Saturday, March 31, 2012

Welcome to the Post-Christian Culture of 2012!


Warnings from the Kirk Cameron Interviews
By Monte Kuligowski


Who would have thought that stating basic Christian doctrine could cause a "firestorm" of condemnation in the United States?

Welcome to the post-Christian culture of 2012.

Piers Morgan was in customary form when he recently dared Kirk Cameron to say that homosexuality is a sin on his CNN program. Morgan didn't literally say, "I dare you." But questions on homosexuality as put to Bible-believing Christians serve as liberal litmus tests for the acceptance or wrath of the One Voice media. After a loaded question is dropped, the leftwing inquisitor sits back and waits for the headline sound bites.

We know what the politically-correct answers on the subject sound like.

We also know what constitutes liberal heresy. Traditional Christian doctrine from the Holy Bible is blasphemy to the postmodern ear.

Unsurprisingly, Kirk Cameron, as an outspoken Christian, gave the wrong answers.

First, Morgan wondered out loud whether Cameron would tell his children "that gay marriage is a sin?"

Just to get the reaction from Morgan, I wish Cameron had responded, "Of course not Piers, I believe every marriage should be a happy one." But I digress. Of course Cameron would tell anyone that any distortion of holy matrimony's definition is wrong. Cameron provided Morgan with the indispensable elements of marriage.

Next, Morgan asked, "Do you think homosexuality is a sin?" That's a little different than asking whether homosexual behavior is wrong. Someone might struggle with homosexual desires yet not sin. But Cameron appeared to believe that Morgan was talking about homosexual practice. Here's Cameron's "firestorm" response:

I think that it's — it's unnatural. I think that it's — it's detrimental and ultimately destructive to so many of the foundations of civilization.

Morgan's next question is predictable. It's right out of the liberal Inquisitor's Handbook: "What do you do if one of your six kids says, dad, bad news, I'm gay."

Cameron said he would have a heart to heart with his child, with the sound counsel that "there's all sorts of issues that we need to wrestle through in our life. Just because you feel one way doesn't mean we should act on everything that we feel."

Morgan noted how he would respond to his hypothetical "gay" son: "If one of my sons said that [he's "gay"], I'd say that's great, son. As long as you're happy."

Forget about the consequences, as long as you're happy! That sums up our current pagan culture nicely. If it feels good, do it. That belief is the polar opposite of traditional Christianity which teaches the created to reject base desires in order to find lasting joy in doing the will of the Creator.

But Piers Morgan does more than provide a bumper sticker for the new post-Christian left — he (unwittingly?) points in the direction the prominent "gay" rights campaign is heading: to the suppression of the rights of Christians.

And yet some people would say that telling kids that being gay is a sin or getting married is a sin or whatever, that in itself is incredibly destructive and damaging in a country where seven states now have legalized it.

The "some people" Morgan refers to that matter are the supposed experts of our day. Morgan forgets to mention that wherever so-called "gay" marriage has been legalized in the U.S., it has been by judicial and political fiat against the will of the voting majority.

The authoritarian, hard core leftists who use their experts to rule our secular society have a boundaries problem. They are strategically forcing acceptance of homosexual behavior and "marriage" upon us and they will not stop there. If "telling kids that being gay is a sin," in the view of our elitist rulers, is "incredibly destructive and damaging" then children should be protected from religious bigots. At least that's the reasoning used to promote the banning of biblical teaching on homosexual behavior in some progressive countries.

Classifying biblical pronouncements as hate speech and arresting people for their verbal expressions of "homophobia" could only happen in places that have been bankrupted by secularism, like England, right? Well, the United States has been running hard after the European models of secular socialism, moral relativism, multiculturalism, tolerance (of everything but traditional Christianity), global collectivism, etc., for quite some time.

When Ann Curry had Kirk Cameron on NBC Today to chastise him about the "firestorm" he "set off" and his forbidden words to Morgan, Kirk was surprised. Cameron reminded Curry that he has been "consistent for 15 years" as a Bible-believing Christian. "What I would have thought was more newsworthy is if I had said something that contradicted the Word of God; if I had contradicted my faith."

