the intricacies of His creation. He is the Great Physician and we are
trusting Him completely to do the work! Some will pray, "Cut the tumor out,
Lord!" Some: "Shine the light of your Word on the tumor & zap it!" Some: "Send
your Word & heal him!" On & on, different ways to say it, but all saying one
thing: REMOVE THE TUMOR COMPLETELY! Thank you for your PRAYERS! They are deeply
appreciated! Thank you also your LOVE & support at this traumatic time. We feel
God & your love!
News Bulletin from the General Superintendent - July 29,
2011 
"Let's Have Church"
As you have probably heard, General Conference has been moved up one day, convening on
October 11-15, 2011, in Louisville, Kentucky. The conference will begin Tuesday
night and will end with a Holy Ghost and Healing Crusade on Saturday night. The
business session is scheduled for Wednesday. The theme of "Let's Have Church"
was chosen to reflect an emphasis on worship, preaching, and prayer. To see a
full schedule and to register, go to
http://louisville11.upcigc.com/. Register
by August 31, to receive the discounted rate.
iChurch at General Conference
There will be an expanded schedule of seminars on Friday and Saturday morning
for ministers and lay leaders, so please make plans to attend and to bring a
staff member with you.
Registration for Streaming Video
We are introducing a new high-quality service for live streaming video of the
conference services. To register for viewing of all services, go to
http://upci.globaldatalink.net/index.php.
Business Meeting
In a previous newsletter, I described some resolutions that are being submitted
by the General Board. The Resolutions Committee met to consider all resolutions
that were turned in, and all licensed ministers will soon receive in the mail a
copy of those the committee is forwarding to the General Conference. In
addition, four ministries are seeking endorsement from the United Pentecostal
Church International as provided in Article XIX of our Constitution.
- The Jesus Message: This radio ministry has been established to help
further the work of the former Media Missions Division.
- Compassion Services International: The Foreign Missions Division has
established this international relief agency as a separate nonprofit, tax-exempt
corporation so that it can obtain multiple sources of private and public
funding.
- Life in Focus Education (LIFE), which includes the Alcohol Chemical
Treatment Series (ACTS): The Home Missions Division has approved this ministry
as a separate nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation so that it can interact directly
with churches and legal authorities. It offers training programs for alcohol and
chemical treatment, anger management, money management, and employment.
- Purpose Institute: The Division of Education has recommended this
ministry training institution. It partners with local churches and districts to
develop Apostolic leaders.
Proposal for an Accredited Undergraduate Christian College
Gateway College of Evangelism has offered for Urshan Graduate School of Theology
to acquire Gateway in order to start a new undergraduate program with the goal
of accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. In
the summer of 2012 Gateway would close and the new entity would open under the
administration of UGST. It would be a Christian college, different from a Bible
college, offering the Bachelor of Arts degree in several majors including
general studies. As part of UGST, it would be owned and operated by the UPCI and
have a UPCI identity. For more information and to provide input, go to
http://www.upcicollege.org/. This proposal will be
considered by the General Board, so you are also welcome to provide input to
your district superintendent.
Flooding in North Dakota
Jesse Starr, North Dakota district superintendent reports historic flooding in
Minot. This flood has displaced as many as 33% of the families in the Minot
church. Please keep this congregation and the residents of this city in your
prayers. For more information or to contribute go to
http://www.minotafc.com
Sincerely in Christ,
David K. Bernard
News Bulletin from the General Superintendent - May 24, 2011
Tornado in Joplin, MO
As you have probably heard, the city of Joplin was devastated by a tornado on
Sunday night, May 22. The buildings of the two UPCI churches in Joplin were not
damaged, but the homes and businesses of many members were damaged or destroyed.
A family in Christian Life Church (Pastor Tony Stoddart) suffered the loss of
their mother and young son, and another son is in critical condition. Pastor and
Sister Frank Buchanan Sr. of Peace Tabernacle suffered extensive damage to their
home. Another Apostolic church suffered major damage and some loss of life.
