IPHC Statistics in membership at the end of December 2006

248, 398 IPHC members in the United States
1,660,263 IPHC members globally

 

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News at a Glance . . .

Lighten up with Laughter

The Scripture reading for today is recorded in Genesis 45:27-28

Editor's commentary on today's Scripture written in Genesis 45:27-28

Charles Presley to be honored at Taylor Memorial Church in Anderson, SC, on Sunday morning, October 21, 2007

The 2nd Annual SCU (Southwestern Christian University) Alumni Gospel Singing Reunion Featuring Lonnie Rex, Emcee and Conductor Minchew Auditorium Saturday, October 27, 2007

The First National Mission M25 Summit Concludes As A Great Success

Northgate Family Church in Spring, TX, is hosting its Annual Ministers Conference, Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 6 p. m.

Awards presented to Phillip Bowen, Greg Amos, and Sylvia Sexton at the annual homecoming at Emmanuel College on Saturday, October 6, 2007.

Son Grace Music Ministries Word Conference at the Crown Center in OKC, Saturday, November 10, 2007

Will you receive the Benediction?

Stand by for Today's News . . .

Lighten up with Laughter

If you die on an elevator, be sure to press the UP button.

The Scripture reading for today is recorded in Genesis 45:27-28

Genesis 45:27-28

27 And they told him (Jacob) all the words of Joseph, which he had said unto them: and when he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived:

28 And Israel said, It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die.

KJV

Editor's commentary on today's Scripture written in Genesis 45:27-28 

I would like to lift up four key phrases in this Scripture text. They are:

1. They told him (Jacob, their father) all the words of Joseph which he had said unto them
2. When he saw the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him
3. The spirit of Jacob their father revived
4. Israel said, "It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die."

The story of Joseph and his brothers is one of the most remarkable stories in the Bible. I have never read it without crying. I cried when I read it again.

It is the amazing story of the family of Jacob that was restored to its proper position. Joseph's brothers lived with the delusion that their brother had died. They had been carrying a load of genuine guilt for more than two decades. They revealed their personal and corporate guilt in these words:

Genesis 42:21

21 And they said one to another, We are verily guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul, when he besought us, and we would not hear; therefore is this distress come upon us.
KJV

It is in the soul of man that enables us to communicate with other human beings. The soul is made up of the intellect, emotions, and the will. It was Joseph's brothers who threw him in a pit and sold him into slavery. However, they could never get away from the anguish of Joseph's soul crying out to them from the bottom of the pit, and they refused to listen. They had no compassion and harden their own hearts in self justification. Now, they recognized that the day of judgment had come for them. They perceived in a moment the effect of their sin against their own brother. It is the Holy Spirit Who brings conviction and convinces us of our sin and sins.

Now, Joseph was in command. No one was of higher rank in Egypt except the Pharaoh of Egypt. He was an imposing figure of authority and power. Now they had to answer to him. His brothers who had come down to Egypt to purchase food were completely at his mercy. And mercy, forgiveness, and restoration were what Joseph offered to his brothers who had wronged him, caused him to suffer, and be taken away from his father who loved him dearly.

Joseph said to his brothers, "'Please come near to me.' So they came near. The he said: ' . . . But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life'" (vv.4, 5).

It is interesting to note that Joseph does not blame his brothers or accuse them. Instead, he impresses upon them the fact that the Hand of the Lord had brought him to where he was that day. He wanted them to know that God had sent him to Egypt, and that He did so in order that the blessing and salvation of many people might be provided for them during the severe famine. Instead of starving to death, God used Joseph to keep people alive. I rejoice in the directness and promptness of Joseph's actions and words to offer them forgiveness and healing. Joseph was convinced that the sovereign Lord had been and was in control. There was no place for unforgiveness or bitterness in Joseph's heart toward his brothers. Both unforgiveness and bitterness will destroy any person.

It is so apparent that Joseph never saw himself as a victim, but as a victor, and was victorious in his soul and spirit through all of the years that he suffered. When you know that God has sent you and that He is with you, then, you can not only survive, but thrive.