I think what's most newsworthy is that Christians are under attack in America for expressing basic tenets of the faith.

Piers Morgan covered the angle that "some people" believe the biblical truth on homosexual behavior is harmful to children. Then, Ann Curry framed Cameron's free speech and religious expression as words that incite hate and mistreatment of homosexuals.

After reading Cameron's words back to him with a sense of horror, Curry one-ups Morgan's "some people," with the trusted "many people" device. "Many people are suggesting that this is hate speech. Are you encouraging people to feel hate towards gay people?"

It wasn't enough for Cameron to explain that he doesn't hate homosexuals and that he loves all people in the world.

For, Curry immediately pounced with this pre-scripted inquisition: "Do you feel — do you feel any responsibility saying words like that, that might encourage people to feel that it's okay to treat — mistreat gay people?"

At that point, Cameron had to be thinking, is this woman crazy?

Cameron tried to explain that he is not for the mistreatment of anyone. But, apparently, Curry wanted a full recanting of his heretical faith and a promise to remain silent in the future. The scolding continued:

Why do you say things like this that you know are going to cause people to push back? Why do you even talk about it, then? Because this is not the first time you've been asked about it. It's not the first time you've made comments that have caused people a lot of alarm.

Um, maybe Cameron says "things like this" because he was specifically asked the loaded questions. Was Cameron supposed to plead the Fifth or lie about what the Bible says?

What should cause "people a lot of alarm" are the liberal fascists in the news media who want to silence Christians and normalize sinful behavior.

The far left with its speech codes and faux moral superiority via groupthink issue consensus, poses a clear and present danger to our constitutional religious liberties.

The Obamacare medicinal-abortion, sterilization and contraception mandate is the inverse of what is happening with religious speech. With the healthcare mandate people of faith are being forced to act contrarily to their beliefs to support the values of postmodern politicians and bureaucrats in power.

And, as the Cameron interviews hint, people of faith will eventually be forced into silent submission as the values of the elitists of postmodern culture and government clash with the values of traditional religion and morality.

Unless, of course, America can throw off the tyranny of liberalism and return to her God and Constitution — but the hour is late and time is of the essence.

© Monte Kuligowski

Friday, March 2, 2012

The Elements in True Reformation


In his excellent (though unlikely titled) book Hot Tub Religion, J. I. Packer asks “What would a work of divine reformation in our churches today look like?” Great question, and I loved the six answers Packer—one of my all- time favorite people—offers.

J.I. PackerFirst, there would be a sense of biblical authority—that is, an awareness that biblical teaching is divine truth and that the invitations and admonitions, threats and warnings, promises and assurances of Scripture still express the mind of God toward mankind. The Bible would be honored again as the Word of God, and the perverse, pluralism of liberal theology, which addles the brains and blinds the hearts of many, would wither and die. The root of this pluralism is that teachers feel free to ignore some of the things the Bible teaches and to pull others out of context. The fruit of it is that God’s people are led astray into dry places and the Holy Spirit of God is completely quenched. Reformation always begins as a call from God to “come out of the wilderness” of subjective speculation and spiritual impotence and learn again in humility the true teaching of the written Word about grace and godliness, knowing that the secret of power for living lies here. Thus, unhappily, reformation always leads to controversy for some resist the message.

Second, there would be a spirit of seriousness about eternal issues. Heaven and hell would be preached about, thought about, and talked about once again. Life in this world would once again be lived in the light of the world to come, and the Philippian jailer’s question, “What must I do to be saved?” would be seen as life’s basic question once more. For most of this century the church, liberal and conservative, in all denominations, has been so occupied with this world that minds turned to eternity have been the exception rather than the rule. Sociopolitical, cultural, sporting, and money-making interests have dominated Christian minds rather than the laying up of treasure in heaven. A work of reformation would change that, not by withdrawing Christians from these fields of action, but by radically altering their perspective on what they are doing so that God’s glory and eternal values would become the chief concerns.

