Excellence in Communication
Special Report
w/ Hugh H. Morgan
News you will not get anywhere else . . .
Special message on Immigration and the IPHC by Presiding Bishop Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr.
& Commentary
“Ever blessing, ever blest”
Where Everyone’s Special
News you can use
A News Service connecting people with people
A special word from Hugh H. Morgan, the editor, Hugh’s News
I often go in my “prayer closet” seeking God' will and direction for Hugh’s News and for my life. During one of those times, I found myself crying out to God, and asking His divine purpose for the future of this electronic newsletter. It became very evident in my heart that He is not finished with Hugh’s News. In fact, He is writing a new chapter in an already rich history of 12 years of publishing the news.
In this new chapter that God is writing about this newsletter as it continues to serve IPHC ministries and the body of Christ worldwide, I want you, my readers, to know that I am committed to moving forward, to allowing the Holy Spirit to lead us into His future. I embrace these days with confidence, assurance and hope, knowing that He Who has called me to this exciting ministry is faithful for the Scripture says, “He Who calls you is faithful, Who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24, NKJV).
I have waited until the very end of this newsletter to share with you my constant need for your prayer and financial support for this expanding ministry that has an even greater potential today than at any other time in our 12 years of ministry through Hugh’s News. I want to invite you to be a partner with me in spreading the good news.
Today’s News at a Glance . . .
Lighten up with Laughter
The Scripture for today is recorded in Mark 11:22-25
Editor’s commentary on today’s Scripture as written in Mark 11:22-25
Immigration and the IPHC – A message from Presiding Bishop Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr.
A young warrior is promoted – Noah Barefoot, Jr.
Lester O. Smith, 95, a retired farmer and rancher in Derby, Kansas, died on Saturday, October 10, 2009
Virginia Ethelyn York, 78, went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on October 16, 2009
Lonnie and Betty Rex will be featured pianists on the Christian Television Network on Friday evening, October 23, 2009
Your financial gifts are needed to fund the costs of Hugh’s News
Will you receive the Benediction?
Stand by for Today’s News . . .
Lighten up with Laughter
Little Davie watched, fascinated, as his mother smoothed cold cream on her face.
“Why do you do that, mommy?” he asked.
“To make myself beautiful,” said his mother, who began removing the cream with a tissue.
“What’s the matter?” asked Little Davie.
“Giving up?”
The Scripture for today is recorded in Mark 11:22-25
Mark 11:22-25
22 "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. 23 "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."
NIV
Editor’s commentary on today’s Scripture as written in Mark 11:22-25
“The Unlimited Possibilities of Believing Prayer” by Hugh H. Morgan
I find this Scripture one of the most intriguing lessons of the teachings of Jesus. Our Lord is a masterful teacher and here we see clearly His creative mind. He very skillfully turns the focus on a withered fig tree into a lesson on faith in God, and the power of believing prayer, that is strengthened by the spirit of forgiveness.
To hear a great sermon on “The Spirit of Forgiveness” by Dr. Mark Rutland, President, Oral Roberts, you may go to www.oru/chapel/The Spirit of Forgiveness. This chapel service was videoed on October 18, 2009. In that same chapel service, Lonnie and Betty Rex played a duet on a Steinway Concert Grand Piano. They received a standing ovation by the student body. It is one thing to play the piano as a college student, but to play the piano in one’s 70s or 80s with amazing artistic precision and skill is another thing. Lonnie and Betty really demonstrated that artistic ability that is a God-given gift maximized by practice.
As a masterful teacher, Jesus deliberately does not focus on the past, but finds relevance in the present moment, and offers hope for the future. Our new Presiding Bishop Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr. gave three words that he sees the IPHC Ministries becoming in his message at the Friday night, July 31, 2009, General Conference worship service: Relevant, Dynamic, and Demonstrative. You may visit the website of the IPHC, www.iphc.org, and see and hear that powerful message Bishop Carpenter, Sr. gave.