Please pray for these churches and families. The UPCI's international relief
agency, Compassion Services International, is assisting with the needs. If you
would like to help financially, you can do so by clicking
here.
New UPCI Websites
We have redesigned our website,
www.upci.org, and added new features. It includes a church locator, an
events calendar, explanations of what we believe, information about our
ministries and missions, articles, resources, the general superintendent's news
bulletin, and links to other UPCI-related sites.
We also have a website for UPCI ministers,
www.upciministers.com,
and we are using it to build a database for ministers' e-mail addresses so that
we can send relevant information more efficiently. If you have not already done
so, please sign up to give us your e-mail address and gain access to resources
and functions for ministers.
Sincerely in Christ,
David K. Bernard
News Bulletin from the General Superintendent - May 2, 2011
Tornado damage and relief efforts
Many have asked about the effects of the recent tornados in Missouri and
Alabama. Our headquarters office, World Evangelism Center, did not sustain any
damage from the F4 tornado that hit the St. Louis area, and no lives were lost.
However, the airport took a direct hit and suffered tremendous damage. Many
homes were destroyed and several neighborhoods were flattened. Several members
of our churches lost homes, and the church in Bridgeton was damaged. The home of
Sister Catherine Chambers, wife of our former general superintendent, was
destroyed, but thankfully she was not home at the time. The home of Brother and
Sister Ray Agnew, former manager of the Pentecostal Publishing House, had some
damage, but many homes around them were totally destroyed.
Alabama was hit hard with an F5 tornado, and many of our saints and churches
suffered losses. David Hall, a newly licensed minister, is in critical
condition, and his wife was killed in the tornado that hit their home. A
twelve-year-old girl from the Moulton church was also killed. Please keep
Brother Hall and these two families in your prayers.
Compassion Services International (CSI) has been in contact with district
superintendents from the hardest hit states including Alabama, Mississippi,
Tennessee, and Georgia. Brother Scotty Slaydon is now visiting the affected
areas. CSI will send funding immediately for those who have requested it, but
there is an immediate need for bottled water, as some areas will be without
electricity for another week or more. To donate funds toward relief in these
states you may do so through Compassion Services at
www.upci.org. You may also donate by text.
For general text donations, simply text "CSI" to 85944 and reply "YES" to
confirm your gift. A one-time donation of $10 will be billed to your mobile
phone bill.
(Messaging and data rates may apply. Donations are collected for CSI by
mobilecause.com. Reply STOP to 85944 to stop. Reply HELP to 85944 for help. For
terms, click here.) To become part of the CSI broadcast list and be updated via
text whenever new alerts are sent, text "CSIHELP" to 27138.
Planting Daughter Churches
At homemissions.com I discuss "The Why and How of Planting Daughter
Churches" with Carlton Coon, general director of Home Missions.
Update on Foreign Minister
Late last year I reported to you concerning a minister in a
totalitarian country. He was arrested and sentenced to death. He is still in
prison, but thankfully his execution has been postponed indefinitely. We would
appreciate your continued prayer for this country and for this minister and his
family.
Sincerely in Christ,
David K. Bernard
News Bulletin from the General Superintendent - April 21, 2011
In March and April I have traveled extensively to
district conferences and other special meetings. Everywhere I go, ministers are
excited about revival and growth. Even though we have faced various challenges,
including adverse economic conditions, faith is rising! Many districts have
adopted goals and strategies for planting new preaching points, daughter works,
and home missions churches.
Under the auspices of the Stewardship Department, directed by Steve Drury, we
have recently established a UPCI-owned insurance company and a UPCI-owned loan
company. United Insurance Solutions will enable us to benefit from the
commissions on the insurance policies that we currently purchase for ministers
and employees. In the future, we will also be able to receive commissions from
property and casualty insurance offered in partnership with regional agents.
