Apostolic Accent June 2012 Issue

Give and Go | Setting an Example for Others to Follow | Being Extra Ordinary People | Missionaries in Oregon

The O�cial Magazine of the Oregon District UPCI June 2012

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A Note From the EditorOregon District Apostolic Accent

Volume 48, Number 1

www.ORUPC.com

Editor……………………..........…………….Kassie [email protected]

(503) 689-3589Graphic Assistance............................Jason Di SensoPhotographs.........................................John Van Beek

District OfficialsSuperintendent……………......……………Ted GravesSecretary/Treasurer……..........……..Dan Sargeant

PresbytersSection 1…………………......…..…………Gary GleasonSection 2……………………........…M. Dennis JohnsonSection 3………………………......……..Kevin GoodwinSection 4…………………………......Steven L. Johnson

Honorary Board MemberM. David Johnson

North American MissionsDirector…………………………….......…..Steve HansonSecretary…………………….……….....…Virgil Alldritt

Global MissionsDirector……………………………….......James Bigelow

Apostolic ManDirector……………………………..……......Mark Edday

Ladies MinistriesDirector…………………………......….Geanice LangleySecretary…………………...…….....…….Rachel Sparks

Sunday School Director………………………….…......…Darrell SparksSecretary…………....………………….....…..Joe Higgins

Oregon YouthPresident…………………………….......…Stan GleasonSecretary………………………………......……Kevin Neu

Spanish MinistriesDirector……………………………………......Fito Avenia

Life in Focus Coordinator…...........Bill TittsworthPrison Ministry Coordinator….....….Doug LethinMedia Missions Director……......David P. JohnsonA.C.T.S. President………...….......M. Dennis JohnsonSenior Quiz Coordinator.…......…..Brian HuffmanJunior Quiz Coordinator.…......…Jonathan Toews

Reflecting on a month where we celebrate Father ’s Day, I cannot help but think of how blessed I am to have a father who cares about his family. It is rare today, especially in the world, for parents to be married for 33 years and I have been oh so blessed! We don’t realize sometimes how important the role of a father is until we are older and many times, have our own children .

There are ups and downs in every family’s life but most of my memories as a child are great ones with a father who was always there . A father who spent time with his wife and children . I recall our camping trips, going to the beach , learning to shoot a gun , learning to snow ski and skiing throughout our teenage years. Not only those things but all the similarities my father and I share.

When I was in third grade, I began painting lessons…dad picked them up right along with me. We love a lot of the same things…traveling, photography, building things or remodeling them, horses, etc. Our personalities can be very similar and we may not always see eye to eye but most of all , I have experienced the love of a caring father and oh , how much more does my heavenly Father love me in comparison .

Looking at my son and the relationship he has with his father gives me a new look at a father. Javin , our son , wants to be like his daddy. When daddy wears an orange dress shirt, Javin wants to wear and orange dress shirt too. When daddy leaves for work, Javin wants to go right along with him. One day he wanted to go to work with him so bad and daddy told him he would have to ask his boss. So, we went in there and Javin says, “can I work here?” JR’s boss said, “Well , can you clean the ceilings?”

He didn’t get a job that day but it shows how much he wants to be like his daddy and how he wants to be around him. His daddy is his role model and his example. He loves to play with his daddy and do whatever he is doing. It ’s amazing the draw that children have to their fathers.

Our heavenly Father should be our role model , our example. We should pattern our lives after Him and study the Word of God so that we can be more like Him. We should want to live a life that is pleasing to Him and feel the blessings of being a child of the King. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He will always be there to wrap a loving arm around us and comfort us in our darkest times. When we need a shelter, He will cover us.

Kassie Meyer

2 APOSTOLIC ACCENT June 2012

Inside this IssueArticles/Columns2 A Note From the Editor KASSIE MEYER

4 In Loving Memory of Philip A. Dugas 6 Setting an Example for Others to Follow STEVE JOHNSON

9 Give and Go STAN GLEASON

10 The Church as a Reception Room JAMES BIGELOW

13 Being Extra Ordinary People KATHLEEN VANDEVENDER

14 No! You cannot have our Children DAVID REYNOLDS

Promotions8 Family Conference OREGON DISTRICT

11 Missionaries in Oregon GLOBAL MISSIONS 12 Minister’s Wives Tea Pictures OREGON DISTRICT

16 Invest LADIES MINISTRIES

MM Poster.indd 1 8/23/11 6:29 AM

In Loving Memory of

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them

also that love his appearing.II Timothy 4:7, 8

Philip A. Dugas

OBITUARYPhillip Alfred Dugas was born

at home on July 26, 1933 in Los Angeles, California. His parents were Ethel Mae Boyd and Alfred Frances Dugas. Ethel had no religious background, but one

