J. Lee Grady To Speak at “Pressing into the Promise” Conference in Rochester, NY on June 25 - 26

(Rochester, NY) - This June, Ruth’s Company will host its first annual conference, “Pressing into the Promise”, at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Rochester.  The keynote speaker will be J. Lee Grady, award-winning journalist and former editor of Charisma Magazine. Grady authored The 10 Lies the Church Tells Women and The Holy Spirit is Not for Sale. He is known all over the world for his anointed ministry which empowers women and confronts abuse. 

The conference will also feature other captivating speakers who will hold workshops for women in almost every stage of life. The workshop titles are “Conversations with God” (speaker Laura Woods); “When God says ‘Wait’”: “Encouragement for Single Women” (Nicole Doyley); “Finding Value in Your Empty Nest Years”: (Kathleen Molway); “Raising Children Who Love the Lord” (Barbie Santos); and “From Brokenness to Breakthrough” (Kim Tunnell).  Worshiper and gifted musician, Sherie Hill, will lead worship for the event.

Ruth’s Company is a ministry which encourages women to seek God’s best in every area of life.  It is an ever-increasing army of women who choose God’s ways above their own and stand as beacons of hope in a culture full of compromise.  This conference will gather women across denominational and cultural lines. It will teach, inspire, anoint, heal and encourage women to move forward and press into all that God has for them. The Bible says that He has given us many “great and precious promises” (2 Peter 1:4); these promises serve to keep us secure, hopeful, grounded and moving forward in our Christian walk. In this world full of distractions and sometimes harrowing circumstances, it is important to regularly set aside time to get refreshed and reminded of God’s word and His ways, and to look at specific promises He has made to His daughters.

The conference is open to all women, regardless of age or church attendance. The cost is $25 by May 15^th and $35 by June 15^th.  This pays for all general sessions, the workshop of your choice and materials. The event begins Friday night, June 25^th, at 7:00 pm and ends on Saturday, June 26^th, at 3:00 pm.  

“If you need a place to stay, the Radisson is offering a special rate for conference guests. So call early and reserve your room. To register and for more information about the conference, the speakers and the Radisson can be found at www.ruthscompany.org. This conference promises to be a life-changing experience!” says Nicole Doyley, conference organizer.

Hope Valley Christian Camp Offers Disadvantaged Youth Summertime Fun and Fellowship

By Lida H. Moore

Six years ago Nathan and Jessica Welton had a vision of sharing their many wonderful experiences growing up and going to a Christian summer camp with young people who would not normally get to attend because of family financial restraints. Their dream has become a reality, and this summer the Hope Valley Christian Camp in Bliss, NY, will open its doors for the first two weeks of August to 150 young people from Genesee Valley.

“Because of the higher cost of established camps, many children from poor families and economically depressed regions are not able to attend camp and hear the Gospel in a fun outdoor environment,” said Nathan Welton. “We chose the name ‘Hope Valley’ because our target market is the Genesee Valley, and we want to bring hope back to these children and families that are being crushed by economic woes and a life without the knowledge of our Savior.”

This residential camp will be offered to families for their young people to enjoy at a reduced rate of two, six night sessions for less than $200. Normally a similar camp would cost $300 or more per session for a camper. The Weltons also hope that through this ministry, scholarships will be available for campers unable to provide any resources to attend.

In fact, after taking a small business startup class at SUNY Geneseo last Fall, Welton was inspired to open a thrift store in his hometown of Nunda in Livingston County to help fund Hope Valley Christian Camp.  Another Chance thrift store opened just before Christmas last year at 16 N. State Street, next to the pharmacy in Nunda. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday and offers a 50 percent discount off of clothing every Tuesday.

“The response has been wonderful as friends and neighbors have donated used clothing and household items as well as volunteered to organize and decorate the store,“ Welton said. “Financially the store is generating enough income to pay the camp bills as they come along, and we are seeing promising growth in the midst of a very slow time for retail businesses.”

“It is our hope that as the store grows in popularity, we will be able to create a large scholarship fund to make camp even more affordable for families that are struggling,” he added. “Ultimately our goal is to offer the camp for free to any children who need this experience and can’t afford it otherwise.”

Welton said that for the past ten years he has been involved in some form of camp ministry, and for the past two and half years, in preparation for becoming a Camp Director, he took a position with a local Christian summer camp and learned the process, paperwork, and challenges of operating a summer camp. “We were inspired by the people we worked with and their passion for young people,” he said. “It was after this experience that we felt it was time for us to start our own ministry and thus Hope Valley Christian Camp was born.” In addition, Welton said that his business and Bible degrees as well as his wife Jessica’s human services degree have given them a well-rounded base for leading this ministry.

“We have also been blessed to find a great summer camp venue that was available and affordable for us to hold our camp ministry in 2010,” Welton said. Bliss Summit Bible Camp, the site of the Hope Valley Christian Camp’s first summer sessions, is located in Wyoming County and offers a full range of summer camp activities on a beautiful 77 acre campus with a pond, chapel, 100-foot waterslide, indoor paintball arena, wilderness paintball, hiking trails, gym, and modern kitchen facilities. The camp will offer the traditional recreational camp activities such as archery, hiking, fishing, crafts, games, campfires, and cookouts. The camp site is within 60 miles of both Rochester and Buffalo and just a short drive south of Warsaw.

The Hope Valley Christian Camp slogan is “Jesus wants to meet you here.” “We want to teach children and young people about having a relationship with Jesus Christ and to help them draw closer to the Father through a loving, caring Bible-based camp experience.” This summer’s theme will be “The Father’s Love” and the camp will offer Bible studies, games, chapel services, and fun crafts which creatively incorporate this theme and the impact God’s love can have on our lives.

The summer camp team will not only include the Weltons but also a staff of 20 to 25 young people serving as counselors, activity leaders, cooks, nurses,  and office staff – who are unpaid volunteers, which allows the ministry to provide the camp at a much lower price. Several of the counseling staff are studying to be teachers or already are in the field working with children every day. “We have also been blessed with the opportunity to mentor and disciple several young people who are now committed members of our summer camp team,” said Welton. “It’s wonderful to see how God is working in their lives and drawing out the passion and gifts that He instilled in them.”

Over the past few months during the planning stages, many community and church members have come forward to provide resources, prayer, and encouragement for the startup of the camp. Some of those resources have included legal work to establish a nonprofit organization, advertising materials, and publicity.

Welton believes that the Hope Valley Christian Camp will be a special place because of the passion and commitment the staff has for young people. “My wife and I are in our early 30’s and not that far removed from being campers ourselves, so we understand the experience that campers want, and we are committed to providing this experience to children whose families can’t afford it.”

The Weltons have a Facebook page dedicated to the camp ministry, an online camp group and a Website, www.hopevalleycamp.com.  They continue to recruit dedicated, Christian staff for this summer’s two sessions in August and also appreciate all prayers and support. Those interested in Hope Valley Christian Camp should contact Nathan Welton by e-mail at director@hopevalleycamp.com  or by phone 585-993-8921 or on Facebook by searching Hope Valley Camp. The Camp’s mailing address is Hope Valley Ministry, Inc.; P.O. Box 323, Nunda, NY 14517.

An Interview with Roger White, Director of Odosagih Bible Conference and Retreat Center

By Lida H. Moore

The Good News: Please discuss the history of the Odosagih Bible Conference and Retreat Center.

Roger White: Odosagih had its beginnings on May 8, 1922. When Pastor John Whitney and his wife, Vina, were traveling up Hazelmere Ave in Machias, NY, he saw the grounds and said, "Wouldn't this make a perfect place for a Bible conference?" Shortly after that Pastor Whitney and several others gathered on the grounds and claimed Jer. 33:3 for the Conference. It says, "Call upon Me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not."

The Good News: Where did the retreat center get its name from and what changes have occurred over the years in the running of the retreat center?

Roger White: We are located on Lime Lake. Because the lake is full of springs, the Seneca Indians called the area "Odosagih", which means "living water." The Conference kept the name because Jesus is The Living Water spiritually speaking. Odosagih's program began with meetings just over Labor Day weekend, then expanded to two weeks of general Bible conference. Eventually we had six weeks of children's camp, which continued until 1970 when we became a family camp. Today we have 8 weeks of family camp during which you and your family can come and enjoy our concerts and services and stay with us - in a tent, an RV, one of our cottages or cabins, our guesthouse, or our motel that overlooks the lake.

 
The Good News: Describe where your retreat center is located and why this is an ideal location for a retreat center? What are some other destination places that are located near your center that visitors to your center can also enjoy?

Roger White: We are located on Hazelmere Ave in Machias, NY (45 miles south of Buffalo), on Lime Lake. Guests and staff enjoy our peaceful location and picturesque view of the lake. We are near Letchworth State Park, Niagara Falls, Darien Lake theme park, the Arcade & Attica Steam Railroad and skiing at Holiday Valley and Holimont in Ellicottvile.

The Good News:What is the purpose of this retreat center and how do you view it as a ministry?

Roger White: Our purpose is to minister to individuals and their families by providing a place of quiet, relaxation, and reverent worship through the preaching of God's Word and the ministry of music. We seek to minister to people by providing an opportunity for folks to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior, to help people grow in Christ under the Word, and to provide a place for folk to come and relax away from their busy schedules.

 
The Good News: Please discuss the year-round activities of the center (i.e. what happens in fall, winter, summer, and spring). In 2009, how many people used your facilities and how did this compare to previous years. What are your expectations for 2010 attendance?

Roger White: In the summer we offer 8 weeks of morning and evening Bible study where folks sit under some of the finest Bible teachers, such as Dr. David Clemens, Pastor George Grace, Dr. Renald Showers, and Dr. Woodrow Kroll. Each service includes special music presented by singers like Eddie Piper, The Puffers, and Billy Speer. Each Saturday evening we have a concert featuring well-known groups including The Torchmen and The Jacobs Brothers and also Odosagih's own musical talent. We have a nursery and programs for K-6th graders and teens. During the fall, winter, and spring the Conference is open for churches and other Christian groups to use our facilities for retreats and other special events. We can provide lodging, meals, a meeting area, and various other items. Attendance has remained relatively steady with normal ups and downs as some of our long-time attendees have gone to be with the Lord and other people are just discovering us.

 
The Good News: Describe the different facilities/events/activities available at the center. Which of these are usually the most popular with your guests during the different parts of the year (i.e. summer, winter)?

Roger White: Probably the most popular in the summer are activities on the lake. We operate a speed boat for tubing and waterskiing and a pontoon boat for leisurely rides around the lake. Guests can rent our kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats as well. The pool is also a popular spot in the summer. In the spring, summer, and fall guests can enjoy volleyball, basketball, tennis, shuffleboard, ping pong, foosball, our mini-golf course, and two playgrounds. In the winter you can go ice fishing on the lake or skiing nearby or relax by the fire in our Dining Hall/Meeting Area. We plan to build a gymnasium in the near future so more activities are available year-round.

 
The Good News: What are some of the program highlights and goals for the retreat center that you are planning in 2010?

Roger White: Some of the highlights of this summer's program include concerts with Squire Parsons, The Jacobs Brothers, and Billy & Paula Speer, among others. We also look forward to studying the Scriptures with Godly and learned men such as Dr. Peter Hook, a former professor at Philadelphia Biblical University, Dr. Dino Pedrone from Davis College (Practical Bible College) in Binghamton, NY, and Dr. Deone Drake from The Chapel in Getzville, NY.

