2016 National Day of Prayer By Michelle Hilliard 
     The World Intercession Network (WIN) prayer ministry of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC), invites you to join with millions across America on May 5, 2016, for the 65th annual National Day of Prayer. There is a tremendous impact when prayer is offered in unity as a canopy for the purposes of God to be released on earth as it is in heaven.
     This year’s National Day of Prayer provides an unprecedented opportunity to see the Lord’s healing and renewing power made manifest as we call on citizens to humbly come before His throne.
     The theme for 2016 is Wake up America, emphasizing the need for individuals, corporately and individually, to return to the God of Fathers in reverence. To further highlight this theme, Isaiah 58:1a has been chosen as the Scripture focus for this year:  “Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet.”
     We recognize that we are at a critical moment in history.  Let’s join with millions of believers across America in every community and state to cry out to God in prayer.  It is time to connect with God, touching heaven and releasing hope to the earth.
     For more information, visit the National Day of Prayer Task Force website and connect with your state and local National Day of Prayer leaders.  Partnership and unity are keys in revival as we cry out together for God’s heart to be revealed in America.

     It is indeed a personal pleasure and a delight for  me to share with you an email letter I received from Pastor John Hagee on Saturday, April 30, 2016. I would like to share it with you for your prayerful consideration and decision if this event is for you. Here is the letter from Pastor John Hagee:
     Dear Hugh,
​     As we watch the news, we see storm clouds gathering once again on the horizon. Israel faces challenges to the safety and security of its people from terrorism and political pressure of international leaders who do not have Israel’s best interests at heart.
​     Last week, a terrorist blew up a bus in Jerusalem and injured over 20 people. Hamas later claimed responsibility for the attack carried out by a Palestinian from Bethlehem, proving that their influence is growing in the West Bank. On the same day, the Israel Defense Forces announced the discovery of a new Hamas tunnel under the border from Gaza that had penetrated Israeli territory. Two years after Operation Protective Edge, we see Hamas growing bolder and more aggressive.
​     In the last few weeks, Israel has faced a barrage of statements from international leaders demanding that Israel relinquish control of the Golan Heights. Russia, Germany, and the United States all declared that they do not recognize Israel’s right to the Golan and want to force Israel to give that land back to Syria. This would put Hezbollah and ISIS directly above the Galilee and endanger millions of Israelis.
     This is why CUFI must do everything possible to show the people of Israel that they do not stand alone against the forces that threaten them. 
​     This is why I am asking you to join Dr. David Jeremiah and I in Washington, DC July 18-19th for the CUFI Washington Summit. Please click here to register.
Israel’s time of need is now.  It is our responsibility to stand up and speak up for Zion’s Sake.
See you in Washington! 
​Original signed
​Pastor John Hagee

     All of my life I have been a strong supporter of Sunday school in the church. In many churches today, the Sunday school has been abandoned and forgotten. It is time that we, the people of God, insist that we need to return to the teaching of the Bible, God's holy Word.
​     If we are going to have fruitful Sunday schools we must have teachers or facilitators who have been called by God and trained to teach. I am a strong advocate for teacher training. The most effective Sunday schools that I have been a part of are highly organized with people who willing use their God-given talents and spiritual gifts in their particular calling and giftings. The foundation for an effective Sunday school is the organizational structure and we need people who are gifted in administration to be in charge of the smooth operation of the Sunday school.
​     At Christian Life Worship Center in Athens, GA (formerly called Tarkenton Memorial Church), we have a class for every age group. Our church is located at 125 Kathwood Drive, Athens, GA 30680. For parents with small children, we have one of the best nurseries anywhere. The head lady actually teaches small children about Jesus while they are in the nursery. Parents feel good about the care our small children receive.

​     The class that Melvine and I attend every week, and it rare that we ever miss, is one of the best classes I have ever attended. It is called Celebration Class. ​The Celebration Class is a cross generational gathering of various ages of adults that meets on Sunday mornings to celebrate Jesus and study God's Holy Word, the Bible. Lavon and Arlette Revells are the teachers or facilitators. There is never a dull moment and they know how to get class members involved in the discussion of the subject material.
     Melvine and I are members of this Sunday school class, and we invite you to join with us and many others who enjoy this Bible study class.
     The class meets on the lower level of our educational wing of Christian Life Worship Center, in a classroom known as Stephanie's Place, named in loving memory of the life and legacy of Stephanie Ellen Morgan a dedicated educator during her adult life. You may enter the classroom from the parking lot to the right of the rose garden.
Lavon Revells.