Third, there would be a passion for God, transcending any interest in religion or cultivation of religiosity. One’s relationship to God would be seen as the most important thing in the world, and a Bible-based awareness of the greatness and awesomeness of God, the eternal Savior-Judge, in whose hands we ever are, would displace all cheap thoughts of God as just a useful pal.

Fourth, there would be a love of holiness growing out of deep conviction of sin, deep repentance, deep gratitude for forgiveness and cleansing through the blood of Jesus Christ, and a deep desire to please God. Casualness about righteousness, cutting moral corners, areas of blatant self-indulgence, love of luxury, and broken commitments have disfigured twentieth-century Christianity at all levels. This would change, as indeed it needs to, for moral standards among Christian people. As in the world around them, seem to be getting worse rather than better. It is frightening to see how little believers nowadays seem to be bothered about personal sin.

Hot Tub ReligionFifth, there would be a concern for the church. Christians would catch the biblical perspective, in which the church is the center and focal point of God’s plan and the display ground of his saving and sanctifying wisdom (see Eph. 3:1-12). They would be deeply concerned about the image that the church presents to the world, and any form of unfaithfulness, carnality, false doctrine, formalism, disorder, or wrongheadedness in the church would cause them distress and send them to their knees. God should be honored, not dishonored, in his church, and the church should show itself strong in standing against the world and testifying to its Savior. These are universal Christian concerns at reformation times, and saints at such times will endure and risk anything in order to see the church move in the right direction.

Sixth, there would be a willingness to change—whether from sin to righteousness, or from lassitude to zeal, or from traditional patterns to new procedures, or from passivity to activity, or any other form of change that was needed. Believers would come together to praise, pray, encourage each other, and see what they could do together to advance the cause of Christ. It would be as if they had awakened after a long sleep. They would wonder how they were able to be somnolent, apathetic, and inactive for so long. What new things they would find themselves doing cannot be specified in advance beyond this general formula, but should God work in reformation, it is safe to say that newness of discipleship and change of ways in some shape or form would be the experience of us all.

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Thursday, March 1, 2012

Simos Family Ministry Update

Freedom Van, Freedom Land!!
Freedom Van!!
Our team is gearing up to purchase our first Freedom vehicle! As mentioned before we have a $10,000 matching gift to help us accomplish this goal. So far $6105 has been raised and matched, but to receive the entire $10,000 we must match it by March 31st! Will you join us in accomplishing this goal? Only $3895 more to go! Click here to give online (note “For the VAN…Match it!” on the comment line)
Freedom Land !!
The land is certainly the bigger of the two fund raising challenges but again we have a matching gift! Our Board of Directors has put together a matching gift of $21,308 to go towards the land purchase. With this matching gift and the $30,000 already raised we have the potential to soon be over $70,000 towards our goal!! Click here to give online (note “For the LAND…Match it!” on comment line)
Please visit our website for more detailed information about all that Freedom is doing in the Dominican Republic. We also have several videos on our site to better inform you about our ministry like...
We try to keep these videos short – all three can be watched in under 5 minutes. But they really are one of the best windows we have for you to see what is going on here.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

John Fletcher on Checking Your Heart


John Fletcher's heart check questions

By Rev. Mark O. Wilson | Released: Feb. 24, 2012 | In: Feature Holiness

My hero, John Fletcher, the 18th century Vicar of Madeley, was a seeker after God. His heart's desire was to press in to love Him more fully.

When I visited his grave a few years ago, I prayed, "Lord, make me a John Fletcher."

He drew up this list of questions for personal reflection at the end of the day:

1. Did I awake spiritual, and was I watchful in keeping my mind from wandering this morning when I was rising?

2. Have I this day got nearer to God in times of prayer, or have I given way to a lazy, idle spirit?

3. Has my faith been weakened by unwatchfulness or quickened by diligence this day?

4. Have I this day walked by faith and eyed God in all things?

5. Have I denied myself in all unkind words and thoughts? Have I delighted in seeing others preferred before me?

6. Have I made the most of my precious time, as far as I had light, strength, and opportunity?

7. Have I kept the issues of my heart in the means of grace, so as to profit by them?

8. What have I done this day for the souls and bodies of God’s dear saints?

9. Have I laid out anything to please myself when I might have saved the money for the cause of God?

10. Have I governed well my tongue this day, remembering that “in a multitude of words there wanteth not sin”?

11. In how many instances have I denied myself this day?

12. Do my life and conversation adorn the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Rev. Mark O. Wilson is senior pastor at Hayward Wesleyan Church in Hayward, Wisconsin.