Jesus does not dwell on the negative. He magnificently takes away the focus of Peter’s observation about the withered fig tree. He moves with rapid speed to teaching about mountain moving faith and declares, “whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them” (v. 24). I sense that Jesus is trying to get us to see that we, too, can use the present moment or experience to see the future. In Katharine Lee Bate’s song, “America, the Beautiful,” she penned these words that speak to us just now . . . “O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years, Thine alabaster cities gleam, Undimmed by human tears! America! America! God shed His grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood, From sea to shining sea!” And it is my prayer that this will be true of our great land and country.
Jesus would teach us about the unlimited power of believing prayer.
Although there are unlimited possibilities of believing prayer, there are at least three limiting conditions we must consider.
First, we must always pray according to the Will of God. The Bible is the clear revelation of God’s will. To pray outside the will of God is presumptuous and non-productive. In our Lord’s model prayer He says that we should pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10, KJV).
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Dr. Luke in his Gospel account wrote this about the prayer of Jesus as He prepared Himself for the suffering and death on the Cross,“41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, "Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done" (Luke 22:41-42, NKJV).
In the Apostle John’s first epistle he wrote, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us -- whatever we ask -- we know that we have what we asked of Him” (1 John 5:14-15, NIV).
Therefore, our prayers must be in harmony with the Will of God for our lives if we expect our prayers to be answered.
Second, there is the faith of the one praying. One’s faith must be centered in God Almighty and His Word. God responds to faith, and the Bible teaches us in the faith chapter of the Bible, Hebrews 11:6, that . . . “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (NIV).
Doubt is always a detriment to answered prayer and unlimited power. My father-in-law, Russell Stewart, often said, “If you doubt, you will do without.” You know, he was correct.
James, a half brother of Jesus, wrote these words in his epistle, known as the Proverbs of the New Testament, concerning believing and doubting: “6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does” (James 1:6-8, NIV).
Third, another limiting element on unlimited power through prayer, is the failure to forgive someone who has hurt or wronged you. To go to God in prayer while holding anything against anyone is court failure. It is something to think about when you have unanswered prayers and limited power in your life.
In our Lord’s model prayer He taught this truth about our need to ask for forgiveness, and to grant forgiveness to our fellow man or woman: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:12-15, KJV
The first prayer of Jesus from the Cross of Calvary was, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34, KJV). Forgiving others cleanses us from sin, and sets us free from the spirit of unforgiveness as well as bitterness that will attack the heart muscle and destroy us emotionally, spiritually and physically.
Jesus said, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins" (v. 25).
Is there a mountain in your life you would like to move? Meditate and think on what Jesus has taught us. You can have your miracle if you follow the instructions of our Lord, Jesus Christ. There are unlimited possibilities and power in believing prayer. Allow the Holy Spirit to work inside of you to prepare you for an answer to your fervent prayer.
Immigration and the IPHC – A message from Presiding Bishop Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr.
Modern communications technology is a miraculous wonder, bringing benefits to all of
us. But the downside is just as terrible as the technology is miraculous—the
dissemination of misinformation. The uproar over the recent National Association of
Evangelicals Immigration Resolution is a perfect example of such misinformation.
This resolution on immigration is important to the IPHC. With one-third of our churches
made up of immigrants from more than ten ethnic groups spread across all twenty-nine
conferences in the USA, it is important that we adhere to our traditional Biblical values of
human dignity, hospitality, and ministry to all people.
Recent critics have incorrectly reported that the NAE stance on immigration is a change
from previous resolutions and now calls for “amnesty for all illegal aliens.” Both reports
are false.
The NAE stance on immigration has been a work in progress since the Human Rights
Resolution in 1956. In that document, NAE said:
“We believe that those in authority, political, social and particularly evangelistic Christian groups
have a moral responsibility to work effectively and openly for the creation of that cultus of life
which will provide equal rights and opportunities for every individual.“
The position of NAE on U.S. immigration was further clarified in the Immigration
Resolution of 1995:
“Therefore, we pledge to eliminate the spirit of racism in any of our responses. While we
recognize the right of nations to regulate their borders, we believe this responsibility should be
exercised with a concern for the entire human family in a spirit of generosity and compassion.
