Holiness Evangelist #28 January/Feb 2023 : simplebooklet.com

His MandateKeith LedfordMarc DodrillHis sonThe threefoldBiblical mission and mandate2 January–FebruaryHEAs I write these words, we are just days away from celebrating the breathtaking birth of God’s Son. Christmas is missions in action. In the book of Galatians, from which we take our title, Paul said, God sent forth his son. Strong’s defines “sends forth” as, “to send away forth, on a mission.” Mis-sions was not a plan invented by the early church. It was not the brainchild of the great Apostle Paul. The plan for missions and world evangelism was birthed in the heart of God. He exemplified it as he sent forth his Son.We are focused on our mission of world out-reach and evangelism in this edition of the Holiness Evangelist. Everyone of us has some part to play in this. I want you to hear the heart throb of our lead-ership and the burden they have for souls. We want our children and young people to dream of spend-ing their lives on some foreign field preaching the gospel and teaching the word. Our desire is that everyone in the ICHA will put their shoulder to the wheel and push the cause of God’s glorious king-dom. What can we do? Think of the collective pow-er of prayer! When hundreds of our people in the USA and around the world are united in praying for souls and the harvest it will make a difference. Unit-ed prayer gives power to our outreach. It kindles fire in the engine room of our effort. It engenders a holy enthusiasm and passion in our evangelism. Think also of the forward momentum created by united generosity in our mission’s giving! With love for souls and Christ burning within, come up with a plan in your household budget to help fund the cost of sending missionaries, sponsoring nationals, and taking care of the overhead to send Field Coordi-nators and a hundred other things that make the wheels of ICHA Missions roll. We also need some churches to step up and double their Mission’s pledge.Let me also ask pastors and board members that you contact our Global Missions Coordinator and schedule him for a service as soon as possi-ble at your church. Turn it into a weekend mission’s convention. It will stoke a fire that will be a bless-ing to your congregation. The opportunities before us are immense and exciting. Let us so conduct ourselves under God that our children and young people will be captivated by the immensity of the cause, the purity of our conduct, and the burning passion of our purpose.God sent forth his Son. He gave his best. He gave out of love. He bankrupted heaven to save us.Isaac Watts said it so well. “Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small, love so amazing so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”May the Lord use the message of this edition to help kindle that fire. Let us live out the theme, “His Mandate, our Mission.”God Sent forth

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Our MissionKeith LedfordMarc DodrillHis sonThe threefoldBiblical mission and mandateAs I studied the title of this article, my heart was convicted with overflowing tears, overwhelmed by the colossal task, and committed to teach and preach with a God given passion for souls! I believe our Mandate and mission is threefold!First, we are commanded by the Great Com-mission to go and bring them in to the knowledge of salvation. Secondly, our mandate is to lead them to a life of full surrender and to be entirely sancti-fied. Thirdly, we are to constantly help create an at-mosphere of obedience and victory! Of course, we must have the anointing of the Holy Ghost and fire!To Illustrate: A traveler was journeying in the darkness of night along a road that led to a deep and rapid river, which, swollen by sudden rains, was chafing, and roaring within its precipitous banks. The bridge that crosses the stream had been swept away by the current, but he didn’t know it. A man met him and said to him in an in an indifferent way, “are you aware that the bridge is gone”? “I heard such report this afternoon and thought I am not certain about it” perhaps you’d better not proceed.By the hesitating and undecided way, the infor-mation was given, the traveler pushed on in the way of death. Soon another came along and cried out in consternation, Sir, Sir, the bridge is gone! “Oh Yes,” replied the traveler. “Someone told me that story a little while ago, but I’m sure it’s an idle tale.” “Oh, it is true”! Exclaimed the other. “I barely es-caped being carried away with it myself. You must not go on.” And with excitement of his feelings he grasped the traveler by the hands, by the arms, by the clothes. Convinced by the earnest voice the earnest eyes and the earnest gestures, the traveler turned back and was saved.So, it is only through burning zeal for the salva-tion of the lost: a zeal glowing in the heart and flashing out in look and action and utterance; That the confi-dence of unbelief can be overcome and the heedless travelers of the Broadway won to the path of life and happiness. Love is the most potent logic: interest and sympathy are the most subduing eloquence.There are over 8 billion people on this earth. I wonder how many of them are lost? It is hard to say. And who really cares how many people are lost? Every time you draw a breath five people go into eternity who have never heard the gospel mes-sage. I trust you will be convicted by the mandate and mission and not overwhelmed so much that we throw our hands up in despair and say we can do so little. But our task is to win them one by one whether at home or abroad. We as soul winners should feel like the old keeper of Eddiestone light-house. Life was failing fast but summoning all his strength he crept around once more to trim the lights before he died. May the Holy Ghost enable his servants to keep the beacon fire blazing, to warn sinners of the rocks, trolls, and quicksand that surround them. And keep the light ever burning of hope, assurance, and victory.I want to be an attractive Christian. I want to give the people hope and let them know the most mar-velous thing in the world is to be a Christian and to have the Holy Spirit of God within us. This is the only thing to which we are called and the way to do that is positively to avoid grieving the Holy Spirit and walk with him, to dwell in him as he dwells in us and be led by him in all things. Matthew 5:16—let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven. In His Service, mddJanuary–February 3HE