The United Pentecostal Loan Fund, operated under the United Pentecostal
Foundation by a separate board and a separate loan committee, will provide a
vehicle for investment in loans to UPCI churches already made by America's
Christian Credit Union. Investors will be able to purchase loan certificates in
the aggregate loan fund (not individual loans) at a fixed rate that is much
better than CDs currently offer. In addition, they will have the satisfaction of
knowing that they are advancing the kingdom of God through the construction of
new buildings, purchasing land, remodeling, and refinancing. With this new
initiative the UPCI will receive a portion of the interest payments that would
otherwise go to an outside lender.
The Executive Board approved the formation of a Young Ministers Advisory
Council. Composed of ministers under 40 nominated by the Youth Committee and the
General Board, it will meet at least once a year to communicate with and advise
the general superintendent and the General Board.
In recognition that the UPCI has become a truly international body and is
operating with a global perspective, the General Board adopted several
resolutions that will be presented to the General Conference. (As usual, UPCI
ministers will receive the exact resolutions this summer as adopted by the
Resolutions Committee.) First, upon recommendation from the Foreign and Home
Missions Divisions, there is a proposal to change their names respectively to
Global Missions and North American Missions. When working overseas and
especially when dealing with officials from various governments, the phrase
"foreign missions" is confusing and sometimes disadvantageous. Likewise, the
term "home missions" is sometimes misunderstood to mean family ministry. If the
name change is approved, the two divisions will continue to operate with the
same policies and jurisdiction as at present. Second, a policy of International
Transfer of Ministers was adopted. Third, the General Board voted for an
amendment to the International Articles of Faith that was approved unanimously
by the Global Council. It would add a statement that salvation is based on the
atoning blood of Jesus Christ through His death, burial, and resurrection. When
the Articles of Faith was originally written, everyone understood that this was
our belief, but on the international scene many have never heard of the UPCI or
the Oneness Pentecostal movement generally and need to know what we believe on
this matter.
The General Board also recommends that this statement be placed in our UPCI
Articles of Faith. It further recommends that we adopt a clarifying amendment to
our article on Conscientious Scruples to reflect existing interpretation and
practice. Namely, we support all who conscientiously object to the bearing of
arms in time of war, but we also recognize that some conscientiously participate
in the military under such circumstances.
The General Board has approved two projects to present to the General Conference
for endorsement: Purpose Institute, a training program that operates through
districts and local churches, and The Jesus Message, a radio ministry that
continues some of the work of the former Media Missions Division.
The name of Black Evangelism Ministries has been changed to Building the Bridge
Ministries to recognize our progress in this area and to refocus our mission. As
African Americans have become numerous in all aspects of church life, including
district and general leadership, we don't want to give an impression of a
segregated focus. Instead, we want to continue celebrating and encouraging the
participation of African Americans but also other races and ethnicities as well,
and we want to use our experiences to enhance cross-racial and cross-cultural
communication and evangelism more generally.
Plans for General Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, are well under way. Please
click here to see the schedule of services
and speakers. I hope to see you there!
Sincerely in Christ,
David K. Bernard
Update From Bishop Howell
3/31/2011
Sister Howell and I were in Corvallis, OR, Friday and Saturday, the 21st and 22nd of
March. Several churches came together for this meeting where we had a blessed time.
Many visitors were present and several were filled with the Holy Ghost and baptized. It
was great to be with Brother Fito Avenia and all the area pastors who joined him for
this
two day meeting.
On Sunday morning we were in Salem with Brother Jerry Miranda. Wow! What a
church where there was a Holy Ghost shower. That night we joined with Pastor Ted
Graves in Gresham, OR, and several area churches for another awesome service.
March 24 and 25 found us at the British Columbia District Conference where I served
as an Executive Presbyter. We had a great time with District Superintendent, Andrew
Dillon there in Prince George.
On Sunday, March 27, I was privileged to be in Baltimore with David and Cristina
Reever. We had powerful services on Sunday where there were four people filled with
the Holy Ghost and three baptized in Jesus' name. Thanks be to God for an outstanding
Faith Promise commitment made by the Abundant Life Church family.
Reports on the relief efforts in Sendai
3/31/2011
Praise the Lord!
