THEJuly/August 2020

Volume 34/Number 4

MESSENGERALABAMAALABAMAENDURANCE

MEN’S ENCOUNTERSeptember 10-12, 2020

See pages 6-7 for more information

See page 8-9 for more information. SEPTEMBER 17-19, 2020

FALL WOMEN’S RETREAT

CYNDI DRAUGHON ALABAMA WOMEN’S DIRECTOR

event hostBeth Stevens guest speaker

EVENT HOST DAVID STRAHAN

Alabama District Missions and Men’s Director

GUEST SPEAKER RICK DUBOSE

Assistant General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God

KEN DRAUGHON ds@adcag.org

ALABAMA DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT

ARE WE LIVING IN THE LAND OF PESTILENCE? You’ve heard this statement so many times you can’t even count, “We’ve never seen anything like this before.” Social Distancing, now that’s a word that exploded on the scene a few months ago. I did an internet search for it and got 1.15 Billion hits in less than one second. By the way, there is a “Social Distancing Scoreboard” as to how states and counties rate in doing Social Distancing—Alabama got an “F.” Psychologists tell us introverts are handling Social Distancing better than extroverts. Some folks are wired to enjoy being by themselves more than others. In the church, we love FELLOWSHIP. We enjoy a hearty handshake or hug and it’s tough giving “virtual hugs.”

I’m usually preaching in a different church every Sunday across Alabama, but since the middle of March I’ve only done Zoom, Facebook Live or Video preaching. It is a different world for all of us. Some of you stepped away from public gatherings for a while, and many are just recently returning to the church building, carefully, to see a portion of your people. Psalm 91 gives us some key Biblical truths to live by when the world is facing a pandemic. Living by the truths in this text will enable you to enjoy God’s peace while many others are panicking. God’s Word is the foundation to stand upon anytime and especially during a health crisis.

The Word of God declares in Psalm 91:1-6, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty b. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust. Surely, He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.” Hebrew names weren’t trendy, they were often descriptive or prophetic. Here are four in this text that describe God: 1)The Most High (E-lyon): He cannot be compared to anyone, He is above all things, He owns and is ruler over everything. Supreme! Nothing above Him. The Most high God. Do not fear the enemy who tries to intimidate you. Know that your God is the Most High God. 2) Almighty (Shad-da-i): Gives us the awareness of God being all-powerful, all-sufficient, a Sovereign ruler who is present all the time. Absolute power! The creator. Supernatural (above the natural). God Almighty, the mighty One of Jacob. He truly is the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth. 3) Lord (Yah-weh) Reveals God’s nature in the highest and fullest sense, stressing His absolute faithfulness to fulfill His promises. The “Self-existent One.” 4) Fortress (Elo-hi-m): Reveals to us God’s intensity in revealing His power, preservation and preparation. God is creator, powerful and mighty, Lord of lords. He is the Lord Most High, stronger and mightier than anyone or anything. When you face impossible circumstances or adversaries, now that your God is stronger.

God is the one to look to when we’re living through an epidemic or pandemic. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God (Psalm 20:7).

MICHAEL D. SHARP, D.MIN.DISTRICT SECRETARY-TREASURER

msharp@adcag.org

HARDTIMESREVEALHARDTRUTHS:WHATLIESBENEATH?

In$mesofseveresttrialwediscoverwhatapersonorgroupisreallymadeof.Whatlieswithin?Whatliesbeneath? Hard$mesrevealhardtruths. Weo=enpraythatGodwilldowhateverittakestoreveal,refine,andrestorehischurch,butweneverknowwhat that“whatever”willbe. One thing is constant:Wedonot like therefiner’sfire. Itseparatesthedesiredfromthedross,thepurefromtheimpure,averyunpleasantprocess. Weo=enpreferthedross.(Mal3.2f,Ps66.10f,Isa48.9,1Pet1.7) The COVID-19 pandemic has been a revelatory event. It revealed decades of failure by poli$cians tostockpiletheequipmentandmedicinesneededtocombatinevitablepandemicsun$lvaccineswereproduced. Itrevealedthefailuresofpoli$ciansandcorpora$onswhohadtransferredproduc$onofimportantmaterialstootherna$ons. It revealed thedepthof hos$lity amongpoli$cians andpar$es and theirwillingness to inflamehatredamongAmericansviathemedia. Thesuscep$bilityofAmerica’seconomytomassivedisrup$onandtheeconomicfragilityoftheaverageci$zenwereshowntobefarworsethanwethought. TheresistanceofmanyAmericanstolegi$matescien$stsandagencies,andtheirvulnerabilitytodecep$onbypseudoscienceandconspiracytheories,revealedtremendousignoranceofhealthandscience. Itrevealedourignoranceofhistoryandhowo=enepidemics fardeadlier than thisonehave ravagedcommuni$esandna$ons,andthegreatpersonalandcommunalsacrificesittooktoendureanddefeatthem.Thehos$lity,theignorance,thegrasping at authority and thedisobedience to authority, thewillingness tobelieve theworst about anyonewhodisagreedwithus,thesethingsandmuchmorewereshowntohavebeenlyingwithinourheartsallalong,coloringallwethinkandfeel.(Ps139.23f,Jer17.9,39.10) Similarly, thepandemic revealedachurcho=enmoreAmerican thanbiblical. Theemo$onallydecep$veentertainment model, the programs, fundraising, and events, the con$nual frene$c ac$vi$es we equated withspiritualministries,wereallsuddenlystopped.Evengatheredministriesthatwerebiblicalandmakingdiscipleshadtocease.Somechurchesadaptedquickly,providingpreaching,discipleship,andpastoralcareonlineandbyphone.However,many seemed certain that stopping all programs, ac$vi$es, and corporate gatheringswouldmean theimmediatebackslidingofmanymembers.PastorsfoundthemselvesstrugglingwithmemberswhohadneverbeentaughthowtoreadtheBiblecorrectlyforthemselves. ManymemberswereclearlymoreformedandinformedbycultureandmediathanbyChristandScripture. Thefrene$cbusynessofmanychurches,modeleda=erbusinessculture,hadconcealedshallowcharacterchange.Thecathar$c,self-centeredworshipofotherchurches,modeleda=erentertainmentculture,hadconcealedsuperficialspirituality.ThelifeofspiritualdisciplineindailyBiblestudy,devo$on,prayer,andmedita$ononGod’sWordwasabsentinsomanypeople. And,itshowed. (Rom12.2,Eph4.20-32,Jms1.2-9) ThepandemicrevealedthetruestateoftheAmericanchurch.Returningtothemodelsthatfailedusinthepastwillmeanwehavelearnednothing. Worshippingagainattheidolsofbusiness,busyness,andentertainmentwill produce the same results: Unreached communi$es and busy, shallow, unchanged churches. The onlyacceptablewayforwardissimpleandold:Thecon>nual,systema>cstudyofGod’sWord,appliedrigorouslytoourlivesinspiritualcommunity:Discipleship!Allelsethatweneedforfinalvictorywillflowfromthat. Discipleshipisremovingold,selfish,sinfulwaysofthinkingandfeeling,andreplacingthemwithnew,other-centered,Christ-likewaysof thinkingand feeling. It is theprocessofGod’sWordandSpirit confron$ngusdeeply, revealingwhat isreallythere,showingushowtobechangedintothelikenessofJesus. Itisaboutchangingwhatlieswithin,whatliesbeneath. ItisthefinalcommissionofChristandthefinalcommandofPaul. Itisoursure,andshining,hope.(Mt28.18-20,2Tim2:2)

