2009Q1

Winter 2009 • Volume 56 No. 1USPS 165-700

MoneyGod

You&

2 Connexions Winter 2009

Pennsylvania-Delaware Ministry Network4651 Westport Drive

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055

Editor: Stephen R. TourvilleManaging Editor: David Crosby Sr

Associate Editor: Carole Bongiorno

Phone (717) 795-5921Fax (717) 795-5928

Email: [email protected]: www.penndel.org

ExEcutivE PrEsbytEry

Stephen R. Tourville, SuperintendentPaul Grabill, Assistant SuperintendentDavid Crosby Sr, Secretary-Treasurer

Jonathan Baker, NC SectionJames Balzano, SCW Section

Christopher Clark, NCW SectionDaniel Clark Sr., SE SectionSteven DeFrain, EC Section William Ellis, SWM Section Donald Immel, SWS Section Jeffrey Kettering, SC Section Kenneth Martin, NW SectionRandall Rhoads, SCE Section

James Rugg, NE Section Timothy Satryan, DEL Section

GEnEral PrEsbytErs

Stephen R. TourvilleDavid Crosby Sr

Bryan Koch

Honorary GEnEral PrEsbytErs

Philip Bongiorno, PennDel Superintendent Emeritus

James E. Morris

ConneXions

ConneXions (USPS 165-700) is the official periodical published quarterly by the Pennsylvania-Delaware District

Council of the Assemblies of God. Periodical postage paid at Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.

Circulation stands at approximately 7,500

Winter 2009

POSTMASTER:Send address changes to:

Pennsylvania-Delaware District Council4651 Westport Drive

Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-4887

Growing up in the home of a hardworking widow, I viewed money as a necessary evil. I saw how the lack of it straddled my family and how the pursuit of it de-stroyed others. But, in time, I discovered how money offers an opportunity for us to exercise faith and demonstrate commitment to Christ. Money can accomplish much good. Mishandled, it can do much harm..

God cares about your bank account, mortgage, car payment and investments. He also cares how you spend your money and how much you give away. Is He inter-ested because He needs your money? No. He’s concerned about the priorities of your heart and your reliance on Him.

What are God’s financial priorities for your life? He wants you to enjoy giving money away as much as you do spending it. He wants you to live as though every dollar is precious. He wants you to find opportunities to further His kingdom through the resources He’s placed in your care. And He wants you to pray for wisdom and seek the kind of knowl-edge found in these pages.

Personally, I’ve learned a great deal about faith and God’s provision over the last two years. A group of us have prayed every day for $6 million to purchase a distribution center for Convoy of Hope that would result in feeding millions around the world and leading countless thousands to Christ. During this time we’ve held onto four truths that will be helpful to you if you are facing a financial challenge:

• God has the resources to meet your need.• God knows your need, but He still wants to hear you

ask for His help. • God wants you to persevere in faith and not give in to

prolonged doubt or fear.• God already sees your solution, but He also knows

the right time to meet your need.

Take comfort today in knowing God is more familiar with your finances than your accountant, and He has more resourc-es at His disposal than a million bankers. (See John 15:7.)

— Hal Donaldson

Article originally appeared in Today’s Pentecostal Evangel. Used with permission.

Money i s n ’ t e v e ry t h i n g , but it is soMething

Hal Donaldson

Hal Donaldson

formerly served as

editor in chief of

Today’s Pentecostal

Evangel. He is now

the president and

founder of Convoy

of Hope, Inc., a non-

profit organization

that leads humani-

tarian initiatives

across the United

States and around

the world.

3Connexions Winter 2009

PASTor STEPHEN ToUrvIllE, D.MIN. Superintendent

[email protected]

FirstSecond

ThirdFourth

FifthSixth

There are a few things I have learned about finances as I have been navigating this journey of life and ministry. These principles are true for individuals, governments, businesses, and churches. Here are some of my observations.

First, live within your means. There will never be enough income to pay for all the things that can be purchased, enjoyed, or utilized for life and ministry. The bottom line is this; don’t spend more than comes in. Stay within your budget.

