Vol. 79, No. 3 November 2017

VO I C E O F T H E A PPA L AC H I A N C O N FER EN C E O F T H E I PH C

HAVE A BLESSED

Thanksgiving!

“He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not

wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.”–Psalm 1:3 (NASB)

VOICE OF THE APPALACHIAN CONFERENCE OF THE IPHC

Bishop’s PagePRESTON MATHENA

WHY SECULAR SCHOOLS SHOULDN’T BE SO SCARYWe have a great school for ministry in Maranatha College, and the IPHC’s Emmanuel College is an

amazing school where many in our Appalachian Conference have attended. In fact, both of my parents attended Emmanuel College, and my younger brother is a student there currently. However, that doesn’t have to be the only option for the high school students in our conference. Many churches and families are terrified about sending their children to a non-Christian college.

I am well aware of the challenges Christians face at secular universities. Yes, there are many professors who are atheists. Yes, there are opportunities to walk away from one’s faith. That’s why I believe it is so vital for us to train and disciple students in our home and in our youth ministries. Our young people must be prepared in advance for when the times of freedom and independence inevitably come.

The good news is that there are also amazing college ministries for our students to get connected with at most of these secular colleges! When my wife and I were freshmen at Virginia Tech, we found a campus ministry called CRU (Campus Crusade for Christ). During each of our four years there, we grew in tremendous ways in our relationships with the Lord. My intimacy and reliance on Jesus was more real than it ever had been. I was able to truly own my faith because I had the opportunity to decide for myself which direction and whose voice I wanted to follow. My wife Megan and I also had the honor to work as full-time staff for two years with another campus ministry called Chi Alpha (Assemblies of God). Every semester, we would see many students come to know salvation through a real relationship with Jesus. Some students had grown up in church, but they never had a true belief or connection with God. Other students had never been to church a day in their lives. Still many more were from other countries and had the opportunity to hear about the gospel of Jesus for the first time! During their years as students in the ministry, these young people had the opportunity to first be discipled and mentored by missionary staff or older students. As they grew and matured, many eventually had the chance to teach and mentor other students.

The reality is that Jesus has called us all to be fishers of men! Maybe instead of a mentality of sheltering our kids, we should look at them as warriors in God’s Kingdom. There is a mission-field opportunity for young people during their time in college. Even Jesus in Matthew 4 had to endure the testing and temptation from the enemy to show that He was listening to and following God’s Word above all else. And this temptation in the desert was the catalyst for the beginning of Jesus’ ministry!

I love our Christian colleges, and I wholeheartedly believe that is a place that God will lead many of our young people. However, we don’t have to be so scared and worried about young people going to a secular college if they feel led there! Their foundation and training starts at home and in their youth ministries, and then we must trust the Holy Spirit to lead them.

–Submitted by Josh & Megan Kestner Youth pastor, Christian Life International, Salem, Virginia

NOVEMBER 2017

MESSENGER(USPS 621-580)

Vol. 79 — November 2017 — No. 3

EXECUTIVE EDITOR – Preston Mathena

STAFFPhone 540-674-41315847 Oak Grove AvenueDublin, VA 24084

EVANGELISM & WORLD MISSIONS MINISTRIESLarry Meadors5847 Oak Grove AvenueDublin, VA 24084

DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRIESRon Fredericks5847 Oak Grove AvenueDublin, VA 24084

WOMEN’S MINISTRIESKathy Mathena103 Windsor CircleBluefield, VA 24605Phone: 276-326-3000

WINDonna Hankla139 Ridgeway DriveBland, VA 24315Phone: 276-688-3709

MEN’S MINISTRIESSteve Winesett3414 Water Plant RoadHillsville, VA 24343276-779-4820

Deadline for all script to reach the office:1st of each month for the next month’s issueEmail to woodsh12@gmail.com.

CONFERENCE BOARDSuperintendent – Preston MathenaAssistant Superintendent – Mike DodsonSecretary/Treasurer – Frank NeffBoard Member – Larry MeadorsBoard Member – W.A. MillsBoard Member – Wanda MyersBoard Member – Jim Tunnell

MESSENGER (USPS 621-580) is published monthly by LifeSprings Resources, 2425 W. Main St., Franklin Springs, GA 30639, for the Appalachian Conference. Subscription price $2.00 per year. Periodicals Postage Paid at Franklin Springs, GA 30639.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MESSENGER, 5847 Oak Grove Avenue, Dublin, VA 24084.