It was by the grace of God, your prayers and support that we
made it on this trip to Sendai for the relief efforts. Special thanks go to CSI, UPC Gulf
State, who have committed funds promptly and UPCI Foreign Missions, who
coordinated to set things in quick motion. After the earthquake, out of fear and anxiety
people bought supplies excessively and they became very limited and short in Tokyo.
Living in Osaka, Brother Watanabe offered to purchase the supplies there and come to
Tokyo to join with us to our trip, which he did. God made a way for us to get an
Emergency Vehicle Status granted from the Police and this enabled us to be exempt
from tolls and drive all the way on express way to Sendai, while regular vehicles are
very
limited on express way and can go only so far. Another benefit was due to gas shortage,
most gas stations are closed, however because of the Emergency Vehicle Status we
were treated very well and even at the closed gas station, they provided the fuel when
they see the special permit.
After driving about 10 hours and arriving in Sendai, we visited Brother Kon's home,
pastor of Sendai Church. They spent 8 days in the evacuation center with very little
food in freezing temperatures. They were obviously exhausted, but welcomed us so
warmly with full of joy. The next morning, we took variety of supplies to Kons' and
other church members' home. They were very grateful and overwhelmed with the
kindness shown by God's people. We could have a service in the leader's home. The
church people were so touched when Brother Yokoyama talked about how Christians all
over the world care and are praying for them including CSI, UPC Gulf State, and
Japanese churches to name a few.
Thanks to the quick decision and action by CSI and UPC Gulf State, we were able to
provide packs of rice, bread, noodles, kerosene, portable gas range, baby milk, diapers,
gloves, disposable body warmer, paper plates and cups, wet paper towel, rubber boots,
rain coats etc. We donated some of these items to an Orphanage which has thirty
babies to take care of, a Nursery and Evacuation center. They all expressed heartfelt
appreciation for our donations.
I was shocked to see the evacuation center where the Kon's were staying. Some
people were sitting and sleeping on the thin plastic sheets and others on thin Tatami
sheet. No wonder Sister Kon and Brother Kon's daughter expressed that it was
unbearably cold at night. There was no privacy and very limited food, however people
were so patient and no complaints were heard. People in the North East area are
known for their patience. We witnessed that as they were waiting very patiently and
quietly in long lines, hours before supermarkets would open.
It was so shocking to go and see the devastation of seaside area in Sendai. TSUNAMI
brought disasters and turned towns into the ruins. We were literally astonished by the
power of water since what we saw was the once the lively, populated town which was
reduced to rubble. Many people were left without houses, jobs, and families. They
need
healing, physically and emotionally. They need to experience the Love of God.
Your continued prayers are greatly needed and appreciated for people affected by
this earthquake and TSUNAMI.
With sincere appreciation,
Brother Yokoyama
Northern Regional
Director, Japan UPC
For Pictures go to http://www.co
mpassionservices.com/phgallery.asp?FGID=1133
Update for Japan - CSI Relief Received
3/24/2011
Bro. Yokoyama and Bro. Kon talking with evacuation center personnel. Apparently
upon arrival with relief support from CSI and other organizations. Bro. Yokoyama
delivering rice to Pastor Kon and his wife at their apartment. They were just recently
permitted to return to their apartment
Japan update from Bro Lucas
3/20/2011
(The picture is of Brother and Sister Kon.)
We have received a good report from Tokyo this evening. We called and talked
with
Brother Mark Pounders, our international congregation assistant in our absence. They
are preparing for a combined Japanese and International service today at 10:00 AM (It is
now 8:55 AM.) Brother Yokoyama, our Northern Region Director, left yesterday
(Saturday) with two other brothers to take a truckload of supplies to Sendai. They
arrived without trouble and made contact with Pastor and Sister Kon last night
(Saturday night.) The Kons were allowed to return to their home yesterday (Saturday.)
