AG Audio News Reports

AG Audio News Reports http://ag.org/top/News/audioreports.cfm en-us General Council of the Assemblies of God Tim Laffoon Audio reports of the latest news from the General Council of the Assemblies of God. Tim Laffoon opr@ag.org 'On Course' Wins Twin EPA Honors Mel Surface "On Course," the Assemblies of God magazine for teens, had won five awards of merit in two decades but had never taken top honors in Evangelical Press Association annual competition. That changed this year with the magazine capturing two Awards of Excellence for the print and digital editions of the periodical. Wed, 16 May 2012 0:00:00 GMT 00:58 ca6d9346-7f88-48f2-b233-098663bb8250 Army Honors Dave Roever Mel Surface Assemblies of God Evangelist Dave Roever has been honored by the U.S. Department of the Army for his service to active duty military personnel and veterans. He was presented the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal April 6, 2012 during a Wounded Warrior graduation. Roever is a veteran who was burned beyond recognition by a phosphorus grenade in Vietnam. He emerged from 14 months in an army hospital to translate his emotional scars into a five-decade ministry that has impacted thousands. Wed, 9 May 2012 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 df61912f-abec-4af7-8492-bf2359af0db5 $50 Million Tour to Aid Poor Mel Surface The Convoy of Hope is launching a $50 million, 50 state tour to help the poor. The two-year project kicks off May 12 in Dallas, Texas. Convoy will provide an average $1 million in goods and services at each location, in partnership with local businesses, non-profit organizations, churches, medical communities, and government agencies. Founder and President Hal Donaldson said poverty impacts every facet of life; so, the Convoy works with communities up to a year in advance in order to offer job, housing, and medical assistance; clothing, haircuts, and family portraits; and even a carnival for the children. He wants those in need to be treated as "honored guests in an atmosphere of hope." Thu, 3 May 2012 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 a890cdeb-6898-4124-a1b6-f0f1cbb572e1 SAGU Begins $21 Million Center Mel Surface Southwestern Assemblies of God University will break ground for a $21 million World Communication Center during spring commencement April 27. Plans call for the 70,000 square foot building to be completed for fall 2013. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 154a9a94-759b-40da-bbf3-6e1c112c9194 Digital Age Impacts AG Offices Mel Surface The digital revolution is changing the way churches do business, and the shift in culture and communication is driving what leaders call a strategic restructuring of the Assemblies of God national offices in Springfield, Missouri. The process, in light of trends from paper to electronic publications, eliminates positions and brings lay-offs for 47 workers. General Superintendent announced the changes in a meeting with employees, a news release, and an email to ministers.  Wed, 18 Apr 2012 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 727810e3-5649-46e2-a6db-073c6278f3d8 Bomber Targets Nigeria AG Church Mel Surface    A car bomb exploded near the Assemblies of God church in Kaduna, Nigeria Easter Sunday killing 38 and injuring many more. According to official reports, the blast was detonated beside a group of motorcycle taxis and riders after being turned away by security from the gated worship compound. Two-and-a-half million people worship at more than 10,000 Assemblies of God churches and preaching points in Nigeria. Despite decades of persecution and political unrest, the Fellowship adds nearly 400 churches each year. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 0:00:00 GMT 00:59 2add6442-d3b7-43e4-8d08-b2823eabbad9 AG Churches Help after Texas Storms Mel Surface The North Texas District of the Assemblies of God is partnering with Convoy of Hope for disaster relief in Dallas area communities ripped by recent tornadoes. Disaster relief team leader Nick Wiersma said Convoy of Hope serves millions of people the world over and, tme and again, the local church is the backbone in helping communities get back on their feet. Wed, 11 Apr 2012 0:00:00 GMT 00:55 a4e920b3-0896-46f6-a774-bd26e7e96c53 AG Listed As Growth Leader Mel Surface The Assemblies of God is leading the way in growth among North America's 10 largest church bodies, according to the 2012 Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches. General Superintendent George Wood said the nearly four percent growth rate is encouraging, but he believes it is the start of even greater things. The report shows Pentecostal churches seem to be holding or adding to their numbers. The yearbook is a project of the National Council of Churches. Wed, 4 Apr 2012 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 8e93fa10-c024-4ddd-a643-11e3210e5bc4 AG Posts Insurance Rule Objection Mel Surface The Assemblies of God national office has posted a statement on its website strongly objecting to the federal ruling that health insurance plans must cover contraceptives, including abortion inducing drugs. The statement by church leaders says the government decision violates personal conscience and religious freedom gauaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. The objection was reported in early February in agreement with Roman Catholic and other objections. Public Relations Director Juleen Turnage said the statement online allows individuals, churches, and news agencies quickly to learn the official AG position on this portion of the health plan. Wed, 28 Mar 2012 0:00:00 GMT 00:57 1de1e28e-50b8-4415-94f2-818cff255c02 Pilgrims to Pray for Poor Mel Surface Pray for Hope is enlisting a million people on six continents to interecede for the poor in 2012. The initiative will climax with a 10-day pilgrimage to Israel and a December 12 gathering in Jerusalem on behalf of the poor and suffering. The 12-12 meeting will be live streamed on the Internet. Pray for Hope is part of the disaster response and hunger relief organization Convoy of Hope. Wed, 21 Mar 2012 0:00:00 GMT 00:00 e9020af3-607f-44c8-9b80-0c9e4cdb7ab1 AG Black Ministry Pioneer Dies Mel Surface A memorial service for Robert Emmanuel "Bob" Harrison is set for Thursday, March 15, in San Francisco. Harrison helped pave the way for black ministers in the Assemblies of God. He died March 4 at age 84. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 8f896e67-b698-4e48-99c6-d93c1b51d95a Students Give Break for Fire Victims Mel Surface Spring Break 2012 will see many young people hitting the beaches but more than 100 college students and volunteer contractors will spend their vacations helping victims in fire ravaged Bastrop County, Texas. Members of Chi Alpha Assemblies of God campus ministries from eight schools are volunteering for Supreme Makeover 2012 March 14-17. They will focus on helping elderly, disabled, uninsured, and undersured families. Wed, 7 Mar 2012 0:00:00 GMT 00:59 3f949c15-d6ae-4bd7-8f7b-4961ea064c6e COH Opens New Haiti Food Depot Mel Surface The Convoy of Hope dedicated a new 36- thousand square foot warehouse in January near Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Convoy President Hal Donaldson called the facility a symbol of hope and provision because it allows the crisis responder and hunger relief organization to feed more children in Haiti and the Caribbean. Convoy feeds more than 54 thousand children in Haiti each school day. Wed, 29 Feb 2012 0:00:00 GMT 00:56 394953ed-b0f6-4311-828c-940791d190a3 AG to Phase In New School Makeup Mel Surface The five schools to make up the new consolidated Assemblies of God university in Springfield, Missouri will be phased in over a five year period beginning in fall 2013. The steering committee guiding the plan to combine Central Bible College, Evangel University, and the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary has chosen a gradul approach that actually fast tracks the process. It makes it possible to meet a June 1 deadline for applying to the Higher Learning Commission of the accrediting association for consolidation approval. The School of Theology and Church Ministries will be the first in the new university. Wed, 29 Feb 2012 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 1d173772-0c35-45d1-9bae-e359314ee3d7 5000 Pack Cole Memorial Mel Surface A crowd of 5000 packed Capital Christian Center in Sacramento, California February 20 in memory of the former pastor who built the congregation into one of the first megachurches in the Assemblies of God. Glen Cole died February 14 at age 78. Cole was a former Northern California-Nevada district superintendent and a former member of the national Assemblies of God Executive Presbytery. General Superintendent George Wood said the accounts of Cole's life were a graduate level course in how to lead and how to live. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 35421129-3e65-4f48-b730-236d5c73600d Pastor Glen Cole Remembered Mel Surface Tributes are pouring in for Assemblies of God pastor and former church official Glen Cole. Cole died Tuesday, February 14 at age 78. Cole built Sacramento, California's Capital Christian Center into one of the largest Assemblies of God churches in the nation. More than 5000 people turned out each week for his Bible messages. Cole also served as Northern California-Nevada District Superintendet for the Assemblies of God and as member of the church's national Executive Presbytery. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 73a55c88-1ef8-47ea-80c0-dde45384d516 NAE Joins Catholics against Rule Mel Surface The National Association of Evangelicals has joined the Roman Catholic Church in objecting to the federal health care reform rule that employee insurance must cover contraceptives, including abortion causing drugs. NAE President Leith Anderson said in a letter to President Obama that the Roman Catholic Church does not stand alone on the issue. He said organizations and leaders of other faiths are deeply troubled by the mandate and limited exemption. The letter was signed by Assemblies of God General Superintendent George Wood and 60 other officials who believe the rule violates First Amendment freedom of religion. Wed, 8 Feb 2012 0:00:00 GMT 00:55 fa3a61bb-b730-4c7b-bc1a-5a0095331bae Church to Give Away $100,000 Mel Surface First Assembly of God in North Little Rock, Arkansas will celebrate its 100th birthday next month by giving $100,000 to the community. Ten grants of $10,000 each will be awarded Sunday, March 4 to individuals and groups who are making a difference in the lives of others. Senior Pastor Rod Loy said the church of 3000 church has been blessed and the aim is to begin its second century by being a blessing with a very intentional outward focus. Wed, 8 Feb 2012 0:00:00 GMT 00:57 e22e3262-badd-4ede-8b54-ef11d8e42c6d Mooney to Head AG Family Services Mel Surface Assemblies of God National Youth Ministries Director Jay Mooney is stepping down to become the new director of the AG Family Services Agency in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Former Director Robert Michels is moving to the church's national offices in Springfield, Missouri to work in development and fund raising for Family Services and other ministries. Mooney had led Youth Ministries since 2005. Mark Entzminger will be interim Youth Ministries director while continuing as senior director of Children's Ministries at the AG national offices. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 0:00:00 GMT 00:57 7246a7e8-ea0a-4877-bb04-4cf8afce12ee Rescued Worker 'in Love with Africa' Mel Surface An aid worker rescued from Somali pirates January 24 by U.S. Navy SEALS is a 2007 graduate of Valley Forge Christian College. School President Dr. Don Meyer says Jessica Buchanan embodies a core commitment, devotion, and obedience to God that can change the world. She fell in love with Africa during a student teaching semester in Kenya. Valley Forge in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania is one of 18 AG schools in the U.S. Wed, 1 Feb 2012 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 c37a3ee9-02b4-48f5-abfa-7783cbd801b2 Japanese Conference AG First Mel Surface What is believed to be the first Assemblies of God Japanese conference in the United States will take plane March 22-24 at Central Assembly in Springfield, Misouri.   The sessions are designed for Japanese Christians from across the nation who want to enrich and share their faith. It is a first step toward an AG Japanese Ministry Network. According to U.S. Census data, there are 1.3 million Japanese Americans.    