MARK WILLIAMS ELECTED GENERAL OVERSEER OF THE CHURCH OF GOD IN ORLANDO,FL

Orlando, FL–Mark Williams, current second assistant general overseer, was nominated on the first ballot to serve as the next General Overseer of the Church of God. He was then subsequently elected as the General Overseer of the Church of God, our sister Pentecostal denomination with headquarters in Cleveland, TN.

Nominating the general overseer was the first order of business for the ordained bishops general council gathered in Orlando, Florida for the 74th International General Assembly. If confirmed by the International General Assembly on Friday afternoon, Williams will replace Dr. Raymond Culpepper who was not eligible for another term due to tenure limitations.

"There is no higher honor and no greater responsibility in the Church of God for an ordained bishop than to be called upon to serve in the office of General Overseer,” Williams, 48, said as he accepted the nomination. “I pledge to lead from my knees, so that I may hear from God…I will obey with unrelenting courage should the General Assembly decide this is God’s will. I commit myself unreservedly to this global (Church of God) family.”

Williams referred to his family, his wife, Sandra Kay, and sons Austin, 16, and Ryan, 11, verbalizing to them, “I will still be your dad,” to which the General Council burst into applause. “I pledge to embrace this generation.”

The General Council then went on to nominate the four remaining members of the Executive Committee, beginning with David Griffis, who was elevated to first assistant general overseer. Griffis has spent the last four years as third assistant general overseer. If confirmed, he will replace Tim Hill, who was ineligible to return to the executive committee due to tenure limitation.

"I am thankful for my family and their heritage,” Griffis stated, referring to his wife, Judy, and his father who was also a Church of God minister and leader. “It is good to be a part of the family of God and I desire what is best for this Church.”

A newcomer to the Executive Committee is J. David Stephens, nominated to serve as second assistant general overseer. Stephens has led the Church of God in numerous capacities, including state director of youth and Christian education, and for the last several years as an overseer in Kentucky, Tennessee, and of Florida since 2010.

“Overwhelmed…thankful…humbled…honored…challenged…and excited,” was how Stephens summed up his nomination. “I am grateful for my legacy and I believe in my church. I will serve, I will work for, and I will depend upon your support.”

Returning to the Executive Committee and moving upward a slot to Third Assistant General Overseer, was Wallace J. Sibley, who has served as secretary general for the last four years. A third generation Church of God member, Sibley said, “I accept this nomination as the will of God…I appreciate so much what the church has meant to me.” Sibley also expressed gratitude to the outgoing members of the Executive Committee and his appreciation for their friendship and leadership.

The final member to be nominated for the Executive Committee was M. Thomas Propes, state overseer of South Carolina since 2006. If ratified by the General Assembly, Propes will become the next Secretary General of the Church of God.

“I am fourth generation Church of God…If I am cut, I think I would bleed blue and gold,” Propes joked as he made his acceptance speech. “I thank this body for the vote of confidence and trust…I will never do anything to betray that trust.”

If ratified by the General Assembly this Friday afternoon, this Executive Committee will serve until the General Assembly of 2016.

BE AWARE OF THE WOLF WITH THE LAMB'S HAT!

By Irving Serrano  Sr       

 