The Brethren were planning to have a service Sunday morning (now). They weren't able
to use the building in which they normally hold services. The reason wasn't stated, but
most probably because it is being used as an evacuation center. Brother Yokoyama is
hoping to connect with the proper authorities today (Sunday) in order to distribute the
supplies they took with them as well as to coordinate subsequent trips.
Brother Ohara, the brother who lived near the nuclear power plant in Fukushima has
gone to Tokyo and will be in service there today. He is staying with his sister in Tokyo,
but will soon re-locate near another family member. He has been told he can not return
to his home in Fukushima.
A point of interest:
I heard on the radio yesterday a report
from the Salvation Army and from World Vision. Both are doing exactly the same as
what we are doing. They are using teams from inside Japan to distribute goods
purchased in other areas from within Japan. They asked for monetary donations only
from outside of Japan. They stated that the logistics of trying to gather goods and ship
pallet of relief suppies from outside of Japan, clear customs, etc. makes no sense at all.
Neither of them are accepting any other types of donations for Japan relief from
outside
of Japan except monetary donations. The vast majority of donations for Japan relief
are
nations and agencies simply giving through the Japanese embassies to the Red Cross in
Japan.
I am confident that the Brethren who are involved in this trip and trying to see what
we can set up to help are the very finest men possible to represent us in this.
Japan Update - SMART Team Update
3/17/2011
Since last Friday when the earthquake struck Japan we have been inundated with
calls, emails, text messages and personal requests for information about what is
happening and how people can get involved in the relief effort. Many have already
volunteered to be a part of a CSI SMART team (Strategic Management Assessment and
Response Team) to Japan as well as any medical, humanitarian or construction
teams.
I have discussed this possibility with Mark Majors who is the Disaster
Response Coordinator for CSI. Brother Majors works with the Department of Homeland
Security, US State Department and the US Military. He is very well connected to their
information pipeline and has written a response (see below) to my inquiry about a
SMART team going to Japan.
Because of the concerns highlighted in Brother
Majorsâ€TM response, at this time CSI will not be sending any
teams to Japan. As the situation continues to unfold there we will keep everyone
updated on any changes to this. CSI does not have the resources of larger humanitarian
organizations thus we must be as strategic as possible in our planning and
implementation of our efforts.
While we will not be sending teams into
Japan at this time, we do need funds for this relief effort. Because of the generous
giving
of many in times when there were no disasters, CSI does have a reserve of funds for
immediate response before an appeal is made. However, those funds are limited and
will not sustain a long term relief effort. We ask that you visit our website http://www.compassionservices.org/
in order to donate online or donate via text. You may also send a check to:
CSI/Japan
8855 Dunn Road
Hazelwood, MO 63042
Some have
written saying they could not give and could only pray. That is the greatest need for
Japan at this hour! Please join with us in praying for Japan, the
nationâ€TMs leaders and citizenry. Also, continue to pray for
the relief effort of so many on the ground.
Blessings,
Scotty
Slaydon
Director CSI
Thank You For Praying For Japan
March 15, 2011
Dear Prayer Warriors
I just want to take a moment to thank you for your continued prayer support for
Japan. Often in tragic events as Japan has suffered recently, we tend to become
overwhelmed with the constant images and needs. Please do not become weary in
praying for Japan with all their current needs. We are depending on your prayers.
Enclosed in this update is some information from our Northern Region Director.
Praise Report and Prayer Request
Praise the Lord!
I would like to share with you most recent updates for brethren and churches that
got most affected by the earthquake. Brother Okunushi, leader of Ibaragi church told
me that they were able to return home this last Sunday, a few days after they had been
evacuated to the public facility. He got in touch with almost all the saints there and
thankfully found that they were safe. In Ibaragi, electricity is back, but water is not
running and due to the shortage of gas, they can't use a car. Aftershocks still continue,
however, they are grateful that they have been protected by the Lord.