Steven A. Mason District Youth Director

Alabama Youth Ministries www.alabamayouthministries.com

Email: dydsec@adcag.org

2 0 2 0 T o p S p e e d T h e L i g h t

Phenix City First Assembly $10,000.00

Vincent Revival Center $5,209.54

Jackson First Assembly $5,162.00

Montgomery First Assembly $4,823.10

CenterPointe Assembly, Mobile $4,025.00

Bethel Assembly, Ariton $2,953.72

New Haven Assembly, Brundidge $2,500.00

Florence First Assembly $2,294.92

Dalevlle Assembly $2.060.00

The Island Church, Orange Beach $2,000.00

2 0 2 0 T o p Y o u t h G r o u p O f f e r i n g s

Pinedale Assembly, Clanton $600

Montgomery First Assembly $250

Evangel Church, Montgomery $125

Tuscaloosa First Assembly $100

Dothan First Assembly $94

Robertsdale First Assembly $75

El Bethel, New Brockton $50

Fountain of Life, Saraland $50

Mo e Road Assembly, Mobile $50

Risen Life Church, Columbiana $50

November 5-7

August 22

October 30-31

August 27-28 // Youth Rep Seminar

September 13 // Prayer Zone Partner Sunday

September 23 // See You At The Pole

October 18 // Speed The Light Sunday

ART DIVISION GRAPHIC DESIGN 1st place: Zachary Wiseman / Montgomery First PHOTOGRAPHY, DIGITAL, JR. 3rd place: Seth Oram / Crossroads, Albertville 2nd place: Eli Lynn / Robertsdale First 1st place: Mikah Potter / Sulligent First PHOTOGRAPHY, DIGITAL, SR. 3rd place: Malachi Fox / Phenix City First 2nd place: Zachary Wiseman / Montgomery First 1st place: Baylie Tullo / Montgomery First KAPPA TAU-PHOTOGRAPHY, DIGITAL 3rd place: Annia Carruth / Sulligent First 2nd place: Bryan Easterling / Lomax, Clanton 1st place: Chloee Lynn / Robertsdale First PHOTOGRAPHY, MOBILE Superior: Malachi Fox / Phenix City First Superior: Holly Haynes / Montgomery First Superior: Deborah Sekaya / Life Church, Rainbow City Superior: Jamyracle Williams / Lomax, Clanton 3rd place: Zachary Wiseman / Montgomery First 2nd place: Skylar Sides / Montgomery First 1st place: Skylor Astorga / Montgomery First KAPPA TAU-PHOTOGRAPHY, MOBILE 3rd place: Noah Taylor / Montgomery First 2nd place: Hunter Hays / Crossroads, Albertville 1st place: Annia Carruth / Sulligent First T-SHIRT 1st place: Clay Carruth / Sulligent First VISUAL ART-THREE DIMENSIONAL Superior: Austin Shuffitt / Montgomery First 3rd place: Matthew Chancey / New Life, Samson 2nd place: Victoria Brust / Weatherly Road, Huntsville 1st place: Zachary Wiseman / Montgomery First VISUAL ART-TWO DIMENSIONAL, ALTERNATIVE MEDIA 2nd place: Skylar Sides / Montgomery First 1st place: Clay Carruth / Sulligent First VISUAL ART-TWO DIMENSIONAL, PAINTING & DRAWING Superior: Michael Brust / Weatherly Road, Huntsville Superior: Rylee Hughes / Tuscaloosa First 3rd place: Aiden Johnson / Robertsdale First 2nd place: Ethan Boyd / Ashland First 1st place: Vada Snuggs / Dothan First WRITING DIVISION FIRST PERSON ESSAY 2nd place: Emma Williamson / Ashland First 1st place: Malachi Fox / Phenix City First POETRY, SR. Superior: Abby Armstrong / Dothan First Superior: Sarah Boyd / Ashland First Superior: Jordan Landingham / New Life, Samson 3rd place: Brittany Landingham / New Life, Samson 2nd place: Brooklyn Pennington / Sulligent First 1st place: Ella Taylor / Montgomery First KAPPA TAU-POETRY 1st place: Jessica Landingham / New Life, Samson COMMUNICATION DIVISION AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE GROUP 2nd place: Hallelujah Hands / Sulligent First 1st place: Holy Hands / Montgomery First AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE SOLO 3rd place: Deborah Sekaya / Life Church, Rainbow City 2nd place: Gracie Mosley / Atmore First 1st place: Chaz McGhee / Atmore First CHILDREN’S LESSON SOLO 2nd place: Cloey Sims / Crossroads, Albertville 1st place: Emma Williamson / Ashland First PUPPETRY GROUP 1st place: Numb Arms / Ashland First PUPPETRY SOLO 3rd place: Chaz McGhee / Atmore First 2nd place: Tanner Lynn / Robertsdale First 1st place: Sarah Boyd / Ashland First

When we were no longer able to have a traditional Fine Arts Festival, we went right to work on an alternative: a VIRTUAL Fine Arts Festival. We are so proud of our students and leaders who worked very hard and submitted their entries online. Many people from around the state and as far as New York worked diligently evaluating the entries. We had a lot of fun honoring our students via a Celebration Service video presentation. Thank you again students for stepping up and continuing to develop and deploy the gifts and talents the Lord has given you. Below is a list of our top entries.