day she attended a Bible Study at a neighbor’s house. She went back for more Bible Studies and eventually received the Pentecostal experience. Fred was a Roman Catholic, but after seeing the change in Ethel’s life,

he received the same experience. Phillip’s siblings were Glenn,

Maxine (Allen) and Paul. He had a happy childhood. His family moved a lot between Long Beach, CA and Prineville, OR due to his father’s work as a Sawyer


in several different lumber mills. But everywhere they moved, his mother conducted church services Phillip attended schools in Prineville as well as California.

At the age of 14 Phillip experienced great sadness. His father, Fred, developed heart problems and became very ill. He died in 1947. Phillip took a paper route to help meet the needs that he and his widowed mother had.

Two years later, Phillip was blessed with a new stepfather. Rev. Andrew Urshan married Phillip’s mother and provided for their needs. He had a son named Andy who had come to live with them. Andy suffered from muscular dystrophy and was paralyzed from the neck down. Andy and Phillip became good friends. Andy passed away in his early twenties.

Phillip attended Long Beach Polytechnic High and graduated in June of 1951. Then in April of 1953, he was inducted into the Army during the last months of the Korean War. He served in Ulm, Germany where he worked in Ordinance. He finished his term and went home on April 7, 1955. He enrolled in Junior College and studied Engineering. He began attending church with his mother and stepfather. Andrew Urshan noticed that Phillip became intensely interested in the subject of Bible Prophecy. He gave him a book entitled “Things To Come”, which he was fascinated with He gave his life to the Lord and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. His life totally changed from that point on. He lost interest in the Engineering classes. A tour group of students

from Western Apostolic Bible College visited the Long Beach church one evening and Phillip attended. He was impressed with the singing of the quartet, and the sincere testimonies of the men. Something stirred in his heart and a desire was born to enroll in that College. In the fall of 1957 he journeyed to Stockton and became a student.

The next three years of his life were exciting. The classes enriched his life as he explored the Word of God. He especially enjoyed the Prophecy classes taught by Clyde J. Haney. They were so informative as they studied Daniel, the book of Revelation, time lines and parallels of scriptural truth in the books of Daniel and Revelation.

At WABC, he established friendships that endured for over fifty years. In his last year at WABC, Phillip began dating a fellow classmate named Doris Galpin. On the night of their Graduation they became engaged.

They were married in San Leandro, California on October 15, 1960.

They began traveling on the Evangelistic field. Their first Revival was in Turlock, CA where Bro. Henry Moore was pastor. They continued to Evangelize for 2 ½ years. In the Spring of 1962 they began pastoring a small church that was meeting in a Grange Hall in Oroville, CA. There were only 2 families in the church, but after a time, the church began to grow. Phillip was hired by the California State Department of Water Resources as a surveyor for the Oroville Dam project. On October 1, 1963, their son John David Dugas was born.

On December 17, 1964 a daughter was born to Phillip & Doris. She was named Deborah Joy Dugas. Around that time, plans were made to build a church on the corner lot on 10th Street that they had been making payments on. Construction began with help from a neighboring Pastor, Burl Woodward, who was a Building Contractor. By May of 1966, the new church was ready to occupy.

Their 3rd child, Andrew Joseph Dugas was born on May 17, 1966. The United Pentecostal Church of Oroville began to grow. Some of the activities were bus ministry, fund raising by making Peanut Brittle and attendance drives and contests.

Phillip served the Western District as California District Secretary. He also worked on the Oroville Dam project.

In 1972 the Phillip Dugas family resigned the Oroville Church and felt that God had called them to Ashland Oregon. They moved to Ashland into the basement of a lovely old church for the purpose of continuing the Home Mission work that Pastor Jack Renison had begun.

In 1973 the Dugas family was called to pastor the UPC church in Salem Oregon. They remained in Salem until they received a call from Rev. Kenneth Haney in Stockton. He asked Phillip to come there to become the Executive Vice Presisdent of Western Apostolic Bible College. His Mom, Ethel Dugas Urshan came to Stockton to visit when she became ill. She passed away at this time.