     Lavon and Arlette Revells are leading our Sunday school class, called Celebration, in another new series on the walk of faith. We are learning to receive God's grace, and then, to give it to others.
​     Why not join us this Sunday at 9:50 a. m.?  Arlette and Lavon would love to see you there.
​     Your presence will greatly bless and encourage us. Who knows what great things will happen when you come, too.
​     I know from experience that distance should not be a hindrance to coming to our church. It is my belief that when you have a strong teaching church like our, the difference in the quality of curriculum and teaching is worth the distance.
​    Of course, when you come to our Sunday school, you will want to stay for the morning worship service and to hear our pastor, Brad Cooper, bring the morning message. He is an excellent communicator and preacher. His sermons did deep into the hearts of all of us, and he makes us think, and then, to make a commitment to serve the Lord with all that is within us.

Isaiah 55:12-13

12 "For you shall go out with joy,
And be led out with peace;
The mountains and the hills
Shall break forth into singing before you,
And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree,
And instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree;
And it shall be to the LORD for a name,
For an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off."
NKJV

     I just heard this story and I liked it so much that I had to share it with you today. It is a story that will be a lot of fun to tell.
​     The story is about a child psychologist who liked doing repairs on his home. One Saturday he was putting the finishing touches on a driveway. The concrete was still wet as he gently smoothed it out with his mason's trowel. A few feet away stood a neighborhood boy, watching him as he worked.
​     Across the street was a neighbor mowing his lawn. For years the neighbor had listened as the doctor went on and on about how he loved working with kids.  He kept his eye on the doctor and the little boy, wondering if there might be trouble. 
​     Sure enough, as soon as the doctor finished his work and stood back to admire it, the boy made his move. He jumped into the concrete and ran jumping up one side and down the other.
​     When the boy jumped out the doctor grabbed him and began swatting his behind. The man across the street was quite amazed at the doctor's response. As the boy ran home crying and dripping wet with cement, the neighbor called across the street, "Hey, I thought you loved kids, John."
​     "I do love kids," the doctor replied, "but in the abstract, not in the concrete."

     Colorado Springs, CO – Emmanuel College Head Archery Coach, Rodney Estrada was named the Regional Coach of the year by USA Archery. 
​     These coaches demonstrated exceptional contributions to their clubs and the Collegiate Archery Program as a whole. In the past year these coaches have shown tireless dedication to the sport, their archers have seen success in the classroom and on the archery field, and USA Archery thanks these coaches for their continued efforts
​     "I have the honor of again being nominated and selected as south region Coach of the Year for US Archery Collegiate program," EC Archery Coach Rodney Estrada says. "The nominating ballots were touching and it means a lot to me to me that I mean that much to all of you who supported my candidacy. "I love this sport and what better way to show my love for this endeavor than investing in so many people in so many ways. Thank you everyone, I'll continue to do all I can to further this sport, the competition and those who may be first time arrow shooters all the way to national or international podium shooters. Thank you!
​     Estrada also earned the Regional coach of the year in 2015, along with the National Coach of the year award.
​     In addition to regional recognition, each of these four coaches is now in the running for the USA Archery Collegiate Archery Program National Coach of the Year award. USA Archery will send instructions on how to vote for the National Coach of the Year directly to each Collegiate Archery Program club
​     Votes will be due to USA Archery by May 9th, and the Collegiate Archery Program National Coach of the Year will be announced at the U.S. National Outdoor Collegiate Championships (NOCC) being held at May 19-22nd in Lansing, Michigan.
​     Congrats to Coach Estrada and to the Archery Team!

​Isaiah 55:6-7
6 Seek the LORD while He may be found,
Call upon Him while He is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake his way,
And the unrighteous man his thoughts;
Let him return to the LORD,
And He will have mercy on him;
And to our God,
For He will abundantly pardon.
NKJV