SHORT SERMON, JR. Superior: Jacob Hatmaker / Crossroads, Albertville Superior: Emma Penley / Lomax, Clanton 3rd place: Ethan Jones / Lomax, Clanton 2nd place: Skylor Astorga / Montgomery First 1st place: Cayla Carlson / Lifechurch, Birmingham SHORT SERMON, SR. Superior: Samuel Borchers / The Rock, Huntsville Superior: Noah Carter / Phenix City First Superior: Sarah Clark / Phenix City First Superior: Holland Crouch / Montgomery First Superior: Mariah Honeycutt / Celebration Church, Fairhope Superior: Kohl Kicklighter / Lomax, Clanton Superior: Tanner Lynn / Robertsdale First Superior: Blake Moates / Clanton First Superior: Madison Sanders / Celebration Church, Fairhope 3rd place: Drayden Sullivan / The Rock, Huntsville 2nd place: Emma Williamson / Ashland First 1st place: Nash Crouch / Montgomery First KAPPA TAU-SHORT SERMON Superior: Jack Williamson / Ashland First Superior: Latia Carter / Phenix City First Superior: Rachel Givens / Phenix City First Superior: Katelyn Casewell / Crossroads, Albertville Superior: Bryan Easterling / Lomax, Clanton 3rd place: Jessica Landingham / New Life, Samson 2nd place: Bryanna Horton / Phenix City First 1st place: Amanda Pettry / Lifechurch, Birmingham SPOKEN WORD 2nd place: Emma Williamson / Ashland First 1st place: Lacey Pierson / Life Church, Rainbow City KAPPA TAU-SPOKEN WORD 1st place: Shelby Argo / Clanton First DANCE DIVISION URBAN SOLO 2nd place: Synthia Eustache / Phenix City First 1st place: Nick Bailey / Celebration Church, Fairhope WORSHIP DANCE SOLO, JR. 3rd place: Scarlett White / The Rock, Huntsville 2nd place: Lily McCary / Life Church, Rainbow City 1st place: Emily TeGantvoort / The Rock, Huntsville WORSHIP DANCE SOLO, SR. Superior: Caitlyn Gibson / Atmore First 3rd place: Madeline Bohlinger / The Rock, Huntsville 2nd place: Mary Bohlinger / The Rock, Huntsville 1st place: Alyssa Hurst / Ashland First WORSHIP DANCE TROUPE, SMALL 1st place: Be A Light / The Rock, Huntsville DRAMA DIVISION DRAMA SOLO 1st place: Emma Williamson / Ashland First DRAMATIZED QUOTING, SOLO 1st place: Skylar Sides / Montgomery First HUMAN VIDEO ENSEMBLE, LARGE 1st place: End Game / Atmore First HUMAN VIDEO ENSEMBLE, SMALL 1st place: It’s Out Of Our Control / Atmore First HUMAN VIDEO SOLO, SR., 2nd place: Vada Snuggs / Dothan First 1st place: Nathan Strahan / Montgomery First MUSICAL THEATER SOLO, SR. 2nd place: Audrey Seymour / City Church, Mobile 1st place: Ella Taylor / Montgomery First STAND-UP COMEDY 1st place: Chandler Jones / Phenix City First INSTRUMENTAL DIVISION BRASS SOLO 1st place: Noah Gerwin / The Rock, Huntsville GUITAR SOLO 3rd place: Kyle Blanton / Atmore First 2nd place: Samuel Borchers / The Rock, Huntsville 1st place: Austin Shuffitt / Montgomery First

INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE, TRADITIONAL 1st place: Abrantes Duo / The Rock, Huntsville PERCUSSION SOLO, TRADITIONAL, JR. 3rd place: Jacob Hatmaker / Crossroads, Albertville 2nd place: Ethan Jones / Lomax, Clanton 1st place: Austin Lassiter / Robertsdale First PERCUSSION SOLO, TRADITIONAL, SR. 1st place: Riley Watson / The Rock, Huntsville PIANO SOLO 3rd place: Esther Fontanez / New Life, Athens 2nd place: Emma Penley / Lomax, Clanton 1st place: Lacey Pierson / Life Church, Rainbow City PIANO SOLO, CLASSICAL 1st place: Hannah Watson / Hartselle First STRING SOLO 2nd place: Caleb Abrantes / The Rock, Huntsville 1st place: Jonathan Abrantes / The Rock, Huntsville WOODWIND SOLO 1st place: Tristan Boyington / Montgomery First VOCAL DIVISION RAP SOLO 2nd place: Victor Benetich / Crossroads, Albertville 1st place: Daxley Seay / Weatherly Road, Huntsville SONGWRITING 2nd place: Addie Newton / Lomax, Clanton 1st place: Hannah Watson / Hartselle First KAPPA TAU-SONGWRITING 1st place: Faith Alexander / Phenix City First VOCAL ENSEMBLE, SMALL 3rd place: Waymaker / Atmore First 2nd place: Merchants of Venice / Sulligent First 1st place: Rock Youth Duet / The Rock, Huntsville VOCAL SOLO, FEMALE, JR. Superior: Rebekah Smith / Vincent Revival Center Superior: Emma Thornton / Four Corners, Huntsville 3rd place: Skylar Martinez / Weatherly Road, Huntsville 2nd place: Gina Williams / Vincent Revival Center 1st place: Mary Catherine Hughes / Atmore First VOCAL SOLO, FEMALE, SR. Superior: Addie Hughes / Tuscaloosa First Superior: Abigail Lombard / The Rock, Huntsville Superior: Cloey Sims / Crossroads, Albertville Superior: Gracey Thornton / Four Corners, Huntsville Superior: Savannah Townsend / Dothan First Superior: Gracie Tucker / Florence First 3rd place: Chloe Foster / Vincent Revival Center 2nd place: Lexie-Grace Hunt / Celebration Church, Fairhope 1st place: Hannah Watson / Hartselle First KAPPA TAU-VOCAL SOLO, FEMALE Superior: Bryanna Horton / Phenix City First 3rd place: Kara Powers / Lifechurch, Birmingham 2nd place: Shelby Argo / Clanton First 1st place: Faith Alexander / Phenix City First VOCAL SOLO, SPANISH FEMALE 1st place: Morgan Ealy / Phenix City First VOCAL SOLO, MALE, SR. Superior: Drew Marbut / Vincent Revival Center Superior: Isaac Gerwin / The Rock, Huntsville 3rd place: Gavin Hunt / Celebration Church, Fairhope 2nd place: Logan Merchant / Sulligent First 1st place: Chandler Jones / Phenix City First KAPPA TAU-VOCAL SOLO, MALE 1st place: Caden Carlson / Lifechurch, Birmingham VOCAL SOLO, SPANISH MALE 1st place: Drew Marbut / Vincent Revival Center WORSHIP LEADING, SOLO, SR. 3rd place: Ryan Astorga / Montgomery First 2nd place: Austin Shuffitt / Montgomery First 1st place: Logan Merchant / Sulligent First WORSHIP TEAM, SMALL 1st place: Merchants of Venice / Sulligent First