Second, living off the credit card is not a life of faith. I am not opposed to credit cards or borrow-ing money for major purchases like a home or car. If you have credit card(s), never put a charge on the card unless you can pay the monthly bill without the interest charges at the end of the month.

Third, save a little every month. A little is better than nothing. over time, a little begins to mount up. Save for some purpose, don’t simply hoard your money.

Fourth, budgeting is difficult, but it is a great discipline. I found that budgeting for my tithe, housing bills, clothes, food, etc. began to free me to better respond to God’s leading

Fifth, giving is a joy, both in the tithe and offering. Since I was a child I have practiced the discipline of tithing. The old saying is true, “I can’t afford not to tithe.”

Sixth, the current problems in our economy were basically caused by fear, greed, and a lack of trust. The lesson for us as individuals is that there are no quick fixes or shortcuts to wealth. remember that Christ must be lord of your finances just as He is to be lord of all other aspects of life.

Finally, put your trust in the lord. Don’t be overly worried about the things that go on in the world system knowing that the kingdom of God is not based on the financial markets, government systems, or political parties. God’s economy is very different from ours. Keep your eyes on the city whose builder and maker is God. As Jesus taught, you are worth more than many sparrows. He takes care of them, and he will take care of you and me.

As Jesus taught, you are worth more than many sparrows. He takes care

of them, and he will take care of you and me.

Connexions Winter 20094

PAUl E. GrABIll, D.MIN.

Assistant Superintendent

[email protected]

Some of us are quite amused when we read stories about rich folk falling on hard times.

You’ve probably read the stories from time to time. Entertainers, sports stars, lottery winners who have overspent their income and are either down to their last million or even actually in arrears.

Well, I’m afraid, that’s America, at least what it has come to be, and that’s how much of the rest of the world looks at our “hard times.”

Since this article is being written in early November, I have no way of knowing what the American economy will be in late January, when you are reading this, but I do know that for many decades, Christians have fallen into the trap of living beyond our means swallowing the lie of the enemy that the future will always be able to pay for the present.

That’s the same spirit that leads people to create pyramid schemes.

one can only do that for so long, and then you have to ‘pay the piper.’

For now, let’s set aside the national immorality of us deferring taxes to our children and grandchildren to pay for our perennially unbalanced national budgets, and just focus on the spiritual discipline of Christian simplicity.

To do so, we first need to put things in perspective.

According to the interac-tive website, globalrichlist.com (where you can type in your annual income and find out how many people in the world are richer than you—go ahead—do it), if you earn…

$10,000, you are in the top 13% of the world’s wage earners

$20,000, you are in the top 11%



I’m not writing this to make you feel guilty or even privileged. I’m writing this to help us read and interpret the Bible better.

What the above figures mean is this: When the Bible warns about riches or how to handle large sums of money, it’s not just talking about Warren Buf-fett, it’s addressed to us—all of us.

So, what do we do with our money since we cannot serve both God and Mammon?

Are we having ‘trouble’ tithing? God help us, when most Christians around the world are living and tithing on less than $1,000 a year.

Are we having ‘trouble’ living within our means, when the average Chinese wage earner saves 25% of their income (their average annual income is under $8,000)?

Are we having ‘trouble’ giving to mis-sions when many Christians around the

world are facing real martyrdom for their faith?

You and I know this is the truth, and as I write this during the election mania, I’m once again reminded that the truth is the last thing the vast majority of us want our politicians to speak. of course, one wonders, do we really want our pastors to speak the truth?

John Wesley once said, “Earn all you can; save all you can; give all you can.” our Superintendent Emeritus, Philip Bongiorno, has often said, “The key to financial success is simple—it’s spend-ing less than you earn.”

By the time you read this, I won’t know if God will have gotten the attention of the American Church through our government or our economy, but if we simply live by God’s Word, God will bless us and use us, regardless of our economic environment.

As I so often remind our blessed con-gregation, “To whom much is given, much is required.”

Troubled times can be our friend if they return us to first principles.