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His Mandateapplication of mandateHarrold Taylor4 January–FebruaryHEWhen giving the Great Commission, Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15, all quoted scripture KJV). This instruction was not intended to be a suggestion or light request. The setting was just before the ascension, so the Lord was relaying to the disciples the final words spoken in His earthly ministry, sharing with them the passion behind His coming to earth. In the next verse He gave the purpose behind the commission: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). In this mandate we find the very heartbeat of the Savior.The message is very clear and unambiguous. The directive is a call to Action: “Go.” God does not bestow His saving grace upon us just that we might enjoy and revel in it alone. The saved individual will be filled with a desire to share the glorious news of what Jesus has done in his heart and life. There are many ways and places one might “Go” to fulfill this mandate for Action. If God calls, there must be willingness to go to a foreign country, go into full-time ministry, go across the street to minister to a neighbor, or go into a Sunday school class of community children. One can also “Go” via finances. You may never have the opportunity to visit or work on a foreign mission field, but you can make a dif-ference by faithfully supporting the work and those who are called to serve there. Even when one cannot go in person, prayers can travel around the world and to the very Throne of Heaven, releasing the hand of God to work in powerful ways.Who is to have this privilege of serving as Ambas-sadors for the King? Jesus said, “Ye.” Every individual who has experienced the grace of God is called to labor in this capacity. It matters not where or how God directs; what matters is that each person has a special place to fill and work to do that God has specifically prepared. Paul reminds us in II Corinthians 5:20, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ.”Is there some special place where this work is to be done? Yes, Jesus was very specific. His Ambassadors are to take the Action “into all the world” (Mark 16:15). There is no place that is to be overlooked or considered too difficult. To paraphrase the founder of Methodism, The world is our parish (John Wesley, 1739). What a wonderful privilege it is to be an Ambassador in this global Arena!The Assignment in this Arena is to preach. While preaching may involve delivering a sermon, it is more than this. Webster also provides this definition: “to ad-vocate earnestly.” While we certainly advocate for Christ with our speech, we must also do so with our actions. The quote, often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, instructs us to “Preach Christ. When necessary, use words.” It is critical that our lips and our lives both work together to proclaim the wonderful message of deliver-ance from sin through the power of the Blood of Jesus.What to preach is a critical component of this Mandate. The message is not my ideals or philoso-phies. God’s plan is not even for us to Americanize or westernize those we reach. The Assignment is the Affirmation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Humanity is lost, away from God, and damaged by sin, both inherit-ed and willful. While people are unable to change these conditions, “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). The message we are to affirm is that “the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanseth us from all sin” (I John 1:7). It is the glorious truth that committed sin can be forgiven, inherited sin can be eradicated, grace to live above sin is available, the Comforter desires to abide within the human heart, and Heaven is prepared for those who have respond-ed to the good news. We proclaim Affirmation of this everlasting gospel!Jesus left no room for question as to the intended Audience in His Great Commission. He said the Affir-mation is to be presented “to every creature” (Mark 16:15). I shall never forget when the truth really regis-tered within my mind that God loves every person—the grouchy clerk at the store, the person who cut me off in traffic, the coworker who takes delight in causing irritation, the most heathen barbarian—just exactly as much as He loves me. There is not one person who has escaped His matchless love and compassion. Just as Jesus “died for all” (II Corinthians 5:14), so must we spread the message to all.What, then, are we doing to respond to His Man-date?How are we working to fulfill our Mission? There are many ways to be faithful to the call, and they en-compass every aspect of life. Some are in full-time pas-toral or Christian education ministry; others are faithful laymen who pray and give sacrificially. Still others are on the front lines of the battle, serving as missionar-ies both at home and abroad. I must tell you that the ICHA is actively involved in this Mission. Because of your faithfulness to go, give, and pray, we are making a difference for the Kingdom of Christ around the world. Thank you for your enthusiastic support of God’s work. As the new ICHA Global Missions Coordinator, I am amazed and excited at what God is doing through our efforts to spread the message of scriptural holiness.