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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Simos Family Ministry Update

!

Dominican Republic - Simos Family
Our Freedom team has been busy with a new Pre-school, English classes & Bible Studies. In January, our team started a Pre-School with 24 kids from Lima & PInones. We praise God for this opportunity! Every Monday, Wednesday, & Friday, we have the privilege of teaching & discipling these 4 year olds for 2 hours.
Every Tuesday & Thursday, we are teaching an adult bible study class, several english classes, and 4 bible study classes for the children. We would ask you to join us in prayer for wisdom & discernment. Our passion is to see God glorified in the lives of Dominicans and in our lives as well!
We would love to have you come share this experience with us! There is still time to plan a short term missions trip
. Please contact JasonHilgeman@itisforfreedom.com.
Click here for Take a Trip video
Freedom housing for missions teams
Toni teaching English
Every Tuesday and Thursday, Toni teaches the children of batey Lima and batey Piñones bible lessons in Spanish . Recently, Toni has started teaching English to some adults in batey Cabeza de Toro.
Josh, Wonder & Victor working
Josh, Wander and Victor have started a project to build new benches/pews for the church in batey Lima. Our group has been blessed to use this church while ministering in Lima.

Friday, February 17, 2012

There's a Miracle in the Making!


I know you have all heard the old saying, “Out with the old and in with the new.” Well, that is exactly what 2012 has brought to me and my family.

I am so honored to say that God has blessed me so abundantly with a wonderful family and also with such great Christian friends. It is in that darkest hour when you realize just how much your family and Christian brothers and sisters in Christ mean to you.

On February 5, 2012 I found just how faithful those family and friends were, but most of all, I know that no matter when or where, I can always depend on Jesus Christ.

My family was involved in a horrific car wreck in Clermont, FL at approximately 7:51 p.m. on February 5, 2012. After a wonderful service in Port Charlotte, FL, we were en route back to our hotel in Davenport, FL enjoying the evening, when we stopped at a red light. Suddenly, at a high rate of speed, a car hit us from behind, knocking us 35 yards. In the extreme of things, another car hit the same automobile that hit us. The next moments were so sudden, my wife Trish recalls our son Joseph hollering for her help, as he was bleeding and suddenly, I realize I cannot move my arms. They are completely numb and I too began to holler for help. Trish hurried to try to get to us both, not taking the time to notice her own injuries. What seemed like forever, was only moments before the Paramedics were on the scene and has ushered me away. As Trish began to unfold the events to me, I was even more amazed at how God had surrounded us by his protection. Joseph too was taken and Trish realized her own injuries. As we were all taken to the nearest hospital, Trish and Joseph were quickly treated and released, as their injuries were not life threatening. However, I had already been taken to the trauma hospital in Orlando, due to sustaining what they so commonly call, “A Broke Neck.” I suffered 3rd and 4th lumbar fractures to my neck, with my spinal cord pinched.

The most amazing starts to unfold here. Trish had enough power on her cell phone to contact our daughter, son, my dad and place a call to Chapel Valley and leave a message to please start a prayer chain on my behalf and then, all contact was lost with the outside world for the next 48 hours. However, people all across the United States were praying for me and the prayers of the righteous availed much. As the neuro surgeon recommended surgery immediately, the down side was explained. If I had the surgery, I would never sing again, as it would damage my vocal cords. I simply could not see this as an option, as God had given me the voice I have and it is my life and my being. Many may say you were foolish to not do it, but I know the man who can and did. I was admitted to the hospital for them to observe me. Naturally, they thought they would change my mind, but the great physician had already stepped into the room.