R i c h F o l k

HARD TIMESfor

Connexions Winter 2009 5

Around the District

Ministers’ Wives Retreat

BootCamp

Ministers’ enrichment

CH (CPT) Paul Lynn is deployed to Baghdad

installationPastor Johnny & Patricia BlakeMifflinburg Assembly of God

HonorBound Conference

John Bevere


DAvID CroSBY Secretary and Treasurer

World Missions

[email protected]

Ministers Transferring Out:AMARo, steven (ordained) – To Michigan

AMenDoLA JR, David (licensed) – To New Jersey

BAnCRoFT, Courtney (licensed) – To Potomac

BRACHT, Andrew (licensed) – To New Jersey

BRACHT, Tammi (licensed) – To New Jersey

CLAss, Raymond (licensed) – To Potomac

CosTeLLo, sean (ordained) – To Indiana

HUBBeLL, Daniel (ordained) – To New York

HUTCHinson, John (ordained) – To ohio

MonRoe, Raymond (ordained) – To Southern New England

WeBsTeR, Joshua (licensed) – To New York

WooDALL JR, William (licensed) – To Georgia

Ministers Transferring In:CAnFiJn, Wilfried (ordained) – From Potomac to reside in lancaster, PA with his wife Mary Ann. They have four children: Aaron, Nathan, Noelle, and Manuel.

CoAD, Jonathan (licensed) – From Peninsular Flori-da to serve as children’s pastor at Christian life As-sembly, Camp Hill, PA. Jonathan is married to Alicia and they are the proud parents of Ethan Mitchell.

LeDBeTTeR, Jesse (licensed) – From Michigan to serve as senior pastor with Agape Assembly of God, St Marys, PA. Jesse is married to rebekah and Ethan is their son.

LeMois, Brandon (licensed) – From Southern New England to reside in Wyomissing, PA.

sCHAFFeR, Wayne (ordained) – From Illinois to serve as senior pastor with New life Assembly of God, Altoona, PA. Wayne is married to Suzanne and they have two children: Michael and Carly.

Church Transitions:Jesse Ledbetter to Agape Assembly of God, St Marys, PA.

Paul Peternel to Christian life Assembly of God, Bentleyville, PA.

With The Lord:Thomas R. Brubaker Jr, age 76, went to be with the lord on Sunday, october 5, 2008. Thomas was married to Emily and they were blessed with three children. Donna, their daughter, is the wife of Presbyter Dan Clark Sr. Thomas began his ministry

in Michigan when he received his licensed Min-ister credential in 1953. He pastored churches in Michigan (Traverse City, Pennfield, Battle Creek, Dowagiac, Detroit), Illinois (Sycamore), and Con-necticut (Meriden, Willimantic). He transferred his ordained Minister credential to PennDel when he pastored Evangel Assembly, Norristown, PA. dur-ing 1989-1995. Tom and Emily were in the process of relocating to a home they had built at Marana-tha village in Springfield, Mo when he suffered a massive heart attack. A memorial service was held on Sunday, october 12, 2008, at 4:00 pm, at Trinity Assembly of God, West Chester, PA.

elsie Proudfoot, age 88, went to be with the lord on September 22, 2008. Elsie passed away from a massive stroke while living in Midway, Texas. She was a retired, ordained minister with PennDel. James, her husband, preceded her in death in 1989. Elsie served as a missionary to India in 1946. James and Elsie transferred into PennDel in 1980 to serve as house parents with the Bair Foundation, Jon-estown, PA. A memorial service was held at the Elwood Baptist Church, Midway, TX on october 4, 2008, and her burial was beside her husband in Johnstown, PA.

esther Mariotti, age 85, joined the Church Trium-phant on october 25, 2008. louis, her husband, preceded her in death in 1980. Esther was granted the Exhorters Permit in 1965 when she was part of the Gospel Tabernacle, Arnold, PA. She was a gifted teacher and enjoyed sharing her faith in class settings. She did the work of an evangelist in the greater Pittsburgh area. Marlene, her daughter, stated, “My mother loved the lord more than anything else in this world.”