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Our MissionJanuary–February 5HEHere in the United States, we are supporting five home missions works with monthly financial sup-plements. Bro. and Sis. Hugo Sandoval are laboring faithfully in Kokomo, Indiana, and Bro. and Sis. Marvin Marquez are being used of God in Edinburgh, Indiana. These Spanish churches are seeing great things hap-pen. Pastor John Butcher is faithfully serving The Ref-uge in Nelsonville, Ohio. Bro. and Sis. Sam Kinnaman are ministering in Evansville, Indiana, and Bro. and Sis. Aaron Jones are leading the work in Parkersburg, West Virginia. The Lord is moving and helping in all of these endeavors, as well as in other home missions efforts not receiving regular financial support. This could not be done without your response to His Mandate.Take a step back, and the bigger picture begins to emerge. With foreign mission works in at least nine countries, and other exciting possibilities looming be-fore us, the ICHA is marching forth “into all the world.” How I wish I could load all of you onto a plane and take a tour of our ICHA mission fields. We would have a wonderful time of worship and fellowship, rejoicing in what God is doing. I am convinced we would return even more determined to do all we can to promote the Mission and obey the Mandate. Since such a trip is not practical, let us take a mental journey and see just how God is working through the ICHA.In London, England, Bro. Lenny Mancino is faith-fully meeting the residents of a wicked, multi-cultural city right where they live—on the streets. Sis. Mancino has returned to the US, and Bro. Mancino is working to make the transition, as well, but, even while under-taking such a daunting task, he is touching many lives for Christ through his publication and personal witness-ing. Through Latin American Ministries, Pastor Román Collado Súmale and his family are spreading the tidings in Gautemala. Bro. Pierre Maxime is pastoring a congre-gation in Florida, but his heart is in Haiti, where he serves as the National President. He travels regularly to Haiti to oversee the work and is working toward a perma-nent return. Pastor Lemec Fleurmont is also faithfully laboring in Haiti, ministering and proclaiming the Gospel message. ICHA has two components in Honduras. Bro. Luis Miranda, as National President of the Church of the Bible Covenant Conservative, and his family are mak-ing a difference. They also travel extensively in ministry. Pastor Angel Emilio Leiva serves as National President of the Church of the Bible Covenant Holiness in Honduras. Through the efforts of these godly men, true, scriptural holiness is clearly presented and practiced in this needy country. As an outgrowth of this ministry, Pastor Antonio has moved to Mexico where he is pastoring a group of people and working to construct a building for worship. Pastor Allison and Pastor White continue to serve on the frontlines in Jamaica. Much has been invested here by people who have given and visited . . . preaching, con-ducting Vacation Bible Schools, and otherwise faithfully spreading the Gospel. Though the enemy has fought these endeavors, we are anticipating great days ahead for this important field of labor. Another country that has come under attack is Russia. Life is difficult, and the fu-ture is uncertain, but Bro. Vladimir Zhirov continues to lift the standard of holiness in a challenging place. Bro. and Sis. Darrell Miller, along with National President Teboho Nchakga and his family, are true to the Mandate in South Africa. God is moving on the hearts of the South African people with an awareness of the need for true holiness. Although the Millers are only able to be on the field three months each year, God has blessed the mission with several solid pastors and workers who are able to continue the work in their absence. In Lesotho, the Lord is speaking to the hearts of the young people. Bro. Ben and Sis. Kayla Peters have been teaching classes on holiness, and fruit is developing from this endeavor. It is exciting to consider how God may use these young adults to perpetuate the message in the very near future.The blood-stained banner is flying high! The mes-sage of deliverance from sin is proclaimed faithfully. The experience and lifestyle of true heart holiness are preached, taught, and exemplified. This is no time to retreat or hang our heads. God’s truth is marching on!We are fulfilling His Mandate through our Mission. Because of you—because you keep going when you are weary, give when it hurts, and pray without ceas-ing—the ICHA is a tool that God is using for His glory and the advancement of His Kingdom. May He help us to continue to be true to His Mandate and Our Mission.