The Good News: Who are the various groups of people (i.e. churches, families) that use your center and what are the specific activities and/or events that specifically are targeted or enjoyed by these respective groups?

Roger White: Our summer program offers a full schedule of speakers, music, meals, and activities for all ages. In addition, each year Odosagih sponsors 2 ladies retreats and a men's retreat. Many churches and other Christian groups also plan their own retreats and we provide lodging, meals, and a meeting area. Ladies, men, teens, singles, couples, families, leadership teams, writers, quilters, motorcyclists and others have used our facilities for their retreats and special events.

The Good News: Are there any special testimonies from people who have come to the retreat center that you would like to share?

Roger White: There are so many testimonies! Recently, a former summer staff member shared that she dedicated her life to full-time ministry as she sat on one of the docks here in 1993 or 1994. She is now a pastor's wife. That's exciting!

Once a man came to my office and shared all the problems he was having. When he finished, I shared Christ with him. He gave his heart to the Lord that day. Later, when he shared with my daughter and son-in-law who had brought him to me that day, he said, "Your dad let me babble on about all my problems and then he told me about Jesus."

The Good News: If people are interested in visiting the Odosagih Bible Conference and Retreat Center in the upcoming months, where can they get information and make reservations?

Roger White: People can contact us by phone at (716) 353-8555 or by email at obc4jesus@yahoo.com. Our office manager, Karen Bray, will take your reservations or send you more information. Depending on availability, we can take same-day reservations - but the earlier the better. You can also visit us online at www.odosagih.org

The CAMP-of-the-WOODS Gets Ready for Summer Season

(Speculator, NY) – “The Conference Season at CAMP-of-the-WOODS has been fantastic thus far!” says Steve Tamm of the COTW. They just hosted their amazing annual President’s Day Weekend, in which over 300 people came together to enjoy meaningful fellowship, relevant messages and fun activities. Gifted apologist Frank Turek was their guest speaker, and Brad and Beth Salzman led worship for this special weekend.

The CAMP-of-the-WOODS Conference Season runs from Labor Day through mid-June with over 7,000 guests taking advantage of all they have to offer! With four months to go until their summer season, there is still some time to book that last minute retreat you have been thinking about.  

While four months sounds like a long time, summer is just around the corner for this beautiful Christian resort. With its ideal location set on over 100 acres in the southern Adirondacks, there are plenty of opportunities to explore God’s great creation: hikes for every fitness level, swimming and boating on picturesque Lake Pleasant, canoe trips to nearby lakes, cliff-jumping, whitewater rafting, exploring the on-site challenge course and zip-line, mini-golf, tennis, and indoor and outdoor rock climbing. Of course, myriad indoor activities are offered as well and if relaxing is what you had in mind for your vacation, CAMP-of-the-WOODS has that covered too, with their 1,400 foot-long natural sand beach.

Every summer, this fully programmed vacationland brings in internationally-known speakers and Summer 2010 is no different! This summer’s highlights include Tony Evans, Alistair Begg, Josh McDowell, Stuart McAllister and many more. Each morning guests have the opportunity to listen to incredible teachings while the children receive their own age-appropriate Christian education.

Whether you prefer a serene lake-side cabin or a lively beachfront accommodation, CAMP-of-the-WOODS has an option to fit your needs. Plus their safe, family-oriented environment means parents need not worry about their children as they make new friends and play throughout the day. “Several weeks are already almost sold out, so call today for your top choice week and accommodation!” says Steve Tamm of the COTW.

To make a reservation, whether for a Conference Season weekend retreat or for Summer 2010, please call 518-548-4311 ext. 0. For more information, visit their website at www.camp-of-the-woods.org.    

CAMP-of-the-WOODS is also on Facebook! Become a fan and stay up-to-date on all the latest happenings, facts and photographs.

Horizon Fun FX Offers FAMILY CHRISTIAN SKATE NIGHT Every Saturday 7pm-10pm

(Rochester, NY) - Horizon Fun FX is opening their doors to Christian families every Saturday night from 7pm-10pm for a Family Christian Skate Night. You will find fun activities for the whole family to enjoy, in a safe and warm environment. 

“The night is dedicated to Christians of all ages, and promises three hours packed with food, fun, and the latest in Christian Hip-Hop, Gospel, and Contemporary music. Visit with the Christian DJ spinning the tunes, handing out prizes, and organizing fun games throughout the night while meeting other families looking to provide a Christian-based activity for the whole family to enjoy together.” says Heidi Young, Horizon Fun FX manager.

This special night offered by Horizon Fun FX redefines their position in the community as the leader in healthy, active choices in children's entertainment. Roller skating is recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) as an aerobic fitness sport. There are several attractions to choose from, including Extreme Laser Tag, rock climbing, Bamboozles Cafe, Game Zone, and the all-new King of the Hill. Horizon Fun FX offers more fun under one roof than any other family entertainment center in Upstate NY. 

Admission is only $9.99 per person and includes skating, Jungle Jim's three-story Playland, and unlimited pizza & pop. Children three years of age and younger are admitted for free. Church organizations and youth groups are always welcome and will be offered a discounted rate if reservations are made in advance. 

For more info, please visit our website at www.horizonfunfx.com, or contact Heidi Young at 585-865-0493, ext. 120.

Pastors and Ministry Leaders Invited To Be Part of the Fourth Annual Greater Rochester Night to Honor Israel 

(Rochester, NY) - On Sunday, March 21, 2010 Rochester area churches and ministries will gather together to host the Fourth Annual Greater Rochester Night to Honor Israel. In 2007, Rochester became the first city in the Northeast region of the U.S. to host such an event. Since that date, a Night to Honor Israel has become a welcomed tradition in our region. Event organizer, Lori Sousa, says that this year more than ever, it is important for the Christian community in Rochester to unite in support of Israel. “We are living in a defining hour of history, and we cannot afford to be ignorant or apathetic about the existential threat that Israel faces. Whether we recognize it or not, Israel stands on the front line of spiritual and physical battle that is being waged over God’s covenant in the earth. We must recognize that the battle that Israel faces is not hers alone, but is a battle for truth and moral clarity in the midst a culture immersed in secular humanism and moral equivalency.”

“The annual Night to Honor Israel is a time set aside to pay tribute to the Jewish people for the contributions that they have made to human history, despite centuries of persecution. Aside from Israel’s historic struggles, we recognize the present day threat that the State of Israel and the Jewish people face. Currently we are hearing voices calling for Israel’s destruction, and we are witnessing the growing wave of global Anti-Semitism. In the face of such threats, we seek to honor a nation and a people, acknowledging that through them we have been blessed,” adds Sousa.

The Night to Honor Israel is a non-denominational and non-partisan event. Last year more than 40 pastors and ministry leaders hosted the event. This year we aim to increase that number. Lori Sousa adds, “Our message is that although we may disagree on many things, when it comes to the existence of the State of Israel and rising global anti-Semitism, our community will stand with Israel in voice and in action. In a day of global transition and uncertainty, our vision is to see the entire Christian community of Greater Rochester participate in this annual event.”

If you are a pastor or ministry leader, please mark your calendar and plan to attend the free Night to Honor Israel Informational Luncheon being held on Wednesday, January 20^th at 11:30am at Bethel Christian Fellowship in the Body Shop. At this luncheon, Pastor Ron Domina will share the ongoing vision for the Greater Rochester Night to Honor Israel . He will also provide information about how churches and ministries can be part of this important night. Please RSVP for this luncheon to Debbie Anderson at 585-232-1136, ext 34 by Friday, January 15^th. For additional questions, you may contact Lori Sousa at 585-232-1136, ext 21 or visit online at www.nyscufi.org/nthi.

By Lida H. Moore

In December, Bethel Christian Fellowship of Rochester presented free of charge “Glory to God – A Christmas Gala” in its beautiful Historic Sanctuary as its gift to the community. Attendees had the opportunity to take time away from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season to reflect on Jesus, God’s gift to humanity, as well as on the beauty and wonder of the season through a variety of music that was presented by different groups in the community.

Bethel’s Historic Sanctuary, decorated festively with lighted greenery, wreaths, holly, and the colors of the season, provided a beautiful setting for the program with the building’s unique architecture, stained glass windows, and curved balcony. The music of the season reverberated throughout the sanctuary in a way that truly captured the audience’s attention and imagination.

“This is Bethel’s opportunity to bring together very talented participants from other places in the community, as well as from our own fellowship, and to share the meaning of the holidays with others through music and to show the love of Christ,” said Pastor Ronald A. Domina of Bethel. He added that this is the third year that Bethel has held this event for the community. This year’s participants were from the Eastman School of Music, local chorales, church and community musicians, such as the Parkridge Free Methodist Bell Choir, and Bethel’s newly formed Gospel Choir. Bethel provided two opportunities to enjoy “The Gala,” with a performance on a Saturday afternoon and one in the evening.

The majestic sounds of a Brass Quintet greeted attendees for the prelude as a reminder that the season was celebrating the birth of King Jesus. The Quintet performed selections from Mendelssohn for its prelude and postlude and also performed Brahms selections during the program. The Quintet consisted of Alejandro ALopez, trumpet, Jay Villella, trumpet, Maura McCune, French horn, Tim Craig, trombone, and Rob Lufrano, tuba.

Pastor Domina welcomed the audience and said that the program served as a reminder of the sense of glory and greatness of the season as we reflected on the wonderful gift God gave to us. He read with great feeling and joy the Christmas story from Luke 2 as his wife, Karen, played “Silent Night” on the piano.

The Greece Athena Middle School Ensemble, directed by Carl Wager and Julia Bechtold, consisted of about 20 students who sang three seasonal selections, including “Pie Jesus” and “Innkeeper.” “Innkeeper” told the story of the plight of Mary and Joseph when there was no room in the inn. But, the final compelling lyrics of “Innkeeper,” “do you have room for the child,” were a reminder to the audience that we have a choice today to accept the Savior into our lives.

The program included the soothing, beautiful sounds of flutes and a harp with the selections of “L’Enfant du Christ” and “Greensleaves Variations,” which also included a praise and worship dancer giving her interpretation of the song. Later in the program, a harpichord soloist gave a wonderful rendition of a few selections, including one by Handel. The flutes were played by Bonita Boyd and Ann Harrow and the harpsichordists were Grace Wong and Bonnie Choi. And the violinist, who performed in the evening, was Bin Huang. The praise dancer was Phyllis Sharp.

Area musicians, The Harrow Family, opened with “The Fruit of The Spirit,” a song written by Steve Harrow based on Galatians 5:22-23 and using instruments from West Africa and Latin America, as well as the flute. The family also performed the traditional Christmas song, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy,” and closed with a contemporary song, “Offering,” as they encouraged the audience to sing-a-long during the chorus.

In addition on the program, the Robert Shewan Chorale, directed by Robert Shewan, gave a beautiful accapella rendition of “Carol of the Bells,” ”It Came Upon the Midnight Clear,”” God Rest You Merry Gentlemen,” and ”Good Christian Men Rejoice.”  The approximately 40 voices from around the community also gave a stirring rendition of Handel’s “For Unto Us a Child Is Born,” from “Messiah.” And the chorale concluded their performance by leading the audience in singing “Silent Night.”

At the conclusion of “The Gala,” Pastor Domina  thanked everyone in the community who was a part of this special performance and said that “my prayer on this day that we celebrate Jesus, the babe in the Bethlehem manger that one day He will come as the King of Kings in Thy Kingdom Come.”