After three days, they released me. It was so wonderful to really see the power of God at work. People were contacting us at the hospital, even though we did not have means and ways to make contact with them. Not as much as to let anyone know where we were. God always has his ways to get his message out.

On Friday, after I was released, I was sitting on the edge of the bed, when all the feeling in my arms and hands returned. Trish shouted and cried and I could not do anything but cry and praise the lord. All the prayers that had been sent up had reached the throne room of heaven. My miracle had taken place. I have always loved the song, "There's A Miracle In The Making," tonight, I know that miracle and the miracle worker, as he worked one specifically for me.

I will forever praise him and forever proclaim what he has done for me. It changed me and my family and we have seen love among our brothers and sisters, friends and family that is immeasurable. Through it all, God has worked a significant change in our hearts, as we have always loved people and loved everyone, but the change is loving them through the eyes of Christ. It is definitely a new 2012, out with the old and in with the new.

The first of March, I will have a new release out to National Radio. It is entitled, "I Love You Son!" The song is a perfect description of God's love. Even though the song had already been planned for release before the accident, it definitely was in God's timing. Be sure to call your radio stations and request, I Love You Son on the Chapel Valley Comp Disc.

May God Bless each of you,

--
Ron Brewer
706-508-5406
Mercy Road Records
Chapel Valley Studio

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Spiritual Adoption-Its a Bible Thing!


“The Biblical Principle of Spiritual Adoption”

by Keith Kiper

A Message from Romans 8:18-28

Life sure goes by fast, doesn’t it? Our daughter Kristy is 22 years old and a college student. Those of you with children can relate I’m sure. Just seems like yesterday she was only a baby. I can still remember her first day of school, sweet sixteen birthday parties, and then High School graduation. But you see, December 15th, 1989 was a very special day for Vicky and myself. Our daughter Kristy came into our lives that year. Although we will probably never meet her, Vicky and I thank God every day Kristy’s biological mother chose life. There were a couple of times the agency thought they had a child for us, but things just didn’t work out. At the time it was hard to understand why. We were even willing to take a child with medical problems. But you see, God always knows what is best for us, even when WE can’t see the big picture!

The Bible talks about adoption. When reading what Paul tells us in Romans chapter eight we quickly learn that Spiritual adoption is a very important Biblical principle. Our key verse 23 tells us, ”And it’s not only the Creation. We ourselves who have the Spirit as the first crop of the harvest also groan inside as we wait to be adopted and for our bodies to be set free.” (CEB) The NASB calls this being set free, ”the redemption of our body”

You see, the one who does yet not know Christ, or have God’s Holy Spirit dwelling within-groans from their innermost being until they are adopted into the family of God. The Greek word used in this passage to describe adoption is arraboon. We can also find it in 2 Corinthians 1:22 and Ephesians 1:14. In the common Greek usage it would mean the same as a pledge, much so as with an engagement ring. In the Roman world of that time, an adopted son could not be deprived of his father’s inheritance. The son was recognized legally in the same way as one born naturally. Paul was explaining God’s love to them in a way that they could understand. The English word for adoption is derived from the Latin word meaning to choose - option is derived from the same word). The translation simply means the acceptance of another person's child as one's own. Adoption is very ancient, and is commonly found everywhere in the world among many cultures. The Bible perspective on adoption expands the principle of natural adoption to include national and spiritual adoption. The last one, spiritual adoption, is "the point" of God's offer of eternal life, made available to everyone of all nations who will exercise their option to genuinely repent and truly obey Him

Paul used adoption to illustrate his point because Natural adoption was common during Bible History. Some Bible examples are:

"And the child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son; and she named him Moses, for she said, "Because I drew him out of the water." (Exodus 2:10 RSV)

"He had brought up Hadassah, that is Esther, the daughter of his uncle, for she had neither father nor mother; the maiden was beautiful and lovely, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai adopted her as his own daughter." (Esther 2:7 RSV)

Spiritual adoption is available to all who will repent and obey God:

"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, that through these you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of passion, and become partakers of the divine nature." (2 Peter 1:3-4 RSV)

"But to all who received Him, who believed in His Name, He gave power to become children of God" (John 1:12 RSV)