Let me hasten on to what I would like to show you. The focus now is on Jacob and how he will respond to the news of Joseph being alive and the most powerful man in Egypt, next to the Pharaoh. First, Jacob was not absolutely convinced that his Benjamin would return with the food and his older brother Simeon. When he saw the Egyptian wagons, the donkeys laden with food, and Benjamin wearing clothes unlike anything he had ever seen, he was so overjoyed to see his youngest son return that he was totally unprepared for what was yet to come in the sequence of events.

• He heard all the words that Joseph had said (the Word is key to belief)
• He saw the wagons that Joseph has sent to carry him (seeing produced insight and confirmed his belief) 

Then, the spirit of Jacob their father revived. Man does not believe with his mind. Man believes with his spirit. "The spirit of Jacob their father revived." That means he believed in his spirit and received the good news. Notice, that the writer now changes Jacob's name to Israel when he exercised his faith. And Israel said, it is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive: I will go and see him before I die. said, There is something of a divine change in the life of any man when he believes God's Word. The spirit man arises and a new name and a new dimension of life is possible because of believing faith.

It is recorded in Luke's Gospel that Simeon came by the Spirit into the temple the day that Joseph and Mary brought Jesus to the Temple to present Him before the Lord according to the custom of the law:

27 And he (Simeon) came by the Spirit (Holy Spirit) into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for Him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he (Simeon) Him (the baby Jesus) up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now let thou thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy Word:

30 For mine eyes have seen Thy Salvation,

31 Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32 A Light to lighten the Gentiles, and the Glory of Thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him.

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed (Luke 2:27-35, KJV ).

Today, God can revive your spirit like He did for Jacob. It is with your spirit that you can communicate with God. Jesus told the woman at the well in Samaria, "God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24, KJV ). Listen carefully as He speaks to you the Word of life and not death, hope and not despair, forgiveness and healing. A confession of your sins will come as the Holy Spirit enables you to repent and turn to God the Father, and place your trust in Jesus Christ, His Son. Today, can be the beginning of a new day for you, and God will walk with you through the storm raging around you, and a calm will come in spite of the storm. He does all things well. And, what's more, He can restore your family, too!

Charles Presley to be honored at Taylor Memorial Church in Anderson, SC, on Sunday morning, October 21, 2007

"On Sunday, October 21st, we will honor Mr. Charles Presley upon his retirement (1959 – 1994 Choir Director and 1994 – 2007 Organist for a total of 48 years) from the music ministry of TMPHC. A special service will be held on Sunday morning at 11 a. m. with a gospel singing to follow at 6 p. m. Light refreshments to follow the evening service. Please join us for this special day" (from the bulletin at TMPHC).

[Editor's Note: I have known Charles Presley and his family all of my life. I knew his father and mother, I. H. and Willette (one of the most beautiful women in the known world). I knew Jackson who is now deceased. Moody is much alive and he and his wife, Jane, will be present on Sunday. Melvine and I plan to be present and we want to encourage everyone who can to drive to Anderson, SC, this Sunday, October 21, to be with us.

Taylor Memorial is located at 711 Glenn Street, Anderson, SC.

Directions to Taylor Memorial Pentecostal Holiness Church

Travel I-85 north or south toward Anderson, SC. Take Exit 19 A

Travel Clemson Blvd. until you come to Civic Center Blvd. Take a right on Civic Center Blvd.

Civic Center Blvd is located b/w Chick-fil-A and Chili's restaurants. Travel Civic Center Blvd. until you come to Mall Road. Turn right onto Mall Road. Take Mall Road until it interacts with Whitehall Road. Go through intersection. Mall Road will become Bleckley Street. Travel Bleckley Street to the stop sign. You will see West Anderson Church of God. Turn right and take an immediate left in front of West Anderson Church of God's parking lot (church side). This is Quinn Street. The road will fork. Take left fork. You should see the back of the church's (Taylor Memorial) gym at that point.

If you get lost call the Pastor Brent Lollis at his cell phone: 864-940-1765 or the church phone: 864-222-1731. Now, the last phone number may be his home. I don't know for sure.

The 2nd Annual SCU Alumni Gospel Singing Reunion Featuring Lonnie Rex, Emcee and Conductor Minchew Auditorium Saturday, October 27, 2007

What Bill Gaither is to great Southern Gospel Singing, Lonnie Rex is to great Pentecostal Holiness Conventions / General Conferences choirs and orchestras.