(Continue on page 7)

June 2012 APOSTOLIC ACCENT 5


Numerous places in the Bible tell us to look to others for an example to follow. The lives of godly men and women who stood up for the things of God are held up for us to examine and emulate. As we observe how they handled affliction which came due to their ministries, the trust they had in the Lord, and the way they worshiped and lived for God, we can learn how to live and set a good example ourselves.

Job is considered by some to be the oldest book in the Bible, and the character of Job is a prime example of how to suffer affliction and demonstrate patience in the process. The prophet Moses endured much in life. He was born into slavery, was raised in a palace where he really didn’t fit, was driven into exile because of foolish decisions, and was rejected repeatedly by those he eventually ended up leading. Yet this man was greatly used by God in spite of all he experienced in life. King David was overlooked by his family earlier in his life. His father-in-law was jealous of his accomplishments. He became unemployed, destitute, and distanced from his family as he simply tried to survive. The plan

of God for David to come to the throne was filled with difficult experiences. His first marriage broke up and was never fully restored even though he tried to make things go right. His reign was marked by numerous wars as he fought for the good of his nation. Yet through all of this David had a life marked by trusting in God to defend him and meet his every need. He repeatedly said he was trusting God to deliver him from his enemies. These men and many more like them set wonderful examples to us of how to suffer affliction and demonstrate patience (James 5:10).

We are encouraged to set an example for others to follow with our lives also. We are to be setting examples for our children and fellow believers to follow. If others were to follow our examples in life and in the church, what would our world and our church be like? How are we modeling the way to suffer affliction and demonstrating the virtue of patience? What about living the life of a believer? Paul encouraged Timothy to excel in this area of his life (1 Timothy 4:12).

Here are some other areas we need to be modeling for those

who follow us to emulate.Acts 4:23-24 tells us the

believers shared the difficult experiences of their lives with each other. This was done verbally when they gathered together. The action the church took was united prayer. It was love for each other that prompted them to respond in this manner. Their faith in God caused them to direct their shared concerns to Him in prayer. We too need to be willing to share with others the difficulties of our lives but not in a complaining and moaning manner. This gives them an opportunity to genuinely share our burdens through prayer. In a right way we need to let others know when we are fearful, when we are distressed, when we are in need, when we need healing, and when we are hurting about situations. It is fitting and Biblical when the body of Christ is together that we pray aloud over our shared concerns. Some today want to inhibit the body of Christ from praying aloud when gathered together, but this is not the Biblical example for us to follow, nor should it be the example for us to give to others today.

In both the Old and New

Setting An Example For Others To

FollowBy Steve Johnson


Testaments in the Bible we are instructed to lift up our hands as we pray to God (Psalm 134:2; 1 Timothy 2:8).

Psalm 98:4 and Hebrews 2:12 tell us to be joyous when we sing and to be loud about it.

2 Samuel 6:5 says the saints of old used “all manner of instruments” as they worshiped God. The church today should not be shy about guitars, drums, trumpets, or any other form and type of musical instrument. The Australian outback has some interesting instruments that will probably never be played in a symphony. But they should still be welcomed as a means to worship God. Interesting and unusual instruments have been created and used to the glory of God. I’ve seen spoons, carpenter saws, and wash tubs used in glorifying God.

The Bible encourages us to clap our hands and shout in praise to God (Psalm 47:1).

We are encouraged in the Bible to praise God with dancing and music together. It is not wrong to move to the music as we sing to the Lord. In fact, God is pleased when we worship him with freedom and abandonment. If you enjoyed moving to music while you served Satan, you’ll probably enjoy moving to music as you serve God. Just like many settings in the world, not everyone moves to music. A lot of people enjoy going to dances, but they don’t ever get on the dance floor. In the same manner, many people enjoy being in a lively church service and never become terribly lively themselves. But it is necessary that we realize freedom and liberty to worship God in dance is found in

the Bible for everyone who loves moving to music. When God is truly worshiped in dance it is not sensuous and provocative to the opposite sex. Some dance moves are from the world and need to stay in the world. But if you love dancing to music, when the music makes you feel like dancing, by all means dance! Don’t worry about those around you any more than you used to worry about people sitting around the edges of the dance floor. Dance! You’ll feel a whole lot better, and everyone else will love it. An old song from back when I used to have hair said, “Celebrate, celebrate, dance to the music. Celebrate, celebrate, dance to the music.” That is what God wants us to do, celebrate new life in him! Celebrate liberty from sin! Celebrate the joy of salvation! Celebrate a clean conscience! Celebrate the love of God, the mercy of God, the happiness He has brought, and the peace He gives. If dancing is part of how you like to demonstrate as you celebrate, then by all means celebrate as you move to music dedicated to worshiping God (Exodus 15:20-21; Psalm 150:4).