For more information about Bethel Christian Fellowship please visit at www.Bethelcf.com

Christ Community Church Brings Christmas Joy to the Community

By Deb Dominguez

This year’s Christmas Extravaganza boasted participation from students of three colleges; Roberts Wesleyan College, State University at Brockport, and Rochester Institute of Technology. The evening started with college students billed as “Mark Williams and friends” on drum, bass, guitar, and violin. Matt Olpinski, one of the guitarists, said he is a new media design and imaging major at R.I.T. He described it as photography, web design, and film. The steel sounds of their group were reminiscent of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

“Uncle Pete”, the 86-year-old relative of a minister, brought the mood down with his harmonica. Mark DuPre, the assistant pastor at Christ Community, stood in front of the stage crew who tilted bleachers over, and explained “I made it as difficult for the stage crew as possible with the program order.” A narrator, in white shirt and tie, stood on the edge of the choir and read excerpts from the Christmas story.

About 30 choir members took to the risers to do karaoke to what Mark DuPre called the mother of all medleys. It started with a sweet sound and violins. It encompassed Away in a Manager, The Bells are Ringing, Gloria, Joy to the World, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, Oh Come All Ye Faithful, and Oh Come Let Us Adore Him.

Backstage in the lounge with the singers, a blond girl jumped and practiced while others were getting instructions on how not to be loud during the altar call. When asked what she wanted the audience to take away from her performance she answered, “I hope they won’t see my dancing but my emotion and how I am moved by the Christmas spirit and what He did for us.” Her future plans upon graduation? “To work (dance) with underprivileged children, maybe in a third-world country. The narrator intoned, “With all His options, it is a wonder how quietly He came. As a baby, it was as if He tiptoed into time and space.” The song “Like Winter Snow” began to play and Corina Ferro, a student of S.U.N.Y. Brockport’s Dance Department danced, twirled, leaped, and rolled on the floor in a white netted leotard. The choir, dressed in variations of black and white, reassembled and Mark DuPre came back to the microphone. “I just saw another miracle; Corina changed into her choir outfit.” 

Doni LaRock, a Senior Interpreter at NTID/RIT, signed the poignant “I’ll Be Brave for Christmas”, the words of a boy whose dad is away in a war. A light-hearted song followed the narrator’s observation that peace on earth is anything but for some. The lyrics stated, “I need a silent night and a holy night to hear. I need a midnight clear to end trying to buy Christmas peace.”

Altar call was in three parts by Mike Cavanaugh from Elim Fellowship. “Receiving is something we should all know how to do at Christmas but for some our receiver is broken. There was a felon who was pardoned by the President. This man didn’t like the President so he tore up the paper. No one knew if he should die or not. It went all the way to the Supreme Court. In the end, they ended his life. “

Mike, who commanded attention by virtue of height, strode across the Oliver Middle School auditorium platform and launched into the second example of receiving. “Two boys had a snapper toy that would snap shut if you put something in it. They thought their little sister Tracy was the perfect one to try it out on. They put some gum in it and said “Tracy do you want some gum?” She came toddling over and reached for gum and snap.  An hour later they would ask again. This went on until Tracy wouldn’t take any gum from any source. Maybe you’ve had things happen and blamed God and your heart hardened.”

The minister brought the point home with one last story. “A boy was graduating high school and his father had money. The graduate was expecting a car. He was all excited when the day came. His father handed him a small wrapped gift. It was a Bible. The son left home and didn’t communicate with his dad until one day the call came that his dad was dying. He opened that Bible for comfort and out fluttered a check for the price of a car. God paid the price for all but we must receive the power to become sons of God.”  He asked everyone to bow their heads and pray.

Faith Christian Center Transforms People and Communities With The Gospel

By Lida H. Moore

Pastor John R. Walker of Faith Christian Center in Rochester wants to “change ghettos into gardens.” He explained, “The goal is to make where God’s people live and go desirable, a choice place to the glory of God. We want to see people’s heart’s changed and also see that reflected in the environment they live in.”

Walker, who has been pastor of Faith Christian Center for almost twenty years, sees the church’s mission as a refuge for people in need as well as a place to restore people through the power of prayer and studying God’s Word. “I believe His Word is God’s great love letter and owner’s manual to us,” he said. “The Bible teaches us how much God loves us and how He wants us to live a life that is abundant.”

As Faith Christian Center looks to 2010, Walker said that the church has a vision to help transform the community around the church by purchasing property, focusing on five streets (Morton, Ellison, Cummings, Baycliff, and Winterroth Streets) in the 14609 zip code, and then rehabilitating the properties to provide housing and employment for people in the community. “Our model verse is Deuteronomy 8:18 as we believe that by the grace of God we can restore the inner city,” he said. “We want to encourage home ownership and teach people how to maintain their homes, as well as facilitate job and trade training for needed skills in the community.”

“Bridging the Gap” is the name of the ministry that the church established three years ago to reach out in the community to help to develop employment opportunities and training. Now this ministry will be expanded to focus on rehabilitating properties around the church. The church also partners with a Canandaigua store for a food distribution program three Sundays a month to help people struggling to provide for their families.  Pastor Walker said, “We continue to work to identify partners, such as Christian businesses and educational institutions, which we can work with to have a positive impact in the community.”

For example, Pastor Walker has been a partner for four years in a Rochester Works program, Daniel and Friends, and is now president of the board. This past summer over 50 young people and many adults were employed for six weeks as youth workers who ran summer camps for almost 50 youth in six different locations. “We trained the workers and then worked with five different churches (Joy Community, Grace United Methodist, Grace Village, Believer’s By Faith Christian Center, and Higher Heights Church) and the Charles Finney School,” he said.

“We use this program to teach young people leadership based on the model of Daniel,” said Walker. “Even if you believe you are in slavery situation, if you are consistent with your faith and follow the principles of God, He will elevate you. Our goal is to use the model of Daniel as a servant leader to transform our youth.”

Pastor Walker said that planning is taking place right now for the Daniel and Friends program for the summer of 2010. Applications for employment will be available next April and the program begins in July and runs through August. “Each year our goal is to expand the program by reaching out to partner with more organizations and to reach more young people,” Walker said.

With a doctorate in applied management and decision science with a specialization in leadership and organization, Walker is quite familiar with teaching leadership concepts. In fact, as a professor at Robert Wesleyan College, he teaches graduate courses in organizational leadership and strategic leadership.

But Walker emphasized that the most important activity the church does to reach young people in the community is to model living a life for Christ. “If we live holy before our kids and they know we are real, then they will want to live a Christian life,” he said. “When we have difficulties and rely on God and not resolve problems in the way the world does, then young people will see that the church offers something they can’t find anywhere else…the love of our Savior Jesus Christ and the love of His disciples.”

Walker is excited about the future of Faith Christian Center as he has seen God’s faithfulness over the past twenty years of his ministry and service to the church. “After years of praying for God’s will in bringing godly men to our church, we have been blessed with godly men filled with many talents and spiritual gifts who are helping to unify the church,” he said. “God continues to bless and add to our fellowship in so many special ways and He continues to sustain and guide us.”

For more information visit online at www.faith-christian-center.org

Liberty Temple Ministries Builds Up God’s Kingdom Through Revival and Community Outreach

By Lida H. Moore

Colorful purple, red, and green banners with bold letters proclaiming “Light of the World,” “Holy is the Lord,” “Lord of Lords,” and “Celebrate Jesus” surrounded those who attended the annual three day Women’s Day Revival at  Liberty Temple Ministries, Church of God in Christ, in Rochester. The revival concluded with the Annual Women’s Day Climax Services during Sunday worship. Each night the revival opened with an exuberant, dynamic, and joyful worship time with prayers, songs, and music giving praise and honor to God.

This year’s theme, “Who and What Has Hindered You From Doing God’s Will,” was based on Galatians 5:7. “During this revival, we wanted people focused on being delivered from their past and trusting God to lift them up and to give them hope,” said Pastor Charles G. Simmons, Sr. He added that with rising unemployment and with the recession, people need to be encouraged to face tomorrow with faith in God and His power to change their lives for the better.

“We wanted this time to not only strengthen people in their faith and to encourage them to grow in their ministry and witness to others, but also to reach out with God’s Word to minister to people who do not know Jesus,” added Rachel Simmons, the first lady of Liberty Temple Ministries. “And our main focus throughout the revival was sharing God’s Word which tells us how to live our lives and encourages us.”

The revival messages, which included “It’s Time to Make a Change,” “He Secured Me Within the Midst of a Storm,” and “A New Beginning With a New Purpose,” were delivered by Apostle Viola Davis of Tabor City, NC. “Apostle Davis speaks into people’s souls and lives with the Word of God in order to uplift people and to help them to better themselves in their own lives and in the ministries God has given them,” said Pastor Simmons.

In addition, Liberty Temple Ministries’ 88-year-old member Mother Anola Chrystal, brought a message during the Sunday morning Climax Services of the Annual Women’s Day. Chrystal, state president for the missionaries and evangelism department of the Church of God in Christ, has been called a “miracle women,” according to Pastor Simmons, because she has overcome and survived many health crises. Simmons said that her life is a wonderful example of someone who has not allowed life’s struggles to hinder her from doing God’s will.

Pastor Simmons, who founded Liberty Temple Ministries in 1997, believes that because of the many challenges in communities today the vision of his ministry must be to transform lives by communicating the Gospel and teaching the Word one person at a time. His ministry’s theme is “changing lives, changing families, and changing our world.”

“We know that families are struggling today and need stability,” said Mrs. Simmons. “But we must help people to understand that the Almighty God helps and supports us through our struggles each and every day, but we must depend on Him. And the more we learn about the Word of God, the more we will live like Him.”

Pastor Simmons emphasized the importance of understanding the community around his ministry and trying to meet their needs. “We are meeting the challenges of being in the community that we are in by addressing the needs of different cultures in the area,” said Simmons. “For instance, we are trying to include more Spanish songs in our worship time, and we are continually developing needed outreach ministries at our church.”

Some of Liberty Temple Ministries outreach activities include a back to school carnival to help with school supplies, a men’s ministry, outreach to those recovering from drug and alcohol abuse, a single parent ministry, a soup kitchen ministry, food/clothing giveaways, and a fall hallelujah hoe down carnival. In addition, on Friday nights Pastor Simmons has a pastoral instruction time in which he teaches about different areas of life as it relates to God’s Word, including topics such as finances, parenting, marriage, unemployment and finding employment.

“It is so important to give people the tools from God’s Word to allow them to take care of themselves,” said Pastor Simmons. “And we want to be a church in the community that brings people the Gospel and God’s Word in a way that helps them with their everyday life and lets people know we are here for them.”

Pastor Simmons said that this past summer Liberty Temple partnered with three other churches in their community for a Community Block Party hosted by all of the churches, where four streets were blocked off. It included a barbecue, a gospel music disk jockey, praise step teams, and clothing giveaways. “It was such a wonderful event for us to let the community know that the churches are open to them, and it was so well received that we hope to make it an annual summer event.”

“As we look to next year and to the future of Liberty Temple Ministries, we hope to develop the block and a half of land that we own in our area so that it can be used in the best possible way to help the community by leading people to a vital and personal faith in Jesus Christ,” said Pastor Simmons. “And our goal is to help people to grow to maturity in their faith so that they might reproduce themselves as disciples and become involved in building up the Kingdom of God.”

Liberty Temple Ministries contact information: Liberty Temple Ministries COGIC. Pastor Charles G. Simmons, Sr. 144 Reynolds St. Rochester, NY 14608. Sun. School: 10am; Sunday Worship Services: 11:30am & 7:30pm. Wed. Bible Study at 7:30pm. (585) 464-8467.