Largest Assembly of God ChurchesThe General Secretary’s office has published a list of the 100 largest Assembly of God churches as reported on the 2007 All Church Ministry report. We are pleased to announce 4 of the largest churches are found in the PennDel Ministry Network. Honors go to:

number 32 with 2,624 in average attendance: Christian life Assembly, Camp Hill, PA., Wayde Wilson, Pastor.

number 65 with 1,852 in average attendance: Christian life Center, Bensalem, PA., Delbert Smith, Pastor.

number 69 with 1,848 in average attendance: Glad Tidings, reading, PA., Bryan Koch, Pastor.

number 80 with 1,582 in average attendance: South Hills Assembly, Bethel Park, PA., Jack Stepp, Pastor

New and Upgraded Credentials:Certified Minister:

BACHMAN, Joseph

GUINTA, Stephen

lIPlES, ronald

PANorMIoS, Stephanie

SAlErNo, Kathy

Licensed Minister:

ANDErSoN, Amanda

BEllAN, Jared

CICIlIoNI, John

JAYNE, laurie

MCKINlEY, Cindy

o’NEIl, Daniel

rIDDlE, Arthur

rUGG, Dorothy

SHAWlEY, Jennifer

WIllIAMSoN, Eleanor

WorHACH, Jason

ordained Minister:

SHUlTZ, Ward

About People


A Noble effort . . . for A Noble PeoPle rePortTo date (November 6, 2008) the Burkina Faso project stands at $451,000! our goal of $500,000 is within reach! There are 3 mission construction teams that are scheduled for 2009 in Burkina. The teams will work on school and church construction.

Tremendous Accomplishment!In the last two years PennDel Ministry Network has sent seven new missionaries into Africa, Asia, latin America, Europe and Alaska. Network churches responded to the financial challenge and are providing more than $50,000 a month in support. Because of your generosity Jeff Friedman, Jeff Wiles, Mike Hampton, Tony Sebas-tian, Bettina Weaver, Austin Jones and Jerry Ireland are serving their call to missions.

Notes From Our Missionaries:

From a sensitive Country: After three years and many challenges, God helps us complete the new 5-story academic building at the Bible school. This expansion enables the school to enlarge their program and add an additional 40 students. The school is prepar-ing pastors, evangelists and missionaries. Sl

Art and Joyce stoneking – Mexico: Art has purchased property to build a much need facility to accommodate the Tijuana orphan-age. Construction teams will be needed to begin work on the new facility.

Kevin and Annie Folk – spain: 11 new students have joined the Bible school. This is a tremendous answer to prayer. An extension program from the Bible school is reaching 500 students enrolled in 17 extension sites throughout Spain. The church sponsored a pavilion at the International World Expo in Spain and 331,000 visited and watched a video presentation. Each visitor received a copy of the Gospel of John with an explanation of the plan of salvation.

Pat and Brenda Mahar – Botswana: Pat is currently coaching 40 student pastors in the Bible college. Pat is working with one of his graduates in church planting in the village of Kopong. There were 20 people in the first service and more will be added.

Melissa Mcsurdy – namibia: This last summer, Melissa challenged the youth to create a vision for life and to take courage and live that life pleasing to the lord. Melissa continues to teach Founda-tions for Health courses to educate students on hygiene, nutri-tion and disease prevention.

Gary and Cindy Higgins – CoH: Gary is making a difference in Nicaragua and Jamaica. Several teams visited Managua to work at the latin American Child Care school to provide regular maintenance and repairs for the school. Six outreaches were conducted in and around Montego Bay which included one-on-one prayer, evangelism, music and grocery distribution. They impacted 12,600 people and 191 people made first-time commitment to Christ.

Kevin and sandy Barner – Russia: The Barners are asking for prayer concerning visa status in russia. The government passed a new visa law that permits foreigners without a residency permit to stay in the country 90 days, leave for 90 days, return for 90 days, etc. Pray that God will make a way to stay for more than 90 days so they can continue to reach the international community.