As for the hardest hit Sendai, I talked with Brother and Sister Kon today and they
were saying that they feel prayers sustaining and comforting them. They expressed
heartfelt appreciation to all ministers caring and praying for them. Kons' and other
members of Sendai church are all safe. Praise God! Sister Kon also expressed that the
earthquake was really frightening and due to lack of water, they have not only been
able to take a shower but also wash their face and brush the teeth. In spite of little
amount of food distributed, their health has been sustained. They will still need to
spend the night in the evacuated school because of aftershocks. We hear reports that
food, water and heat are what they are desperate for in most affected areas. As I am
writing now, there was quite strong earthquake in Kanto, Tokyo area. M 6.0
There is a brother in Fukushima saying that they have been evacuated to the
elementary school about 20 miles away from where there were nuclear plant disasters.(
This is getting really serious, so please pray.) He reported that there are 800-900
people
in the school ,many elderly and quite a few babies. It gets unbearably cold at night and
with just one rice ball served per meal, it is very tough on people physically. He
requests
prayers for those people that he is with.
We truly appreciate your prayers and kindness.
Please continue to pray for our churches and for Japan.
Sincerely,
Northern Regional Director
Bro.Yokoyama
A Final Praise Report
Contact has been made with Bro.
Kepler and his family and they are safe. Please continue to pray for them and their
family.
Sincerely,
Edward Hosmer
Japan Network Of Prayer
Japan - Compassion Services International
Japan Earthquake/Tsunami DONATE NOW While we are still ascertaining the full extent of the damage caused by the
earthquake/tsunami in Japan this past week, we have been able to contact our
missionaries on location, the David Doan family, and they are safe. They were not in
the
affected area when the earthquake occurred and we thank God for their safety. We
also
have word that Brother Kon, who pastors in the hardest hit Sendai area, has been
evacuated along with his family to a nearby elementary school. Because of the
continued aftershocks and the Kons cannot return home at this time, please keep them
in your prayers.
Communication is not the best and we are presently awaiting information from
Brother David Doan to see what type of response CSI can provide. The news outlets
continue to report a shortage of food, water and basic goods so we ask people to send
donations so that our response will be as complete and effective as possible.
Many have asked if there would be any CSI disaster relief teams or medical teams
going to Japan and at this point we simply do not know. In the next couple of days the
picture should clear up some and we will update everyone on the potential of teams
going to Japan.
Until more information is available we ask your continued prayers for Japan; they
are needed and appreciated. To those who can give, we say thank you on behalf of
those who you may never meet but will be blessed by your generosity.
Blessings,
Scotty Slaydon
Director CSI
Brother Hosmer Missionary to Japan
March 13, 2011 - I conducted an interview via email with Brother Hosmer, a
missionary to Japan for the United Pentecostal Church International and he responded
with this:
Dear Bro. Doty,
Praise the name of the Lord!
I can share with you a little bit of what we know. This is a bit challenging since we
are in the states on deputation. We had just finished a church service in New York with
Bro. Davis. We drove our motor home in the heart of New York on the BQE and it was
raining. I was already thinking hard about being back home in Japan when I received a
news flash alert on my iphone. It read something like "Major Earthquake hits
Japan". We pulled our motor home over into a IHOP parking lot and we began to
watch in horror the tsunami rolling into Sendai. I remember feeling shock and sad at
the same time. I kept thinking to myself, if only we we were there instead of traveling
through the states raising funds, maybe I could of reached a few of those souls from
that area. I am the Japan Network of Prayer Coordinator and therefore I sent out a
prayer request to the prayer team. Currently we have about 2,000 members of the
Japan Network of Prayer Team. After making several phone calls to Japan to find out
the status of our family and church, we tried to get some sleep. A couple of hours later
the manager of IHOP knocked on our motor home door asking us to leave prior to their
"rush hour". I felt pretty grieved that this person was not aware of what we
were going through at that time. Needless to say that particular IHOP will not see any
of
our business again. All of our church members of the different churches were being
accounted for except for Pastor Kon and his family in Sendai. The following day I
received word from one of our Japanese ministers that they had been taken to an
elementary school for shelter and they were doing fine. Still power is out in many of
our
homes and the transportation is at a stand still. Cell phones were the first to go and to
find pay phones is a challenge in the day and time we live in. Many in the major cities
rely upon the train or bus for transportation. Over all I think Japan was being
protected.