DAVID STRAHAN Alabama District Missions

and Men’s Director

RICK DUBOSE Assistant General Superintendent

of the Assemblies of God

14th Annual

Thursday, September 10, 2020

Head Cook:_____________________________________ Team Name:___________________________

Church:_______________________________________________________________________________

Contact Number:___________________________Email:________________________________________

Category Entries: ______ Boston Butt ________ Brisket

________ Chicken ________ Ribs

——Prizes for each category will be Awarded————Four Man Teams——

——Sites open at Daybreak for setup——Judging begins at 5:30 PM——

Teams must Register by August 21st to receive Free t-shirts. 4-shirts per team. Extra shirts are available to purchase for $15 each.

Grill Competitors are able to come up on Wednesday night at an extra cost of $10 per man# of Men coming on Wednesday night $__________

For more information, please contact Jeff Scurlock at 251-363-8652.Please mail registration forms to Alabama District Council, ATTN: Men’s Department

5919 Carmichael Road, Montgomery, AL 36117REGISTER online at: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?

llr=6cdulgdab&oeidk=a07eh0q2szd40adf79c

Grill Gompetition

adcag.org 334-279-7172 ext. 5 ssowers@adcag.org

DISTRICT DIRECTOR DAVID STRAHAN email: dstrahan@adcag.org

us & world missions church planting & development men’s ministry lftl

ALABAMA DISTRICTMISSIONS & MEN’S MINISTRIES

RTJ GOLF TRAIL AT SILVER LAKES1 SunBelt Parkway, Glencoe, AL 35905

Located in Northeast Alabama, between Anniston and Gadsden, Silver Lakes is set on rolling terrainwith stunning views of the surrounding Appalachian foothills. Silver Lakes also boasts 36 holes of newly

renovated Champion ultra dwarf putting surfaces, arguably the best on the Trail.

INFORMATION:4 MAN SCRAMBLE

(Bring your own team, or you will be assigned to one.)

8:00 AM SHOTGUN START(Sign in before 8:00 a.m.)

$75 PER PERSON $300 PER TEAM(Includes cart, green fees, range balls, lunch, and prizes.)

LUNCH & AWARDS CEREMONY(Ceremony will be held immediately following the tournament.)

HOLE SPONSORSHIP$500.00 To sponsor a hole, all proceeds go to MISSIONS!

For Registration Information:Please call 334-279-7172 ext. 5 or email ssowers@adcag.org

To REGISTER online go to: h"p://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=6cdulgdab&oeidk=a07eh0q2szd40adf79c

September 11, 2020

MISSIONSGolf Tournament

(LFTL, Sponsorship for Teen Challenge, and Panama Missions Trip)

All Men’s Encounter Information including registration forms, waivers, posters and flyers can be downloaded at: www.adcag.org under the Men’s Encounter Events page.

For more information, contact the Men’s Department at 334-279-7172 ext. 5

To REGISTER ONLINE:h"p://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=6cdulgdab&oeidk=a07eh0q2szd40adf79c

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Tournament to be held Friday, September 11, 2020

9:00 am-12:00 pm

$5.00 PER PERSON $15.OO FOR A TEAM

REGISTRATION DEADLINE Friday, August 21, 2020

SCCC SKEET SHOOTFriday, September 11, 2020

Schedule:9:00 am-11:00 am morning session1:30 pm-3:30 pm afternoon session

COST:$5.00 per round

If you bring your own gun and ammo$10.00 per round

If we furnish gun and ammo

MEN’SENCOUNTER

September 10-12 @Springville Camp

Wheels of FaithLFTL Benefit

Motorcycle RideFriday, September 11

Billy Smith—WOF State President & Captain

Contact # 334-322-3705

$25.00 per rider to raise funds for LFTL Fire Bibles

Early Registration Post Marked by August 21, 2020

Lodges are First Come First Serve…We Can NOT Guarantee your room typeRegistration Deposits are Transferable, BUT NOT REFUNDABLE

REGISTRATION$50 deposit per person

+ balance due at camp check-in

Early Registration by August 21st $130 per person After August 21st $155 per person

DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE NOW!

The desire of this App is to help men have the courage to explore and begin their walk with Christ, the strength to develop the lifestyle that enhances the discipleship patterns

of Christ, and the endurance to live a victorious life that allows their family, friends, colleagues and the younger generations to find their fulfillment in Christ.

Over 225 free discipleship resources available to make this the perfect app for group study as well.

DAVID STRAHAN Alabama District Missions

and Men’s Director

RICK DUBOSE Assistant General Superintendent

of the Assemblies of God

14th Annual

Thursday, September 10, 2020

Head Cook:_____________________________________ Team Name:___________________________

Church:_______________________________________________________________________________

Contact Number:___________________________Email:________________________________________

Category Entries: ______ Boston Butt ________ Brisket

________ Chicken ________ Ribs

——Prizes for each category will be Awarded————Four Man Teams——

——Sites open at Daybreak for setup——Judging begins at 5:30 PM——

Teams must Register by August 21st to receive Free t-shirts. 4-shirts per team. Extra shirts are available to purchase for $15 each.

Grill Competitors are able to come up on Wednesday night at an extra cost of $10 per man# of Men coming on Wednesday night $__________

For more information, please contact Jeff Scurlock at 251-363-8652.Please mail registration forms to Alabama District Council, ATTN: Men’s Department

5919 Carmichael Road, Montgomery, AL 36117REGISTER online at: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?

llr=6cdulgdab&oeidk=a07eh0q2szd40adf79c

Grill Gompetition

adcag.org 334-279-7172 ext. 5 ssowers@adcag.org

DISTRICT DIRECTOR DAVID STRAHAN email: dstrahan@adcag.org

us & world missions church planting & development men’s ministry lftl

ALABAMA DISTRICTMISSIONS & MEN’S MINISTRIES

RTJ GOLF TRAIL AT SILVER LAKES1 SunBelt Parkway, Glencoe, AL 35905

Located in Northeast Alabama, between Anniston and Gadsden, Silver Lakes is set on rolling terrainwith stunning views of the surrounding Appalachian foothills. Silver Lakes also boasts 36 holes of newly

renovated Champion ultra dwarf putting surfaces, arguably the best on the Trail.

