action and secured Power Kits. Eight region- al symposiums were sponsored and over 90 percent of our pastors attended along with 2,700 visionary church members. On his way back home from the sym- posium, one pastor reflected on how he had recommitted himself to be open to opportunities to share the love of Christ. He stopped at a restaurant, and while talking with the waitress he told her about God’s plan for her life. She accept- ed Jesus Christ as her personal Savior! This story reflects what happened throughout South Georgia during the month of April when all of our churches highlighted a new commitment to the Great Commission. Personal soulwin- ning became a priority and local churches experienced a rebirth of power to witness and to win. —A. Ray Garner, administrative bishop of South Georgia


Missional Mind-Set


The Great Commission is the com- mon denominator, the thread that runs through everything we do in Virginia. The context of our obedience to the com- mand of Christ is to build on the founda- tion of the past, actualize the present, and anticipate the future. This has framed a vibrant missional mind-set.


The outflow of teaching and practic- ing the admonition of Christ to “go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19 NKJV) has led to a “new normal” to meet the challenges of our day. This new normal is not about new values but innovative approaches to sharing the good news with power and positive results. The Great Commission is wrapped around our mission and vision and highlights all the ministry action in our state. —Michael L. Baker, administrative bish- op of Virginia


Spirit-Energized Rallies


The eight regional rallies in our state, under the theme “Becoming a Great Commission Church,” set in motion a renewed excitement about fulfilling the Great Commission. Every church in


our state is utilizing the Power Kit study material. This has caused an eruption of excitement and a holy sense of spiritual expectation.


The attendance at the rallies was the best we have ever had. This showed me the desire of the Church of God family to be involved in a new wave of witnessing with renewed faith and a clear outreach focus. I believe the Great Commission study and support materials are the best we have ever produced! —Mitchell E. Corder, administrative bishop of Michigan


Meeting the Harvest


The Great Commission initiative has empowered our people to see the harvest and to meet the harvest. The material is excellent. All of our members have a study guide and review the material in class sessions and at home. This has sparked a renewed emphasis in personal soulwinning.


I am thankful for the way our people have responded. We have formed sev- eral Great Commission teams—outreach witnessing, hospital visitation, and chap- lains. Several of our members will receive chaplains’ certificates in the near future. The Great Commission study has rein- forced our commitment to be a love-driven church; evangelism is our driving force! —Pastor Carlton L. Cannon; Seaford,


Delaware


Touching Our City


The two initiatives on prayer and the Great Commission have impacted our church and enabled us to touch our city with the message of God’s love. Prayer laid the foundation. We have prayer 24/7 with prayer vigils, study sessions, prayer chains, and group intercession. Prayer has led to faith being restored and trusting God with- out wavering. During the financial down- turn over the past two years, our tithing has remained consistent and even increased. We set aside 10 weeks to study the Great Commission materials and to out- line plans to touch our city. We serve hot meals and distribute food and clothing every Wednesday. We sponsor a comput- er lab, tutoring, and mentoring through I AM Ministries. We have touched our city, and city officials and legislators have responded by attending our church and opening doors for grants and support. Our commitment to prayer and the Great Commission has led to a continual flow of miracles, healings, and church growth. —Pastor Kenneth L. Hill; Forestville,


Maryland Get Involved


The prayer and Great Commission ini- tiatives are not programs to be promoted for a limited time. They embody the ongoing mission of the Church. To place an order for materials, call Pathway Press: 800-553-8506.


EVANGEL • JULY 2010 17


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