WEBSITE: www.appconf.org

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DECEMBER RETIRED MINISTERS’ BIRTHDAYS

DECEMBER 1 DECEMBER 9 Rev. Kenneth Kingrea Rev. Billy Akers3249 Mudpike Road 2279 Cox Hollow RoadChristiansburg, VA 24073 Pulaski, VA 24301

DECEMBER 10 DECEMBER 16Rev. Earl Ragland Rev. Don Sizemore1255 Thomas Chapel Lane 5893 Jewell Ave.Bedford, VA 24523 Dublin, VA 24084

DECEMBER 20 DECEMBER 26Rev. Bob Corum Rev. Lacy GriffithP.O. Box 494 837 Yukon Ave.Powell, TN 37849 War, WV 24892

DECEMBER EVENTS Dec. 21 Office closes at noon

22 Office closed

25, 26 Office closed

28 Last day to receive 2017 church reports

29 Office closed

Happy Thanksgiving

VOICE OF THE APPALACHIAN CONFERENCE OF THE IPHC

World Missions & Evangelism LARRY MEADORS

The Mission Has a Church!Our day demands placing a renewed priority on the calling that God has given us all to reach our world. Will you accept the mission?

1. MISSION DEFINED – Of course, what comes to mind is the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:18-20. The term “Great Commission” does not appear in Scripture, but it is thought to have been coined by a Dutch missionary, Justinian von Welz, in the 1600s and popularized by Hudson Taylor. Regardless, today this commission commands that Jesus’ last words are to be our first priority! Rethink the frontier of missions. It’s more than geographical. Your frontier might be to be a pioneer to the millennials or to Generation Y. What tribes are around you that are not being reached effectively?

2. MISSION HERITAGE – What did one of our first IPHC church fathers do? J. H. King sailed around the world in 1910 opening doors for missions. No doubt, this is one reason that the IPHC is now many times larger overseas than in America. Preaching the gospel that Jesus saves is in our spiritual DNA. Our faith fathers did not give up on the mission! The history of our first five conference churches is a lesson in persistence in the mission. We look back to rediscover our roots and to know who we are to be today. It’s our time in the Kingdom. It is time to take ownership. What will be our testimony?

3. MISSION IMPOSSIBLE… WHY DOES IT SEEM LIKE THAT?w The enormity of the task. Out of 7.4 billion people in the world, 2.1 billion still have no exposure to the gospel, and another 2.9 billion have

heard but not responded. Out of every dollar of Christian giving, less than one penny goes toward pioneering church planting among the unreached people groups. (Source: Joshua Project)

w Plateaued or declined missions giving.w Loss of missionaries and church planters.w A confused church that is not mission focused.

4. THE MISSION IS NOT ONLY POSSIBLE BUT ASSUREDw God’s Word assures the mission, giving His Church faith to overcome. In Revelation, soon after the door opens to reveal heaven, this scene is

recounted in Chapter 5: “…persons from every tribe and language and people and nation” (v. 9, NIV) are assembled around the throne. Every tribe is there!

w God’s power assures the MISSION – It is possible because of the power that God has given us through and by the Holy Spirit. Exousia is divine right and privilege (Matt. 28:18). Dunamis is dynamite, the powerful, miracle-working force of change (Acts 1:8). Power to do what? Power to witness! Focus in this next season on the power. We are people of the Spirit!

5. MISSION TACTICS – You will not drift into greatness. It is time to be intentional!w Identify with Jesus! He is the mission embodiment. Jesus identifies himself as being sent more than 40 times in John. “As the Father has sent me,

I am sending you” (John 20:21, NIV). So the church is sent out on mission by Jesus, who is the head of the church and the very Son of God. We join Jesus on His mission as His called-out ones. Rekindle your own call of God by falling in love with Jesus. Know His heart’s desire is to make disciples out of every tongue, tribe, nation and people on the face of the earth, to the glory of God. Love the people that you are called to. Jesus does!

w Pray and preach the call. We as leaders have to refocus on making sure those of all ages are moved with passion to engage the mission. w Restructure the church to reflect the priority of the heart of God.w Give – Does your life model generous giving for the mission?w Go – “Go” isn’t the directive. It is implied. Like, “Hey, since I know you’re on your way to the shop...”