​     Rhonda Robertson Mills, age 49, of Lexington, Virginia, passed into the presence of her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ on Tuesday, April 26, 2016, after a four-and-a-half year long battle with reoccurring health challenges.
​     Rhonda was born on Monday, Sept. 19, 1966, in Lynchburg, VA. She was predeceased by her biological father, Cpl. Ronald Edward Robertson who died in the Vietnam War; her paternal grandmother, Dorothy Robertson; paternal grandfather, Edward I. Robertson; and paternal uncle Jerry R. Robertson
​     Rhonda is survived by her parents, the Rev. Earl and Carla Ragland of Thaxton; Pastor W. A. Mills Jr., husband of 30 years; and their adult children Rachel Mills Wilson and husband David of Lexington, Tré Mills and wife Megan of Blacksburg, and Hannah Mills of Washington, D.C. It was Rhonda’s great joy to live long enough to see and hold their firstborn grandchild, Gabriel David Wilson
​     Rhonda leaves behind her five siblings, Ronnie Robertson (Astrid), Mark Robertson (Regina), Robin Ragland Bass (Alvin), Murdock Ragland, and “ baby” brother Corbert Ragland (Dale). She is also survived by her beloved in-laws, the Rev. Tim and Ruth Mills Creel.
     Rhonda met her college sweetheart at Holmes Bible College in Greenville, S.C., in 1983. After dating two years they were wed on Saturday, Oct. 12, 1989, and spent their 30 years together as husband and wife pastoring churches in North Carolina and Virginia, the last 20 years as senior pastor and first lady of the Buena Vista Pentecostal Holiness Church, who has faithfully stood by their side from day one, providing special care during the last years and days of her life on this earth.
     Rhonda served as a registered nurse for nearly 20 years until her health necessitated an early retirement. She was an accomplished musician, vocalist, and artistic individual who was described by some as sassy and classy, fun and feisty. She loved her husband, children, grandson, family and friends, but most of all her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in whose presence she now dwells eternally.
     A celebration of Rhonda’s life is scheduled for Saturday, 11 a.m., April 30, at the Buena Vista Pentecostal Holiness Church, 1702 Chestnut Ave., Buena Vista, VA. The internment will follow at the Green Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday evening from 6 to 8 at the Buena Vista Pentecostal Holiness Church.
     Pastor Bart Hellmuth, Bishop Preston Mathena, and Presiding Bishop Doug Beacham will officiate at the service. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Rhonda's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Buena Vista Pentecostal Holiness Church Building Program. The family would like to thank Carillion Home Health, UVA Medical Staff, church family, and friends all around the world for their faithful, unwavering love and care shown to them during Rhonda’s extended illness.
     Arrangements are by Bolling, Grose, and Lotts Funeral Home in Buena Vista.

​[Editor's Comment: It was a privilege for Melvine and me to travel to Buena Vista, Virginia, to participate in a wonderful Veteran's Day Celebration on a Sunday a number of years ago when I was the Director/Endorser of Chaplains Ministries, IPHC. Pastor W. A. Mills invited me to speak that Sunday to honor our veterans as well as preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If I recall correctly, their annual celebration of Veteran's Day is one of the largest in that area, and it drew a record crowd.
​     We remember Rhonda with fondest memories as she saw to it that our every need was taken care of during that weekend. The accommodations were excellent, and we loved meeting their children.
​     It was my privilege to serve on the Holmes Bible College Board of Trustees with W. A. Mills, a prince of a man, and a powerful preacher and a gifted pastor.
​     I praise God that Rhonda's sufferings are now over and she is forever in peace and rest in heaven. We honor her lovely name and the life and legacy she leaves to all of us to trust God with our lives and our future. It is our prayer that the Comfort of the Holy Spirit will be real in the lives of this precious family.
​     John in his writing of the Book of Revelation has this to say about those who Christians who die: "Then I heard a voice from heaven say, 'Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.'

"Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them."  (Revelation 14:13, NIV).]

During a testimony time many years ago in a church service, one of the men said, "We were so poor when I was growing up that when we finished the molasses we would hang the empty jar over the table and 'Sop' the shadow."