INFORMATION:4 MAN SCRAMBLE

(Bring your own team, or you will be assigned to one.)

8:00 AM SHOTGUN START(Sign in before 8:00 a.m.)

$75 PER PERSON $300 PER TEAM(Includes cart, green fees, range balls, lunch, and prizes.)

LUNCH & AWARDS CEREMONY(Ceremony will be held immediately following the tournament.)

HOLE SPONSORSHIP$500.00 To sponsor a hole, all proceeds go to MISSIONS!

For Registration Information:Please call 334-279-7172 ext. 5 or email ssowers@adcag.org

To REGISTER online go to: h"p://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=6cdulgdab&oeidk=a07eh0q2szd40adf79c

September 11, 2020

MISSIONSGolf Tournament

(LFTL, Sponsorship for Teen Challenge, and Panama Missions Trip)

All Men’s Encounter Information including registration forms, waivers, posters and flyers can be downloaded at: www.adcag.org under the Men’s Encounter Events page.

For more information, contact the Men’s Department at 334-279-7172 ext. 5

To REGISTER ONLINE:h"p://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=6cdulgdab&oeidk=a07eh0q2szd40adf79c

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Tournament to be held Friday, September 11, 2020

9:00 am-12:00 pm

$5.00 PER PERSON $15.OO FOR A TEAM

REGISTRATION DEADLINE Friday, August 21, 2020

SCCC SKEET SHOOTFriday, September 11, 2020

Schedule:9:00 am-11:00 am morning session1:30 pm-3:30 pm afternoon session

COST:$5.00 per round

If you bring your own gun and ammo$10.00 per round

If we furnish gun and ammo

MEN’SENCOUNTER

September 10-12 @Springville Camp

Wheels of FaithLFTL Benefit

Motorcycle RideFriday, September 11

Billy Smith—WOF State President & Captain

Contact # 334-322-3705

$25.00 per rider to raise funds for LFTL Fire Bibles

Early Registration Post Marked by August 21, 2020

Lodges are First Come First Serve…We Can NOT Guarantee your room typeRegistration Deposits are Transferable, BUT NOT REFUNDABLE

REGISTRATION$50 deposit per person

+ balance due at camp check-in

Early Registration by August 21st $130 per person After August 21st $155 per person

DOWNLOAD AVAILABLE NOW!

The desire of this App is to help men have the courage to explore and begin their walk with Christ, the strength to develop the lifestyle that enhances the discipleship patterns

of Christ, and the endurance to live a victorious life that allows their family, friends, colleagues and the younger generations to find their fulfillment in Christ.

Over 225 free discipleship resources available to make this the perfect app for group study as well.

Alabama Women’s Ministries Director: Cyndi Draughon

for every woman...

Alabama Women’s Ministries Director: Cyndi Draughon

for every woman...

CE DIRECTOR: VINT A. NORRIS

(334) 279-7172 Ext. 4

vnorris@adcag.org

www.adcag.org

2020 BGMC GIVINGJANUARY-MAY

Vincent Revival Center.....................First A/G, Phenix City..........................Clearwater A/G....................................First A/G, Montgomery.....................First A/G, Robertsdale.......................First A/G, Butler.....................................New Home A/G....................................Christian Life Church.........................Fountain of Life Church....................Thompson Chapel A/G...................

$6,320.90$4,400.00$4,000.00$3,541.74$2,958.36$2,446.50$2,196.00$2,000.00$1,983.26$1,770.96

2020 SUNDAY SCHOOL TITHEJANUARY-MAY

New Liberty Tabernacle of Praise........First A/G, Atmore...........................................Hobson A/G.....................................................First A/G, Montgomery...............................The Crossing....................................................Faith A/G...........................................................Harper's Joy A/G...........................................Kingwood A/G................................................First A/G, Clayton..........................................Shady Grove A/G, Coffee Springs......

$790.00$500.00 $375.00$300.00   $300.00$283.87$250.00$250.00$240.00$205.00

CE DIRECTOR: VINT A. NORRIS

(334) 279-7172 Ext. 4

vnorris@adcag.org

www.adcag.org

2020 BGMC GIVINGJANUARY-MAY

Vincent Revival Center.....................First A/G, Phenix City..........................Clearwater A/G....................................First A/G, Montgomery.....................First A/G, Robertsdale.......................First A/G, Butler.....................................New Home A/G....................................Christian Life Church.........................Fountain of Life Church....................Thompson Chapel A/G...................

$6,320.90$4,400.00$4,000.00$3,541.74$2,958.36$2,446.50$2,196.00$2,000.00$1,983.26$1,770.96

2020 SUNDAY SCHOOL TITHEJANUARY-MAY

New Liberty Tabernacle of Praise........First A/G, Atmore...........................................Hobson A/G.....................................................First A/G, Montgomery...............................The Crossing....................................................Faith A/G...........................................................Harper's Joy A/G...........................................Kingwood A/G................................................First A/G, Clayton..........................................Shady Grove A/G, Coffee Springs......

$790.00$500.00 $375.00$300.00   $300.00$283.87$250.00$250.00$240.00$205.00

The Pentecostal movement began in the late 19th - early 20th centuries. Outpourings of the Holy Spirit

occurred in numerous places around theworld. From the beginning, Pentecostalismwas amulD-ethnic,mulD-

naDonalmovement.IntheUnitedStatestherevivalgaineditsgreatestimpetusbyfarfromtheAzusaStreetrevival

in LosAngeles,California,beginning in1906. Itwas ledbyamulD-racial leadership teamunder thedirecDonof

African-AmericanministerWilliamJ.Seymour,asonofformerslaves. Fromthebeginning,themeeDngswerefully

mulD-racial,withpeoplefromeveryethnicgroup,naDonality,andeconomicbackgroundaOending.

Tragically, in followingyears theMovement succumbed to racialdivisions inAmerica,dividingalong racial

lines intomany Pentecostal denominaDons, including theAssemblies ofGod.Within a few years theAssemblies

began intensiveevangelismamongHispanic immigrants in theUnitedStates. Their effortswerevery successful,

resulDng in a series of Spanish Language districts across America. Today theHispanic porDon of theU.S. AG

remainsthefastestgrowingpartofthechurchandisattheheartofourFellowship.OverthelastdecadetheU.S.