The administration and music department of Southwestern Christian University are happy to announce The 2nd Annual SCU Gospel Singing Reunion in the Minchew Auditorium on the Campus of Southwestern Christian University on Saturday, October 27, 2007, from 9 a. m. to 12 noon. This annual event will occur during the SCU Alumni and Friends weekend, and the Feast of Ingathering.

The great hymn / gospel singing last year at the 60th Anniversary of Southwestern University has been the talk of everyone who attended that great event. Some of the finest singers and musicians that SCU has ever produced were there and sang so beautifully. It was an awe-inspiring day . . . and no one wanted to leave.

By popular demand, Lonnie Rex, who organized and trained the first traveling choir at Southwestern College, and who has electrified audiences of the great General Conferences and Conventions of the Pentecostal Holiness Church, has been invited to be the emcee and featured conductor for this year’s event.

Lonnie Rex wants to have 4 concert grand pianos to be placed in the center of Minchew Auditorium with 20 keyboards surrounding them. Every pianist will be given opportunity to play one of the grand pianos for the singing. He would like to have a full orchestra of all the musical instruments he can get, and a 100 piece guitar band to be seated on the stage for their performance. Lonnie suggests that we have brass horns, reeds, violins, accordions, drums, tambourines, bells and harps. He wants at least two guitarists from every church (Spanish, brass, electric, Hawaiian).

This annual event can be a deeply moving spiritual experience, people connecting with people, renewing friendships and relationships, hearts and voices blending in song and praises to Almighty God. It will be a vital part of the SCU Alumni and Friends weekend that will attract folks from all decades, as well as prospective students. It can do marvelous things for the university, more than we can imagine. God touches people in their hearts when they sing the grand old hymns and the great Gospel songs we love so well. No one will be left out. All can participate and find joy, fun, inspiration, and fulfillment that will last a long time.

Lonnie Rex is asking that every pastor of the churches in the conferences in close proximity to SCU come and bring choir directors, pianists, organists, guitarists, and other musicians who can play in the orchestra.

In addition, Lonnie Rex is making a special invitation to ALL participatants in every church to bring their teen talent contestants to the Homecoming Gospel Singing Reunion to be held during the Alumni weekend. Lonnie wants to invite all of them to join our

combined choir,
    orchestra,
        guitar band or
            play one of the grand pianos.

Pastors,
    Youth leaders,
        Women’s Ministries leaders,
            Choir leaders,
                Worship leaders

Plan now to join all your friends at Southwestern Christian University. We are trying to have the most young people who have never been on the campus to join with us for music and fun.

The schedule will be as follows:

Saturday, October 27, 2007

9 a.m. Coffee, donuts, and fellowship

10 a.m. to Noon – The 2nd Annual SCU Alumni Gospel Singing Reunion

12 noon -- Free lunch in cafeteria

1:30 p. m. – Alumni Choir to practice for the Feast of Ingathering Banquet in the Gymnasium

6:30 p. m. Banquet in the Pickens / Springer Gymnasium

Alumni Choir under the direction of Lonnie Rex

Women’s Ministries presents gifts to President Bob Ely

Inductees into the Athletic Hall of Fame of SCU

Special Hotel Rates are available:

Normally $110 per night, but a special rate for SCU guests for $90

This one is closer to the airport. The rate is $72.

For further information you may contact Jon Chasteen, Director of Development at 1-405-789-7661, Extension 3437

The First National Mission M25 Summit Concludes As A Great Success

September 28, 2007 was a historic day in Amarillo, Texas as Christian Heritage Church hosted the very first Mission: M25 National Summit! It was a powerful event from the beginning to the end. People from eleven states came for three days of information and inspiration! There were over 180 present for the opening banquet on Friday night and a high attendance of 700 for the morning worship service on Sunday.

Mission M25 is a ministry of Evangelism USA that takes its marching orders from the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 25 and focuses on the “overlooked and neglected” of our society. M25 ministers in the four areas of (a) homeless/hungry, (b) addiction/rehabilitation, (c) bikers, (d) prison ministry. Rev. Gary Burd, Bishop of the Great Plains Conference and pastor of the Christian Heritage Church in Amarillo, Texas, is the Director of Mission M25 and has spent the last 3 years endeavoring to identify, network, and resource those laboring in one or more of these four ministries.