     Dear Members of the IPHC Council of Bishops:
     I was honored to serve as the presiding officer for the annual RIVER OF LIFE MINISTRIES CONFERENCE on Saturday, April 23, 2016.  The Conference was hosted on the campus of Bethel Life Worship Center in Greenville, Pennsylvania.  Bethel Life is pastored by Rev. Kent and Denise Bell--two exceptionally remarkable and gifted servant leaders.
     On Friday afternoon, I was privileged to tour Bethel Life’s Project Restore House. Project Restore is a ministry offering Hope and Healing, to women who have been victimized by slave and sex trafficking, through a long-term aftercare program called "Lyndsey's Place." Project Restore purposes to bring the light of God’s love into the darkened lives of trafficking victims. Evil exists not because of the evil people in the world…but because the people of light sit back and do nothing.’
     On Friday evening, I had the unique opportunity to see Loving HANDS in action.  "Loving HANDS is a respite service provided once a month for three hours for families who have children with special physical, intellectual, behavioral or emotional needs.  All ages are welcome, along with their siblings. Each guest is paired up with a buddy for the night and enjoys an evening of gluten-free, casein-free snacks, appropriate games, crafts and fun. Parents enjoy a night off and we get a chance to love on your child."
          While serving in the General Church Education and Discipleship Ministries Divisions, I was privileged to see the vision for Loving HANDS and the Project Restore House come to fruition.  These are relevant ministries that are modeling ministry and impacting our IPHC faith family in a profound way.  If you want to learn more about these ministries I encourage you to visit Bethel Life’s website.  That address is: www.blwc.org.
     My mother was a member of Bethel Life or Greenville PHC as it was known then.  This church ‘raised’ her and her four sisters after their father died when she was 13 months old and her mother died when she was twelve.  So, it consequently holds a very special place in the lives and hearts of my younger brother, sister and myself. 
     I had not had the privilege of serving this Conference as its presiding officer since 2010.  I was encouraged by what I experienced.  Bishop Adams' leadership combined with that of the members of the Conference Executive Council has been transformational to say the least. They model team ministry and their gifts serve as a complement to one another!
     Bishop Adams began his State of the Conference remarks by recalling his introduction to the Conference through a mentor pastor and friend, Rev. Almon Birt [the father of Bishop Dayton Birt] some 13 years earlier.  The number of churches had dramatically decreased and the future did not hold much promise.  At the invitation of Rev. Birt, he attended the 25th General Conference that was hosted in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 2005. He describes this experience as follows:  “But that year was the year of General Conference and I was privileged to go to Oklahoma and see the IPHC Church up close and personal AND I LIKED IT!”
     Bishop Adams also credited an ‘Antioch Encounter’ that the Conference hosted in Pittsburgh in 2010 as being a significant turning point for the Conference.  He was also very complementary of the assistance that Bishop Thompson and Evangelism USA as well as Bishop Dayton Birt and Redemption Ministries have made to their turn-around/rebirth!    
     He concluded his remarks by saying: “There is a wind blowing across the River of Life Conference. It is bringing LIFE to once dead people.  Bringing life to a disjointed, dismembered conference that was almost dead.”
     We rejoice with River of Life Ministries as they experience the ‘New Thing’ that God is doing in their Conference! 
 
Clergy Credentials Were Issued As Follows:
Minister’s License (2) –
·       Rev. Sheila Palonen
·       Rev. Merissa DeVries
 
Local Church Minister’s Certificate (1) –
·       Rev. Robert Kostelnik
 
The Conference, in session, also celebrated the Foundations for Emerging Leaders [FEL] Graduation.  FEL is a new leadership training program that the Conference initiated four years ago.  The FEL is a three year program consisting of 12 modules.  I was honored to participate in awarding 40 graduates their certificate of completion.  Those graduating from FEL’s first class were:
·       Dale Adams
·       Debi Adams
·       Andrew Bell
·       Denise Bell
·       Kent E. Bell
·       Marlyne Callahan
·       Brad Campbell
·       Rita Clemente
·       H. Allen Collins
·       Donny Decker
·       Sherry Decker
·       Amy Faler
·       Lance Faler
·       James D. Fleck
·       Marcia Fleck
·       Tara Fraicola
·       Kim Gilmore
·       Julie Graubard
·       Scott Graubard
·       Joan Grunewald
·       Marissa Hamilton
·       Betty Hayden
·       Brian Heckman
·       Annette Kostelnik
·       Robert Kostelnik
·       Angie Kuhn
·       Thomas Morris
·       Brian Paolucci
·       Linda Paolucci
·       Linda Reeder
·       David Robinson
·       Kathy Robinson
·       LuAnn Shreckengosh
·       Richard Shreckengosh
·       Frank Smith
·       Kristina Smith
·       Todd Smith
·       Holly Terry
·       Melanie Weisberg
·       Ben Zimmer
 
It was an honor as the presiding officer to recognize the following Conference attendees and guests: 
·       Rev. Kent Bell, member of the General Discipleship Ministries Division Council and also a member of the 28th General Conference Bylaws Committee.   
·       Rev. Larry & Deborah Mininger, IPHC Career Missionaries.  The Miningers are now in their 25th year of missions, and have an active ministry in over a dozen nations within Eastern Europe.
 