I recently had the privilege to read a letter that was sent to some-one close to me. I was asked to read the letter because it appeared to be a little confusing. After reading it, I had the challenge of explaining it, and its real intentions. I felt compelled to speak about this, because I could just imagine how many people through out the world could be receiving such letters. Similar to the way pop-ups appear on our computer screens, advertisements of different sorts etc. Well this is just as factual. Names are pulled, and letters are sent. These letters appear to come from some one who has your best interest at heart. Even more so, that the letter goes on to speak about how this person, who never gives you their name, yet tries to convince you that they had a prophetic word from God. How they were instructed to speak to you. In the letter, they use "KEY" words, such as Holy, Fervent, or Sowing of Seed". They speak to you using your first name as to personalize their message. They hit you with several true life events that very well could be common to most anyone. As the letter comes to conclusion it pretty much lets you know all that they promise, that "THEY" will do for you. Will only happen if you send them a "GIFT", or " Sow a Seed", of ($ 20.00) twenty dollars. I must admit. I consider my self to be a Man of God. I found it so offensive to read the letter. It pains me to find that the letter scares the intended reader to not show, or share the letter with any one...." because they will loose out on their blessing, or miracle being preformed in their life". THE FACTS ARE CLEAR AND SIMPLE! Christ died for ALL of us, so that we may live. When they try to speak in the letter about a Holy word, they never mention the Holy Spirit. The letter speaks a little of what moses felt, with out really quoting the Bible. The Bible, teaches us about the love of Jesus Christ. It teaches us about the Holy spirit, and the power of God. It teaches us about Faith, and how to live a Christian life. I am aware of many about Faith, and how to live a Christian life. I am aware of many Pastors, and Evangelist that dedicate their time for Gods ministry. I thank God for them, and I pray for them daily, but We all must be aware that their are people out their that use Gods word, to infiltrate into the lives of many. Not for the purpose of leading them to Salvation, through Jesus Christ. but rather to fill their pockets with your money. A donation, or a gift of love to a charitable organization is always well received, and needed. If you belong to a church, tithes and offerings is the only thing sanctioned in the Bible. If you need a miracle in your life? Take it to the Lord in prayer. If you are in distress economically, or emotionally. Stop! And speak to God. Christ paid the price for you. He made it possible so that you have the right, the power and the authority to speak, and He will listen. Ask Him your self, and He will deliver. Don`t allow anyone to send you a mirror to look into, as you ask for what you need. Expecting the person in the letter calling themselves a prophet, will look into the mirror you send them back. They say when they receive the mirror, and the "Seed or Gift" will be able to see you asking.........and THEY will ask God, to grant it for you. PLEASE UNDERSTAND, the Bible has never spoken of such ridiculousness! Do you want to hear preaching? Go to Church. Do you want to have a closer relation with God. Read your Bible, and pray. Ask God to let His Holy Spirit in your Life. God will give you perfect and clear understanding of His Holy Scripture. Do not fall for the tricks of the enemy. You should never feel compelled to feel you must pay for some one to pray for you. No one intercedes to God for you except Jesus Christ. Remember "The fervent prayer of a righteous man, avails much. May God bless you.

                                                 Love always, Irving Serrano Sr.

 

THREE BROTHERS IN A GARAGE

By Irving Serrano Sr

I often sit back and watch my Grandchildren, as they play. It seems like in their little world all is fair. All is good. In most cases, its because as children play..."they can make, or change the rules". I remember a time back in the mid sixties. While playing with my older Brother Noel, and my younger Brother Abel. We took over our Fathers garage and turned it into our very own head quarters, " Our Home Base". We would go to bed early, just to wake up at sun-rise, in order to report to base. We had the bottom half of a super market shopping cart, to use for our jeep. My Lil Brother Abel and I would often end up pushing our older Brother Noel. Each of us would take on the challenges to produce the items needed to follow up on our mission. Noel would let us know what we needed, Abel wouid document everything. Encrypted in such a way that it could only be understood by us. I would basically build, or invent the robotics, lighting system or speaker system. We were just Kids, using our imaginations. And we would spend many hours playing out these rolls. We spoke to each other through little boxes we held, answering each other, as if they really worked. Noel and I would ask the make shift computer questions, that Abel, would read out the results. This would go on for hours, then day in, and day out. All this before cell phones were invented. Much less, lap tops or Google. At times I feel we were the original Waltons, we grew up with the love of our siblings, the love and direction of two loving parents. Most importantly, two loving parents that Loved the Lord, and were never shameful to teach their young. The word of God. May God bless you. Love always, Irving Serrano Sr.