"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of sonship. When we cry, "Abba! Father!" it is the Spirit Himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him" (Romans 8:15-17 RSV)

Romans tells us the whole earth groaned in travail after sin entered God’s perfect Creation through Adam’s disobedience. Because of Adam’s sin our sin separates us from God. Death, disease, sin, and sickness are in the world because of our spiritual death through our biological parents, Adam and Eve. Adam did not die immediately after he sinned, he lived to be several hundred years old. And yes, when we correctly understand Genesis, we know that Adam really lived this many years. Spiritual death was immediate for Adam, physical death came later. Physical death will come for all of us here today save the return of Christ.

You can stop watering a plant, or cut it from its stem. It will eventually die. It is the same way with all humankind. Sin separates us from God. Without Christ in our life, through Spiritual Adoption, we are dead spiritually and then will die physically. Just as we can water the dying plant, the Bible tells us Jesus is the living water! Jesus restores our relationship with the Heavenly Father. We are then justified. Remember the old familiar bromide, “Just as if I never sinned?”

When our daughter Kristy first came into our life, she was 2 ½ months old. There is a reason for this. The state of Florida has some of the best adoption laws in the nation. I believe that is one of the reasons why God led us there in 1983. When a child’s biological mother contacts an adoption agency, the child is placed with foster parents for 2 ½ months. After 2 ½ months the agency places the child with the adoptive parents. The main reason is this allows the mother and/or father time in case there is a change of heart. After this passage of time and the judge drops his gavel, it’s a done deal as they say. Not even the president of the United States can reverse his or the parent’s decision. If every state did this, it would save a lot of heartache. Kristy was our daughter the same as if she was biologically ours…birth certificate and all. Can you see the Spiritual application here? It’s the same with God’s love through Jesus His Son. When we accept Christ’s forgiveness, we are born into God’s family. We become His son or daughter. Just as if we never sinned! There is then the heavenly birth certificate called the book of life. Our name is entered there. No one can remove it but we ourselves.

This doesn’t mean we will then be without trials and tribulatioins. They will come but they will pass. God provides the Comforter the Holy Spirit to live in and through us if we will allow and submit.

From now on, our sense of significance derives not from our performance but our position in Christ. Who we are, and indeed what we are, derives from the fact that we are adopted by grace. From this knowledge flows our sense of value. No longer are we preoccupied with the way others see us. We are wholly taken up with the way God sees us. We should also not judge others by their circumstances, only God knows the whole story. As that great philosopher Jack Handy said, "Never criticize someone until you have walked a mile in their shoes. Then you will be a mile away, and you will have their shoes."

Mark Stibbe the Vicar of St Andrew’s, Chorleywood. Mark was adopted as a child and has authored a book on the doctrine of adoption, From Orphans to Heirs. In closing, listen as I read his list of privileges from his book that we have when we are adopted into the family of God.

I have been given the right to be [called] a child of God (John 1:12).
I am no longer a slave but a friend of Christ (John 15:15).
I have been bought for adoption through Christ’s blood (I Corinthians 6:20).
I was predestined for adoption (Ephesians 1:5).
I am a child of Abba by adoption (Romans 8:15).
I am God’s work of art (Ephesians 2:10).
I am no longer under any condemnation (Romans 8:1).
I cannot be separated from the Father’s love (Romans 8:35).
I am loved by the Father himself (John 16:27).
I have been redeemed and forgiven (Colossians 1:14).
I am a citizen of heaven (Philippians 3:20).
I have not been given a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1: 7).
I am no longer a slave but a son (Galatians 4:7).
I am seated with the Son in heaven (Ephesians 2:6).
I am of the same family as Jesus (Hebrews 2:11).
I am a brother of the Lord Jesus (Hebrews 2:11).
I can approach the Father with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).
I am a brand new person in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Sunday, January 29, 2012

In Memorium-Rev. R.W. Schambach

Schambach

In Loving Memory of RW Schambach

April 3, 1926 - January 17, 2012

Legendary father of faith, R.W. Schambach, was received by the Lord to his reward Tuesday, January 17, when his heart failed. His life and ministry were a divine military mission, which began on a destroyer of the coast of Japan in WWII. He and his wife Winn served in international crusades, inner-city tent meetings, bringing countless thousands to the saving knowledge of Jesus for over 6 decades. Thank you as you lift the family up in prayer!