Japanese AG missionaries and Central Assembly Internation Pastors Daisuke (Dice-kay) and Yoriko (Yo-ree-ko) Yabuki (Yaboo-key) will host the conference. General Secretary for the Assemblies of God in Japan Dr. Amano Hiromasa will be the keynote speaker.  Wed, 25 Jan 2012 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 d4cfd644-b810-4ed1-802b-4c169cb4a904 Synergize 3 Live On Line Mel Surface Thirteen hundred pastors and leaders from around the globe are taking part in the Synergize 3 Conference this week in Orlando, Florida, and the sessions are being live streamed on the Internet for access by thousands more. The conference is sponsored by the Billion Soul Network. Registrants have come from more than 50 nations and 70 denominations. The network sponsors global meets every two years to build relationships, and share research and resources. The network goal is to double the number of Christians in the world in this generation. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 5fb4def3-2c71-4f48-bd7d-380741aa2498 Conference to Debut Solar Press Mel Surface The first solar powered printing press will be showcased next week in Orlando, Florida as part of the Synergize 3 Pastors Conference. The press will be featured as a new tool to help carry out the command of Jesus Christ to take His message to all the world. Bibles and other literature will be printed on site in Hindi, Spanish, and English as the pastors convene. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 e81f5146-592b-4221-a7bd-4a24f64a26da AG Opens One Church per Day Mel Surface The Assemblies of God started a new church in the United States ever day on average in 2011. According to latest statistics, the Pentecostal Fellowship opened 368 churches last year, the second highest number on record in its 98 year history. Wed, 4 Jan 2012 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 c1aaf4a1-27c7-4818-aa50-2d816b8e3166 Synergize 3 to Hear World Best Mel Surface <span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">Evangelical and Pentecostal church leaders from around the world will headline the Synergize 3 Pastors Conference in Orlando, Florida January 17-19. The Conference is sponsored by the Billion Soul Network as part of a strategy to double the number of Christians in the world in this generation. Network co-founder Dr. James O. Davis said Synergize 3 is about "the best int the world teaching the rest of us what is working today."<span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">  Sun, 1 Jan 2012 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 95166f9a-99c1-4da7-9bb2-3bb84ff3e185 Conference to Dedicate 2012 to God Mel Surface Hundreds of pastors, ministers, and local church leaders will converge on Southaven, Mississippi next week for the 2012 Assemblies of God Prayer and Bible Conference. Cornerstone Church will host January 3-4 event. Conference Coordinator Kermit Bridges says there is something very special about ministry leaders coming together to consecrate a new year to God and his purposes... Wed, 28 Dec 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 b92fb932-f1c4-4b6f-a578-4463ed639746 Evangelist Connie Lundstrom Dies Mel Surface Music clip "Jesus Is My Story" from the 1973 album "Traveling with the Lundstroms"--Lowell and Connie Lundstrom and their 10- member evangelistic team criss-crossed the United States and Canada in the 1960s and '70s conducting hundreds of services a year in local churches and interdenominational outreaches. Connie Lundstrom died December 13. She was 73. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 49299618-b343-4e6c-9c87-d295b6394a43 Wood Christmas Video on AGTV Mel Surface Assemblies of God General Superintendent George Wood delivers a personal Christmas message with a new video posted on AGTV this week. The two-and-one-half minute greeting is designed for individual or church viewing. Wood's focus is giving like Jesus who became poor and gave Himself rather than than things. Wed, 14 Dec 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 2c0e3578-4224-4d0f-9b73-dd51c64aadb2 75th Prayer-Bible Meet to Open 2011 Mel Surface The 2012 Assemblies of God Prayer and Bible Conference will take place in Stonehavn, Mississippi, January 3-4. The sessions will mark the 75th year ministers and church members from the south and central states have gathered to launch the new year with prayer, preaching and spiritual renewal.       Thu, 8 Dec 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 109e01f6-3e4b-4320-b6f5-c3186cbff4c2 AG College Student Leaders Meet Mel Surface Campus presidents and class officers from 16 Assemblies of God endorsed colleges and universities met in Springfield, MO. this month for the 2011 AG Higher Education Student Leaders Conference. Forty-eight students took part in the sessions sponsored by the Alliance for AG Higher Education. Sessions included meetings with General Superintendent George Wood and Executive Director of World Missions Greg Mundis. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:59 f932f8cf-eb1e-40f7-809c-ff105898cc5a Global Launches China Bible College Mel Surface Global University is launching a new China Bible College to better serve the 100 million Christians in the world's most populace nation. University President Dr. Gary Seevers, Jr., said many people in China already take advantage of Global courses, but the new school is a great opportunity to equip many more. The new college will roll out in two phases...Global is an accredited non-profit distance education university of the Assemblies of God. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:57 dd57a8c6-b24d-4c21-bd9f-aeeecdce015d Malawi Assemblies Granted TV License Mel Surface A single government-owned television station serves Lilongwe, Malawi, the African nation's capital with more than a million people. That is set to change with approval this month of a TV broadcast license for the Malawi Assemblies of God. The church's application was one of only two granted among more than 25 requests. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 dddb5c23-c708-4a55-8bf1-906c0979370f Synergize 3! Aims for 2nd Billion Mel Surface The Synergize 3! Pastors Conference in Orlando, Florida January 17-19 will bring together leaders from major denominations and Christian ministries around the world. The conference is being hosted by the Billion Soul Network as part of a strategy to double the number of Christians in the world during this generation. Leaders from Indonesia, Fiji, the Philippines, the U.S. and other countries will speak, including Southern Baptist Convention President Dr. Bryan Wright and Inda Assemblies of God General Superintendent Dr. David Mohan. Wed, 9 Nov 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:56 3b9c9565-1689-425d-9d3c-602c4d133213 Ministers Die in Uganda Road Crash Mel Surface Churches in Uganda and the United States are mourning the death for four ministry leaders in a highway crash in the African nation October 27. The men were traveling to conduct marriage enrichment seminars when their vehicle was rear-ended and crushed between two heavy tankers. Those killed include Phoenix First Assembly of God Associate Pastor Dr. Leo Godzich and Bishop John Michael Mugerwa of Fast Assemblies Church in Kampala. Godzich founded the National Association of Marriage Enhancement. Mugerwa ran Destiny Orphanage and Boarding School for Ugandans orphaned by AIDS. Wed, 2 Nov 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:58 97f1cb10-6ff2-4403-a03d-70e8cfa8b2c0 Kids Ministries Focusing on Parents Mel Surface Children's Ministries in Assemblies of God churches are reflecting a growing focus on serving families. Children's Ministries Agency National Director Scott Berkey says the children's pastor's time with kids is limited. The church must connect with parents and provide resources and devotional materials to families. Florida children's pastor Felix De Jesus says the church must be intentional for families. Children need support to live out their faith. Discipleship must be a priority in the home. Berkey agrees, "A big part of ministering to children is resouring Mom an Dad." Wed, 26 Oct 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 995ef0c0-0d50-45f9-a067-e30ab13662bc Dead Sea Scrolls, Lectures On Line Mel Surface      The guardian of the Dead Sea Scrolls Dr. Adolfo Roitman will lead student and public lectures on the scrolls during a visit to Springfield, Mo. October 24-27. The Assemblies of God Center for Holy Lands studies is hosting the visit and will live stream the student lectures on the Internet. Public lectures will be videoed and posted as well.      Roitman will focus on the scrolls' impact on Bible understanding and interpretation. He also will tell his audiences how to access the Dead Sea Scrolls on line, thanks to a partnership between the Shrine of the Book and Google. Roitman is curator of Israel's Shrine of the Book. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:59 6710ebf5-da39-4b27-bc55-60e81cd60a6c New Spanish Bible for AG Mel Surface Spanish speaking churches have a new Bible for outreach thanks to a joint project of Tyndale House and the Assemblies of God. The New Living Translation of the New Testament in Spanish is being published specifically for Hispanic assemblies and AG churches with Hispanic ministries. Biblia Para Nuevos Creyentes, Bible for New Believers, will serve ministries of 2000 AG Hispanic churches in the U.S. and churches in Central and South America also are taking part in the project. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 c79549a8-0697-4abc-b9f2-4d3f948883b3 A/G Installs New World Ministries Head Mel Surface General Superintendent George O. Wood issues the charge of office to new Assemblies of God Executive Director of World Ministries Greg Mundis during chapel service at the A/G national offices in Springfield, Missouri October 4. Wood told Mundis to honor the past and embrace the future in an "incredible time of opportunity." He said theAssemblies of God has grown from 25 million worldwide to 64 million in the past 17 years and is reaching toward 100 million by the end of the decade. Mundis was elected in August to succeed retiring director John Bueno.  Wed, 5 Oct 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 04bed30a-b940-4c87-a566-f2eee1e68455 College Ministries Surge for 2011-12 Mel Surface College and University ministries are surging in 2011-12 with responsive students, new campus missionaries, and strategic launch of new groups. National Chi Alpha Director Dennis Gaylor reports 300 active groups across the nation, eight percent more than last year, with 30,000 students involved. Chi Alpha is the Assemblies of God outreach to secular schools.  Wed, 28 Sep 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 82ce383f-1925-4f05-8a03-1caced1d0a8c 'See You at the Pole' September 28 Mel Surface Millions of students around the world will gather on their high school and junior high campuses September 28 for "See You at the Pole" Prayer Day. The annual event started 20 years with 10 students praying for their schools in Burleson, Texas. SYATP events are student initiated, organized, and led. Assemblies of God Student Outreach and Youth Allive Director Steve Pulis said it is a chance for young people to identify as Christians but much more because "God answers prayer." An elementary school event, "See You at the Playground," encourages adults to pray with their children at their campuses on Saturday, September 24. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 4b78b573-473e-4c87-8b3f-e3b72d560029 Fire, Floods Impact Churches Mel Surface A massive wildfire in Central Texas has destroyed more than 1500 homes and 35,000 acres near Bastrop. At least two people have died. Assemblies of God Pastor Phil Woods and 10 church families lost homes or suffered damage, according to reports from the North Texas AG district office. Meanwhile cleanup has begun in the Northeast where officials report Hurricane Irene caused flooding which damaged eleven churches. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:58 f5570625-0b2d-41e4-bda3-851d19e80dba Video Recalls 911 with Prayer Mel Surface Churches across the nation this Sunday will mark the 10th anniversary of the 9-11-2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. Assemblies of God General Superintendent George Wood has released a four-minute video message and prayer to help with the observances. Tue, 6 Sep 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 b5370f86-9115-4b99-8370-0886d926dec2 Ministries Link for Compassion Conference Mel Surface A coalition of ministries will link with the Assemblies of God early next year to help equip churches, groups, and individuals to meet the needs of hurting people. The Greater Things Conference is set for February 21-23 at the Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Convoy of Hope, Joyce Meyer Ministries, Hand of Hope, Servolution, Dream Center, and the National Hispanic Conference are some of the groups taking part. Speakers include Joyce, Meyer, Dino Rizzo, Matthew Barnett, Rich Wilkerson, Samuel Rodriguez, Jr., Hal Donaldson, and Assemblies of God General Superintendent George Wood. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 5e98d03b-27b2-41b7-8ebc-beca94cb1535 75th Prayer-Bible Conference Set Mel Surface The 2012 Assemblies of God Prayer and Bible Conference will take place January 3-4 at Cornerstone Church in Stonehaven, Mississippi. The sessions will mark the 75th year ministers and members from the region have gathered to launch the New Year with prayer, preaching, and spiritual renewal. Speakers will include national and district Assemblies of God leaders. Wed, 24 Aug 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 14af09d6-ca6f-4cef-ba79-fa9462be9d43 Author-Educator Bill Menzies Dies Mel Surface Assemblies of God educator and author William "Bill" Menzies died Monday, August 15, in Springfield, Missouri. He was 80. Menzies was one of the editors for the Full Life Study Bible and a consulting editor for Christianity Today. He helped organize the Society for Pentecostal Studies and was first editor of their publication Pneuma. Menzies wrote the benchmark of the Assemblies of God, Anointed to Serve. Wed, 17 Aug 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:00 ac624761-188a-4d00-b76c-c264ad4526e3 Council Sessions, News On Line Mel Surface Twenty-one thousand people registered for the Assemblies of God General Council last week in Phoenix but the Internet and other high tech tools are plugging thousands more into the convention. The worship services, business sessions, and Influence Leadership Conference were live streamed then posted online for viewing or download. This includes a presentation by Pastor-Author Rick Warren, AGTV interviews, the Youth Fine Arts Celebration, and even the daily council newspapers. The web site is generalcouncil.ag.org Wed, 10 Aug 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 d4828a5e-9048-4c1f-b3d5-70e8292db026 Council Told 'Seek God's Presence' Mel Surface Newly elected General Secretary James Bradford addressed the General Council of the Assemblies of God in Phoenix Thursday night. He challenged delegates to seek God's presence and not just His promise. The convention continues with business today and closes tonight with a worship rally and Youth Fine Arts Festival presentations. Fri, 5 Aug 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:56 6a7d605d-2b08-49b2-b779-6fe770edd76d 54th General Council Ends Mel Surface The 54th General Council  closes tonight after re-electing two top officers and naming a new executive director of world missions. Delegates also voted to merge the church's three schools in Springfield, Missouri and elected two new members to the Pentecostal denomination's board of directors, the Executive Presbytery. Fri, 5 Aug 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 cb4b73f1-04c6-4b3d-8040-8219815dbc26 Clay to Speak at Council Closing Rally Mel Surface General Treasurer Doug Clay will speak at the closing rally  at the 54th General Council of the Assemblies of God tonight in Phoenix. He will encourage an expected crowd of more than 10,000 to be Holy Spirit led dream chasers and dream releasers. Fri, 5 Aug 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:59 d8a6b9bc-d622-4d1f-b762-ad7b526a1fe8 Council Votes to Merge Schools Mel Surface The Assemblies of God General Council in Phoenix voted today to consolidate the church's three schools in Springfield, Missouri. The action will bring Central Bible College, Evangel University, and the AG Theological Seminary under the umbrella of a new Evangel University. Thu, 4 Aug 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:58 ec454901-22d4-4a6a-a447-2121f402cf1a Council to Hear Bradford Tonight Mel Surface The 54th General Council continues in Phoenix today with business sessions, worship services, and the National Youth Convention Fine Arts Festival. Newly Re-elected General Secretary James T. Bradford will speak tonight on the "Presence of God" and not just His promises. Thu, 4 Aug 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 e2cb3b37-d569-4b0a-8acf-4ae4b298e9cb Garrison, Bradford Re-Elected Ministers and church delegates at the General Council of the Assemblies of God in Phoenix Wednesday returned two top executives to office and elected a new executive director of world missions. Alton Garrison was re-elected as assistant general superintendent, James T. Bradfor was elected to a full term as general secretary, and veteran Missionary Greg Mundis was tapped to replace retiring World Missions Executive Director John Bueno. Thu, 4 Aug 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 139a2181-d489-49a1-9bfd-efc2b0242d28 Wood Keynote Urges 'Get Going' Mel Surface The 54th General Council of the Assemblies of God opened Tuesday night in Phoenix with a keynote message from General Superintendent George O. Wood. Dr. Wood encourage the church to move forward. Emphasizing the council theme, "Make Your Make," Wood focused on the mark or turn-around impact of preachers sent from God declaring what they have heard from God. Wed, 3 Aug 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:59 dc9d74c6-5d77-494c-b1a7-01722facd0c0 Grammy Nominee Leads Council Worship Mel Surface Grammy nominee and Dove Award winner Ricardo Sanchez is leading worship for the 54th General Council of the Assemblies of God this week in Phoenix. He began with a high energy praise tie in the opening youth service Monday night. Wed, 3 Aug 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:48 3b3dbae8-6c9d-4ac9-bc43-46794029c6f3 Leaders Gear Up to Impact Culture Mel Surface Thirty-five hundred ministers and church workers are gearing up to influence their generation with two days of leadership training before the General Council of the Assemblies of God this week in Phoenix. The Influence Conference Monday night and Tuesday launches a national convention week for the church. Speakers include Tommy Barnett, Matthew Barnett, Rod Loy, Lisa Bevere, and Dino Rizzo. Mon, 1 Aug 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 d01ee0d0-64e7-4107-85d5-46115128c284 AG Believers Pour into Phoenix Mel Surface Assemblies of God believers are pouring into Phoenix for the church's 54th General Council and national convention week August 1-5. More than 25,000 are expected. Executives see the council as a milestone in the church's 97 year history. General Superintendent George Wood promotes a forward look.             