Those who worshiped God in the Bible did so by testifying about God publicly (Psalm 22:22)

It is Biblical for us to pray for the sick (James 5:14).

We need to openly be praying and speaking in tongues before others ( 1 Corinthians 14:14-15; 1 Corinthians 14:39).

The operation of Spiritual gifts is encouraged in the church in Scripture (1 Corinthians 14:26).

This verse of scripture also says, “Let all things be done unto edifying.” This is why all these

things are important to the church. It is as we live this way and model these things for others to follow that the body of Christ is built up. If you want to help build the church of the living God, set an example in these things.◊ ____________________________

Steve Johnson is the pastor of True Gospel UPC in Bend, Oregon. He also serves as the section 4 presbyter for the Oregon District.

____________________________(Continue from Philip A. Dugas

Memory on page 5)

In December of 1976, Phillip was voted in as Pastor of Evangel United Pentecostal Church, located on Killingsworth Street in North Portland. These were busy years, in which Revival was experienced. Once again the call from Bro. Kenneth Haney came for Phillip to return to Stockton to teach Bible Prophecy. During this time he served as Dean of Students and the Bookstore Manager of CLC. He also made several Mission trips to Majuro, Marshall Islands.

In December of 1995 Phillip ac-cepted the call to Pastor Abun-dant Life Church here in Portland, where he was pastor until January 15, 2012. He was invited to travel to Ethiopia to teach and minister to Bible students there. On Janu-ary 15, 2012 he was officially in-stalled as Pastor Emeritus. He served in that capacity until his death on April 29, 2012.◊

United Pentecostal Church International

Oregon District Family Conference

July 25- July 27, 2012

Salem Conference Center

200 Commercial St. S.E.

Salem, OR 97301

Rev. Paul Mooney Indianapolis, Indiana

Evangelist

Rev. Joe Ellis Canton, Ohio Day Teacher

Directions: From I-5 Northbound (Eugene) take Exit 253. Turn left onto Highway 22 and continue on to Liberty Street. Turn right on Liberty Street. Move into the far left lane. Enter the parking garage on the left immediately after Trade Street.

From I-5 Southbound (Portland) take Exit 260A to Salem parkway. Salem Parkway will turn into Commercial St. Continue on Commercial to Trade St. Turn left on Trade and then left onto Liberty to enter the Parking Garage @ The Grand Hotel.

Family Conference Schedule Wednesday - Friday 7:30 p.m. Evangelistic Service

Thursday Evening—Children’s Holy Ghost Crusade

Thursday - Friday 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Day Teacher

Thursday - Friday 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Youth Service

Thursday - Friday 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Sunday School Activity

Departmental Schedule Wednesday 7:00 p.m. - Spanish Ministries Wednesday 7:15 p.m. - Ladies Ministries

Thursday 6:45 p.m. - Men’s Ministry Thursday 7:00 p.m. - Sunday School Thursday 7:15 p.m. - Pentecostal Conquerors

Friday 6:45 p.m. - ACTS Friday 7:00 p.m. - Home Missions Friday 7:15 p.m. - Foreign Missions

For Information Contact: Dan Sargeant ∙ PO Box 547 ∙ Newport, OR 97365 ∙ Cell (541) 730-9102

[email protected]

Headquarters Hotel Reservations: The Grand Hotel, 201 Liberty St. S.E., Salem, OR (adjacent to the Salem Conference Center)

Room Rates: $119 Deluxe King Single - $129 Deluxe King Double - $129 Deluxe Double Queen Single $139 Deluxe Double Queen Double ($20 charge for each additional adult) (Complimentary Hot Breakfast included)

Phone Reservations - 1-877-540-7800 On-line Reservations - www.grandhotelsalem.com Use Group Name: Oregon District Family Conference

(Blocked rooms will be released after June 27, 2011. After this date, it will be by availability only ) Parking

Salem Conference Center & The Grand Hotel - Complimentary Underground Parking - Pringle Parking Garage - Complimentary SCC Roof Top Parking (Access off High Street) Liberty Parking Garage (Access off

Liberty Street (Evenings & Weekends only)


Give and GoBy Stan Gleason

The Sheaves for Christ theme this year “Go” reminds me of the sports term “Give and Go,” where a player passes the ball then positions himself in a better place to receive a pass and score. People “Give” to SFC by investing monetarily into its ministries in order to send the gospel around the world. People “Go” with SFC by positioning themselves in a place where they can share the gospel as a recipient of an SFC ministry.

There are physical ways to “Go” with SFC like Apostolic Youth Corps. Another way to “Go” is to:

Be ready always to give an answer (1 Peter 3:15) through ministries like Bible Quizzing.

The “Ball” is SFC money that translates into the spreading of the gospel through ways like missionary vehicles- taking the gospel where it couldn’t otherwise go. The “Giver” is everyone who contributes financially to SFC. The “Receiver” is SFC Ministries. These ministries will sometimes pass back to me – when I am a recipient of things like Bible College scholarships, or they will sometimes score themselves –

when there are converts won to the Lord through ministries like Campus Ministry. The” Goer” is anyone who positions himself where he can best help somebody receive the gospel as a recipient of an SFC ministry. The “Goal” occurs when somebody experiences the gospel.____________________________

Stan Gleason is an Evan-gelist from Oregon City, Oregon. He also serves as the Oregon District Youth Presisdent.

There are certain moments during times of meditation upon the Word when I catch a glimpse of myself as I imagine God sees me. Looking back from the future, He observes my true character sky-lined upon the landscape of my humanity. I am in the cross-hairs of omniscience; He knows the rest of my story. Though I move ever so slightly to try to blend into the natural environment of my fleshly nature so as not to be noticed, he reminds me that the eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding both the good and the evil. Thankfully, he reproves, rebukes and exhorts with all longsuffering.

None of us are hidden from his gaze, whether he sees us (as portrayed in the epistles of John) as his little children, elect ladies, or as men such as Gaius, Diotrephes or Demetrius.

Writing as a pastor, spiritual father, friend and elder, the apostle John primarily directs his remarks in his first epistle to his “little children”, a term expressing tender affection toward these who were probably under his oversight. His dominant theme is love.

John also penned a short letter to “the elect lady and her children,” which terminology seems to indicate that the addressee was an honorable woman who served as pastor of a church that met in her home. The elder reminded her to love all the brethren of like

precious faith but also warned her to be on guard against false teachers who had gone out into the world and instructed her to apply the standard ‘litmus test’ to determine whether the evangelist-missionaries who passed through were worthy of being received. (See 1 John 4:1-3; 2 John 7-10).

The 3rd Epistle of John is addressed to Gaius, a beloved friend of John who is noteworthy for his godliness and generosity. John commends him for his hospitality to missionaries who passed through from time to time on deputation. Whether they were known brethren or strangers, they testified of Gaius’ faithful deeds of love towards them and of how he had sent them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God. Here was a man who was apparently cut from the same mold as Demetrius, who had a good report from all men, and from the truth itself (3 John 12).

It is for his (Jesus’) name’s sake that our UPCI missionaries go forth. As in John’s era, these are not funded by the Gentiles (those who are not saved), but by those who are in the church. When we receive them in a worthy manner, we are being Christ-like.

The manner in which U. S. presidents traditionally receive guests sheds an interesting light on y subject. At the president’s home in Philadelphia, George Washington had two rooms

modified with a bowed end and used them for hosting formal receptions. As his guests formed a circle around him, Washington would stand in the center to greet them. With no one stuck in a corner, everyone was an equal distance from the president. The circle became a symbol of democracy, and Washington likely envisioned the oval Blue Room as the ideal place to host a reception.