     One can sense that Dale and Debi are walking in a new season of God’s anointing and vision as they lead River of Life Ministries.  I celebrate the ‘air’ of expectancy and the hope that one experiences as you talk with the members of this part of our faith family.
Dale and Debi, I thank you for the honor of serving you and our flock - River of Life Ministries.  May the Holy Spirit continue to anoint and empower your leadership and service as you tend this part of His vineyard!
 
-Tal-
​

     Pastors Jim and Juanita Mullins of Ashtabula, Ohio IPHC in the River of Life Conference celebrated their Fifty-Six Wedding Anniversary on April 22. Friends gathered at Erie, PA Golden Corral on Friday, and on Saturday they were at the Greenville, PA Conference with services and conference in the morning and at the noon meal all sang to them. The Mullins are active in their Conference.
      Jim was born at War, W.Virginia. He attended Holmes Bible College in early 1950s and later took studies at Emmanuel. Juanita has been active in music all of her life.  
     Juanita Long Mullins, a performer in her early years with personal appearances and making records, came into the world in Johnson County, Kentucky, near the town of Painesville, in the waning days of 1930. Music found a way into her life at a very early age and she began getting attention for her singing when she was just seven years old.
     Juanita's parents later moved to Waverly, Ohio then to Richlands, Virginia where she graduated from high school in 1950.
     Her producer or manager was Eddy Ollikainen, who was also a guitarist on all of her recordings. A 1964 article indicates Eddie had a trio that backed her on her recordings. He was also helpful in getting her to record upon first hearing her sing Juanita's publicity manager was a Howard Mobey, a newspaper editor from Painesville who also worked out of Ashtabula, Ohio.
     Country music artists back in an early era often found themselves working with a sponsor whether on the radio or for their personal appearances. In Juanita's case, her personal appearances included many Ben Franklin stores in their music departments as well as other similar stores that back then were called "five and dime" stores. She made visits to many radio stations, all through the southern part of the United States, tirelessly promoting her music.
     Her popularity with the local folks was such that she was always in demand for funerals and weddings.
     Juanita had published 4 song books in the early years that are now out of print and many of the old 45 rpm and LP records and sometimes found on Ebay since they are out of print.  
     Juanita and her husband are pastors at a Pentecostal Holiness Church in Ashtabula, Ohio. On most Sunday mornings, Juanita herself can be seen leading the services. Even hip replacement surgery hasn't slowed her down one bit. Juanita's family includes two daughters, Anita and Sharon and son Jimmy, Junior. All of the children are grown and living on their own. Sharon in Atlanta, Anita in Dunn, NC, where her husband Chris is pastor of IPHC on Carolina Avenue.
     On display at their church is a case of memorabilia from her career, including song books, records and her DVD’s the DVD’s are available for a few and  other mementos.
     Juanita and her husband have lived the life that they preach--offering their home and support to over 100 foster children over a span of 40 years.
When asked to recount her life and career, she noted to her husband, "...life just flew by."
Credits & Sources

• Hillbilly-Music.com wishes to thank Juanita's husband, the Rev. Jim Mullins for providing biographical information about Juanita's career.
• Country Song Roundup; No. 83; February 1964; American Folk Publications, Inc.; Derby, CT