“Make disciples” is the challenge and command. Like, “Hey, since I know you’re on your way to the shop... buy bread.” Live daily on mission.w Focus on the message of the mission. What shall we do? Repent and be baptized (Acts 2:37-38). Mission is you permeating the community,

so that the teachers know you care, the police know you are there, and military members feel you standing with them. It is how many your church serves, not how many come to your services.

6. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED – Acts 13:36 (NIV) says, “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed.” Decide today to fulfill God’s purpose for your life. Recently, voices from the persecuted church in Iran shared with IPHC mission leaders what the American church needs to remember: Freedom! You and I have the freedom to preach, to witness, to live for Christ. Use it! Today the LORD calls on us to reaffirm our call to carry out the mission.

The mission to every “tribe”

NOVEMBER 2017

Discipleship MinistriesRON FREDERICKS www.appconf.org

EQUIP ’17 – Fall Day of Training

On Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, approximately 160 pastors and church leaders; youth and children’s pastors, leaders and workers; missions directors; church secretary/treasurers; and music and worship leaders gathered at the Appalachian Conference campgrounds for a day of training, EQUIP ’17, sponsored by the Appalachian Conference Discipleship Ministries Department. Pictured are some of the presenters: (top row, left to right) Hans Finzel, Melanie Wayne and Clayton Kipps, Stephen Jones; (bottom row, left to right) Kaleigh Bishop, Josh Lafferty and Elaine Wood. Not pictured: Larry Meadors and Rhonda Smith.

The Appalachian Conference joins the National Discipleship Ministries office in sharing the following directives: Discipleship Ministries exists to lead generations in actively following Christ, and Discipleship Ministries will fulfill its vision by creating training opportunities and resources in partnership with the church and home.

We appreciate the National Discipleship Ministries department and director, Bishop Tommy McGhee, the SMAT and Larry Meadors, Appalachian Conference EVUSA, and missions directors for partnering with us in this event.

The local church is the greatest asset to discipleship, and we value your work, support and participation in EQUIP ’17. It is an honor to serve and partner with you as the Appalachian Conference Discipleship Ministries director, as you endeavor to reach your community with the message of the gospel and the hope of Jesus Christ. We heard it several times at EQUIP ’17: “What you are doing is working; keep up the good work!”

VOICE OF THE APPALACHIAN CONFERENCE OF THE IPHC

Women’s MinistriesKATHY MATHENA

CLIMBING TO SURRENDERIn order for the Body of Christ to advance in our Kingdom purpose, there must always be more of Him and less of us. The

Lord Jesus is always beckoning us to come closer, to step up higher, to soar as an eagle, or to go deeper with Him as deep calls to the deep. One morning as I sat down at my computer, a vision began to play before my eyes, and I saw the climb to surrender. I began to write as the Holy Spirit spoke this poem of surrender to me.

The ClimbThe climb is a choice. How brave can I be? As I gaze at the ledge above, a journey indeed.

Hoist me up, Lord, for this is where I must go. It is your destiny for me, your purpose for all.

Hoist me up, Lord; I surrender to you. Make me a place; my place is in you.

As I cross over the edge and enter the space,Unctioned by Holy Spirit, my dwelling awaits.Seated in the center, your pleasure confirmed.

Crush me, Mold me, Make me, Break me.For I have entered your wheel to surrender my all.I freely give myself; not my will, but yours.

Spin me, Create me, Make me new again.Remove all the marred particles of sin.

Oh, potter at the wheel, my life is in your hands.

Crush me, Mold me, Make me, Break me.Spin me, Create me, Make me new again.

A vessel unto honor, that is what I must be.Worthy of the calling, to be used of thee.

Crush me, Mold me, Make me, Break me.

A treasured vessel unto honor, that is what I must be. Chosen for the Master’s use, I surrender to thee.

The making process each of us endures, as members of the Body of Christ, can be challenging. One thing is for sure, we must allow the Holy Spirit to break us. As the coming of Jesus Christ draws closer, our desire must be bold to admit and recognize our need to be pure and set apart from the world. Choose today to climb on the potter’s wheel without resistance. Give Him permission to prepare you to be world changer.

–Submitted by Odessa Shupe

We will be traveling to Sight & Sound Theatre in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where we will experience “JESUS.” “Jesus” is the action-packed musical stage adventure that takes you on a miraculous journey alongside the most famous person to ever walk the earth and the everyday people whose lives he changed forever.