(Deut. 10:19, Leviticus 19:34)
Furthermore, we acknowledge that immigrants and refugees contribute much to the continuing
strength and vitality of local communities and our country by their commitment to work, education,
and the family.
We call upon our government, therefore, to maintain reasonable and just admissions policies for
refugees and immigrants. As evangelicals responsible to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matt.
22:39), we are called to show personal and corporate hospitality to those who seek a new life in
our nation.”
Again in 2006, the NAE stand on immigration was further refined by the inclusion of the
following statement:
“Furthermore, we acknowledge that immigrants and refugees contribute much to the continuing
strength and vitality of local communities and our country by their commitment to work, education,
and the family.
We call upon our government, therefore, to maintain reasonable and just admissions policies for
refugees and immigrants. As evangelicals responsible to love our neighbors as ourselves
(Matthew 22:39), we are called to show personal and corporate hospitality to those who seek a
new life in our nation.”
The document which is currently the object of much misunderstanding and unfounded
criticism is the Immigration Resolution of 2009, which enlarges previous resolutions on
the issue by adding sections on Biblical Foundations, National Realities and Call to
Action. As you can see from the statement below, taken from the Call to Action, there is
no call for unconditional clemency or amnesty for undocumented aliens.
“Motivated by the desire to offer a constructive word for the country's complicated immigration
situation and guided by the Scripture, the National Association of Evangelicals calls for the reform
of the immigration system. We believe that national immigration policy should be considerate of
immigrants who are already here and who may arrive in the future and that its measures should
promote national security and the general welfare in appropriate ways. Building upon Biblical
revelation concerning the migration of people and the values of justice and compassion
championed in For the Health of the Nation: An Evangelical Call to Civic Responsibility, we urge:
* That immigrants be treated with respect and mercy by churches. Exemplary treatment of
immigrants by Christians can serve as the moral basis to call for government attitudes and
legislation to reflect the same virtues.
* That the government develop structures and mechanisms that safeguard and monitor the
national borders with efficiency and respect for human dignity.
* That the government establish more functional legal mechanisms for the annual entry of a
reasonable number of immigrant workers and families.
* That the government recognize the central importance of the family in society by
reconsidering the number and categories of visas available for family reunification, by dedicating
more resources to reducing the backlog of cases in process, and by reevaluating the impact of
deportation on families.
* That the government establish a sound, equitable process toward earned legal status
for currently undocumented immigrants, who desire to embrace the responsibilities and
privileges that accompany citizenship.
* That the government legislate fair labor and civil laws for all residing within the United States
that reflect the best of this country's heritage.
* That immigration enforcement be conducted in ways that recognize the importance of due
process of law, the sanctity of the human person, and the incomparable value of family.”
The Immigration Resolution of 2009 is a statement based upon Biblical truth and
modern political realities. It is a beautiful paradigm that balances the best of both
worlds. It is important to the members and ministers of the International Pentecostal
Holiness Church. That is why the IPHC Council of Bishops adopted it in session on
Wednesday, October 14, 2009.
Dr. Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr.
Presiding Bishop
International Pentecostal Holiness Church
You may read the entire resolution at http://www.nae.net/resolutions/347-immigration-2009. You may
review all previous NAE resolutions at http://www.nae.net/government-affairs/policy-resolutions.
A young warrior is promoted – Noah Barefoot, Jr.
My dear friend and son-in-the-faith, Noah Barefoot, Jr., was killed in a car accident last Friday morning somewhere around 10 a. m. It was a single car accident.
He left the road and ultimately ended up in a pasture. He apparently died at the scene. He leaves his wife, Brenda, and their daughter, Mary Beth, 13 years old.
The wake was Sunday night from 5 p. m. to 8 p. m. at the Wilkerson Funeral Home in Greenville, NC. The funeral service was conducted on Monday. October 18, at 2 p. m. at the Greenville First Pentecostal Holiness Church (Pastor Paul Brafford). Bishop Jimmy Whitfield, the Rev. Mr. Bobby Williams, and Bishop Chris Thompson spoke at the funeral.