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With the chairmanTravelingCurtis EdwardHis Mandate6 January–FebruaryHEBy the breath of God’s Spirit, heaven has exhaled its official and authoritative commands—one we surname mandates!Mandates are given to us by Jesus and His apostles. These completely and unmistakably have the stamp of approval from the Holy Ghost, as Christ possessed the Spirit without measure and His apostles were sanctified holy and wholly at Pentecost.Therefore, their mandates are forever settled in heaven, can be taken to the bank, and become the core mission for every single conservative holiness church.Mandates are viewed by the modernist as misinformation, marginalization, and mettlesome. But those holding onto the ancient landmarks happily accept them as a marriage partner.Can anyone rightfully think that Jesus would identify the mandates of His own Word as misinformation—or that the Apostle Paul would properly consider the Holy Writ as being a marginalizing & mettlesome factor in an individual’s life? Who thinks that Uncle Buddy Perry, Rev. R. G. Flexon, or Rev. J. W. Adcock would disavow mandates and choose to divorce Jesus?QUITE the CONTRARY—we unflinchingly choose to magnify the mandates!Mandates give birth to our very existence and to our way of life that we know is both biblical and cherished. Why? Because heaven has mandated old-fashioned, full salvation including conversion, sanctification, and a holy lifestyle. In these mandates, we find life, breath, and all things that pertain unto life and godliness. Mandates also carry us into the realm of mission.Mission goes beyond our self-centeredness as we joyfully take up our cross and deny self to successfully minister to the modernist. It is paramount that God’s people corral the genuine qualities of biblical mission so the 3 M’s of the ‘misinformation, marginalization, and mettlesome’ mindset of the modernist can be broken by the power of the real Holy Spirit.Mission that is empowered by God’s Spirit may take some strange turns when matched against our normal way of doing things—although such mission will never be extra-biblical or anti-biblical.When Wrestling the 3 M’s Adversary, Be Successful By Following These Apostolic Examples:• Therefore, allow 2023 Mission to stare you straight in the face, saying, “The Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.”Mission, in its mandated form, is:• A Holy Ghost work—taking the Spirit and the Spirit’s Word to the world.• A separation work—one in which your work is not in conjunction with the normal.• A called work—a specific endeavor authorized by God himself.• Or it may say, “The Spirit said unto Phillip, Go near and join thyself to this chariot.”Mission, in its mandated form, is:• A work among people who hold a high-ranking position but do not look like us – yet have an interest in God.• Or it may say, “The Spirit bade Peter to go with them, nothing doubting. And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.”Mission, in its mandated form, is:• Following the voice of God into uncharted territory without giving into doubts.CONSEQUENTLYBarnabas, Saul, Phillip, and Peter personally received the mandates of God, including old-fashioned holiness!Barnabas, Saul, Phillip, and Peter personally performed mission work through obedience to the direct commands of the Holy Ghost!Barnabas, Saul, Phillip, and Peter—in order to accomplish such—had to submit to the work and workings of the Holy Spirit . . . had to be separated from human thinking and old routines . . . had to allow their selves to obey a new and distinct call . . . had to work with a different rank of social/economic people that did not look like them…had to go into uncharted water without doubting!2023 will determine if we, God’s holiness people, have given mandates and missions the rightful place in our heart, life, and actions.