Sister Donna Schambach has requested, in lieu of flowers, to please consider making a financial contribution to the ongoing work of Schambach Ministries. We thank you for your love, prayers, and support during this time.

Donate to the RW Schambach Memorial Fund here

Send a message of condolence or share a testimony with the Schambach family here.


Map

Memorial Service

Friday, February 3rd @ 7pm

Rose Heights Church of God
2120 Old Omen Road
Tyler, TX 75701-6299

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Schambach

R.W. Schambach: Biography

He's declared it for over five decades, "YOU DON'T HAVE ANY TROUBLE...ALL YOU NEED IS FAITH IN GOD!" The classic gospel message of faith and power made a lasting impact wherever he traveled. Rev. R.W. Schambach devoted his life to preaching the pure gospel of Jesus Christ, believing that when Jesus Christ is presented as the living Savior of the world, signs and wonders will confirm the Truth. Through the years, Brother Schambach's ministry has been marked by mass conversions and New Testament miracles.

A commanding voice and the gift of faith distinguished Brother Schambach's ministry through multi-media outreaches, including the Voice of Power radio and television programs. In most nations of the world, the gospel of power has been preached in simple, direct fashion

Perhaps the greatest trademark of R.W. Schambach was the gospel tent. He traveled with large and small tents with capacities of 2000-8000 seats into every major city in the United States. Drug addicts, prostitutes, homeless people, alcoholics, backsliders and many broken people found deliverance through Jesus Christ under the tent.

Brother Schambach's ministry to the hurting was received in many nations of the world: throughout Europe, Russia, India, Asia, the Philippines, Africa, the West Indies, Central America, and South America.

Many have viewed R.W. Schambach as a senior statesman of the Pentecostal community, because of 65 years of fruitful ministry. He and his wife, Mary Schambach, dedicated their lives to helping multitudes come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and their ministry continues raising up a future generation of soul winners who operate in the full power of the Holy Ghost.


Watch Video

YouTube Video

Preaching and Testimonies

www.schambach.org

Monday, January 16, 2012

Bits & Bytes for Bagley Backers-January 2011

Bits & Bytes for Bagley Backers
January 2012
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Visitors!
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Bob, Brenda, and Mary Beth at Adventure Golf
One of the privileges of our position and location is that we have the honor of hosting many of our missionaries as they pass through Johannesburg to and from their places of service. This past month we have had more than the normal flow of visitors. They have included:
  1. Sue Allport, Australian volunteer missionary to Mozambique, along with her daughter and granddaughter stayed with us overnight before heading to Mozambique for the Christmas holidays.
  2. Our youngest daughter, Mary Beth Bagley, visited with us over her Christmas break from Southern Wesleyan University where she has one year to go before graduating with a degree in elementary education.
  3. Zach, Lyndy, and Isaac Szmara, new missionaries to Mozambique spent Christmas with us. They have had a rough adjustment to life and ministry in Nampula and will be returning to the U.S. soon for a period of recovery and recuperation.
  4. Zambian missionaries, Mike and Cindy Helvie, spent about a week with us while they worked on mission books with Jerry Manwaring and had additional time to recover from repeated infections of malaria.
  5. Orai and Linda Lehman, veteran missionaries from Mozambique dropped by for a couple of days for a visit and consultations.
  6. Dorcas and Matthias Croft had a brief overnight stay with us on their way back to Swaziland after a seven-month stint on home ministry. It was obvious they were both anxious to get "home".
The Christmas season is often a lonely time for missionaries. But, thanks to the guests who passed through our home this past month, our lives were enriched as we celebrated the birth of Christ with members of our missionary family.