An Interview With Pastor Luis Perez of The BridGe Network

Pastor Luis Perez Shares Insights on Countywide Prayer Initiative and House Church Ministry

By Lida H. Moore

Pastor Luis Perez recently gave an update to The Good News about two of of his area ministries, Monroe Countywide Prayer Initiative and the BridGe Network of House and Micro Churches.

The Good News: How many people have participated in the Monroe Countywide Prayer Initiative since you started it three years ago and how many areas of the county have been prayed for? 

Pastor Luis Perez: It's hard to tell how many have participated these past three years because of the simplicity and flexibility of the initiative. For instance, last year we distributed over 2000 copies of our wall calendar throughout the community. There are several churches using the schedule as their weekly prayer focus, and I have over 100 names on the weekly email update I send out.

The hallmark of this initiative is that it is a corporate - yet flexible model of calling the community to prayer. We simply provide the schedule and then let individuals, prayer groups, and ministries decide how they are going to participate.

The prayer initiative is structured so that throughout the year we pray for all 28 towns and villages in Monroe County and almost all of the identified neighborhoods in the City of Rochester - essentially the entire County of Monroe is covered in prayer each calendar year.

There will be a chicken barbeque on Saturday starting at 4:00 p.m. Other foods will also be available as well as overnight camping for those who wish to stay on the grounds. Weekend tickets are just $25 (includes all concerts).  Please visit www.wnyconcertministries.com for details, or call 716-474-5564.

No Compromise: Standing Firm On Your Faith

THE STORY BEHIND MISS CALIFORNIA’S HEROIC STAND

 
By Lee Hartman, www.metrovoicenews.com

While she may not have walked away with the Miss USA crown, Miss California Carrie Prejean captured the national spotlight with her answer to a judge’s question about same-sex marriage. As most everyone has learned by now, Prejean found herself at the center of the homosexual “marriage” controversy after being named runner-up in the national Miss USA contest in April.

What is NOT commonly known is the story behind the story, how God was working behind the scenes. The details of this tale were told when, a week after the pageant, Prejean appeared at the Rock Church in San Diego during Sunday services. She is a member of the Rock family and actively serves in church outreach ministries. The service, which was streamed live on the internet, featured a discussion between Prejean and the Rock’s Pastor Miles McPherson, who spent time with Prejean in the critical hours following the pageant.

Prejean (pray-ZHAWN') recounted how, as one of the final five contestants, she drew a question from openly-gay judge Perez Hilton, who asked if she believed other states should follow Vermont’s lead in legalizing same-sex marriage.

Prejean related how she knew at that moment that an honest answer would cost her the crown. But she decided to speak from her heart.

“We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite,” Prejean responded then. “And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised.”

Homosexual activists immediately unleashed vicious attacks against Prejean – among them Hilton himself, who in a video rant on his website called her several vulgar names. The Hollywood blogger also said he would have gone up on stage and snatched the tiara from her head if she had won Miss USA.

Prejean related how, immediately after the pageant, she was told to get on a plane to New York for interviews. On the plane by herself, she began to feel very alone and worried about the upcoming interviews with the New York media. She was longing and praying for someone to help prepare and pray with her.

Now it seems that, what with the Rock being San Diego’s largest church, Prejean had never previously met McPherson in person. But at that very moment, on another plane bound for a conference in New York was Pastor McPherson!

McPherson had just gotten word from his church that Miss California was also en route to New York and needed help. So he called her cell number, found the voice mailbox full, and then sent a text message. Prejean opened the message and read, “This is Miles McPherson from the Rock. I’ll be in New York tonight. I’m trying to reach you, but your voice mailbox is full. Call me, girl. I’m proud of you.”

“I immediately fell to my knees and said ‘Thank you, God’” Prejean remarked. McPherson later helped prepare her for the interviews and went to every one of them with her.

In his remarks at the Sunday service, McPherson likened Prejean to Esther in the Bible – saying she was placed in this spot “for such a time as this.” Esther accepted her calling and said “If I perish, I perish.” Prejean did much the same thing. McPherson also gave advice for others in similar predicaments:

1. Stare down courage. Don’t worry about being politically correct. Say what you’ve got to say.
2. Trust in the truth and not a lie. If the Bible is your truth, don’t back down from it.
3. Accept God’s sovereign provision. God will provide who and what you need, when you need it.
4. Never fear man over God. Choose God, not the world, and step out in faith.
5. Die to self. Do things God’s way. God will honor you, and provide new opportunities.

“Our culture is going away from biblical truth,” McPherson said. “But that does not nullify the truth of the Bible. If you believe, don’t be intimidated. Be bold, stand up for Christ, and thank Him for the opportunity. Ask what God wants you to do, and then do it in love and humility.”

In subsequent appearances, Prejean has stood fast in her morals and biblical truths, refusing to compromise her faith. She says she has no regrets, and in fact feels like she won, stating she has been able to use the controversy as a platform to share her Christian faith.

"I feel like I’m the winner. I really do,” she said. “I wouldn’t change a thing. I stated an opinion that was true to myself, and that’s all I can do. Now I know that I have a purpose, and I can go out and speak to young people about standing up for what you believe in.”

America apparently agrees. In a poll conducted by OneNewsNow, only 0.28 of one percent felt Prejean should have given a "politically correct" answer.

On the other hand, Keith Lewis, who runs the Miss California competition, said that he was "saddened" and "hurt" over Miss California's comments at the pageant, and the Miss California co-director Shanna Moakler, a former Miss USA, issued an apology to state pageant sponsors, saying “Prejean’s opinions do not stand for those of the Miss California family.”

How has Prejean reacted to Hilton’s verbal attacks, and his defacing of her photo in the hotel lobby?

"You know, I forgive him,” she said. “I know that he's angry for whatever reason. I know there must be a bigger issue going on in his life."

“From the moment she opened her mouth, Prejean has given liberals a clinic in class,” said Matt Barber of Liberty Counsel. “Hilton, on the other hand, has provided the world a sneak peek into the soul of homosexual activism.”

Wayne Besen, a leader in the homosexual activist community, went on Fox News to try and defend Hilton. He charged that it was not Hilton, but Prejean’s recognition of biblical marriage that "was divisive." Besen then went on to tag the 70 percent of Americans who oppose homosexual “marriage" as "bigots."

Phillip Cosby, Executive Director of the National Coalition for the Protection of Children & Families in Kansas City, commented on the firestorm.

“As the same-sex controversy rages nationally we are seeing some local pastors state their position. Some get it wrong, some get it right. But sexual integrity – it’s not optional. In these days we need clarity from pulpits, and courage,” Cosby stated. “Miss California got it right.”

The 21-year-old Prejean, a junior at San Diego Christian College, is studying to become a special education teacher and is a volunteer for Special Olympics and Best Buddies, a nonprofit program that helps the disabled gain friendships. She is also involved with a ministry to women in the adult entertainment industry, works with children in foster care, promotes self-esteem issues in girls and women, helps refugees learn English, and is an advocate for breast and ovarian cancer research.

Miss California’s Pastor and Church

Just who is Miles McPherson, Miss California’s pastor at the Rock Church in San Diego?

McPherson is a man radically transformed by God. Even after fulfilling his youthful dreams of a successful collegiate football career and playing in the NFL, McPherson was spiritually empty and on a path of destruction in the form of cocaine use.

During his second season in the NFL, two of his teammates, Sherman Smith and Ray Preston, told him about God's amazing love and grace. Finally, one early morning in 1984, McPherson had his first encounter with the person of Jesus Christ and decided to follow Him.

The moment McPherson relinquished control of his life, God's power was evident. He was delivered from his drug habit, experienced positive changes in his daily life and actions, and was reunited with his girlfriend, Debbie, who is now his wife.

God soon set McPherson’s feet on a new path: serving in ministry, learning theology, and preaching the Gospel. McPherson had great dreams as a young man, but had never imagined the joy and fulfillment to be experienced in sharing God's love with others.

McPherson started the Rock Church in 2000, and he is now a nationally recognized evangelist. McPherson is unique in his ability to attract a diverse audience that is also younger than most. The Rock is now San Diego's largest church and the nation's second fastest growing church according to Outreach Magazine. Located in the Point Loma area of San Diego, the Rock sanctuary is home to 12,000 church attendees during its five weekly Sunday services.

A REASON TO BELIEVE with Dr. Scott Carroll

By Tom Bellinger, Ministry Coordinator

There’s an old standard hymn that talks about believers having a firm foundation in the excellent word - the Bible. The Bible should be the foundation for everything we believe and practice.

You may have heard the adage, “God said it; I believe it and that settles it.” What I think about the Bible doesn’t make it true or not. If God said it then that settles it. Nevertheless, it’s imperative that believers have the right understanding about God’s word because it is the basis for everything.

We conduct seminars on apologetics, not preoccupied with philosophical arguments, but focusing on two areas: archaeology and the Bible, and the broader question of how we got the Bible. These issues are at the core of the attacks on the Bible.

Christians need to be taught about these important details. They are as often merchandised by sensational claims as they are stumped by critics. We know our stuff and substantiate our teaching with hard data and recent discoveries. Our material is anything but academic and boring. We teach using priceless items including archaeological artifacts, ancient scrolls, medieval manuscripts and rare printed Bibles. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that has eternal benefits.

The program consists of two 2 ½-hour seminars. During this summer we are available seven days a week. After the middle of August we’re available Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday only. We also teach the adult education program on Sunday morning and preach in the regular Sunday service. Our exegetical teaching from the Bible further confirms the teaching in the seminars.

We are extremely adaptable and can work with you to individualize the program to suit your needs.

Dr. Scott Carroll, PhD., is an active archaeologist, and an award-winning scholar-teacher. His PhD. is in Ancient Studies. He knows 13 languages and regularly publishes unknown ancient texts including some of the earliest known texts of scripture.

He directed the excavation of the earliest monastery in the world. Sites like this produced and preserved the Bible. He’s written numerous scholarly and popular works and directed the largest private holding of ancient Biblical manuscripts and antiquities in the world.

Dr. Scott Carroll speaks regularly around the country and overseas. His contagiously enthusiastic teaching is enriched by his wealth of knowledge and deep insight. He has been awarded the “outstanding faculty person of the year” award an unprecedented four times at two universities.

He developed a program that connected thousands of schools from 35 countries with his excavation. Students were connected not only with the dig, but also with Bedouins and monks out in the desert. The program received international acclaim and is on permanent display at the Smithsonian Institute. He’s also featured on several TV documentaries each year.

Scott has been married for 30 years and has four children. He is the Executive Director of the National Bible Institute.

Maybe someday we can place in your hand a cuneiform tablet from the city of Ur at the time of Abraham.

For more information or to schedule a seminar at your church, please contact Tom Bellinger, Ministry Coordinator of STONES AND SCRIPTURES at 315-533-5193. E-mail: tom@stonesandscriptures.com. 

Alpha and Omega Christian Bookstore Presents Summer Reading Program and Story Hour

(Penfield, NY) - This summer, Alpha & Omega Parable Christian Bookstores will present “Wildwood Forest”, a summer reading program for preschoolers through 6^th graders. There are two ways to interest your kids or grandkids in reading this summer.

Starting the first week of July, kids of all reading ages may come to the store to receive a recommended reading list, a book report file and rules for participating in the summer reading program. Each five books that are read and listed on the book report list will earn a prize from the treasure chest. Five chapters from the Bible count as one book. The more you read, the more prizes you can win! For readers in grades 3 through 6, each book read earns an entry into the grand prize drawing for Guitar Praise. Preschoolers through 2^nd graders have music and DVDs as grand prizes.