AG has grown by 12 percent to over 3.2 million adherents. The U.S. AG ismore than 43 percent ethnicminority. Globally,thereareover69millionadherents. Approximately90%ofourworldwideAssembliesofGodFellowshipisnon-Anglo.TheAssembliesofGodisoverwhelminglyanon-Anglomovement.

FromtheirearliestdaysPentecostalismandtheAssembliesofGodhavealwaysbeenamulD-racial,mulD-

naDonal ChrisDan movement. God’s plan in creaDon, redempDon, and new creaDon has always been for one

renewedhumanityfromeverynaDon,tribe,andtongue. BecauseGodlovesallhumanity,andbecauseChristdied

to save allwhowill repent andbelieve, divisions, hosDlity, andhatredhavenoplace inChrisDanhearts or lives.

Having received the love andpeaceofChrist,weare tobe apeoplewhomakepeace - the shalomofGod that

includesaflourishingoflife-amongpeoplewhereverweare.TothatendourFellowshiprejectsthesinofracismin

allofitsformandcallsonallAssembliesofGodpeopletoalwaysproacDvelyworkforreconciliaDonandlife-giving

mulD-ethnicrelaDonshipsofloveandserviceinJesusChrist.

ThisResolutiononRacismwasadoptedbythe43rdGeneralCounciloftheAssembliesofGodinsession,August8-13,1989,inIndianapolis,Indiana.

WHEREAS,RacismisanissuethatcontinuestoconfrontthechurchandAmericansocietytoday;and

WHEREAS,Racismcontinuestoconfrontourbrothersandsistersinothercountries;and

WHEREAS,TheBiblerecognizesthatallpeoplearecreatedinGod'simage(Genesis1:27;5:1,2);and

WHEREAS, The Bible declares that the barriers that separate us from one another have been broken down

throughJesusChrist(Galatians3:26-28,Colossians3:11);and

WHEREAS,IntheEarlyChurchtheHolySpiritconfronteddivisionsalongraciallinesandbroughtreconciliation

(Acts6:1-7;10:1-22);therefore,beit

RESOLVED,ThattheAssembliesofGodopposethesinofracisminanyform;andbeitfurther

RESOLVED,Thatwecallanyandalltorepentancewhohaveparticipatedinthesinofracismthroughpersonal

thought or action, or through church and social structures, or through inactivity in addressing racism as

individualsorasachurch;andbeitfurther

RESOLVED,ThatweprayforGodtogiveusthecouragetoconfrontthesinofracismwhereitmaybefoundin

ourownlives,inourchurches,inoursocietystructures,andinourworld;andbeitfurther

RESOLVED,ThatweparticipatewiththeworkoftheHolySpiritinactivelyworkingagainstracismathomeand

abroad,andthatweseekthereconciliationofmantoGodandmantoman.

THEMULTIRACIALCHARACTERofthe

PENTECOSTALMOVEMENT

MichaelD.Sharp,D.Min.DistrictSecretary-Treasurer,ALSOMDirectorAzusaStreetLeadershipTeam/WilliamJ.Seymour

Remaining 2020 ALSOM Class Schedule Class Opens -

Class Closes Level 1 Courses

(Certified) Level 2 Courses

(Licensed) Level 3 Courses

(Ordained) August 1 - August 31

BIB 121 Introduction to Hermeneutics

THE 245 Eschatology

MIN 327 Church Administration,

Finance and Law September 1 - September 30

MIN 123 The Local Church in

Evangelism

MIN 251 Effective Leadership

MIN 381 Pastoral Ministry

October 1 - October 31

MIN 181 Relationships and Ethics in Ministry

MIN 281 Conflict Management for

Church Leaders

November 1 - November 30

MIN 171 A Spirit Empowered

Church

MIN 261 Introduction to AG

Missions

TBA MIN 191 Beginning MI

MIN 291 Intermediate MI

MIN 391 Advanced MI

Because of the pandemic and resulting restrictions we have placed ALSOM Online. Our students have now completed all of the courses in March, April, and May online. ALSOM Online enables us to offer many enhancements and efficiencies to ALSOM students, …

Ø One-stop online course registration and payment of tuition and textbook fees. Then you have … o Immediate access to the Berean textbook as a PDF that can be read digitally or printed out o Immediate access to excellent supplementary information, such as instructors notes, relevant

articles, videos, and podcasts on important course topics o Immediate access to archived lectures for each course, viewed at the student’s convenience o When lessons are completed, immediate access to the study guide for the final exam o Then, there’s an Online final exam that informs the student of the course grade immediately

Ø All of this is accessed on the page for the course for which you registered. Ø AT A DECREASE in fees from $ 70.00 ($40 textbook + $30 tuition) per course,

to $ 50.00 ($25 textbook + $25 tuition) per course. Registration opens on the 15th (2 weeks before a class opens) and closes on the 10th of the class month. You may link to ALSOM’s Registration page at alsom.e360connect.com to register for a course & pay the course fee of $50.00 (this covers both tuition and textbook). August classes are open for registration now.

Beginning in January 2021 there will be more new enhancements,

including a live interactive session with the course instructor, email, Q&A, and other capabilities that will make every ALSOM class an even more accessible, effective, and enjoyable learning experience.

For additional information contact the ALSOM Office at 334-279-7172 #2 / jharris@adcag.org.

WELCOME to ALSOM Online!

Registration for August classes is now open.

alsom.e360connect.com

Theworld has always asked Chris0ans cri0cal ques0ons on certainmajor topics. FromNew Testament 0mesforward,thechurchhaso>enhadmorethanonepossibleanswer.Today,busyChris0anso>enneed“short-cuts”tounderstanding these differences, but we need more than simplis0c answers and glib clichés. One of our bestresources is Zondervan’s Counterpoints Series. Each book examines one important issue on which genuineChris;ansdisagree. Ineachbook,themainperspec0vesonthatissuearepresentedandcri0qued.Thestrengthsandweaknessesofeachareexamined.This series is thebestway forbusypastors tobewell informedon theseissuesand teachpeoplewisely.Thebooksareeasy reading forministersand lay leaders.Almostall views in thisseriescanbefoundamongevangelical/Pentecostalscholarsandbelievers.Eightvolumesaddressingcri0calissuesareprofiledbelow.