Noah grew up in the IPHC in North Carolina and was pastoring a new church, Grace Outreach Fellowship, near Winterville, a small town outside of Greenville, NC. He had turned 47 in September. Noah was a fantastic preacher, an excellent church planter, and a great soul winner. He and his wife, Brenda, recently moved into their new home. He and I often communicated with one another either by phone or e-mail. In fact, I had just gotten an e-mail from him last week. He was a special friend and I considered him a spiritual son. I will miss him greatly! Please pray for Mary Beth and Brenda.
Noah also leaves his mom, dad, and two sisters. They are all wonderful IPHC church people.
Let us hold them up in this hour of great need!
Sincerely,
Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr.
Presiding Bishop, IPHC
Lester O. Smith, 95, a retired farmer and rancher in Derby, Kansas, died on Saturday, October 10, 2009
DERBY, KANSAS - Smith, Lester O., age 95, retired farmer and rancher, died Saturday, October 10, 2009. Visitation was from 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. Tuesday, October 13, 2009, with the family present from 6-8 p.m., at Smith Mortuary, 1415 N. Rock Road, Derby, The funeral service was conducted at 10 a. m. Wednesday, October 14, at Glorious Life P. H. Church. Preceded in death by his parents, Charles L. and Bertha (Long) Smith; wife, Willa N. (Craig); granddaughter, LaWanna; great-grandson, Jonathan; brothers, Harry, Herman and Don; sisters, Wyona Eberhart, Lois Bailey, Berniece Schwertfeger. Survivors: children, David (Doris), Derby, Craig (Deby), Nixa, MO, Karen (Richard) Carter, Fredonia, Daniel (Cherie), Derby, Rebecca (Daniel) Ruhter, Mulvane, LuCinda Smith, Derby; 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; sisters, Christine Murray, Leon, Amy Hildebrand, Kingman.
Memorial established with Glorious Life Church, where Lester was a founding member, 230 Fernell St., Derby, KS 67037. Send condolences via smithfamilymortuaries.com.
According to George (Joe) Edwards II, this man did more to further the gospel in the Kansas Conference than any one man. Joe wrote that this statement can be verified by Damon Burrows, James Zenger, and just any person that knows him. He is the last of the Derby church Charter Members that were parents. Some of the children are alive still. When you were the President at Southwestern College, I think Craig Smith and his wife Debbie were students.
[Editor’s Note: I did verify Joe’s statement about Mr. Lester Smith with Damon Burrows who resides with his wife, Marilyn, in Wichita, KS. Damon Burrows stated that Lester Smith was a good man.]
Virginia Ethelyn York, Ed. D., 78, went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on October 16, 2009
Virginia Ethelyn York, Ed. D., 78, of Corpus Christi, TX, went to the open arms of our Lord on October 16, 2009. She was born in Okemah, Oklahoma, on October 7, 1931. Her parents were the Reverend Mr. Ezra and the Rev. Mrs. Anna Sutton who were pastors in Oklahoma.
Ezra and Anna Sutton were pioneer ministers to California beginning in 1940. This new Pentecostal Holiness Conference covered the state of Washington, Oregon, California, and Arizona. Ezra and Anna were a dynamic powerful influence in the West Coast Pentecostal Holiness Church. That conference today has a new name, Pacific Western Conference.
Ezra served as Sunday School District Conference Secretary, Conference Superintendent (1954-1962) and Pastor during his many years of ministry.
Anna was the editor of Voice of the Reapers, a conference newspaper, a pastor and an evangelist.
They helped establish a Bible College and High School on the West Coast (Sharon) from which their three daughters graduated. Two of the three daughters (Ethelyn and Evelyn) returned to teach later.
Ethelyn York was an educator and language scientist, a master teacher of exceptional skill since the age of 19, a language consultant, researcher, writer, lecturer and innovator of educational methods and materials. A frequent lecturer at the Annual Statewide California Reading Association Convention. Mrs. York was a Field Participant of the Evaluations Committee reviewing Master Plan Schools for the State of California Special Education Department (1977), and a member of the California State Textbook Adoptions Committee the same year.
Ethelyn is survived by the love of her life of 53 years, Thurnace York, Ph. D., her two sons, Christopher Thurnace (Rebecca) York, Rob (Angela) York, and six grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at the Glade Tidings Church on Friday October 23, 2009 at 10 a. m.