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With the chairmanTravelingCurtis EdwardOur MissionJanuary–February 7HEOctober 16. Spoke both services at the Bluffton Wesleyan Chapel. I’m so grateful for the Lord’s help.October 18. Scheduled Zoom meeting with the General Board. October 21. Indiana ICHA Rally at Anderson. The High School quartet from UBCA did a great job singing. Wallace Thornton Jr. did an excellent job telling the life story of John Wesley. October 25. We spoke at the Beauty of Holiness Church in Newark Ohio. Again, God met with us and this fine crowd at Newark Oh. Pray for a permanent pastor for this church. October 28. Bro. Tim Wilford and I met with Bro. Westrick at Tipton for breakfast and headed on to Logansport to meet with the realtor concerning the sale of the old Church and parsonage at Logansport. We had another church building given to us. The Spanish congregation is enjoying worshiping in the new church building. We met with the Sandoval’s and ate lunch with them. October 29. We preached Keith Mead’s funeral at Bluffton! His wife had prayed years for him, and he had gotten saved shortly before he died. October 30. Preached at the Dayton Holiness church in Dayton Ohio, for Elijah Demitt who is the pastor. They have some new people coming and they received us well. November 4-6. Preached a weekend meeting at the Christiansburg Virginia Bible Holiness church where Dwayne Martin is the pastor. God did help us in every service. We did not have a barren alter. November 7. General board meeting via Zoom. I serve with a great group of guys that want God’s will concerning the forward movement of the ICHA! November 8. Voted for the most conservative people who were running for office. November 13. A.M. I spoke at the Southeastern Holiness church where Kenny Stetler is the pastor. He had surgery on his throat. This is where we keep our church membership. November 13. P.M. we were at the Plainfield church. Greg Hobleman did an excellent job. We gave greetings and prayed. The Plainfield people have a warm place in my heart. We learned that Kristen and Daniel Cantlebarry were having a baby boy and naming him, “Marcus Dean.” When my wife told me this news, I broke out into tears. November 16. Larry Cooper and I went to Logan Ohio to the viewing of Jason Fisher’s father and on to the Logan Holiness Church where we ordained Vladimir Zhirov who was voted to be ordained last assembly. November 19. We drove back to Bluffton to officiate Cindy Harish funeral. She was the daughter of Keith and Marylin Monroe. November 20. We spoke at the Bluffton church again. Please help us pray for a permanent pastor and school administrator for this congregation. November 27 we were back to the Bluffton church to speak in both services. November 28-29. Melody and I drove to Mocksville NC to be with our Southeast Atlantic Regional Christmas Supper. Bonnie Baker cooked, and some helped her to serve ministers and wives Christmas supper. Keith Ledford did a great job hosting and speaking at this gathering. Barry Whitaker led us in some Christmas carols. Drove back home the next day. December 4. We drove and spoke both services at the Bird Lake Wesleyan Missionary church. We had folk at the altar in both services. God did help us. December 8. We attended the UBCA Christmas program and thoroughly enjoyed the program. Both of our youngest grandsons Tanner and Colton were in the program. It did this papaw’s heart good!