Five Views on Biblical Inerrancy, edited by J. Merrick and Stephen GarreS, Grand Rapids:Zondervan, 2013, 336 pages. This volume examines the current spectrum of posi0ons oninerrancy within evangelicalism. Many ques0ons are considered: How did the concept ofinerrancy develop? What are the different ways of defining or understanding inerrancy? DoesScripturereally teach itsown inerrancy?Howdodefini0onsof inerrancydealwithdifficult textsandaffecttheChurch’switness?Whatseriousproblemsarerelatedtoeachviewofinerrancy?Allof the writers are evangelical Chris0ans, and all views presented are viable op0ons withinorthodox,evangelicalfaith.

Four Views on Salva;on in a Pluralis;cWorld, edited by Dennis Okholm and Timothy Phillips,Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995, 284 pages. This volume explores four major perspec0ves onsalva0on related tounreachedpeople:1)Pluralism–no religion is superior, all religions lead toGod;2)Inclusivism–becauseofChrist’ssavingwork,somesincerepeoplemaybesavedbylivingconscien0ous lives within their religion; 3) Restric0ve Par0cularism – salva0on is restricted tothosewhohear,believe,andobeytheChris0angospel;4)OpenPar0cularism–becauseofChrist’ssavingwork,Godmay revealHimself to, and save,peoplewhobelieveonHimvia crea0onandconscience.Thelastthreeviewsareallfoundwithinevangelicalism.

FiveViewsontheExtentoftheAtonement,editedbyAdamJohnson,GrandRapids:Zondervan,2019, 256 pages. This volume examines five major perspec0ves on the extent of Christ’satonement. ThiscoreChris0andoctrinedeterminesone’sanswertotwofundamentalques0ons:1)ForwhomdidChristdie:everyoneoraselectfew? 2)SinceonlythoseforwhomChristdiedmaybe saved, canweknowwho that is? Thisexplora0onmovesbeyond theReformed /non-Reformedperspec0ves. The breadth of the Chris0an tradi0on is represented, and all posi0onsexplainedandcri0qued: EasternOrthodox,RomanCatholic,Tradi0onalReformed,Wesleyan,andUniversalism.

AreMiraculousGiJsforToday?-FourViews,editedbyWayneGrudem,GrandRapids:Zondervan,1996,368pages. TheissueoftheSpirit’scon0nuingsupernaturalministryisaques0onofcri0calimportanceforthelifeofthechurch. Thisvolumeexaminesthis issueindetail. Thefourmajorposi0ons are presented and cri0qued: Cessa0onist (the supernatural gi>ing andmoving of theSpirithasceased),OpenButCau0ous(theSpiritcansovereignlymovesupernaturallyasHewills,but it should not normally be expected), ThirdWave (the full range of spiritual gi>s should benormal in the church’s life), and Pentecostal (by Dr. Doug Oss). Only Oss affirms the classicalPentecostal doctrines of subsequence and eviden0al tongues-speech. This is an outstandingvolume!Pentecostalsshouldownthis.

WHENCHRISTIANSDIFFER:UNDERSTANDINGWHATCHRISTIANSBELIEVE

FourViewsonHell,editedbyWilliamCrocke2,GrandRapids:Zondervan,1996,192pages.ThisvolumeexaminesthreeofthemajorperspecGvesonHellwithintheChurch:1)Hellisaplaceof conscious torment in eternal fire; 2) Hell is a place of conscious eternal punishment that isdescribedusingthemetaphoroffire;3)Hellisaplaceoftemporarypunishmentwherethesoulsof thewicked are eventually annihilated. The doctrine of Purgatory is then explored in a finalsecGon. Thefirst threeviewshave longbeen found inorthodox,evangelical churches.AnotherverygoodrelatedworkisTwoViewsofHell:ABiblical&TheologicalDialogue,byEdwardFudgeandRobertPeterson,Westmont:IVPAcademic,2000,228pages.

ThreeViewsonCrea;onandEvolu;on,editedbyJ.P.MorelandandJohnMarkReynolds,GrandRapids: Zondervan, 2010, 304 pages. This volume examines the three broad perspecGves oncreaGon in the evangelical church: 1) Young Earth CreaGonism – God created everything in sixtwenty-fourhourdays;2)OldEarthCreaGonism–Godcreatedthecosmosbillionsofyearsago,and specially created different species of creatures over millions of years; 3) EvoluGonaryCreaGonism–Godcreatedthecosmosbillionsofyearsago,andulGmatelycreatedlifethroughtheprocessofguidedevoluGon. Thevarious legiGmateopGonsfor interpreGngGenesisandscienceareexaminedandcriGqued.Anexcellent relatedvolume isFourViewson theHistoricalAdam,editedbyMa2hewBarre2andArdelCaneday,GrandRapids:Zondervan,2013,288pages.Allof

the authors for both volumes are evangelical ChrisGans. All views presented are found among evangelicals andPentecostals.

ThreeViewsonTheMillenniumandBeyond, editedbyDarrellBock,GrandRapids: Zondervan,2010, 336 pages. This volume examines the three classical eschatological views on theMillennium: 1)Premillennialism–thebeliefthatChristwillreturn,establishanearthlymillennialreign,andthenthefinalendwillcome;2)Amillennialism–thebeliefthatChristnowreignsoverHisChurchandcreaGon,andatHisreturnthefinaljudgment,thetransformaGonofallthings,andthe new heavens and new earth will be consummated; 3) Postmillennialism – the Church willpreachthegospel,disciplethenaGons,andestablishGod’sKingdom,thenChristwill returnandthe final end will come. The first two posiGons are compaGble with imminence. An excellentrelated volume isFourViewson theBookofRevela;on, editedbyMarvinPate,GrandRapids:

Zondervan,2010,256pages.Allviewspresented inbothbooksareorthodoxandarepresentamongevangelicalsandPentecostals.

RemarriageAEerDivorceinToday’sChurch:ThreeViews,editedbyMarkStrauss,GrandRapids:Zondervan,2006,176pages. Divorceandremarriagehavealwaysbeenareasofdisagreementinthe ChrisGan church, from the New Testament Gmes unGl today. In this volume a scholarrepresenGngeachofthethreemainviewspresentstheviewandtheothertwoscholarsoffertheircriGques. Theviewspresentedare,1)Divorceonlyforadulterywithnoremarriagepermi2ed;2)Divorce foradulteryordeserGonwith remarriagepermi2ed; 3)Divorce foradultery,deserGon,andphysicalabusewith remarriagepermi2ed. CraigKeener (thirdview) isagraduateofAGTS,withaPhDfromDuke,andoneoftheworld’sforemostNewTestamentscholars. Thebestsingle-authorstudyofdivorceandremarriage inScripture isDivorceandRemarriage intheBible:The

SocialandLiteraryContext,GrandRapids:Eerdmans,2002,367pages. Thisvolumeiscomprehensiveand isthedefiniGveworkonthesubject.