To assist with the book reports, each Thursday during the summer (July 9^th, July 16^th, July 23^rd, July 30^th and August 6^th) there will be a special story hour held at 11am in each of the Alpha & Omega Parable Christian Stores. The theme of the story hours will be “Wildwood Forest”. This is a mini Vacation Bible School program that will be done right in the store for preschoolers through 6^th graders. The kids will be able to learn about all of the wonderful gifts of God's creation and get credit for a book report also!

The summer reading program and story hour are open to all kids, preschool through grade 6. Programs will be held in each of the four Alpha & Omega Parable Christian Stores, in Panorama Plaza in Penfield (585-381-1250), Stone Ridge Plaza in Greece (585-697-7693), at Elim Bible Institute in Lima (585-582-8123) and at Crosswinds Wesleyan Church in Canandaigua (585-394-5857). For questions or to enroll your child in the story hour program, call the store most convenient to you.Visit A&O online at www.anobook.com

Kids Are Invited To Join In A Transforming Summer Experience!

(Rochester, NY) - Children ages 6-11 are invited to begin a five-week adventure and take part in a TRANSFORMING camp experience! If you know kids who like taking field trips, having fun, and building friendships, then Daniel & Friends Camps are the right place this summer! Beginning July 20^th through August 19^th, 2009, Daniel & Friends Summer Camps are taking over seven neighborhoods. Community Transformers 2009 will be held at the following locations: Believers by Faith Christian Center, Faith Christian Center, Grace Community Village, Higher Heights Church of God, Joy Community Church, New Covenant Church, and Charles Finney School.

Daily theme-based KID CHALLENGE sessions will facilitate children developing winning attitudes.  These character-building sessions will be based on an inspiring review of the life of Daniel, a role model who rose to the second highest position in his nation. Each camp week is packed with crafts, field trips, and opportunities for service in the community. 

Each camp day begins with breakfast at 9:00 a.m., and the last activity for the day ends at 2:30 p.m. These summer camps are open to all. “Our camp staff purposes in their hearts  to encourage campers to develop their  BEST potential by providing neighborhood children with academic encouragement, introduction to careers, participation in  community projects, exposure to healthy living, and mentoring,” asserts  Dr. John Walker, Pastor of Faith Christian Center and Program Director for the summer camps. “We want each child’s camping experience to be the highlight of their summer.”

The camp registration fee is $100 per week for each child. Some County residents may be eligible for scholarships. The camp registration deadline is July 10^th. Parents can call 585-482-6840 or e-mail the camp staff at JANE.L.WALKER@gmail.com to request an application or get further information. 

About Daniel & Friends Summer Camps: Community Transformers 2009 incorporates community service, educational programming, and field trips designed to emphasize a three-point mission: (a) Start Where You Are; (b) Use What You Have Been Given; (c) Do What You Can. Daniel & Friends along with host church/school campuses will be connected to establish nurturing summer camps.

Community Lutheran Ministry Summer Camp 2009 Needs Your Help!

Fire Fighter for Jesus Fights Hell Fire

By Deb Dominguez

He used to put fires out, now he sets them in hearts. Bishop Singleton is a retired firefighter leveraging his retirement to meet social needs that will minister to spiritual hunger. He uses broad-based ministries to get them in the ark of safety. For example, he sites eating is not spiritual but it is necessary. So, apparently, are his ministries to the Jay, Child and Orange Street areas of the City of Rochester.

There is Women of Prayer, Kings’ Men of Honor, youth ministries, and kids’ ministries which include basketball tournaments. The Women of Prayer meet Saturdays at 1pm to get to know each other for the purpose of bearing one another’s burdens and to provoke one another to consider all they do in light of scripture. The Men’s ministries do things around the church, and enjoy spiritual enrichment and camaraderie.

The women’s prayer group that day started with a Bible study, and ended with a fellowship meal. One sister brought handouts of encouragement. One was titled “I am a kept woman.”  It explained all the ways God has kept us. The Help Me Read program is a school-based program. Inmates in correctional facilities have an average reading level of 3^rd grade and math level at 4^th. The goal of the program is to raise those levels. Help Me Read Plus is physical activity and nutrition. Bishop Singleton quotes the fact that in the last 30 years kids have doubled in weight. Both programs are available weekly at School 17.

The Personal Development track is a self-improvement module that he believes all schools should be on. The motto is developing yourself with education, pursuing your dream and being your best.

His next goal, besides looking for property to buy to get out of his church rental, is to launch Next Level Enterprises. This program is designed to get young kids off the streets using entrepreneurial development.  It takes them from the idea stage to the actual application of the dream. He relates the Biblical admonitions that if a man does not work, he should not eat and that God says He gives us power to get wealth.

The most successful ministry, by sheer numbers, is the F.A.M.; Feed A Meal Ministry. He wants to expand this into Feed A Meal and More; teaching sustainable practices. He cites the job situation and says many youth simply don’t know where or how to get a job. 

Then there is the most challenging, the reentry program; Make It So, for those in supervisory care. The inmates will receive education, skill-building and employment tracks. They have a team including doctors from the University of Rochester and business owners who are pursuing grants to get this up and running.

In addition to church ministry oversight, Bishop Singleton is busy with his personal ministries. K.A.M.I. stands for Kingdom Assignment Ministries that helps International pastors overseas and statewide who want accountability.  He speaks into their lives, enriches their ministries, and gives council when asked. He serves as a professor and on the board at Rochester Theological Studies, located at 191 Bay Street.  He teaches hermeneutics, theology and Christian Education. 

The Celebration of Life Breakfast Meetings provide needed linkages for those with medical, financial, and educational needs. Political figures, financiers, doctors, educators, and the faith community attend and offer their expertise to fill in the gap, whether it is a prescription for someone who cannot afford the medical visit, a scholarship, or a job. Free monthly breakfasts are offered the 2^nd Tuesday of the month at the current 506 Jay Street location. 

The bishop grew up in one of the original projects in Rochester. His father enjoyed drinking and his mom liked to pray. He lived in the neighborhood where people would shoot up or turn cop cars over. He saw his dad become an alcoholic and also observed his mom’s life because she was around more. He wondered if God was really real or a cop out. April 1^st of 1975 at 19 years old, he made up his mind and not long after was lying in his bed when he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gave the utterance.

He had a dream, during the early years of serving God, of walking through shanties that had dirt floors and no lights.  Years later, he was in Africa and he was asked to follow so he could pray for someone. As he walked the road, it was like walking through the dream. He has had an international ministry that has included travels to Zambia, Kenya, Mombassa, Zimbabwe, Nairobi, Angola and Eldit in Somalia. He faithfully sends aide to help the extreme refugee population of Zimbabwe. 

Bishop Singleton tells of a miracle where one woman was told by the doctor that her biopsy showed cancer. They prayed for her, she went back to the doctor and said I am healed. The doctor went in and sure enough, God had miraculously healed. He tells of another who had kidney failure and because the side effects were so bad, they didn’t continue taking the medications and didn’t go back to the doctor for six months. When she did go back, the doctor remarked “I thought I’d be reading about you in the paper.” But instead of being in the obituaries, she was in the grace of the Lord. The doctor said there were no kidney problems. The bishop maintains that the greatest miracle is still a soul turning around.

For more information about Bishop Singleton and Ark of Jesus Ministries please visit at www.arkofjesusministries.org By e-mail at Bishop@arkofjesusministries.org or by phone at (585) 262-6420.

Kingdom Bound Announces 2009 Online Talent Search

(Buffalo, NY) - Kingdom Bound Ministries of Western New York, in conjunction with The Christian Festival Association (CFA), a coalition of over two dozen Christian music festivals across the country, recently announced plans for its 2009 National Talent Search. Kingdom Bound Christian music festival takes place August 2-5, 2009, at Darien Lake Theme Park, between Buffalo and Rochester. Now through May 15, unsigned Christian, Gospel and Holy Hip Hop artists can enter one original song into Kingdom Bound's Talent Search online through www.sonicbids.com. Their music will be judged both online and by industry experts, with the first place winner receiving a performance slot at Kingdom Bound and second and third place winners receiving complimentary tickets to the festival. The first place winner of Kingdom Bound's Talent Search will then go on to the national competition with the potential to win a development deal from Word Label Group.

A Look at Christian Schools in the Greater Rochester Area

“Christian School Information Night” held at Lakeshore Community Church

By Doug Hickerson

On January 22, Lakeshore Community Church in Greece hosted its second “Christian School Information Night.”  Ten schools which are members of G.R.A.C.E. (Greater Rochester Area Christian Educators) had tables and representatives in the church lobby ready to provide information to inquiring families.  It was also the evening of the church’s regular midweek service, and Senior Pastor Vince DiPaolo provided a half hour of the service for each representative to speak for three minutes.

The Good News Rochester took this occasion to look at how Rochester Area Christian schools are surviving or thriving, especially in view of the national and regional declining economy. 

Last June, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester closed 13 schools in Monroe County to concentrate all school resources at 11 remaining schools.  The move “addressed critical financial issues,” lowering tuition by 30 percent.  There was a public outcry from the effected families, but an audit report in the fall of 2008 showed the surviving school system to be fiscally sound for the long term (Democrat & Chronicle, Jan. 8, 2009).  Could the G.R.A.C.E. Protestant evangelical schools be headed for such a crisis? 

“G.R.A.C.E. is a loosely organized association of Christian schools,” said John DeMaster, the organization’s president and principal of Rochester Christian School. The 14 schools operate independently and in some cases are under the auspices of a local church.  About half have enrollments around 200 or above and the other half about 100 or below.  Half of the schools have grades K – 8 and the others K – 12.

 The Good News Rochester did a brief survey of G.R.A.C.E. schools and received responses from 10 of them.  The principals were asked about the pattern of enrollment over the past two years and projections for next year.  Some fluctuations were reported, but projections to 2009-10 had enrollments constant or increasing.  At the extremes, one school is closing and another school has seen a 75% increase in enrollment. 

Christ Community Church in Brockport will close this spring after 27 years.  It has 32 students in K through 8^th grades and has been subsidized by the church for many years to keep tuition affordable. Families are being referred to Cornerstone Christian Academy in Brockport that has a similar curriculum and Christian commitment.  “This is not like a failure, but the leading of the Lord,” said Senior Pastor Bruce Plummer about the school closing.  He said his church is at a juncture where its plan to move to a new facility is helped financially by closing the school.  Cornerstone also benefits with an enrollment increase from 56 to 75, due in part to the transfer of some Christ Community students.

Destiny School & Preschool on Elmwood Avenue in Rochester has shown 75% growth due to its unique curriculum and development strategy.  With 72 students currently in preschool through 7^th grade, the school plans to add a grade each year through 12^th grade.  Principal Lavonda Lofton and Assistant Principal Sinea Pies provided a perspective on their success.  In earlier years Destiny was a highly specialized “gifted and talented” program that was expensive to operate, requiring high tuition.  They have now mainstreamed, taking a broader spectrum of students, while maintaining faculty skills to develop gifts and talents that may be found in any student.  This strategy allowed a tuition drop and there are price breaks for multiple students from one family.

Besides changing curriculum, lowering tuition, adding a grade each year, “spiritual emphasis” has increased at Destiny.  “We always taught the Bible,” the administrators said, “but our emphasis on a practical, day-to-day relationship with Jesus Christ and the leading of the Holy Spirit is greater than ever before.”