EXECUTIVES SEE THE COUNCIL AS A MILESTONE IN THE CHURCH’S 97 YEAR HISTORY Fri, 29 Jul 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:55 2cd095c8-1f72-4947-a2cf-bbbf553dc25c Pre-Council Prayer Meet to Live Stream Mel Surface Early arrivers for the Assemblies of God 54th General Council next week in Phoenix can take part in a special prayer meeting for the convention Sunday night at the Phoenix First Assembly Pavilion of Light. Others can join the service through an Internet live stream. National Prayer Center Director John Maempa says it will be a time of strategic and intentional prayer for each aspect of the week which church leaders view as a milestone for the 97 year-old Pentecostal Fellowship. Tue, 26 Jul 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:58 cbf7f556-5372-4661-9bdc-9163cf249316 General Council Phone App Released Mel Surface A new smart phone application has been released for the General Council of the Assemblies of God next month in Phoenix. GC 2011 is a mobil application for I-Phone, I-Pad, and Android devices. It features schedule, speaker information, news articles, and council updates with diagrams and maps for the convention facilities and the Phoenix area. It also contains built-in apps for the National Youth Ministries Fine Arts Festival and Kids Council 2011. Wed, 20 Jul 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 954e4d8c-9941-4f77-81c0-a51735406812 Missionary Lois Hodges Dies at 102 Mel Surface Retired Missionary Lois Hodges was one of the oldest ministers in the Assemblies of God. She and her late husband Melvin Hodges were missionaries and church leaders for nearly 40 years and he was a leading advocate of self-governing, self-supporting, and self-propogating churches in the Assemblies of God missions philosophy. Lois Hodge died July 1. She was 102. In an interview at age 100, she urged her church to stay vital in the 21st Century. Report includes a comment from her interview. Wed, 13 Jul 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:59 b1da535c-0c7a-434c-a158-71b345cedd67 Assemblies of God Top 3 Million Mel Surface The number of Assemblies of God believers in the U.S. topped three million in 2010. The 97 year-old Pentecostal fellowship reports 3,030,944 adherents in its latest count. AG Statistician Sherry Doty said the four percent gain in total numbers and a 3.3 percent gain in worship attendance are the largest for the church since the early 1980s. She noted that the U.S. population is growing at about one percent a year. Wed, 6 Jul 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 7b1dc2a8-b9f2-4f2c-8386-592830bb7437 Convoy of Hope Still Responding Mel Surface Recent natural disasters that ripped Japan and parts of the U.S. may be fading from the news but Convoy of Hope is still on the job. Relief partners will be on site channelling aid funds and helping in recovery for months, even years, to come. Report updates Convoy's continuing response and commitment. Wed, 29 Jun 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 0a2e423a-79b4-4ff9-83f9-43363ac35574 MAPS Celebrates 45 Years Mel Surface The premier construction volunteer program for Assemblies of God ministries around the world marks its 45th anniversary this year. MAPS began as the AG Mobilization and Placement Service in 1966. It has grown from 10 workers to hundreds of volunteers each year in Builders International projects overseas and Mission America Placement Service in the the U.S. The anniversary will be celebrated with a free reception August 1 at the Assemblies of God General Council in Phoenix, Arizona. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:58 a271eaca-7109-4250-9407-35c5118ec44a AG Schools OK Merger Mel Surface Assemblies of God schools in Springfield, Missouri are one step closer to becoming a single major university. The boards of directors of Central Bible College, Evangel University, and the AG Theological Seminary each approved a task force report and recommendation for consolidation. Their June 9 vote gave the AG Executive Presbytery authority to move forward with the plan. The measures now go to the Assemblies of God General Council this August in Phoenix for final action Wed, 15 Jun 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 b10bfda5-45c5-40b1-a98f-52b4bf7be96c Prep Builds for AG Council Mel Surface The national business meeting of the Assemblies of God, the 54th General Council is only weeks away and the national office is buzzing with preparation. General Superintendent George Wood promises a unique council with powerful impact on the present and future of the Movement. Wed, 8 Jun 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:58 7ba26376-ca78-4dab-8fa5-ad535e027f92 Joplin Mourning but Resilient Mel Surface Funerals are in progress but chain saws also are buzzing in Joplin, Missouri where the May 22 tornado victims mourn their losses and begin taking uncertain but determined steps to rebuild their lives. Pastor Anthony Crane of Oak Street Assembly of God in nearby Carthage is one of many finding ways to help. Thu, 2 Jun 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 f4438617-0cc4-4358-bc49-b0ec428a4680 Convoy Rushes to Joplin Neighbor Mel Surface The Convoy of Hope is rushing like a close neighbor to help victims of the tornado which ripped through Joplin, Missouri Sunday. A stream of 18 wheelers loaded with relief supplies is rolling to their sister city from Convoy warehouses and headquarters in Springfield just 75 miles away. COH President Hal Donaldson calls the outpouring from corporations and individuals "phenomenal." Wed, 25 May 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:59 575904da-aeec-4cc5-9d51-41ea2e38cbbb Pastor Walks for Asia Kids Mel Surface    Bake sales and car washes are still big and sports tournaments are popular, but some churches are turning to what they call "extreme fund raisers" for their ministries and projects. Benton, AR Children's