MichaelD.Sharp,D.Min. DistrictSecretary-TreasurerALSOMDirector

WHENCHRISTIANSDIFFER:UNDERSTANDINGWHATCHRISTIANSBELIEVE

What to Say and Not Say to the Grieving Not so Good Things to Say to Someone in Grief (Remember: The goal is to comfort, not tell them how they should feel.)

1. I know how you feel. (Never say this!) 2. At least she lived a long life. 3. She brought this on herself. (ex. Smoker) 4. There is a reason for everything. 5. Aren’t you over him yet, he has been dead for awhile now. 6. You can have another child. 7. She did what she came here to do and it was her time to go.

(May be true but terrible timing.) 8. Be strong (This tells them to hold everything in and not to grieve.) 9. If you think this is bad, I know a family... 10. It all happened for the best. (This can feel shockingly painful.) 11. Try not to cry. He wouldn't want you to cry. (Don't speak for the deceased.) 12. It was God's will. (Many people already feel angry with God and this won't help at this time). 13. You can always remarry. (People are not replaceable). 14. Now you are the man/woman of the house. (Heavy burden to place on a child or teen. This has

caused much pain in many children and teens. Often the extent of these damaging words is not realized till years later. Often teen girls or boys not only deal with the loss of a parent, but also have to take on many more responsibilities around the house which often leads to feelings of resentment on top of their raw grief.)

15. Let me tell you about my own loss which is similar to yours. (There will be a time for you to share, but not right now. Your role is to listen and stay with the person's loss. When we bring the focus to ourselves, we leave the person in a real way.)

The Best Things to Say to Someone in Grief

1.I am so sorry for your loss. 2.I wish I had the right words, just know I care. 3.I don’t know how you feel, but I am here to help in any way I can. 4.You and your loved one will be in my thoughts and prayers. 5.My favorite memory of your loved one is… 6.I am always just a phone call away. 7.Give a hug instead of saying something. 8.We all need help at times like this, I am here for you. 9.I am usually up early or late, if you need anything. 10.Saying nothing, just be with the person.

ALABAMA DISTRICT COUNCIL OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GODEXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Kenneth DraughonDistrict Superintendent

John A. Loper, Jr.Assistant Superintendent

Michael D. SharpDistrict Secretary-Treasurer

GENERAL PRESBYTERS

Kenneth DraughonMurray Kelley

George Sawyer

DISTRICT OFFICERS

Vint NorrisDistrict Christian Education Director

Steven MasonDistrict Youth Ministries Director

David StrahanDistrict Missions/Men’s Director

Cynthia DraughonDistrict Women’s Ministries Director

DATA CHANGESNEW MINISTERS/UPGRADE

CERTIFIED MINISTERJESSLYN D. DURAN

LICENSED MINISTERCARLIE J. DUNN

TRANSFERRED IN

H WAYNE JOHNSON (O)THOMAS J BOUGHER (O)

DECEASED

JOHN LEWIS THOMAS

PASTORAL CHANGES

BRADLEY AG, LUVERNEH WAYNE JOHNSON

Remembering those…Rev.JohnLewisThomas John Lewis Thomas, born March 21, 1941 in Opelousas, Louisiana, to Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Thomas,transi>onedpeacefullytoheavenonMay14,2020inGilbert,Arizona.Hewasahighlyeducatedandlearnedmanwhohadachievedmuchandreceivedmanyhonors. PastorThomasissurvivedbyhiswifeof57years,MaryEllen(Walker)Thomas,by twosonsand theirwives,andbyseveralgrandchildrenandgreat-grandchildren. JohnandMarywerere>redandlivingnearoneoftheirsonsinthePhoenix,Arizonaareaathispassing. BrotherThomasjoinedtheAirForcein1960andre>redfromtheAirForceasaSeniorMasterSergeantE-8(themostdifficultenlistedpromo>ontoaYainintheAirForce)withanhonorabledischargeaZer22yearsofservice. HethenfinishedouthisservicetohiscountrywiththeAirNa>onalGuard.Heheldmanycer>ficatesand

diplomas,havingaYendedfiveeduca>onalins>tu>onswhileintheserviceandaZerwards,includingtheAirForce,theNavigators,MoodyBible Ins>tute, BirminghamBap>st Bible College, andGlobalUniversity. He earned associate’s, bachelor’s, andmaster’s degrees in CivilEngineering, Biblical Theology, and Pastoral Ministry. Pastor Thomas was licensed to preach in 1963 and received his cer>ficate ofOrdina>onin1967.HewasthefirstAfrican-Americanenrolledasafull->mestudentatMoodyBibleIns>tute.

Through the years Pastor John worked in a great variety of local church and parachurchministries. He served as a chaplain’sassistant,ledsummeryouthcamps,youthrallies,andotheryouthministries,taughtmanyevangelismanddiscipleshipcourses,heldfamilylifeseminars,andestablishednumerousministriesofvariouskindsforallagesinchurchesheaYendedwhileintheAirForce.HepastoredSouthShoreBap>stChurchinChicago,amul>-culturalchurchwithfiveethnici>esrepresentedinthecongrega>on. AsaguestlectureratMoodyhe taught“TheTradi>onof theEarlyandModernBlackChurch.” Brother John later taughtcoursesatBirminghamBap>stBibleCollege.HeministeredinChicago,Illinois,WestGermany,SouthKorea,Tucson,Arizona,PuertoRico,Topeka,Kansas,andBirminghamandBessemer,Alabama.

WhileinBirminghamPastorThomaswasemployedbythecityofBirminghamasChiefofBuildingMaintenanceandEquipment.HealsoservedasamemberofthecityofBessemerZoningBoard,andasaboardmemberforAlabamaTeenChallenge.

In 1999 Pastor John founded New Grace Covenant (Assemblies of God) in Bessemer, Alabama and pastored there un>l hisre>rement.HewasLicensedwiththeAssembliesofGodin1999,Ordainedin2000,andcon>nuedtoholdordina>onwiththeAssembliesofGodun>lhispassing.PastorJohnwasgreatlylovedandrespectedbymanypeoplebothathomeandabroad.Heachievedsomuchandwasawardedsomanyrecogni>ons,honors,andmedalsthattheycannotallbelistedhere.

…who await us.

Lambert Lake

Alabama District Council of the Assemblies of God5919 Carmichael Road

Montgomery, AL 36117-2507