The principals of the remaining G.R.A.C.E schools in the survey gave reasons for the fluctuations in enrollment and the need to increase efforts for retention and growth.  The top reason given was the state of the economy and difficulties in providing financial aid.  The increase in home schooling was the second reason mentioned by most.   Several administrators cited the “lack of commitment to Christian education,” as expressed by Ralph Dewey of Lima Christian School:  “In years gone by, many parents were willing to make the economic sacrifice to provide a godly education for their children at the expense of other family luxuries. Today, that is not the case with many families who wish to keep their children in public schools to avoid the expense of tuition on top of school taxes.” 

School principals are increasing measures to maintain and grow enrollment:  advertising in the media, flyers sent to prospective families, and open houses.  Some schools said improving the curriculum was important and two had to renovate facilities.  An innovation that has stabilized enrollment at East Palmyra Christian School is the “tuition sale” of $199 per month in the first year with a slight increase in the second year.  Lima Christian School started an International Student Program two years ago.  Last year three students came from foreign countries and this year there were nine admitted.

The survey showed no overall crisis in area Christian schools, with most schools holding their own or thriving.  The school leaders in the survey had positive visions for the future of Christian schools amid current hard challenges (see sidebar).

Lakeshore Community Church itself does not sponsor a school, but Pastor Vince DiPaolo is an advocate for the kinds of schools his church hosted at the January 22 event.   “Christian schools in the area do an incredible job on what is often a shoe-string budget,” he said.  “Quite often, they exceed the levels of learning that children receive in public schools.  Many of the students receive what really counts, a new or growing relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Local Leaders Affirm the Future of Christian Schools

Calvary Chapel Christian School    Principal Mark Leckie

“I believe that there will always be a need for Christian schools, even though some may  become smaller. The economic changes often prove to be a test of the priorities of  Christian parents.  Some are willing to alter their finances to afford a Christian education  even in the tough times.  Others may see it as a frill and not essential.“

Cornerstone Christian Academy    Principal Chris Johnson

“Despite the push of current governmental activities, I think that the widening gap between Christian principles and the curriculum of the public schools will increase the desire for Christian schools.  I also believe home schooling will increase, but that the states will crack down more on that.  I think the hope for our country rests in the hands of those who will influence the current generations to see their Christianity as preeminent, dictating their views of spiritual, moral, economic, environmental and political life.  I believe Christian schools offer one facet of bringing about that type of renewal.  It may be incremental, but a little at a time is better than none at all.”

Destiny School and Preschool   Principal Lavonda Lofton and Assistant Principal Sinea Pies 

“Though times are tough financially, they are also tough in the areas of safety, and morality, etc.  We believe that parents and grandparents still consider it to be of utmost importance that their children be in a safe, loving, faith-filled environment where they can thrive.   Christian schools have always struggled financially but we believe that God will continue to bless and protect these schools and that He will provide families with a way to put their children in a Christian school, if that is what is on their hearts.  Christian schools may even grow in these tough times. “

East Palmyra Christian School     Kathy Cornwell, Head of promotion and enrollment

“I feel that Christian Schools can survive with a proactive approach to attracting Christian families.  We can no longer sit back and wait for interested families to find us.  We have to communicate constantly about the value of a Christian education.  Our education programs have to stay current, and we need to seek educational "niches" to serve our community. “

Charles G. Finney School   Principal Michael Van Leeuwen

“I believe we will see the Christian school community come together in ways not thought of in the past; from cost sharing of services needed to run quality the schools, to working side by side instead of divided in promoting our common vision of preparing the next generation for to live as believers in today’s world.”

Greece Christian School    Principal Herb Parker

“Gone are the days of the "church basement schools" for parents who did not want a public school education for their children. The Christian school of today needs to have high standards of quality in every area of operation, from facilities to staffing to curriculum to business practices. They need to be built on the Word of God, and not man's philosophies. God will build His Church, and I see the Christian school movement as a part of His plan.”

Lima Christian School   Principal Ralph Dewey

“I believe Christian education is one of the best investments a family can make for their children.  Students in Christian schools score better on SAT scores, have higher grade point average, and are, as a whole, serious about their education.  God's Word is taught as a standard for life to our students and it is the goal of the Christian school to graduate a student who has a Biblical worldview of life.  At Christian schools, character occupies as much importance as academics and students are taught to evaluate life by God's standard and not by an individual preference.”

Rochester Christian School    Principal John DeMaster

“The need for Christian schools increases each year as our culture deteriorates.”

St. Paul Lutheran School     Principal Clifford Hummel

“I believe the future of Christian Schools is very positive.  More people are becoming disheartened with the public system which in turn helps us.  Also, we (non-public) have been doing more with less for a long, long time.  So when the Public School Budgets get cut and they have to stop their spending, non-public will continue to produce a fantastic product.”

Webster Christian School     Principal Keith Bell

“I think the demand and importance is going to grow and grow significantly. We may see minor dips from time to time but I believe the interest, impact and influence of Christian Schools in the lives of students, and families, for developing strong character, responsibility, acceptance of accountability, and for receiving equal or a better education than the public sector in a safe and nurturing environment will continue to drive new families into the Christian School education sector.“

An Interview with Jim Hammond, President and Executive Director of CAMP-of-the-WOODS

“Our goal as a ministry and as a full-time staff is to provide an environment where our guests can relax and focus on Jesus Christ” Jim Hammond

Located a little north and a little east, not far into the beautiful Adirondack State Park is a century-old ministry many of you may never have heard of.  CAMP-of-the-WOODS is a Christian summer resort and year-round conference center that serves families, individuals, and churches through its various ministries.  Jim Hammond, President and Executive Director, felt the call to full-time Christian service about 4 years ago amid a successful business career.

The Good News: CAMP-of-the-WOODS has a great summer program and a dynamite speaker list. Tell us a little more about what guests that attend a week during the summer can expect.

JH: Guests can expect more than a few old cabins in the woods! Our facilities have undergone essential renovations in the past 8 years, and over $12 million dollars have been invested. We are very focused on building for the future and ensuring that Camp will be a treasure for many years to come. 

Pop Tibbitts, who founded CAMP-of-the-WOODS back in 1900, used the phrase “vacation on purpose.” That is what a week at CAMP-of-the-WOODS is about; intentionally taking time away to relax as a family, to be refreshed and encouraged to go and make a difference for the Kingdom of God. Here in the Adirondacks we have the perfect place to do that. 

We also cherish our morning chapel services where adults are challenged by great Bible teachers like Ravi Zacharias, Joe Stowell and James McDonald. Teens and children have the option to learn along-side their own age group through our fantastic Christian Education program. 

After chapel, families can choose from a laundry list of activities. Being located right on Lake Pleasant, we offer a beautiful beach, swimming, and boating. We have multiple tennis and volleyball courts as well as a wonderful new mini-golf course. Our newest facility, the Sonju Sports Complex, has three side-by-side basketball courts, a mezzanine level game room and a state-of-the-art climbing wall. Our Recreation Staff also leads off-site excursions like hikes, canoe trips, and weekly white-water rafting trips.

The Good News: In addition to your family camp you also have a summer girl’s camp.  Can you tell me more about that?

JH: Absolutely. The camp is aptly named Camp Tapawingo, meaning “Place of Joy,” and this summer we will celebrate Tapawingo’s 50^th anniversary. The camp itself is an island in the middle of Lake Pleasant and we offer week-long programs for girls ages 9-17. Although the girls take advantage of being surrounded by water with many great activities, my favorite part of Tapawingo is the discipleship. The camper to staff ratio is just right, and we take the hiring process seriously. Campers love the morning and evening devotions with their counselors, as well as the all-camp Power Hour bible study.  The same counselor helping them shoot an arrow is also helping them hit the target in their spiritual life.  Many of them go home changed and it really is a blessing to see.

The Good News: Unlike other camps in the area, you are not just a summer camp but are also a year-round conference center. What types of conferences do you host?

JH: Our Conference Season runs from September to June. We have everything from junior and senior high youth groups to men’s and women’s ministries. During these retreats the groups bring their own speakers and plan out their activities, while we provide the excellent facilities. Our hotel-style Purdy Center, dorm-style Zeitfuss Lodge, and excellent meeting rooms and dining services make for a memorable retreat.   

CAMP-of-the-WOODS also hosts a couple of its own “Special Retreats.” Our highly anticipated annual New Year’s Celebration and President’s Day Weekend are enormous fun for everyone, guests and staff a-like. For each of these retreats we bring in a distinguished speaker and exceptional musicians. We also plan and lead all sorts of activities from horse-drawn sleigh-rides to cross-country ski-trips to organized games.  These are great opportunities for families and individuals to come out during the winter for times of fellowship. 

The Good News: One of the ministries at CAMP-of-the-WOODS is the LIFT Discipleship Program. Can you tell me more about LIFT and what it stands for?

JH: The LIFT program is something I am very passionate about. LIFT stands for “Leaders In Further Training.”  It is geared towards young people between the ages of 19 and 26 and is an opportunity for anyone interested in an intentional 3 ½ months of training and discipleship.

While the LIFT students spend hours each week studying topics like church history and contemporary church issues, they are also heavily involved in a number of outreaches to the community and neighboring cities. They spend some afternoons at the local rehabilitation center and assist with the elementary students at the afterschool bible club.  They travel to the Capital City Rescue Mission in Albany to help with building projects, preparing and serving meals, and producing the evening chapel service. The group also assists right here at Camp in our housekeeping and food services departments to learn how to sincerely be a servant leader. 

An exciting part of each LIFT session is a two-week Missions trip.  Past trips have been to Africa, Alaska and Southeast Asia.  We are so excited that God has opened the door for us to send the LIFT students to minister in Brazil in the spring semester of 2009.  These Missions trips enable the students to practice what they’ve learned hands on.

CAMP-of-the-WOODS Christian Family Resort and Conference Center. Located in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains. Contact Marketing Director, Steve Clark, at (518)548-4311 ext. 247 or email him at stevec@camp-of-the-woods.org Visit online www.camp-of-the-woods.org
 

By Kyla Giles

“We have wonderful youth ministries and college ministries, the only thing that was missing was the bridge connecting the two,” stated John Decker, Northeast Regional Director for the Youth Transition Network (YTN).

There is a serious problem plaguing the Body of Christ. Young people are involved in churches and youth groups throughout the nation, but abandon their faith their freshman year of college. YTN and other such organizations have spent years trying to figure out why kids with solid Christian backgrounds can’t seem to hold onto their faith once they hit college. 

Decker stated, “As a result of research conducted by LifeWay Research, Fuller Institute, and Youth Transition Network, the key factor in the freshmen loss of youth is driven by the high need for socialization in that age group, coupled with the unexpected shock of loneliness, isolation, and disorientation as they are planted in a dorm, often co-ed, with daily parties starting from the first day of orientation.” Studies have shown that if a student isn’t contacted by a ministry before their first 72 hours on campus, they will usually connect to and identify themselves with another group.

On Saturday, February 7^th, YTN hosted a conference that was viewed via simulcast all around the country, including Browncroft Community Church in Rochester, NY. This simulcast featured 12 speakers from various organizations like Youth for Christ and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. They addressed key issues and discussed the hard problems that students will face when they enter college. They spoke on practical issues like how to deal with culture shock, stress, finances, doubts, finding a church, and more.  Throughout the day, polls were taken via text message and speakers were able to discuss their results.  Students and leaders from all over the country could send in questions via MSN chat, email or text messaging. The speakers then addressed the most pertinent questions publicly. 