     Mission:M25--A ministry that reaches out to the "overlooked and ignored" as Matthew 25 states in the Message Bible. A ministry of hope with the mandate to "Be A Light Not A Mouth" or BALNAM by serving however and wherever possible. The ministry born from the heart and ministries of Christian Heritage Church in Amarillo TX has expanded to a National Level. The ministry is endorsed and supported by the IPHC (International Pentecostal Holiness Church).
     Saturday, April 23, 2016
Broken Hearted Marine.  A young man, a Marine who had finished his time in the military shared his story of a terrific career. Then the painful countenance appeared, one witnessed so many times on Run For The Wall, around a table in the bar, a conference room, a living room, in churches and the list goes on. It has become so painfully clear there is nothing more painful than to train, sacrifice, hurt and push yourself to stand with your brothers in combat and not be given the opportunity.
     It has been stated there is no greater sin in leadership than to prepare and motivate people and not give them the opportunity to exercise that energy, that passion, that desire that is deep within a person. Unfortunately, this sin happens week in and week out inside the American church. There are words of encouragement and challenge and then nothing happens for that Spirit to flow out of the individual.
     As I traveled early this cool, damp Saturday morning to speak to a group of men the words of this young Marine could not be escaped. How many men would we challenge and how many would respond? Is it really worth the effort with so many voices screaming for their attention? Can they truly hear or does the Words of Jesus, "... For they look, but they don't really see. They hear, but they don't really listen or understand" (Matthew 13:13, NLT), apply to them? Can we be different? Can I be different?
     Upon reflection, the memories of being trained at Youth Camp in June 1968 to take Jesus to the streets, then being taken there and the adults stood by watching to make sure we remembered to do things correctly. The feeling that this was the thing that needed to be done would not depart. Upon returning to the local church, I made phone calls to some of the guys from the same camp. We did the only thing we knew, dressed up like we were going to church because we were told we needed to "represent Jesus" (when all we were doing was representing the church folks). There was the crawling through the window in the back of the church, having prayer and then heading out to neighborhoods to knock on doors and share our faith.          
​     Well, we did not change Norman, Oklahoma, we did not fill any churches but there was this feeling that we were on the battlefield. The one thing about Christianity that is truly awesome, it is a personal thing. We must remember, we will answer for ourselves when we stand before the Almighty God. There will be no figure pointing at "leaders" that should have, could have but did not.
     Then there was the thought of the first leadership role, Lifeliners In Action or LIA. Eighteen teenagers joined in front of Pastor Damon and Marilyn Burrows home, frustrated because we would get all fired up during summer camp, sit in services and classes and lose all the passion we had gained. We decided we would join together once a month, minister to each other and keep the challenges before us. We did not wait to be led, we began leading. It was not long before we were filling the largest churches in the conference with as many as 400 teenagers.
     That same spirit lives today, only with greater passion (intense feelings driven by deep convictions). We travel thousands of miles, challenging people to do something beyond the four walls of the church to serve people, be a fragrance of His spirit (2 Corinthians 2:14). We attempt to live a life and give others a platform that would make people "ask" us about the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15). Let us list Mission:M25's endeavors to activate men and women on the National Level:

• Free Camps across the USA, Philippines and Mexico 
• Run For The Wall, May 18-28, 2016
• 50 CC Diaper Run, July 10-21, 2016
• Native American Outreach, August 16-22, 2016

     Before leaving the Men's Meeting a gentlemen introduced himself with, "I am 67 years old and I am dying with cancer." He presented me with a blanket to explain his battlefield. He gives these away in the hospital as the stories of death and pain flood him. He speaks with a tenderness but a directness that only a warrior can carry. He speaks of the miracles the Lord has brought because of these blankets of love in very troubled times. There was the 38 year old lady who later received the miracle (combination of God's mercy and grace and modern medicine) of a cancer free report. Then the report of the old gentleman who found the miracle of peace to travel this journey by the Lord's mercy and grace. The warrior was pale, had to stop talking to take a breath and walked with a slow pace, but the he fought on! He was not looking for an excuse, not waiting for someone to lead him, he continued to challenge the enemy of destruction on his battlefield, the hospital. 
Posted by Gary Burd at 9:04 PM

Here is the Scripture Mission God gave me when I was the director/endorser of Chaplains Ministries, IPHC as recorded in the Book of Acts:
Acts 13:47
You are . . . following orders, doing what God commanded when He said,

I've set you up
as light to all nations.
You'll proclaim salvation
to the four winds and seven seas!"
(from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

     Did you hear about the small town that was going through a terrible drought and really needed rain?  They had bullfrogs there that were six months old and still couldn't swim.
     I would like to thank Sonja Beach for sharing this joke with me.
​     The Bible says this about laughter:
          Proverbs 15:13
               A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance,
               But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
               NKJV

          Proverbs 17:22
               A merry heart does good,  like medicine,
               But a broken spirit dries the bones.
               NKJV