Considering the magnitude of this earthquake and what could of happened... My heart
just longs to get back home to minister to the Japanese people. Perhaps this is the
thing
needed to wake that country up.
Yours for Souls
Bro. Hosmer
Click Here For Bro. Hosmer's
website
Please continue to pray for all those affected by this disaster.
Conference in the Philippines
PHILIPPINES - March 6, 2011. Sister Howell and I were privileged to be in Taiwan for
the first nationalization ceremony that I have done. It was blessed. We called it
"the transition of leadership." We will be working on special certificates for
those other nations that have already been nationalized. I am thankful that there is now
a formal ceremony for this.
Congratulations to Superintendent and Sister Tommy Bracken for this milestone in
the work there. This represents over thirty years of faithful labor on their behalf. Of
course, we also honor their team of missionaries (past and present) and ministers who
have helped bring this important step to fruition. There were several that were filled
with the Holy Ghost and a great spirit of revival. Brother Lee Stoneking was the
evangelist and did an outstanding job. Regional Director, Lynden Shalm, and several
visiting missionaries, along with others, were in attendance.
From Taiwan we went to the Philippines for Because of the Times and the General
Conference of the United Pentecostal Church of the Philippines. The
team of ministers: the Manguns, T. F. Tenney, Mike Williams, the Shocks and others
ministered in the power of the Holy Ghost. I was honored to be able to preach three
times. It was five days of meetings. On Sunday, the General Conference concluded with
a crusade service where there were over 20,000 in attendance and approximately
2,500-3,000 received the Holy Ghost. Brother Alfredo Bodegas was re-elected as the
General Superintendent of the church in the Philippines. There is a thrust like never
before to send missionaries from the Philippines to other countries.
Foreign Missions Director Bruce Howell
United Pentecostal Church
International
8855 Dunn Road
Hazelwood, MO 63042
http://www.foreignmissions.com/
General Conference in Madagascar
Madagascar, Africa - September, 2010. They came from as far away as 3 days travel,
expecting that God would again show Himself mighty at the General Conference in
Antananarivo. God did not disappoint.
Missionary Denzil Richardson was the Apostle who started this work just over four
decades ago. Now totaling almost 900 churches the work is being continued by UPCI
Missionary Chris Richardson and the National Board. The General Conference of
Madagascar is not foreign to seeing over a thousand receive the Holy Ghost, but this
year God would outdo Himself.
Before the meeting began God had spoken, calling for His people to believe for over
1,700 to receive the Holy Ghost. The first night of the week was for Pastors and their
wives with about a 1,000 in attendance. Evangelist Brian Norman took his text from
Psalms 42:1 and preached on "Pursuing His Presence". Breakthroughs
happened and promises were made in the Spirit.
Thursday through Sunday the conference continued with ministers and saints in
attendance. Crowds exceeded 10,000 each night with a conservative estimate of over
15,000 different people attending during the week. Nightly the altars filled with people
desiring to receive the Holy Ghost speaking with other tongues for the very first time,
and God did not disappoint.
Evangelist Norman preached sermons titled: "Who Is This Jesus?",
"God's Declared Will For You", "Believe and Receive", and
"The Floods Will Come". Rev. Jerry Richardson, the UPCI Regional Director
of Africa and former Missionary to Madagascar, preached on the authority and power of
God's Word. Every service ended with great confirmation in the Spirit.
Every night when the altar call was made for the Holy Ghost every person who came
up would have a national minister stand directly in front of them to verify they spoke
with other tongues for the very first time and then fill out an information card on them.
When the cards came in and were counted up, 1,884 had received the Holy Ghost for
the first time. Hundreds were also miraculously healed. We all knew yet again, the
God
of Zion is far from dead. To Jesus be all the praise!