A New District is Launched in Southern Africa
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Rev. Doctor Galela, Southern Africa Regional Superintendent at the recent Regional Youth Camp
At the recent Regional Board of Administration meeting, the Wesleyan Church of Southern Africa launched a new Pioneer District, to be known as the Northern Free State and Lesotho District. This comes as an outgrowth and expansion from the Kimberly and Greater Mangaung District. Inclusion of Lesotho in the District is an expression of the vision of the church because we have not planted any churches there yet. However, the church has begun the process of laying the groundwoirk for a launch into western Lesotho.


Panama Conferences Coming Right Up

At the end of this month two conferences will take place in Panama City, Panama with major significance for the work of Global Partners in Africa.

The International Conference of the Wesleyan Church meets January 27-29, for the first time outside of North America. Representatives from the Wesleyan Church all across the world will spend time in fellowship together and discussing matters of significance for the global church.

African leaders in Panama for the ICWC will stay on for two additional days, January 30-31, for an African Leaders' Summit. The leaders will make presentations and be discussing issues of critical importance for the African church: "The Challenge of the Harvest"; "The Challenge of Financial Sustainability"; "The Challenge of NonBiblical Theologies"; and "The Challenge of Ministry Training".
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Praise Points
1. Mike & Cindy Helvie have returned to Zambia much improved in health and with their strength recovered.

2. The Southern Africa Regional Youth Camp saw an enrollment of over 300 campers and was marked by God's working in the lives of the young people.

3. With much travel over the Christmas period, God has again given our missionary family safety in their travels.

4. Dr. Alfred Kalembo, Zambian National Superintendent was the speaker at the Council of Churches retreat in Zambia.

5. Praise God for the new preaching point in Cold Water, Sierra Leone established through the Jesus Film Ministry.

Prayer Requests
1. Ask for God to help Zach & Lyndy Szmara as they spend time at home to recoup.

2. Pray that God will help Rev. Doctor Galela as he visits Zimbabwe and tries to encourage the church there.

3. Pray that visas will be granted to the ICWC delegates who have not yet received them.

4. Ask for God to watch over all of the delegates as they travel to Panama from across the globe.

5. Ask God to give the conference members wisdom as they debate and make decisions for the future of the Wesleyan Church worldwide.

6. Ask God to help African leaders to clearly identify the positive steps forward they need to take as they face the challenges of seeing the work in Africa continue to advance.

7. Pray that God will reward the leaders in Southern Africa with an abundant harvest as they begin work in Lesotho.



Support Report

As we write this newsletter, our support for the month is down from usual - perhaps due to the holiday season. But, for the financial year our support is still positive thanks to the generous and faithful giving of those who stand behind us. May God richly bless you for your faithfulness.

Online donations or monthly commitments can be made online by clicking here.

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Bob & Brenda Bagley | RBagley112@gmail.com

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Simos Family Special Update!

Simos Family Dec Update
  • Freedom Vehicle - Now that we have our own Freedom housing for teams when they come, we are ready to buy a multi-passenger team van! The van that would best fit our needs costs about $20,000 and we just received a matching gift of $10,000! Every dollar raised towards the van will be matched until we hit the $20,000 needed! This will be our first Freedom vehicle and will be used to transport teams that we host and transport kids from Piñones to pre-school in Lima. To get your gift matched, go to the link provided here. Then, fill in the form and in the comment box write, “For the van…Match it!” Click here to give towards the Van! C'mon, help us knock this thing out!
  • Missions Teams - As I mentioned above, we now have our own Freedom housing (only a 1/2 block from our homes) to host missions teams that come to help us here in the D.R. If you would like to bring a group this summer, we can make that happen! This can even be a group of friends who want to take a trip like this. You won’t regret it! Contact (jasonhilgeman@itisforfreedom.com) for more info.
  • Pre-School - January 9 we will be starting a pre-school in Batey Lima! There are 22 little 4 year olds who will be a part of this, as well as 5 adults/young adults from Lima who will help us with the project. We’ll have class 3 days a week for 2 hours a day. Pamela and Katie Cline are going to be leading the charge. We would like to be able to include a few children from Piñones if the details work out (like transportation, can you say Freedom van? hint hint).