Pastor Tom Young is walking to Springfield, MO in a 240 mile trek to raise money for kids in Northern Asia. Wed, 18 May 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 f8f116bf-7edb-4070-90df-bcf1f93ce8bf Eleanor Guynes Memorial May 20 Mel Surface Missionary and educator Eleanor Guynes will be remembered in a memorial service Friday, May 20 at Southwestern Assemblies of God University. She died April 23 on a visit to Kenya and was buried May 1 in Malaysia where she and her husband Dr. Delmer Guynes build a Bible school in the 1950s. The memorial service will be live streamed at <a href="http://www.sagu.tv">www.sagu.tv</a>. Wed, 11 May 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 7454d1ab-5231-4f16-9504-8f4ca177c21e AG Rushing Storm Relief Mel Surface Relief teams were on the ground within hours after storms ripped through seven southern states and more truckloads of supplies are on the way. Assemblies of God General Treasurer Doug Clay has posted a relief update and aid appeal on the AG website. Convoy of Hope has delivered five trailer loads of relief items and 21 more on scheduled... Wed, 4 May 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 10377fb2-0f74-4ed5-88aa-3af02502c802 David Wilkerson Memorial May 14 Mel Surface He was a street preacher and a best-selling author. He was founder of Teen Challenge and Times Square Church in New York City. David Wilkerson died Wednesday, April 27, ina car crash in East Texas. The official memorial service is set for 2 p.m. Eastern Time May 14 at Times Square Church. It will be live-streamed on the church web site... Fri, 29 Apr 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 862af245-41e0-4d93-933f-d9ca429f7fbf National Day of Prayer May 5 Mel Surface Thousands of prayer gatherings will mark the National Day of Prayer Thursday, May 5. "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" is this year's Prayer Task Force theme. Christian author, radio host, and advocate for the disabled Joni Eareckson Tada is the 2011 honorary chairman. She comments on the theme and makes a personal appeal... Wed, 27 Apr 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 c0c3d66c-450a-4774-8a0b-79cc44df06a8 Council Lunch to Honor Vets Mel Surface The Assemblies of God will pay tribute to the nation's veterans with a special luncheon August 4 during the church's General Council in Phoenix. Retired Lt. Gen. William Boykin, former Delta Force commander and author of Never Surrender: A Soldier's Journey to the Crossroads of faith and Freedom, will speak. The event is sponsored by the AG Chaplaincy Department to say thanks for the sacrifices of veterans and families and to urge local churches to recognize and reach out to service members and families in their own communities. Wed, 20 Apr 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 f91e5767-0a9f-43bf-8e23-386ff875acf8 2100 Inmates Study Bible On Line Mel Surface More than 2000 jail and prison inmates across the nation are enrolled in Global University Bible training courses and the number is expected to double in the next 18 months. Global's Director of Prison Ministries, Chaplain Bob Durham, said the growth is coming mostly by word of mouth promotion, one inmate telling another. Wed, 13 Apr 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 1d9ada78-a846-4fbe-9511-ddd428c32d35 Council Not Just for Grownups! Mel Surface Church conventions aren't just for grownups anymore! The General Council of the Assemblies of God August 1-5 in Phoenix will be a special destination of faith and fun for children. Kids Council will parallel the adult sessions for infants through school grade 6 and boys and girls with special needs. The council is planned as a place kids will beg parents to take them. This includes a Mega Sports Camp and other activities focusing on kids and available to local churches. Wed, 6 Apr 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 d0c4974c-6e44-4bcf-bd74-e19b5bbfa09e 'Heritage' Traces AG Higher Ed Mel Surface The 2011 edition of Heritage Magazine includes an overview of higher education in the 97-year history of the Assemblies of God. The annual magazine is published by the Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center in Springfield, Missouri. The higher education article grew out of author P. Douglas Chapman's doctoral dissertation on the Bible School Movement in early Pentecostalism. Chapman is spiritual formation pastor at a church in Bristow, Virginia and an adjunct professor at Valley Forge Christian College. Tue, 29 Mar 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:59 56053dd2-0bac-4b68-a473-9e851a6ab65c Missions 'Celebration' for Bueno Mel Surface Assemblies of God World Missions will host a dinner this August to celebrate the 50-year ministry of John and Lois Bueno. Bueno is retiring as Executive Director of World Missions. The August 3 event will be part of the Pentecostal church's bienniel general council in Phoenix. Wed, 23 Mar 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:59 2640bf9b-12f9-42b1-9744-5d5223a79c52 AG-Convoy Appeal for Japan Mel Surface Assemblies of God World Missions and the Convoy of Hope are making a joint nationwide relief appeal for victims of Japan's triple disaster. The relief effort will partner with the Japan Assemblies of God. Convoy President Hal Donaldson spoke from the Disaster Response Center to appeal for prayer and support. Details are on-line at convoyofhope.org. Wed, 16 Mar 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:56 1e11568c-5485-4932-b99c-80a0492371f4 Students Do Supreme Makeover Mel Surface When do Aggies, Longhorns, Red Raiders, and Horned Frogs join the same team?--When students give up their spring breaks to do a Supreme Makeover at a children's home in East Texas. That's what will happen March 16-19 as 140 students from Texas, Missouri, and Oklahoma join 60 volunteer contractors at Pleasant Hills Children's Home in Fairfield. The team will renovate 41 rooms, build a basketball court and a metal-fenced corral, and put in 400 feet of new road in $70,000 project to serve those who serve others. Wed, 9 Mar 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:58 784d47ff-988c-4454-a673-db4b6e5e4b0c Angel Award for Evangel CD Mel Surface  The "Festival of Faith" CD, a "Celebration of Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs" recorded live at Evangel University, has been awarded a 2011 Silver Angel by Excellence in Media. Evangel is the national Assemblies of God university of arts, sciences, and professions in Springfield, Missouri. Excellence in Media is a California-based organization dedicated to promoting quality family oriented programming in communications from arts and music to movies, stage, and television. Angel Award entries come from around the world.  