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His Mandate8 January–FebruaryHEHow’s Yourgiving going?The bestValentineHannah DeLong“Are you finished with your valentines yet?” Eight-year-old Katie glanced up at Mom and grinned. “Uh-huh! I just finished!” She gathered the red, heart-shaped pieces of paper into a pile. Each heart had a hand-written note on the back, and the front was decorated with stickers and garnished with a piece of candy taped be-low the words, ‘Happy Valentine’s Day!’.Mom smiled. “They’re all very pretty; you did a great job. Are you sure you have enough for everyone?”Katie nodded and rifled through the pile. “I think so; here’s one for Ruthie, and one for Jordan, and one for Ashley, and one for Logan, and one for Samuel, and one for—” “I don’t need you to name all of your classmates,” Mom interrupted with a chuckle. “Do you have eigh-teen valentines?”Katie quickly counted the hearts. “Yup!”“Is this one for Mrs. Jones?” Mom asked. She picked up a valentine that was lying sep-arate from the pile. It was twice the size of the others, and while it didn’t have any candy, it was more beautifully decorated—complete with lace around the border of the heart. Katie shook her head and moved the nearby pile of paper scraps to the side, revealing another valentine. It was a little smaller than the last one, but also bigger than the valentines for Katie’s classmates. “This one’s for Mrs. Jones. I made hers first.”Mom raised an eyebrow in confusion. “Then who is this one for?” She fingered the lace around the large valentine.Katie grinned. “That’s for Jesus!”Mom blinked. “It is?”“Uh-huh!” Katie replied, grinning from ear to ear. “I thought He’d like one, too. Besides, He’s the best valentine, right?”Mom smiled warmly and nodded. “He sure is, Katie. I’m proud of you for thinking of that.”Katie’s face scrunched up into a thoughtful expression. “I just can’t decide what candy to give Him. Do you think He likes chocolate or lollipops better? I hope Jesus isn’t like Logan; he doesn’t like peanut butter, for some weird rea-son. And Ruthie can’t stand anything that tastes like strawberry.”Mom chuckled. “I think Jesus will like what-ever you give Him, just because it’s a gift from you.”

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Our MissionJanuary–February 9HEHow’s Yourgiving going?The bestValentineHannah DeLongGreetings, ICHA Family and Friends.In the midst of the hustle and hurry of the Season, we want to pause and reflect on the true meaning. How grateful we are that “God so loved . . . that He gave” (John 3:16, KJV). Because of His gift, we have the assurance of sins forgiven, hearts purified, joy in this life, and the glorious hope of Heaven.We also want to thank you for your support of the ICHA. Excitement is high as we move forward with the strategic planning on the campgrounds. Presently we are beginning a major remodel of the Hall Welcome Center, making motel-like rooms with private baths. We are grateful for a donor who has pledged $100,000 to underwrite this project. Plans are also underway for the construction of a new building to serve multiple purposes, including a men’s bath and shower facility. Another donor is providing the funds for this structure. We will need to take care of the concrete, insulation, plumbing, electrical, and finish work. God is so good to have moved on the hearts of these donors. Join us in praying that He will continue to bless them for their generosity. Just imagine how much nicer your stay at CFC will be once these projects are complete!Many of you received an email from Bro. Keith Ledford outlining a significant current need. Because of a quarterly insurance payment ($9,000), two quarterly mortgage payments ($15,000), and other year-end expenses, we are in desperate need of $30,000 in order to close the calendar year in the black. Some have already responded, and we thank you! We are amazed at the ways the Lord takes care of us and our needs. Often it is through the faithful giving of you, His choice people. We know that you will do your part, once again, to help lift this load. Please send your offerings as soon as possible, noting the new mailing address:ICHA P.O. Box 345 Ossian, Indiana 46777You may also give, at no cost to you or us, through the Venmo app. The Venmo user ID is @ICHA-General. If you are asked for the last four digits of the phone number, please use 1326. Donations can be marked “General Fund.” Thank you, in advance, for your assistance.On another positive note, the donor who has pledged $100,000 toward the Hall Welcome Center renovation has also offered a dollar-for-dollar matching funds gift of up to an additional $100,000 dollars toward the expenses of the ongoing CFC renovations and construction. We believe we can reach this goal! We would love to have this done by Camp Meeting 2023. Please pray about what you, your church, or your business will give! Donations toward this should be marked “Matching Funds Gift.” Thank you for your sacrificial giving. We are confident we can reach this goal for the Glory of the Lord!