Nelson Jenkins, youth director at Browncroft, pointed out that the one day conference was a “jumpstart for kids and parents. Its main goal is to point them to the website, where they can get connected.” Elena Rivera from Our Lady of Mercy High School and Sara Balajthy of Brighton High School were two seniors attending the event. Elena stated, “it’s good to get advice and have answers to some of the tough questions.”  Sara added, “we want to find it out now before we go.”  They both agreed that it was refreshing to have a youth event designed to focus on seniors and the questions and issues that they would soon be facing.

YTN desires to point all teens, parents, pastors and leaders to their website, www.LiveAbove.com. Here, students can search for a Christian roommate and find out what ministries are available at their college.  There are connections with over 4,700 churches and ministries on over 3,000 campuses nationwide. They can contact a ministry before they ever leave home and begin to make friends.  Ministry directors will be sure to be in touch with the student shortly after he or she arrives on campus. There are also resources and videos for students to watch. 

The website also provides lots of free information for parents, pastors and ministry leaders. There are DVDs and PowerPoint presentations available for churches and youth groups.  Students who see a video stressing these issues are much more likely to connect with ministries before they leave.  Connecting ahead of time is key. College ministries will even invite your seniors out for some of their events to give them an idea of what campus ministries are like. This also provides opportunities for students to see college students who have made their faith real. Even if the high school student doesn’t attend that particular college, it gives them a feel for campus ministry.

 “We need champions and ambassadors to get the message out,” stated Decker. “Connecting high school students to college and ministry groups has been proven in Arizona to drastically reduce the 70% of kids who lose their faith and actually doubles the attendance in college ministries. In four years, we could actually be graduating double the Christian students into our churches, society, government and workplaces. YTN is not a program, a project, or a product; it’s a movement, helped by a website and a coalition of over 50 ministries.”

Decker is very willing to provide training and information to anyone who may wish to become involved in spreading the word about this ministry. He would be happy to answer any questions that you might have.  He stresses the urgency of the time, he desires to reach as many young people between now and May 1^st as possible, before colleges and high schools are done for the summer and before roommate deadlines. You can contact him at (315) 656-7973 or email him at jdecker@YouthYransitionNetwork.org.

Be sure to check out www.LiveAbove.org, and spread the word through Facebook. Go to Facebook page LiveAbove-Northeast, and find pages for your city. Parents, grandparents, pastors and leaders can find more information at www.YouthTransitionNetwork.org.

Ministers from Western NY Make History in Tanzania

Ministry report by Pastor Carl Jenks, New Hope Community Church, N. Chili, NY

November 2-8, 2008 were very exciting days in Tanzania for a group of ministers from Rochester, NY. Responding to an unexpected invitation from that land, a team of three travelled to Tanzania to conduct what would be history making, breakthrough meetings for that region of East Africa. We had been invited to come by the Bishop of 800 plus churches to begin a series of conferences through out Tanzania to impart to these churches the message that has transformed our own lives – “Christ in You, the Hope of Glory” Colossians 1:27. These were the first meetings of that assignment.

With our theme Scripture Galatians 2:20, printed in Ki-swahili hanging over the platform, we embarked on 6 days of conferences in two different locations in northern Tanzania. The first of these took place in the shadow of Mt. Kilimanjaro, in the Tanzanite mining town of Mereriani. Into this bone dry, wind swept, vegetation bare outpost people hungry for what the Lord had for them streamed in from all the surrounding villages, and churches throughout the region, some quite far away. For example, one lady walked 6 hours one way to get there. When the Lord touched her body with physical healing she walked home again and brought another lady from her village the next day! The Lord healed the second lady as well! This arid, dusty spot of land is as thirsty for the Word of the Lord as it is for natural water. Just like the giant water trucks that bring the life giving liquid to this barren place we found ourselves bringing the Living Water and we had the great thrill of watching the Holy Spirit pour our His Living Water in abundance. The pastors of the area were very thankful for the teaching, and we were able to give each of them a copy of “The Presence Powered Life” newly translated into their own language! They now have a resource for continued growth for themselves, and to help them feed their people.

First in Mereriani and then again in Arusha, the largest city in northern Tanzania, we watched the Lord touch bodies and hearts; Bishops, pastors and people receiving the revelation that Jesus does really abide in them and desires to live His Life through them. What a joy to watch the eyes light up and hear the shouts of praise as spiritual eyes and ears were opened to the newly revealed truth. Tears of amazement streamed down faces as many discovered for the first time the Lord Jesus really does speak to them and that they can hear Him! Nor was this activity confined to only the older generations. Even the parents of young children desired them to receive a touch from the Lord and we had the wonderful privilege of praying and prophesying over many young children, calling forth the destiny of God for their lives. Hundreds of people lined up to be prayed over at once in one meeting. The Lord was faithful to give each of them just what they needed. Who knows all that the Lord did in that short week?! Only eternity will tell the whole story.

After such an amazing beginning, what’s next? The original plan called for us to do more regional conferences in the coming months. But once the senior leaders of this network saw the impact it was having this time, they decided to expand things more quickly. In the summer of 2009 our team will be retuning to Tanzania where as the featured guest speakers we will be teaching the pastors and leaders of all the churches at one time during their annual Pastors’ conference. We are already preparing ourselves for another history making trip!

To learn more about the Power of the Life of Christ in you, I invite you to pick up my book, “The Presence Powered Life”, available on www.Amazon.com, or visit my website, www.presencepoweredlife.org.

Northeastern Seminary Offers A Unique Christian Academic Program

By Dean Lichterman

(Rochester, NY) - Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan College offers a Christian academic program, but claims that its style is what makes it different. According to academic dean Douglas Cullum, Northeastern is unique because of its combination of the cohort system and a commitment to spiritual formation.

“Our seminary education, is terms of content, it’s very traditional and classical, historic biblical Christianity in its approach, but its packaging, is really quite different than normal packaging,” said Cullum. “Particularly with the core curriculum. The core curriculum itself is an integrated model, which, we think, is more true to the way people are formed spiritually and the way the ministry of the world functions.”

In the cohort model, students are put with a group of 20-25 students. Those students stay together as a group for the first two years of the seminary education. Each group is also divided into sub groups of between six to nine people that meets outside of the classroom for approximately an hour and half to share their spiritual lives. The students also have retreats and chapel time.

“You can see what that does, because they stay together for those two years, that group of people, it becomes a learning community and therefore, because it’s a community, people tend to share their lives and their life stories and faith commitment,” said Cullum, who is also a professor of  historical and pastoral theology. “So the model itself helps the spiritual formation happen.”

Northeastern Seminary has been using the same model of education since its founding in 1998. Cullum has been with the school since its inception and has seen the school grow from 10-12 students to the current level of 126. The school offers programs for Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Theology studies and a Doctor of Ministry. To date, the school has seen 21 cohorts for its masters programs and eight for its doctorate programs.

“The cohort model itself tends to be an adult education model of higher education and it affirms the rich resources that the students themselves bring to the table,” said Cullum. “They are usually coming with some life experience. The average age of a seminarian today is 35-39 years of age. It fluctuates, but its stays in that area, that’s much different than say 20 years ago plus when I was in seminary, everybody was just out of college, virtually, there is still some seminaries at that age when you get the average age, you get some students that are young and some student that are old.” The average age of a Northeastern student today is 43. The youngest student is 23, while the oldest is 83.

Al Floro of Henrietta, is an attorney who is in his first semester at Northeastern at age 53. “I’ve sworn after law school that I’ve never go back to school,” said Floro. “I’m finding that I am enjoying this tremendously. I like the academics much more than I thought that I would. Maybe it’s the subject matter, for me, it’s a lot more exciting than the law was.”

According to its website, Northeastern has graduates from more than 30 Christian faiths. Of its current students, 30 consider themselves non-denominational. Twenty call themselves Free Methodists, while 16 are Baptist and 13 are United Methodists. The remainder are divided among 16 faiths.

Classes at Northeastern meet at night, one night a week, depending on your cohort. Those classes last for four hours. The school estimates each student spends16 hours a week in out-of-class preparation. Each class has required spiritual readings. “We do it through (an approach based on experience) so that people are actually having opportunities to think about their own relationship with God and what spiritual life means to them without trying to buttonhole them into any particular approach to the Christian faith,” said Cullum.

After the two years, students have to complete other requirements as well as field work. “The more typical model of theological education, as with any education, is to have separate disciplinary courses along the way, rather than have an integrated model where we move historically through Christian history,” said Cullum. “In each of those units, each of those courses, we touch upon history and cultural context, biblical studies, theological contribution, church life and ministry and then really, the so what question? What difference does it make to study these ancient or old materials in order to do ministry in today’s world. That approach itself is a bit innovative for us, but the content is pretty classical historical biblical Christianity.”

Al Floro is enjoying his Northeastern experience. “I’m enjoying it a tremendous amount” said Floro. “The academic standards are high here in terms of quality of work you are expected to do and I am enjoying that.”

To learn more about Northeastern Seminary please visit online at www.nes.edu Phone: 1-800-777-4792.

Alpha and Omega to Hold Special VBS Presentation on February 13 and 14, 2009

(Rochester, NY) – “It is time to think about Vacation Bible School! The wind is blowing and snow may be falling outside,” said Cindy Anderson from Alpha & Omega Parable Christian Store, “but summer Vacation Bible School planning is underway inside!”  Each year in February, representatives from several publishing companies showcase their Vacation Bible School products in a special presentation at Alpha & Omega Parable Christian Store in Panorama Plaza at 1601 Penfield Road in Penfield.  The presentation will be held on Friday night, Feb. 13, from 7 pm to 9pm.  An identical session will be presented on Saturday morning, Feb. 14, from 9 am to 11 am.

“We have lots of fun and learn about the products at the same time.  It is wonderful to hear first hand from the publishers and get their take on their products.  We allow the churches to then take out the material that they like and delve into it with their committees.” Said Cindy Anderson. “Alpha & Omega Parable Christian Store even has a discount program when ordering is done early.”

Group Publishing has a program on “Rome: Paul and the Underground Church.” What a great way to show kids and even the teachers what it was like in the catacombs.  Another VBS from Group Publishing is “Crocodile Dock: Where Fearless Kids Shine God's Light”, which takes you right into the swamp. A game show theme is Standard Publishing’s “Studio GO! Game Show.” The theme of Urban Ministries’ VBS is “The Jesus Chronicles: a Life Changing Encounter!”  There are also VBS choices from Gospel Light and other publishers.

VBS is a great way to introduce kids to the gospel message.  Many churches get the parents of the kids involved in the study.  Vacation Bible School is a great outreach event.  If your church needs ideas or has never put on VBS, come to the VBS training event at Alpha & Omega Parable Christian Store on February 13 or 14. The VBS event is free.  Call 585-381-1250 to register or for more information. Visit online at www.alphaandomegabookstore.com

By Doug Hickerson

Frank Irace moved to Palmyra from New York City in 1987. He began using drama to teach Biblical principles in his church. Over several years, his dramas dealt with hardcore societal problems such as spousal abuse, abortion, rape, and “those things that are typically taboo to talk about.” He wrote a drama for a church performing arts contest in Webster, based on his experiences as a youth director. The lead character was a youth who felt rejection throughout his life and the drama ended with a gun to his head and suicide. “Not so much to be sensationalistic, but to be real,” Irace said.  Soon after the show, he was surrounded by shocked adults protesting such a message was not appropriate “around here” and suggesting that he “take it to the inner city.” From counseling and working with suburban teens for about five years, “I know what they are going through,” he responded. “They may be playing church with you, but inwardly they are dying a slow death with no true relationship with Jesus Christ. This drama was telling them that, even if they feel that no one is listening, Jesus Christ always is listening and is there for them. There is never a situation so desperate as to take your own life.”