​     Dear Dr. Morgan
     The "chemo" oncologist was very optimistic at our meeting with him today.  The PET scan from last week shows that the cancer is confined to my tongue and throat and has not moved anywhere else in my body.  PTL!  He seems to believe that shrinking the tumor and the lymph nodes is highly possible.
      The "chemo" that he will administer once a week will be a mild form of chemo, not the highly toxic kind that is used if the cancer is more widespread.  He assured me that I would not be nauseated and would not lose my hair.  The radiation oncologist will be able to concentrate the radiation to the tongue and throat areas only, but this will be five days a week for 6-7 weeks.  This is the best of the bad news I have had so far.
     I want to thank Hugh Morgan for spreading the prayer requests and updates for us through Hugh's News.  We have heard from people around the country and around the world!  I would like to respond individually to every one who has written, sent beautiful cards, called, and let us know that you are taking our need before the Lord daily.  I can't begin to tell you what that means to us.  Just one request -- please keep praying.  We love all of you.
     Janice

[Editor's Comment: I praise God for the good report Janice Robinson Russ has given to us. I want to thank all of you who have joined Melvine, Greg and me in prayer for the healing of Janice. Our son, Greg, as well as Stephanie, were baptized by Pastor Wesley Russ when we lived in Stone Mountain, GA, near the Church of the Comforter in Tucker, GA, where we attended for some 15 months when the Air Force sent me to Atlanta for clinical education and training in Supervision of Clinical Pastoral Education at Georgia Mental Health Institute and Georgia Baptist Hospital. I was an adjunct faculty member of Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and supervised seminary students in the clinical setting of both institutions. Both Greg and Stephanie (now in heaven) love Wesley and Janice, and he will always be their pastor. Wesley is one of the best preachers in the IPHC and I have never heard a bad or a weak sermon. He was born to preach. Preaching for Wesley is like breathing. It is natural and is a calling as well as a gift from God.
​     However, I want you to know that Wesley Russ married up when he married the former Miss Janice Robinson. She is so gifted and talented. I think she has a perfect brain with unlimited intelligence and ability to learn, speak, play the piano and organ, and compose letters, bulletins, etc. without error. What is impressive too about Janice is her sweet spirit and willingness to help others. She and Wesley are great hosts and hostesses. They enjoy having people in their home. We enjoy visiting with them, and on several occasions we have gone with them to Lancaster, Pennsylvania to Amish and Mennonite country, and have enjoyed the food, shopping and seeing the great shows. When you are with Wesley and Janice you will laugh a lot. I need people like them to help me laugh. I am too serious and I need to lighten up with laughter.
     I will be sharing with you my understanding of praying in the Name of Jesus and trusting Him to answer our prayers according to the Will of God in the days ahead.
​     We are trusting God to use chemo and radiation therapy to bring about the necessary healing and to kill the cancer on the base of her tongue. We never give up praying. We pray without ceasing.
​     What a wonderful family we have in the Pentecostal Holiness Church that reaches around the world. More than 5,000 people read Hugh's News. That is a miracle. Only God could have helped us to achieve such a wide reading audience in more than 20 countries. We have people from most all denominations who read Hugh's News. I am amazed and overwhelmed at what God has done through this ministry He has entrusted to me.]

In a face book communication, W. A. Mills wrote the following about the death of his dear wife, Rhronda:
     “THANK YOU to everyone who has prayed fervently for my dear wife Rhonda Robertson- Mills. She told me last evening that she had not given up the fight to live but that she was very tired. Evidently, it was time for her toil to end, for she slipped out sometime during the night to be with our Lord. My heart is broken, but I know that her suffering has finally ended and she is at peace. Thank you for remembering our family during this sad but joyful time.”
​     As soon as I get the arrangements for Rhonda's funeral I will report it to you.
​    I want to thank my long time friends for alerting me to the death of Rhonda Mills. I got a call from Daneel le Roux who was in Washington, DC for a conference. Then, I receiving the following email from Hugh Hoyle, one of our distinguished IPHC Missionaries who is an ordained minister of the Cornerstone Conference, formerly known as the Western North Carolina Conference.
     Hugh Hoyle sent the following email: "​I just received notice and verified the Rhonda Robertson Mills wife of Pastor W.A. Mills  of Buena Vista,  VA, Passed  away this morning.  I will try to get you more  information before you make it public."
      It is because of people like Daneel le Roux and Hugh Hoyle that I get the fast-breaking news that I can then pass on to you in a form you can read and understand.
​     Thank your for being a subscriber to Hugh's News. It is indeed my joy to serve you.

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2 Chronicles 20:15-17
     15 He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you: 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's. 16 Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.'"
NIV

​     Father and Son

​     Father to son:  "Son, this is going to hurt me more than it hurts you."  Son to father: "Well Dad, make sure you go easy on yourself."