News Bulletin from the General Superintendent - February 23,
2011
News Bulletin from the General Superintendent - February 23, 2011
2/23/2011
Recently, I mailed a letter to all ministers of the
United Pentecostal Church International concerning goals, progress in 2010, and plans
for 2011. If you would like to view it digitally, login to the UPCI ministers website, http://www.upciministers.com/.
In January I had the opportunity to attend Because of the Times, a conference for
ministers and spouses in Alexandria, LA, hosted by Pastor Anthony Mangun and the
Pentecostals of Alexandria. I was asked to speak about 15 minutes to cast vision for our
fellowship and movement. My message, entitled "New Paths," can be heard
on the UPCI main website, http://www.upci.org/.
Also in January,
the Home Missions Division aired an interview with me on the progress of the UPCI,
ways to minister effectively in the modern cultural context, and growing churches in
North America. To view this interview, go to www.homemissionsdivision.co
m/hmlive and select "HM Live January 04, 2011."
In 2010,
at the request of Pastors Tim Dugas and Scott Graham of The Sanctuary in Hazelwood,
MO, I taught three lessons on the topic of holiness, covering the biblical foundation for
holy living, the distinction of sexes, and modesty. These lessons are available as a
three-
disk set entitled The Life of Holiness. Videos of the lessons are on two DVDs, and
customizable teacher's notes and PowerPoint presentations are on a CD-ROM. Many
pastors have used these lessons for midweek Bible study, adult Sunday School, or
discipleship classes. The set may be obtained from the Pentecostal Publishing House at
http://www.pentecostalpublishing.co
m/.
As a reminder, the General Conference has been changed to meet
Tuesday night through Saturday night, October 11-15, 2011, in Louisville, KY. The
business session will be held on Wednesday, October 12. The conference will feature
preaching and training, with many seminars for ministers and lay leaders on Friday and
Saturday, October 14-15. Please make plans to attend and to bring church staff
members with you. Registration is now open for all ministers at http://www.upcigc.com/.
The
Executive and General Boards will meet on February 28-March 3. Please pray for God to
direct our leaders as they make decisions for our fellowship. After the meetings I will
update on our plans.
Sincerely in Christ,
David K. Bernard
Revival in Southeast Bangladesh!
Bangladesh - January 16, 2011.
Dear Partners-In-Missions,
Praise the Lord! We greet you in the name of
Jesus Christ our Lord from Bangladesh with great news of great works the Lord has
done.
Capitol Church Land Purchased!
Recently we were able to
purchase approximately ½ acres of land for the capitol city church, Headquarters
building and Bible School. Thank you partners, for helping make this possible. We are
needing an additional 17,000$ for this project at this moment and all
donations/investments can be made by sending funds earmarked. During a recent
Missions Trip to the northwest of Bangladesh 40 received the Holy Ghost and 36 were
baptized in Jesus name.
Revival in Southeast Bangladesh!
Pastor Ramthanga from
the tribal region recently reported that 9 had received the Holy Ghost in a revival in
this
region.
National Sunday School Program Launched!
We thank the
Lord for the tremendous Sunday School Training Seminar which was held recently in the
capitol and for the Sunday School ministers that are sweeping the nation with the
gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ! We will conduct follow-up training sessions with Sunday
School ministers every six months. In a recent Sunday School Outreach in the capitol
approximately 30 children and 20 adults/parents were impacted and moved by the
gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
United Arab Emirates
We thank the Lord for allowing us the
opportunity of ministering the Gospel to our brothers and sisters in the Lord there. We
thank the Lord for what He is doing in the UAE.
We would like to thank each and every one of you our faithful Partners-In-Missions
for the sacrifices and investments of prayer and faith and finances that each and
everyone of you have made into the kingdom of God here in Bangladesh, India and the
rest of Asia. "For we are labourers together with God:" (I Corinthians 3:9)
You mean so much to our family and the work of the Lord here in Asia and we
appreciate you so very much.
May God richly bless you,
The James Corbin family
United Pentecostal Church International/Foreign Missions
Division
8855 Dunn Rd. Hazelwood, MO. 63042-2299
Click here if you'd like to read the
National News from 2010