Interment will be in Wolf, OK. at a later date.
You may wish to write Thurnace York a letter, or send a sympathy card. His mailing address is:
The Rev. Dr. Thurnace York
1022 Pyramid Drive
Corpus Christi, TX 78412
[Editor’s Note: Bob Curlee, of Virginia Beach, VA, wrote the following:
“Thank you for including news of the death of Ethelyn, wife of Thurnace York. Ethelyn was the daughter of Rev. Ezra E. Sutton and his wife Anna. Ezra was a PHC pastor in California and served several years in the 1950s and early 1960s as superintendent of the California Conference. He was a dear friend of my Dad's.
“We attended Ethelyn's graduation ceremony at Fresno State College in the early 1950s when I was in the second or third grade. Thurnace preached a revival for my Dad in Richmond, CA, when I was in first grade. The Yorks, Suttons and Curlees go back a long way, even to the old East Oklahoma Conference days in the late 1920s and 1930s. I have already sent an e-mail to Thurnace and Mary Ruth will send a card from both of us.
“Thanks again for keeping us up on the news involving old friends and acquaintances.”
Lonnie and Betty Rex will be featured pianists on the Christian Television Network on Friday evening, October 23, 2009
Lonnie and Betty Rex will be featured on Twin Grand Pianos for a Special 30th Anniversary one hour program on Channel 22, Clearwater, FL, on Friday evening, October 23, 2009. It is carried on 14 of the Stations owned by Christian Television Network, Direct TV and Dish Satellites.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Time: 8 p. m. CST
9 p. m. EST
The Network has live STREAMING. You can see the show on your computer.
Go to website http://www.ctnonline.com/
Click on CTN Christian Television Network
Click on the green box: Watch your CTN Station
WCLF Clearwater, FL.
Your financial gifts are needed to fund the costs of Hugh’s News
In the Book of James, he writes, “You have not, because you ask not” (James 4:2, KJV). In order for Hugh’s News to meet the demands of our readers for more frequent newsletters, we must make a change, i. e., obtain a software program that is compatible with our current software that will enable me to click on one button and send out the newsletters as fast as I can produce them.
My webmaster, J. Brian Williams, is testing another program. It will take him two more weeks, he said over lunch on Wednesday, October 21, 2009, with all that is on his plate.
In order for us to produce what you, my readers, want, it will take more financial support.
We need your financial and prayer partnership to enable us to continue this ministry of spreading the Gospel, teaching Scriptural holiness, the deeper truths of the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit, and the life led and energized by the Holy Spirit. We desire to keep you abreast of the latest fast-breaking news, take your prayer requests, and publish testimonies of God's healing power today. You are a vital part of this ministry and we thank you for your prayers and financial support.
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Together, we can provide an electronic newsletter with information you will not get anywhere else. Most importantly, we can continue to provide reliable, Bible-centered, and Christ-centered teaching that can transform the lives of those who desperately need to read and hear the Gospel.
May everything good thing from God our heavenly Father be yours and your family in 2009.
Will you receive the Benediction?
Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38, NKJV).
- -
Your friend in all seasons,
Hugh Holmes Morgan
The Reverend Dr. Hugh H. Morgan
Chaplain, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF, Retired
Director of Chaplains Ministries, IPHC
Vice Chairman, NAE Commission on Chaplains
Chairman, Endorsers Conference for Veterans Affairs Chaplaincy
Ex Officio Member, National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces Executive Committee
CEO, Founder, President, Editor of Hugh's News & Commentary
President, Hugh Holmes Morgan Education Scholarship Fund, Inc.
Pastor Emeritus, Christian Life Worship Center (formerly Tarkenton Memorial Church in Athens, GA)
Member, Board of Trustees, Holmes Bible College
17 Sweet Apple Lane
Winder, GA 30680
Tel. (770) 725-1757
Fax: (770) 725-2707
E-mail: hugh@hughsnews.com
Website: http://www.chaplains.iphc.org
Hugh's News website: www.hughsnews.com