April 6-7, 2018, BUS TRIP

Watch for more information on this amazing trip.

NOVEMBER 2017

World Intercession Network DONNA HANKLA

STEVE WINESETT MEN’S MINISTRIES DIRECTOR

Just before the short winter days and the craziness of the holiday schedules arrive, the slopes of the Appalachian Mountains quietly transform into breathtaking color that only God could create. Many of us participate in fall festivals, heritage days, homecoming celebrations, whitewater on the rivers, hunting season, and the last of the year’s crop harvest.

I encourage you to take time and enjoy the land that we call home. Turn off the phone and take the long way to work, find an old dirt road to travel on the weekend, or visit one of our local national forests. This is an awesome time to learn something new about the heritage and nature of the area. In every quiet moment or new adventure, give our heavenly Father thanks for all that He provides.

YAHWEH TSURI:The Lord My Rock

When you pray to the name of The Rock, you are praying to the God who can be counted on! The Rock represents God’s faithfulness. The word “rock” also symbolizes God’s permanence and protection.

HANNAH’S PRAYER – Hannah desperately wanted a child. But something appeared to BLOCK this desired BIRTH. However, when Hannah prayed with her heart, the priest told her that her petition was granted (1 Samuel 1:13-17). She gave praise to GOD, THE ROCK. THE ROCK removed the BLOCK to the BIRTH. “There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none besides You: neither is there any rock like our God” (1 Samuel 2:2).

DAVID FOUND SAFETY – King Saul pursued David and tried to kill him. David had to run constantly from the king. He had to hide from the king’s soldiers. But David found safety in The Lord His Rock. “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me, he shall set me up upon a rock” (Psalm 27:5).

HEAR HIS VOICE – There are times when we truly need to hear His voice. From the book of Song of Solomon, the Sweet Voice was found in the clefts of the Rock. In a place of privacy and a time of pursuit, the author heard His Sweet Voice. This voice brought hope and encouragement! “O my dove, that art in the clefts of the ROCK, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see your countenance, let me hear Your Voice, for SWEET is Your VOICE, and YOUR countenance is comely” (Song of Solomon 2:14, caps added).

HE IS YOUR ROCK – “In God is my salvation, and my glory: the ROCK of my strength, and my refuge, is in God” (Psalm 62:7, caps added).

FALL IS AN AWESOME TIME TO BE IN THE APPALACHIAN AREA!

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“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” –Psalm 116:15

REVEREND MRS. CATHY STONE

On Sept. 17, 2017, Rev. Mrs. Cathy Stone entered her eternal reward. She was born May 10, 1952, to Rev. Bud and Anna Abram. In 2003, she received her minister’s license with the Appalachian Conference of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, and she was ordained in 2005. She was appointed pastor of the Roderfield P.H. Church in August of 2010, where she faithfully and tirelessly served until her homegoing. She loved people and working for God. She is survived by her husband, Rev. Daniel Stone, three children, and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A celebration of her life was held at the Roderfield P.H. Church on Sept. 23, with Bishop Preston Mathena officiating. She will never be forgotten by those whose lives she touched.

REVEREND WILLIAM SHEPARD TOWNLEY

On Oct. 2, 2017, William Shepard (Bill) Townley, 85, of Ripplemead, departed this life. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Korean War, a Pentecostal evangelist and a member of Faith Temple P.H. Church in Pearisburg. In 1980, Bill transferred into the Appalachian Conference as a licensed minister. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Mary Dowdy Townley, just a month before. He is survived by three daughters and two grandsons. Graveside services were held in Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg, Virginia, with Pastors Debbie Hutton and Eddie Kendall officiating. Another faithful soldier has made it home, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and dedication for us to follow.

REVEREND WALTER IRVIN CORNER

Reverend Walter Irvin Corner, 71, entered into the joy of his Lord on Tuesday, Oct. 10. He received his license to preach in 1980 from the Appalachian Conference of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church and was ordained in 1982. Irvin and his wife Joan pastored Garten, Covington and Organ Cave P.H. churches. He was also a U.S. Air Force veteran. He is survived by Joan, his wife of 52 years; two daughters; one son; and three God-daughters. Funeral services were held on Oct. 12 with Pastor Gene Sizemore officiating. Burial with military honors followed at the Bethel P.H. Church cemetery in Organ Cave, West Virginia. His ministry lives on in the lives he has touched through his years of faithfulness to God.