Wed, 2 Mar 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 959b73cd-eefe-469b-9ea9-bd5a8c1c0fa7 Kiliclimb Funds Africa Wells Mel Surface The snows of Kilimanjaro are famous but what might be called "the waters of Kilimanjaro" are bringing celebration to thirsty African villages. Fourty-four climbers from the U.S. took part in a project in January to generate $500,000 to drill wells in Tanzania and Kenya. Each climber raised at least $10,000 for Worldserve International and the Assemblies of God Africa Oasis Project. Tue, 22 Feb 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 d1bb57a1-b730-444e-b7d6-f205fb37915d Faith-Science Conference in June Mel Surface Faith and Science will be the focus of a special conference June 27-28 at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri. The meeting is the first of its kind sponsored by the Assemblies of God. It's purpose is to equip leaders to evangelize and disciple scientifically literate individuals. Wed, 16 Feb 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 ef5fcf65-1aa4-4f38-866e-87754b0cc665 AG World Congress on AGTV Mel Surface Pentecostal believers from 70 countries around the world gathered in Chennai, India for the 2011 Assemblies of God World Congress February 6-9. Sessions will be posted on line at agtv.ag.org Wed, 9 Feb 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 39a53c18-e0d9-4513-a214-06d74ed3f1a7 Plan to Combine CBC-Evangel-AGTS Mel Surface The three Assemblies of God resident schools in Springfield, Missouri--Central Bible College, Evangel University, and the AG Theological seminary--would become a central Pentecostal University under a proposal by the church's Executive Presbyter adopted by each school's board of directors in January. The launch target is fall 2010 if the plan is adopted by the Assemblies of God General Council this August. It also must be okayed by the school's accrediting commission. General Superintendent George Wood calls for unity and a big vision to make it happen.   Wed, 2 Feb 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 a97685e4-8077-44f1-a79e-b668a40bf956 Israel Trips Offer Bible in 3D Mel Surface The new Assemblies of God Center for Holy Lands Studies will offer two pilot projects in Israel this summer. The programs will offer Ag youth, college students, ministers, and leaders a chance to experience what Center Director Marc Turnage calls "a three-dimensional experience in God's word." Wed, 26 Jan 2011 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 5b7e6e17-5d5a-4dc1-b263-7adc98308767 Unique Council Set in Phoenix Mel Surface    The 54th General Council of the Assemblies of God convenes this August 1-5 in Phoenix and General Superintendent George Wood is promising a unique experience for the 30,000 delegates and visitors expected. Story includes audio clips from Dr. Wood's video message. The council is the national business meeting and a special ministry activity week for the 97 year-old Pentecostal Fellowship. Wed, 19 Jan 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:59 84be0837-05a4-4600-ae2b-5d46a009d9d7 Convoy Adds Haiti Meal Facility Mel Surface The Convoy of Hope is expanding its daily feeding program for children in Haiti with a new 6 million meal storage facility outside Port-au-Prince.  Convoy International Projects Director Kevin Rose said the feeding goal for the year is to provide nutritious meals to 40,000 children every day. Wed, 12 Jan 2011 0:00:00 GMT 00:58 b985e252-c1fa-4bb2-8fc5-c2f5a425e00a Indiana Pastor Walks for Vanuatu School Mel Surface Kokomo pastor Randy Blankenship takes a "Walk for Joy" the length of Indiana to spotlight the island nation of Vanuatu and raise funds for classrooms at Vanuatu's Joy Bible Institute. He uses the media spotlight to say there are no insignificant places or people in the world. Wed, 3 Nov 2010 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 69c1bcfc-6732-4faa-ae82-0a79515caca6 AG Creates 10th Hispanic District Mel Surface    The Executive Presbytery of the Assemblies of God has approved formation of a new district to serve Hispanics in Texas and Louisiana. The new administrative region is the tenth Latin American or Hispanic district for the Pentecostal fellowship. Hispanics comprise more than 20 percent of the church's 2.9 million U.S. constituents. Wed, 27 Oct 2010 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 b3cf70a0-4620-4d74-a424-6a44904e0e9b A/G Aims to Plant 500 Churches Mel Surface A Transform America initiative by the Assemblies of God will help start 500 new churches in the U.S. over the next three years. The church multiplication initiative will raise $15 million for a perpetual loan fund for church starts. The model has been utilized in 100 new churches. The results indicate the new $15 million investment will yield 2000 new churches, 3.6 million additional members and 2.4 million confessions of faith over 20 years. Wed, 18 Aug 2010 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 1619a948-e808-4e39-9ea7-9ed2659d39b3 NTX Begins Wave of New Churches Mel Surface A new wave of church planting is underway in North Texas and leaders expect it to spread across the nation. Individual Assemblies of God congregations committed to a call for healthy churches with commitments to launch 76 new churches. Superintendent sees a necessary shift from denominational initiatives to a ground level focus on multiplying churches. Wed, 16 Jun 2010 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 e4a21cc8-e6a5-42e9-9a3b-001d281b52a6 'Voluntourists' Travel and Serve Mel Surface Thousands of Americans will hit the highways this summer but more and more are combining vacations with volunteer service. Researchers call the growing trend "voluntourism." Volunteers give more than 100 thousand hours a year in the U.S. through the Assemblies of God Mobilization and Placement Service (MAPS). Wed, 26 May 2010 0:00:00 GMT 01:00 64ead6e3-420a-4f46-93eb-7d6c18eba57b