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His Mandate10 January–FebruaryHEMission MindedFamilyFrom the Courier TribuneCandy KingTo be a mission minded family is to be a family with a purpose. A family on assignment. If this is what you’d like your family to be maybe these simple ideas would be helpful.First of all, we need to think right. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Phil 2:5 While pastoring in Missouri one of our parishioners said in his testimony, “I want what God thinks to be what I think” I wrote that down on a scrap piece of paper and have kept it in my Bible. To have a mission minded family you will need to think differently. Our goals are not about making our dreams come true but rather promoting God’s mission. Our motivation is not financial—if I work more hours I get paid more. Rather our motivation is love. We love God so much that what He wants is more important than what we want. His thinking—His ways, are best. In God’s thinking people are more important than things. God loves the broken. God gives second chances and often many, many mores chances. God lifts up. God binds up. In a mission minded family people are more important than things. We love the broken. We don’t give up on people who have messed up. We try to lift up and bind up the discouraged, the broken and the confused. And most of all we try to bring them to Jesus. And we do this as a family unit. We are all involved. This is our mission. This is our mindset.Secondly, we need to Live right. Because we love God, we are endeavoring to think as He thinks and act as He would have us to act. We know He loves people, so we love people. We are hospitable. We reach out to our local community but remember, there are many people groups outside of our little circle. When the local missionary comes through take time to visit with them. Perhaps invite them into your home for a meal. Let your children interact with them and listen to their stories. Learn about different people groups and customs so you and your children’s minds are open to see the needs. If you can’t do it personally you can look up things on-line. Sometimes the missionaries will post live videos and often many pictures. These are interesting and inspiring. Also, I highly recommend reading exciting, age appropriate missionary books to challenge and inspire the whole family!And remember mom and dad. If your children are inspired and see the need and God places a call on their heart- keep your hands and heart open. Be cautious, be wise, but don’t be stingy. And try not to be fearful. I say that with much kindness because I am cautious and protective of my children, but I know God loves them. I can trust Him with my dearest treasure. David Livingston said, “God had an only son and He made Him a missionary.”Lastly, we just Keep Going. Not every effort is going to be met with success. Let your children know that even if we don’t see as many results as we’d like, it is still right and honorable to keep trying. Keep shining, keep loving. Remember, we are a family with an assignment.The subscription price on this publication is $8 per yearSend all payments to: Rev. Phil Hoard, Gen. Treasurer 4485 North Fortville Pike Greenfield, IN 46140.Send all articles, news items, and address changes to:Rev. Keith Ledford 710 Fairview Rd Galax, VA 24333Office manager: Linda LedfordPhotography: Jonelle Hill backyardstudios.zenfolio.comElectronic submission of all materials is preferred Submit to: mckledford@gmail.com

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Our MissionJanuary–February 11HEMission MindedFamilyFrom the Courier TribuneCandy KingThe Rev. Dwight L. Moody, one of the greatest evangelists of the 19th century, told a story in one of his sermons of a ship nearing the Lake Erie harbor at Cleveland, Ohio. It was a stormy night and the waves were high.Seeing only the lights from the lighthouse, the Captain asked the Pilot, “Are you sure this is Cleveland?”“Quite sure,” replied the Pilot.“But,” said the Captain, “where are the lower lights, the lights along the shore?”The Pilot replied calmly, “They’ve gone out, sir.”He assured the Captain that they could make the harbor and turned the wheel, but in the darkness, they missed the channel and crashed upon the rocks. Many passengers drowned.With this illustration, Rev. Moody concluded his sermon with this comment, “Beloved the Master will take care of the great Lighthouse. Let us keep the Lower Lights burning.”Phillip P. Bliss, a well-known music teacher, hymn writer and Christian leader, listened to Rev. Moody’s sermon intently and the Holy Spirit spoke to him. Shortly after the sermon ended, he picked up his pen and began writing both words and music to “Let the Lower Lights Be Burning.”The hymn was first published in 1871 in a Sunday school hymnal. Bliss’ hymn became exceedingly popular, even inland where the people could not relate to the meaning of the Lighthouse or the “Lower lights along the shore.”Churches throughout the land began singing this hymn and it blessed millions of people. Unfortunately, it has been dropped from many hymnals in our churches today. Only the older folks in the congregation still remember this powerful message.1. Brightly beams our Father’s mercy From His lighthouse evermore; But to us He gives the keeping Of the lights along the shore.Refrain: Let the lower lights be burning! Send a gleam across the wave! Some poor fainting, struggling seaman You may rescue, you may save.2. Dark the night of sin has settled, Loud the angry billows roar; Eager eyes are watching, longing, For the lights along the shore. [Refrain]3. Trim your feeble lamp, my brother! Some poor seaman, tempest-tossed, Trying now to make the harbor, In the darkness may be lost. [Refrain]

Holiness Evangelist #28 January/Feb 2023

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