The church is to be an oval reception room where all saints who come our way are greeted and treated as equals. Christian charity dictates that we love one another with a pure heart, fervently, regardless of one’s ethnicity, color, or differing beliefs in matters that are not essential to salvation. Many of us have visited churches where we were neither given a warm greeting at the door nor recognition from the pulpit. Let me take it a little further. Every missionary that comes through our district has the approval and recommendation of our governing body and is thus worthy, not only of being well received but of being sent on his or her way with a generous offering as well as a commitment for monthly support if God leads us to do so. We can be assured that each missionary has already passed the litmus test. The next rule of thumb prescribed for the church is simply this: “Receive ye one another as Christ also

By James Bigelow

The Church as a Reception Room


Jayson & Nellie Long July 10-15 (Sun 2PM- Gresh-am: Spanish) Nicaragua Crystal Reece July 24-29Tonga

James & Stacy Marse August 28-September 2 (Tue- Tigard)Bolivia

Cynthia White September 4-9Middle East

Steve & Loy Bennett November 6-11Israel/Pal

Keith & Elizabeth Ikerd November 13-18 (Sat/Sun AM/PM- Oregon City)Namibia

received us, to the glory of God.” Since Christ receives us as on

the same level with himself and neither shuns us nor keeps us at a distance, shall we be backward to entertain our brethren even though they may be strangers? Let us lovingly allow for differences among believers and not use petty dissimilarities as opportunities for division. It would be well for all of us to strive to receive one another as beloved little children, or like the elect lady, Gaius, or Demetrius, rather than like Diotrephes, whose ill conduct is pointedly stated in 3 John 9-10. The following passage from the Amplified Bible provides clear direction for the church as a reception room.

3 John 5-11 5Beloved, it is a fine and faithful

work that you are doing when you give any service to the [Christian] brethren, and [especially when they are] strangers.

6They have testified before the church of your love and friendship. You will do well to forward them on their journey [and you will please do so] in a way worthy of God’s [service].

7For these [traveling missionaries] have gone out for the Name’s sake (for His sake) and are accepting nothing from the Gentiles (the heathen, the non-Israelites).

8So we ourselves ought to support such people [to welcome and provide for them], in order that we may be fellow workers in the Truth (the whole Gospel) and cooperate with its teachers.

9I have written briefly to the church; but Diotrephes, who likes to take the lead among them and put himself first, does not acknowledge my authority and refuses to accept my suggestions or to listen to me.

10So when I arrive, I will call attention to what he is doing,

his boiling over and casting malicious reflections upon us with insinuating language. And not satisfied with that, he refuses to receive and welcome the [missionary] brethren himself, and also interferes with and forbids those who would welcome them, and tries to expel (excommunicate) them from the church.

11Beloved, do not imitate evil, but imitate good. He who does good is of God; he who does evil has not seen (discerned or experienced) God [has enjoyed no vision of Him and does not know Him at all]. ◊____________________________

James Bigelow is the

Oregon District Global

Missions Director.

Information on each missionary and country, plus many helps, can be viewed or downloaded at www.globalmissions.com Pastors can place their request for specific missionaries to visit their church by contacting James Bigelow at: 541.756.7141

or 541.217.4310 [email protected]


Minister’s Wives Tea

Sis. Angie Bohde spoke about being who we are and not someone else.

We are all unique!!

I often read the scriptures about men and women of God who did great exploits for the Lord and I wonder, where does each one of us fit? I’ve heard saints ask why they were chosen, and say they aren’t that talented. Perhaps they feel inadequate in spirit or knowledge, but are we? We are children of the King. Do we really think He would keep knowledge and gifts of the spirit from us? Not hardly.

The scripture tells us to ask for these gifts – they are there for the taking. We just have to understand that we are who we say we are – Children of the King. We are those who possess the spirit of the Living God within ourselves. There is no reason we should feel inadequate or less of a saint of God than those who walked with Christ. We are that grafted in branch on the olive tree. The ones Jesus turned to and gave life.

I suppose you could say that we are ordinary – sure we are. Just those people – plain people – ordinary people, who God can use to exalt His name and spread His Gospel. We are His hands and His feet. We are His mouthpieces, the only Bible some people will ever read. We are ambassadors for Christ. So who are we? We are

the Salt of the Earth, the Light of the World, Joint Heirs with Him, and for some odd reason we aren’t sure why God blesses us or even why He chooses us.

Did it ever occur to you that the reason God chose you was because you are some one special? God doesn’t pick junk. He chooses the cream of the crop, the fruit of the vine, the best there is to be chosen from. It’s like the sands of the sea. There are literally millions of tiny grains of sand that rest on the waters edges, but you as an individual can pick up only one tiny grain of sand. Now, place yourself in that spot on the edge of humanity and picture yourself in the Masters hand. That’s how special you are to Him.

He didn’t call you to be anyone but yourself. If He wants you to be a great evangelist, He will provide the knowledge and assist you in becoming adequate for this task. If He chooses you to be a Sunday School Teacher, He will give you the necessary tools to do the job set before you. In every capacity of the Kingdom of God, He provides the knowledge and the talent that is needed. There is no job or task too small or great that God does not notice and bless. Every effort we put forth to further and enhance the

Kingdom of God, He will bless us for.

We aren’t just ordinary people; we are ordinary people with a purpose, ordinary people who will give Him all, we are a chosen people, the apple of God’s eye, the Bride of Christ, no more strangers, but friends of the Lord. We are a blessed people. No matter what circumstance we find ourselves in, still in all, we are blessed beyond measure. God is so good to us – we have neither room nor reason for complaints. He still walks with us and talks with us and lets us know we are His own. So remember to smile, and never forget you’re chosen, special and loved. You have a purpose in God. ◊____________________________

K a t h l e e n Vandevender is a church planters wife in Medford, Oregon.

Being Extra Ordinary People

By Kathleen Vandevender


But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself … [Daniel 1:8].

King Nebuchadnezzar determined to convert the best of the youth of Israel to the culture of Babylon. He separated four Hebrew boys from their parents and their values. He substituted a rich and exciting lifestyle for a sheltered existence. Satan is still using these methods today.

By David Reynolds

No! You Cannot have


our Children

Nebuchadnezzar brought them to Babylon and changed their names. He immersed them in the affluence and customs of the palace and of his kingdom. He gave them “daily portions of the King’s food and drink” -food appealing to the ‘lust of the flesh’ and the ‘lust of the eye’. He dressed them in rich colorful clothing and housed them in his palace -immersing them in the pleasures of Babylon.

The King of Babylon never took into account these four young men where trained by godly parents. How do I know? –Because, someone had instilled a ‘purpose’ into their hearts to serve only the ‘One True God’. They were taken out of Judah, but the God of Judah was still in them. “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself” [Daniel 1:8].

Daniel’s cry was, I may not have a choice of my place of residence—but I am not a Babylonian! I may be here but this is not my country, this is not my food, this is not my king and these idols are not my God!

The power and influence of a fathers training is given to use in the book of Jeremiah. Israel would not obey the commands of the prophet -so God commanded that the Rechabites be brought into the temple as an object lesson to Israel. Jeremiah was to “ set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites pots full of wine, and cups, and I said unto

them, Drink ye wine. But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons for ever: Neither shall ye build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have any: but all your days ye shall dwell in tents; that ye may live many days in the land where ye be strangers. Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters” [Jeremiah 35:6-8]. A fathers training won the day!

The power of a mother’s training is shown in the story of Moses. Pharaoh commanded that all the boys of Israel be put to death. There was a mother, however, who was determined to save her little baby. Jochebed hid him until she could not hide him any more. She then made a little boat out of bulrushes, waterproofed it and placed the little craft in the marsh grass near the bank of the Nile.

Placing Moses into the little boat she placed him in the hands of God. As determined by God, Pharaoh’s daughter came down to the river to bath. She heard the baby cry and her heart went out to the child. Here again I hear the voice, “Bring me the Child!, and I will take him to the palace as my son, and I will raise and educate him to be an great Egyptian ruler”.

Pharaoh’s daughter underestimated the power of a mother’s training. The mistake she made was that she gave Moses right back into the arms of his loving mother to nurse and to train him. His mother’s early

training never left him. “By faith when Moses was come

to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt …[Hebrews 11:24-27].

“You may take me to the palace and make me eat the rich food --and even dress like an Egyptian—but, thanks to my godly mother’s training, I know that it is all foreign food offered to foreign gods. I know I am not an Egyptian!

No, Satan—you cannot have our children.

Once again godly training wins out over the wiles of the devil.

“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” [ 2 Corinthians 2:11].◊____________________________

David Reynolds has been

the Minister of Discipleship

at Portland Pentecostals

since 2007. He is a gradu-

ate of Conquerors Bible

College, Cascade College,

Portland State University and post graduate

work at the University of Oregon. He served

as a teacher, assistant Principle & Principle.

Since retiring from public education he has

traveled extensively to over 37 countries

preaching & teaching in Bible Schools and

has written several books on Education, The

Family & Parenting.

By David Reynolds


our Children


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Documents

Apostolic Accent June 2012 Issue