This M25 Summit was the first time the IPHC has provided a national forum for these ministry workers to get together and resource one another. The Summit was a resounding success! Its purpose was to:

1. Validate The Workers’ Value
2. Encourage The Workers’ Efforts
3. Bear The Workers’ Burdens
4. Inspire The Workers’ Minds

On Friday evening, Dr. Ronald Carpenter, Executive Director of Evangelism USA, welcomed the people and reminded them that M25 began as a seed in 2004, but had now developed into an “oak tree”. He told the people that, “M25 will never be any smaller than it is tonight and future generations will gather by the thousands in huge auditoriums to celebrate the mission of M25”! M25 Director, Bishop Gary Burd, then presented a stirring PowerPoint presentation on the “Five Works of Grace” in describing what to expect during the Summit. The power point was designed around a motorcycle with the Frame (foundation), the Transmission (the process), the Motor (the power), the Handlebars (the direction) and finally the Accessories (the gifts of the Spirit that work in our lives). After it was over, one man came up and kissed Gary on the cheek thanking him for opening his heart.

The weekend concluded on Sunday with Biker Day. It was in conjunction with the Marine’s Toys For Tots Parade. Approximately 700 people attended the morning worship service that included a moving drama by Adullam, the youth ministry of CHC; Spirit-filled praise/worship; a powerful word from Dr. Ronald Carpenter; and a Communion Service for unity.

That afternoon 1,300 motorcycles participated in a 3-mile long parade that carried over $24,000.00 in toys to be given to the Marines. 5,000 people attended an afternoon of biker games and great food. In late afternoon, all of the activity stopped and testimonies were shared. Then, the group prayed and sang Amazing Grace before the give-a-way of the 1993 Harley Davidson 1200 cc Sportster. What a blessing it was to watch these old, rough guys and biker gang members, sing and remember the Grace of God in their life. It was a memorable occasion!

Those who came for inspiration and ministry resources were not disappointed. They left convinced that their efforts are making a real difference and that IPHC Ministries is committed to helping them reach “the least of these” through Mission M25!

Northgate Family Church in Spring, TX, is hosting its Annual Ministers Conference, Saturday, October 20, 2007 at 6 p. m.

One of the most significant conferences for Pentecostal/Charismatic ministers in the Houston, Texas area will be hosted by Pastors Malcolm and Sulynn Burton at Northgate Family Church in Spring, TX, Saturday, October 20, at 6 p. m.

Dr. Ron Smith, the spiritual father and mentor of both Pastor Malcolm and Pastor Sulynn Burton, will be speaking along with Bishop Curtis Baker, Superintendent, Grace Bible Ministries (formerly the Texas Conference) in what is designed to be a time of refreshing for those in ministry.

A reception will be held for visiting ministers following the service.

The church is located at 23680 I-45 North in Spring, TX 77386. Northgate Family Worship Church is a Pentecostal Holiness Church. For more information contact Pastor Malcolm Burton at 281-924-2080.

Awards presented to Phillip Bowen, Greg Amos, and Sylvia Sexton at the annual homecoming at Emmanuel College on Saturday, October 6, 2007

President Michael Stewart presented three distinctive awards to alumni of Emmanuel College on Saturday, October 6, 2007. They were:

Young Alumnus of The Year -- Mr. Phillip Bowen

Phillip Bowen was the first communication alumnus, graduating in 1998. While at Emmanuel, he was a member of Pi Gamma Mu and was named to Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. He was a member of the EC Singers, served as an Admissions Counselor, and was a proud Buzzard in the world of intramurals.

After graduating from Emmanuel, Phillip's career began in a local chamber of commerce in tourism and marketing, and later developed into church administration in Lack City, SC. After receiving a call from Dr. David Hopkins about the vacant position of Alumni Development at Emmanuel, he felt compelled to return to his alma mater. In 2005, Phillip joined Dr. Charles Stanley's ministry as the Director of the In Touch Foundation. Now, just two years later, he has been asked to serve as the Acting CEO of In Touch Ministries.

Phillip values much from his Emmanuel experience: the greatest is his best friend and wife of 7 years, Mary-Ann, who is expecting their first child in February.