“I saw the Master’s hand on this and within a couple of years I sought a place to do this type of drama and arts and to recruit both adults and teenagers for a troupe called the ‘In Your Face Players,’” Irace said about the genesis of Impact Theatre. Its goal from the beginning has been to challenge people in their spiritual walk and to minister to those who are struggling with life. “I found a place on Main Street Palmyra that seated about 40 people. It was GREAT! Very intimate theatre…what I was used to in the smaller off-Broadway theatres I attended in Greenwich Village. You know, where you basically can reach out and touch your audience. This is what I love to do and how better to do it than with the gospel of Jesus Christ!” Irace compares the remote and white-robed Jesus seen in some movies with the real life Jesus of scripture who mixed with all sorts of people up close. “That is what we do as a troupe, we touch people and we mingle among them. We put Jesus Christ and His words up in your face. We try to uncover sin and darkness that is hidden in the hearts and house walls of us all and expose those things in light of the scriptures. Some don’t like us for that, but others do, and we have a very loyal audience. We have not looked back since and have been doing it for eight consecutive years without interruption every month except December.”

The first location became crowded, and Palmyra town officials invited Impact Theatre to rent the town hall facility where the group has been for a few years. It provides 120 seats in a cabaret-type setting. Once a month, Impact Theatre presents a night of brief “vignettes” by the In Your Face Players. On the same night another Christian artist might appear with acts such as music, story-telling, dance and mime. It is dessert theatre with six bakers in the group providing a variety of different homemade desserts each month.  The evening of entertainment, the dessert, and the available counseling materials and Bibles are all free.

Impact Theatre “has some of the most talented original Christian artists in the Rochester area,” according to the web site. Irace was asked to comment further.  “I do not pretend to be something we are not. We are amateur theatre…an all volunteer-led organization. The 10 to 15 volunteers come from all walks of life, men, women, all ages, from various churches in surrounding communities. We staff our own writers for our drama material, and our own actors and actresses. Most of these volunteers have full time jobs. (Irace is full time at Xerox.) They come, set-up, take down, bake, act, clean, memorize, minister, give money and serve without expecting anything in return. I consider us very talented. We may not be as polished as a lot of local theatre companies but we strive to please our Master and, as a director, I expect that level of dedication and intensity.”

Funding comes from the audience (a donation box in the lobby), monthly “partners,” and missions funding from Irace’s church, Living Word Assembly of God in Ontario, N.Y.  Impact Theatre is not affiliated with any particular church, but Irace believes in spiritual accountability. “I do put myself and the ministry under the covering of my pastor and church,” he said. The theatre is also a joint endeavor at the Irace home in Palmyra.  “I am truly blessed to have my wife and son be such and integral part of this ministry.”

(A performance schedule and other Impact Theatre information can be found at www.impactdrama.com.)

Project URGE Breaks Down Barriers to Unite the Community in Service

By Kyla Giles

(Rochester, NY) - “We break down barriers when we serve Christ together” stated founder and director of Project URGE, Garry Manuel. Project Urban Revitalization God Experienced (Project URGE) began in 2002 and works to network people in order to benefit the community. The mission is “connecting and uniting urban/suburban/rural churches, organizations and individuals to work together in breaking down barriers of poverty, race and despair in the name of Jesus Christ.”

On November 1, 2008, Project URGE had its “URGEnt Presentation and Tour” at Grace United Methodist Church on Driving Park Ave in Rochester. This event gave individuals the opportunity to talk to representatives from many different ministries and organizations to see how they can plug in and make a difference. They were also able to visit several sites first hand and see how they were working in the community.

Attendees were given an opportunity to gather information and then were welcomed by Pastor George Nicholas of Grace United Methodist.  Pastor Nicholas stated that there is a mission field right here and encouraged people to get involved. Then, Garry Manuel gave instructions about the tour. There were several different tour groups, and each one visited different sites around Rochester where services are given.

There are so many different ways to become involved in service through Project URGE and the various other organizations. They have several teams that one can become a part of with various levels of commitment. Service opportunities are endless and can include working with after school programs, individuals with substance abuse addictions, Bible studies, children and youth programs, food and clothing assistance, construction and renovation, health care, homelessness, pregnancy services, child care, job skills training, prayer teams, clown ministry, refugee resettlement, and much, much more.

There are incredible agencies working full time in all of these fields right here in Rochester. The key verse used by Project URGE is 1 John 3:18 “Dear children, let us not love with word or tongue but with actions and truth.” Garry Manuel has seen first hand that when people of different races, ethnicities, denominations, economic situations and backgrounds unite to serve others, these barriers begin to come down and they are able to make a profound impact on the community.

For more information or to find out how you can become involved in making a difference in your community, please visit www.ProjectURGE.org. You can also call founder and director Garry Manuel at (585) 223-8340, Jane Ames at (585) 458-5927 ext. 104 or email ProUrge@aol.com.

An Interview with Ethel Chadwick, Host of “Bagels and Blessings” Radio Program

Bagels and Blessings can be heard on Saturday mornings on 990 AM WDCX from 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM.   The program is a ministry of Congregation Shema Yisrael and is hosted by Ethel Chadwick.  Bagels and Blessings is a combination of Messianic Jewish music, contests, and testimonies of Jewish believers in Messiah Jesus (Yeshua) or Gentile believers who are called to Messianic Judaism. The Good News in Western NY had an opportunity to interview Ethel about this unique program.

The Good News: When did you start this radio program and what is your audience? 

Ethel Chadwick: The program began in 1997. I was selected to be a “host for a day,” to do a “one-time, one-hour show” and was then asked to keep the show on the air if I could raise my own support. Listeners are mostly from believing homes, although I suppose non-believers occasionally find it on the radio dial.

The Good News: Why did you name this program "Bagels and Blessings"? 

Ethel Chadwick: Great question! I’m often asked that question. It was definitely inspired by God. I just know how much I love bagels (growing up in a Jewish household, of course I love bagels!) and I wanted to be a blessing to my listening audience. It just sounded catchy and felt right. There is a contest on almost every show and listeners can win a coupon for bagels by answering Bible quizzes. I love taking calls from listeners and getting to “meet” my listeners!

The Good News: Is this a Jewish radio program or a Christian one?

Ethel Chadwick: Another great question! Before I can answer I need to define “Christian.” My Jewish friends and family always referred to everyone who wasn’t Jewish as Christian. But what they really meant was Gentile, which means non-Jewish. There is a difference. Those of us who have embraced the Jewish Messiah Yeshua know that “Christian” means follower of the Messiah, or Mashiach in Hebrew.  Messiah also means “anointed one.” Therefore a Jew who has accepted Jesus as Messiah can be called a Christian.   But so many Jews still think it means “Gentile.” Therefore many Jewish believers in Messiah prefer the term “Messianic Jew.”  As Messianic Jews we celebrate our Jewish feasts and traditions much like the early disciples did. After all, they too were Jews! Now to answer your question, I would call Bagels and Blessings a Messianic Radio Show. I think most of my listeners are believers, and that includes Jews and Gentiles. We are truly one in Messiah!

The Good News: How is your radio show different from other Christian radio shows?

Ethel Chadwick: Most Christian radio shows (or non-Messianic Jewish radio shows) primarily play contemporary Christian gospel songs. Bagels and Blessings has a specific theme – to proclaim the Jewishness of the gospel! The music I play is “Jewish Gospel music.” It has a middle eastern sound and the songs talk about Yeshua the Messiah. I teach a little bit about the Jewish holidays and encourage the listeners to share the wonderful message of Yeshua with their Jewish friends and neighbors. But Christian and Messianic radio shows do have something in common – both types of shows proclaim that Yeshua died for our sins, both encourage the listeners to pray and trust God, both play inspiring music that soothes and uplifts. I think it’s important to focus on what we have in common.

The Good News: How did you come to accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord?

Ethel Chadwick: I was in a troubled marriage and met a strong Christian at work. She gently began to share the gospel with me and I finally got up enough courage to open the “forbidden book” – the New Testament  - for the first time.   I was delightfully surprised to find that the Old Testament was quoted often, that the disciples were Jewish, that the Last Supper was a Passover Seder. I learned that Jesus said “I came to fulfill the law and prophets, not to change them.” (Matthew 5:17). God became real to me and gave me strength and courage. Even though I had sung “Handel’s Messiah” in choirs I never knew that Jesus was the Messiah. He has brought incredible joy and blessing into my life. Jesus truly made me Kosher!

The Good News: Since you've become a Christian, what are one or two of those tough times in your life that the Lord has been able to help you through?

Ethel Chadwick: The first time I felt the incredible power of God was when I was pregnant with my first baby. I miscarried at 15 weeks and had the most amazing peace – it was truly supernatural. Although I was sad for the loss, I felt like I was in a bubble of peace and love. God gave me incredible strength, and a verse to stand on – Psalm 113:9 – “He will make the barren woman a joyful mother of children.” And I did go on to have 3 wonderful children! The other time was when my first husband left me when my youngest child was only 7 months old. I thought I would have a nervous breakdown. It was a very traumatic time in my life. God provided me with strong believers and they were there for me 24/7. There was always someone to call for prayer, I was never without love and support. I can truly say as the psalmist says in Psalm 40 that “….he lifted me up out of the miry clay and set my feet on a rock – many will see and many will hear and many will trust in the Lord.” God was my provider and He gave me the strength I needed in both of these situations.   

The Good News: What difference has the Lord made in your life?

Ethel Chadwick: The Lord has taught me to trust, to have patience, what it truly means to love unconditionally, and I have learned a lot about the difference between performance and ministry (I am also a worship leader at Congregation Shema Yisrael). He has shown me that He has a purpose and a plan for my life – and I am encouraged to help others in the same way that I have received help.   He has blessed me with a Godly husband and many loving friends.  

The Good News: What are your plans for the Radio Show ministry?

Ethel Chadwick: Perhaps someday (as the Lord leads) Bagels and Blessings will be syndicated. It would be exciting to share the Jewishness of the Gospel with listeners across the ocean. In the meantime I want listeners to know that they can call the show for prayer or they can contact me via email any time. I am so excited about Yeshua and want to share His message with the whole world!

The Good News:  What challenges do you face?

Ethel Chadwick:  Sometimes it has been a challenge to trust God for the finances to stay on the air.   Currently the radio station charges $130 a week. There have been times when I thought for sure that I would have to cancel the show because the funds just weren't there -- but just when my faith started to waver and I was filled with doubts the Lord came through - the funds have always come, just in time.  

The Good News: What is the best way for our readers to reach you?

Ethel Chadwick: Best way is through my website www.bagelsandblessings.com or email  me at bagelsandblessings@juno.com.  Tax free donations can also be sent. Checks should be made out to “Shema Yisrael,” and put “Bagels and Blessings” on the memo portion of the check. They can be mailed to Bagels and Blessings, P.O. Box 192, Scottsville, NY 14546-0192. If they have a Paypal account they can click on the “donations” button on the website. I am also available to speak at churches or small groups around the Rochester area. I truly love to share my testimony and share what God has done in my life!

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America: National Sanctity of Human Life Day, 2009

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2009 (Christian Newswire) - The following text is A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America: National Sanctity of Human Life Day, 2009: