Saturday, May 24, 2008

      & Commentary

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Today's News at a glance . . .

Lighten up with Laughter  

The Scripture reading for today is recorded in Ephesians 5:30-33

Editor's commentary on today's Scripture written in Ephesians 5:30-33 

Lavon Revells received the National Science Achievement Award on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, in Washington, DC

The Rev. Mr. John W. Swails has been hospitalized at Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens, GA 

Dr. Vinson is to be honored at Regent University with an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree

The Rev. Mr. T. Elwood Long's impression of the 4th IPHC World Conference in Vancouver, BC, Canada

Revitalization Weekends - 2009, Sponsored by Evangelism USA

Will you receive the Benediction?

Stand by for Today's News . . . 

Lighten up with Laughter  

The other evening at the 4th IPHC World Conference in Vancouver, BC, Canada, a retired missionary couple were seated near the end of the row. In fact, the end seat near the inner isle was vacant. A man came up and asked the lady missionary if the seat next to her was saved.

She turned to look at the seat, and said, "I don't believe it is saved, but we can pray right now for it to be saved." 

Now, that is real instantaneous humor, and I love it. Can you guess who this lady is?

She and her husband are retired, but are still active in world missions. They never seem to age. Humor and laughter will do that for anyone. Laughter is better than the best medicine. She is a delight and a joy to be around. She is an excellent cook and a marvelous homemaker. Her home is beautifully decorated, and her husband is a gardener, par excellent.

They reside in North Carolina.

[Editor's Note: There were 420 registered for the 4th IPHC World Conference in Vancouver, BC, Canada. It is one of the most beautiful cities in North America.] 

The Scripture reading for today is recorded in Ephesians 5:30-33

"For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.

"For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they shall be one flesh.

"This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

"Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband" (KJV ).

Editor's commentary on today's Scripture written in Ephesians 5:30-33

Every wedding I have ever conducted I have read this Scripture. Paul is comparing the love relationship of a husband and a wife to Christ and the church.

A man is to leave his father and mother, and the same is true for the wife, and be joined together, and they become one flesh. 

Marriage that is based on Biblical principles offers a couple the most intimate relationship known to man, and in that relationship, if they keep their focus of Christ, their marriage will endure all manner of storms and difficulties. The key is love for one another which  produces commitment, respect and loyalty.

The church is a family. It should seem obvious that any structure which is to stand must have a solid foundation. Far too many families today are falling apart.

Marriages must be established on clearly defined principles of knowing and obeying God's revealed will and trusting Him to make it known.  One might use the story of Eliezer and his journey to find Isaac a wife as he was instructed by Abraham. This servant prayed and trusted God to lead him to the right woman.  He asked her if she was willing to go with him, and she responded affirmatively without any hesitation. That took faith and love too.

Apparently Isaac truly loved her and demonstrated it over and over again. Parents must pray for their children and give them to God. Having children dedicated is more for the parents than the children, but it seems to me that it meant a great deal to me because I was dedicated by several great men of God, including an Episcopal priest who was apparently Spirit-filled. I came to know that I was given to God before I was born, and that I belonged to Him. My mother would pray with my sister, Mary Evelyn, and me daily and ask God to make a great woman of her, and a great man of me. You don't forget those prayers, and I can still hear them today.

I told Greg and Stephanie about my mother's prayers when they were children. One day, Greg said, "Dad, why don't you pray that same prayer for Stephanie and me?" That got my attention, and I began that practice daily for them. 

Don't ever give up on your children. I remember a powerful sermon that Leroy Baker preached at the Camp Meeting at the Cornerstone Conference a few years ago, entitled "Don't give up on your children!" I think he used my favorite Scripture verse about this whole matter. It is recorded in Philippians 1:6, "Being confident of this very thing, that He Who has begun a good work in you (and in your children) will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." I added in parenthesis the words "and in your children."  It does no violence to this Scripture and is in keeping with what Paul and Silas told the Philippian jailer when he asked what he might do to be saved. They said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved and your house" (Acts 16:31).

It is my prayer that God will give you favor -- the Lord's assigned advantage -- with your children and grandchildren.

Lavon Revells received the National Science Achievement Award on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, in Washington, DC

Lavon Revells is a member of Christian Life Worship Center in Athens, GA. It is a Pentecostal Holiness Church. He and his wife, Arlette, teach Sunday school and have an adult class that is dynamic and exciting.

Lavon is the chief chemist for the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in Athens. He was honored earlier this week in Washington, DC. He received the National Science Achievement Award that was developed to recognize agency scientists for outstanding contributions in specific technical fields. 

Lavon Revells was honored for his work in the analysis and toxicity evaluation of a pesticide called toxaphene. Toxaphene has been found to cause cancer and kidney failure in both humans and animals. 

We are extremely proud of one of our Pentecostal Holiness laymen, a scientist of the first order, who has reached this level of achievement and success in the scientific world.

[Editor's note: I was Lavon and Arlette's pastor for nine years when I served as senior pastor of Tarkenton Memorial Church. They are dear friends, as well as their children, and grandchildren. They work closely with Bane and Barbara James in JoySprings, a ministry to ministers of the Gospel.]

The Rev. Mr. John W. Swails is hospitalized in Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens, GA

Our own beloved Brother John W. Swails was to have preached this past Sunday in a church in Camden, SC. He began to have tightness in his chest that would not subside. His wife Sylvia called for him to be hospitalized there in Camden. He was then transferred to Athens Regional on Monday so that he could be overseen by his Cardiologist in Athens.

Thursday afternoon, he had a heart catheterization. The doctors did an angioplasty and inserted a stint in an artery with 95% blockage. They had to regulate his heart rhythm as well. 

I had planned to visit him, but he had a rough day on Thursday, and I decided not go go. He didn't need me there.

Please pray for Brother Swails, his wife Sylvia, and the Swails children and their families. Johnny Swails, who teaches at Oral Roberts University, was home visiting and I talked with him by phone.

A "Get Well" Card may be most appropriate to cheer him up and let him know you love him and are praying for his rapid recovery and return to health. Here is his mailing address:

Dr. Vinson is to be honored at Regent University with an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree 

At its meeting on May 3, 2008, the Regent University Board of Trustees approved the following resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED, that, subject to the approval of the President, Dr. Vinson Synan be awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) in Renewal Studies degree at the 2008 Spring Commencement for a lifetime of leadership in the ecumenical movement, as a scholar in the field of renewal studies, and for his leading role in establishing the Ph. D. in Renewal Studies, which will recognize its first doctoral graduates at the 2008 Spring Commencement.

Dr. Synan is an internationally known scholar and has authored numerous books and articles. He served as Dean of Regent School of Divinity from 1994 – 2006. Regent’s Board of Trustee’s named him Professor and Dean Emeritus in April 2007.

[Editor's Note: We, as members of the IPHC around the world, congratulate Dr. Vinson Synan for this significant honor. He is one of us, and served as the General Secretary of the IPHC and later as an Assistant General Superintendent of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. God has used him recently in some significant negotiations on a higher level of Christian Higher Education. I am glad he is my friend.]

The Rev. Mr.  Ralph V. Green (7/05/32 - 5/21/08)

The Reverend Ralph Green passed away on Wednesday May 21, 2008, in Gainesville, GA, after a massive heart attack.

He was the son of the late Reverends James and Thelma Green. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ivan and Edwin Green. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne Green, daughter, Ravonne Green, and son, Garry Green. Also surviving are sister, Harriet Rogers, and brother, James Green.

There was a viewing in Gainesville, GA, at the Little-Davenport Funeral Home on Thursday evening, May 22, 2008, from 7-8 p. m..

There was a funeral service in the Funeral Home Chapel in Gainesville from 8-9 p.m.

There will also be a funeral service in Roanoke, VA, at the New Life Temple Pentecostal Church on Saturday, May 24, 2008, at 2 p. m.. Interment will be in Dublin, Virginia. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to The Gideon Bible Society. 

Here's the obituary that appeared in The Roanoke Times:

The Reverend Ralph Green died Wednesday, May 21, 2008, in Gainesville, GA.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. He is survived by his wife, Yvonne Green; daughter, Ravonne Green; and son, Garry Green. Also surviving are sister, Harriet Rogers; and brother, James Green.

Reverend Green was born in Morganton, NC, and graduated from Brosville High School in Broswell, VA. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where his tours of duty took him from Cheyenne, WY, and finally Germany where he remained the majority of his military term. It was during his stay in Germany that he became fascinated with Mercedes Benz and would repair and restore many in his lifetime. He also became intrigued with the German cameras. Photography would prove to be a lifelong passion. He earned the Occupation Medal, Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal while in the Air Force.

Following an honorable discharge with honors from the USAF, he attended Emmanuel College in Franklin Springs, GA. He continued his education at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Harrisonburg, VA.

Following college he met his bride of fifty-one years and was never far from her side.

His next lifelong decision was to abandon a budding real estate career and go into the ministry. He was ordained into the Pentecostal Holiness Conference where he served in multiple pastoral positions throughout Virginia including Floyd, Hot Springs and Shenandoah where he pastored the majority of his life before retiring to Georgia only to come out of retirement and accept a position at a church in Gainesville, GA.

He remained an avid reader throughout his life and enjoyed a morning crossword puzzle.

His passion in life, however, was spreading the good news of Christ, and providing prayer and compassion to anyone in need. The predominate themes of his messages were love and grace. His life exemplified these themes. He breathed his last conscious breath with his Bible in hand.

His legacy is evidenced by the lives he has touched.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 24, 2008, at New Life Temple Pentecostal Holiness Church with Bishop Kenneth Kingrea, the Rev. Walter Wood and the Rev. David Bain officiating. The family will receive friends from 12 noon until service time at the church.

A graveside service will be conducted at 4:30 p.m. Saturday in the Appalachain Conference Cemetery, Dublin, VA. The family requests that memorials be made to the Gideon Memorial Bible Program.

Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home, 540-366-0707. Published in the Roanoke Times from 5/23/2008 - 5/24/2008. 

[Editor's Note: I have known Ivan and Ralph Green since the early 50s. I met Harriet Green when I taught English literature in the high school at Holmes Bible College, in 1958. She was an A student. Ralph assisted me in doing the funeral service for his aunt Thelma Green, the wife of Julius Green, when I was the senior pastor at Richmond First P. H. Church. I was greatly impressed by his tribute to his aunt.] 

The Rev. Mr. T. Elwood Long's impression of the 4th IPHC World Conference in Vancouver, BC, Canada 

The 4th IPHC World Conference in Vancouver, BC, Canada, was a powerful blessing to Jean and me. The memories of the messages, reports and fellowship with precious friends, new and old, from around the globe will aid me immeasurably in "finishing well" in the calling the Lord placed in me from my childhood.

I have attended all four of the World Conferences of the IPHC. This one has to be the best yet! The generous hospitality provided by Bishop Gordon MacDonald and the Canadian people was delightful.

T. Elwood Long, Senior Pastor, Shiloh Pentecostal Holiness Church, Wilson, NC, USA.

[Editor's Note: In addition to honoring bishop Gordon McDonald and his people, let me say a word about the excellent leadership of Mike Gray, Chief Operating Officer at RDC who assists Presiding Bishop James D. Leggett. Mike ia a prince of a man, a great organizer and an excellent administrator, as well as a powerful preacher and caring pastor. He is the best of the best.]

Revitalization Weekends - 2009

God is moving in “Tsunami Waves” around the globe through powerful miracles, supernatural manifestations, and over 100,000 people being saved daily. He wants to do the same thing in America. However, He is waiting on the American church to believe Him with reckless abandon and exercise a faith that has “no point of reference” as do other nations of the world where great revivals are taking place!

The IPHC can lead America into the next spiritual “Tsunami Wave” of the 21st Century and Evangelism USA has prepared a channel through which that wave can crash into the hearts of our leaders, preachers, pastors, and churches! The Board of EVUSA is sponsoring a definitive Revitalization Thrust across the International Pentecostal Holiness Church in America which we believe can reshape the landscape of the IPHC in this country!

The entire focus of these four week-ends in early 2009 (See Itinerary and Schedule below) will be on the new life, new vision, creativity, revitalization, renewal, and revival that God’s resurrection power can bring to people wherever He can get an “ear to hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches”!

Though the word is grossly overused in our generation, I am genuinely excited about the impact these weekends can have on each preacher, each local church, each Quadrennial Conference, and on the entirety of the IPHC. There will be one Revitalization Conference in each zone of the denomination. Each will be hosted by a local church that has actually been through a very significant revitalization process and therefore, becomes a real-life laboratory of the very principles that will be taught during the conference!

Two exceptional, nationally known teachers, Dr. Stan Toler and Dr. Conrad Lowe, will be ministering during the day while the nights will be marked with great celebration worship along with powerful preaching! There will also be a concerted promotional effort among the Caucasian, Hispanic, Korean, Pilipino, and African- American communities of the IPHC to make these events the most multi-cultural conferences in the history of our denomination!

Your pastor will be receiving full-color brochures in the Fall but this e-mail is being sent to you as a leader in the IPHC so that you can “Stay Ahead Of The Curve”!

Begin now to:

1. Pray with the staff of Evangelism USA, and a countless number of intercessors, for these powerful events in early 2009

2. Plan your 2009 calendar around these great week-ends!!!!!!!! The church, rather than any political party, should be the primary agent for change in America! Together, we can change the spiritual atmosphere, not only inside but also outside the walls of the church!

Sincerely, Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr., Executive Director, Evangelism USA  

2009 Revitalization Conferences ITINERARY

Jan. 22–24 Western Zone Church: Celebration Center in Modesto, California Pastors: Craig & Susan Bagley Conference: Pacific Western Conference Bishop: Roger Halvorson. Friday Speaker: Demetrius Miles

Jan. 29–31, Mid-West Zone Church: El Shaddai in Austin, Texas. Pastor: Marivel Reyes. Conference: Texas Latin Conference Bishop: Jamie Trevino. Friday Speaker: Joaquin Mercado

Feb. 19–21, Southeast Zone Church: Destiny Christian Center in Prattville, Alabama.  Pastor: Joey Elsky Conference: Alpha Conference Bishop: David Stevens. Friday Speaker: Stacy Hilliard

March 26 – 28, Northeast Zone Church: First P. H. Church in Goldsboro, North Carolina.  Pastor: Jimmy Whitfield.  Conference: North Carolina Conference Bishop: Chris Thompson.  Friday Speaker: Bishop James D. Leggett

Will you receive the Benediction?

I sense in my spirit that God is preparing us to think bigger than we have ever dreamed. How big is your God to you?

"Now unto Him Who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask, or think, according to the power that works in us. Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen" (Ephesians 3:20, 21).

May God's favor -- the Lord's assigned advantage -- flow in your life and ministry as you witness for Jesus Christ. 

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
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

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