[Editor's Note: Phillip is the kind of guy you will like the first time you meet him. He is always interested in others. You will never find out much about him because he is a master of getting you to talk about yourself. I do know this . . . he is one of the most gifted pianists I have ever heard. He is on a par with the late Anthony Burger.) ]

Christian Service Award -- the Rev. Mr. Greg Amos

Greg Amos graduated from Emmanuel College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion. He served as C. E. Director / Youth Pastor / Associate Pastor for 12 years. He attended the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, VA. Later, he earned the Master of Ministry degree from Southwestern Christian University. He served as the Senior Pastor of Southwood Pentecostal Holiness Church for 5 1/2 years. He served on the Church Education Ministries Board of the South Carolina Conference for 8 years. He is currently serving as the Church Education Ministries Director of the South Carolina Conference. He serves on the General Church Education Ministries Board. He is currently serving as the National Bible Quest Director since 2002. He served as the Faith Cafe Focus Group as Chairman. He received the Royal Ranger Leadership Medal of Achievement. He is happily married to Tamar and they have celebrated 27 years of marriage,. They have two adult children Seth, 21, and Courtney, 19.

Distinguished Alumnus Award -- Ms. Sylvia Sexton

Sylvia Harvey Sexton was born in Bluefield, WVA, to Hazel and Lynda Harvey. From an early age, Sylvia observed her mother serving others in the local P. H. Church. As a child, she grew up with several future church leaders including the late Bishop B. E. Underwood. This friendship would later connect her with Emmanuel College.

Sylvia felt the call to ministry as a teen and attended Holmes College of the Bible. She graduated in 1946. While traveling with a ladies ministry team to conduct revivals and provide children's ministry, she continued her education at Concord College. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1949, and began teaching at the elementary school level. Through her ministry in the Appalachian Conference, she met her future husband, the Rev. Mr. Daniel Lusk Sexton. They married in 1953, and began ministry together in Virginia. Sylvia worked along side of her husband serving as the church musician, Sunday school teacher, and mother of two children, Marcus Edward and Lydia Ann, both graduates of Emmanuel College. They pioneered a new church in Southern Ohio where she also taught high school English classes for many years. In June 1974, change came through the death of her husband. Sylvia continued to teach in Ohio as Marcus left to become a student at Emmanuel College. Approximately two years later, Sylvia was offered a position at Emmanuel as Women's Dorm Advisor and part-time English instructor. During the summer of 1979, she completed a Masters of Science degree in Education from Marshall University.

She has worked in many roles at Emmanuel College including English instructor, Dorm Council Advisor, Assistant Librarian, and Director of the Student Georgia Association of Educators. After her departure from full-time employment at Emmanuel College, Sylvia continued to serve as the editor of the Alum Notes and continues to participate with the Golden Grads. Through the blessing and direction of God in her life, she has given 31 years of service to Emmanuel College and touched the lives of countless numbers of students and families.

Son Grace Music Ministries Word Conference at the Crown Center in OKC, Saturday, November 10, 2007

The Rev. Mr. John and Rev. Mrs. Filese Hauser and Son Grace Music Ministries will be hosting the annual SGMM Word Conference on Saturday, November 10, 2007 from 9:30 a. m. to 4 p. m.. The conference will be hosted by the Crown Center which is located at 13300 S. Western in Oklahoma City.

This year’s theme is “Kingdom Ambassadors” with great teaching and preaching by several anointed ministers of the gospel. There will be a concert of worship in the morning session. The afternoon session will conclude with individual ministry of impartation and prophetic ministry followed by communion. This is a day set apart to be encouraged, revived, and refreshed.

Children are welcome, but no childcare will not be provided. There is no registration fee; however, a love offering will be received. For more information contact the ministry at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . By phone: 405-370-7622 or 405-664-6488. The Hausers are full time evangelists/revivalists in the Heartland Conference.

Will you receive the Benediction?

2 Corinthians 5:19-21

God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

21 For He (God the Father) hath made Him (Jesus) to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.
KJV 

Your friend in all seasons,

Hugh Holmes Morgan

The Reverend Dr. Hugh H. Morgan
Director of Chaplains Ministries, IPHC
Vice Chairman, NAE Commission on Chaplains
Chair Elect, Endorsers Conference for Veterans Affairs Chaplaincy
CEO, Founder, President, Editor of Hugh's News & Commentary

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