Theron and Aldonna Roush – Colombia: Mike is an extraordinary church planting missionary! New church plants have taken the initiative to purchase property, build buildings and grow the church.

Austin and Jennifer Jones – Alaska: Austin conducted revival services in Emmonak that reached the local community and 4 surrounding villages. Salvations, healings and spiritual growth is a positive report.

Michael and Darlene Goodling Michael and Darlene Goodling are PennDel’s newest appoint-ed missionaries. God has called them to Swaziland, Africa under special assignment to assist with HIv/AIDS educa-tion, caring for the orphans, and promoting abstinence for youth. Swaziland has the high-est HIv/AIDS infection rate in the world at nearly 40%. The

average age of the population is now 18 years with a life expectan-cy of 31 years. This country is on the “endangered” list and could become the first country in the world to become extinct due to AIDS. The Goodlings would also like to open after school centers, provide a hot meal, education assistance, and shelter to keep the youth off the streets. Before missions appointment, the Goodlings were involved in all phases of pastoral ministry in Galeton, Irwin and Bentleyville, PA.

Bridges For Life Will Bridges is the founder and director of Bridges for life Ministry, a missionary endeavor with winning souls as its core value. Since 1995 Will has made evangelism a priority by reaching out to the people of Africa and Cuba and more than 30 other nations. He has built a network of church planters and evangelists in one particular “closed country” where it is has been a real challenge to share the gospel. Thank God for the reported successes with more than 50,000 believers added to the church each year! Will became an ordained minister with PennDel Ministry Network in 2005 and continues to serve as a missionary evangelist.

8

MICHAEl BoNGIorNo Guest Contributor

An investment that works

The month was october 2008. The presidential campaign was in the home-stretch and the news headlines were creating a climate of impending economic doom. They read as follows: Credit Markets Seize-Up – Economic

Crisis Worsens - Financial Collapse Feared-Another Great Depression? The titans of Wall Street were visibly shaken.

It started with the downward spiral of Bear Stearns, which needed the intervention of JP Morgan Chase & Co. and the U.S. Treasury. Then lehman Brothers, one of the oldest investment banks in the country, failed. AIG, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, once highfliers, were fighting to survive and calling on the government to bail them out. Congressional committees convened to conduct their investigations to determine the cause of the financial crisis, and most of all, who to blame. New terms were being used that the average citizen had never heard before; “Collat-eralized Debt obligations,” “Mortgage Derivatives,” “Credit Default Swaps.” The leaders of congress met with President Bush and his economic advisors in an effort to craft emergency legislation to save the banks and financial markets from a total meltdown.

As I followed with great interest the unfolding panic, I was reminded of what Jesus taught about money and what our attitude should be concerning it. In fact, because Jesus addressed this subject so often, we can conclude He was endeavoring to change people’s attitudes (hearts) and actions (behavior) in regard to money and material possessions. He taught that our attitude about money can either make us or break us; that we can’t love both God and money and to love money is to reject God. The panic and turmoil in the financial markets is a direct result of the choice the world has made to worship money instead of the true and only God. If our atti-tudes and actions are consistent with Biblical principles regarding money, we won’t live in a state of fear, worry, anxiety or panic. (See Matthew 6:19-34.)

one of the most powerful and practical lessons on investing was taught by Jesus in Matthew chapter 25 in the parable of the talents. In general, a talent is anything given to us by God that can be used to serve Him and accomplish His will including abilities, opportunities, time and money. More specifically, a talent was worth 20 years of wages in Jesus’ day. In the “Message” version, the parable is called “The Story About Investment.”

In the story all three servants were delegated responsibilities to attend to while their master was away. All three servants were put in charge of a varying number of talents, the number of which was based on the servant’s ability to manage. With-out going into all the details of the story, I’ve listed some investment principles we can glean from this passage of scripture which, if practiced consistently, will yield maximum returns.


Michael Bongiorno is the

Chief Executive officer of

Heritage Investment Ser-

vices Fund, Inc. (formerly

known as the PennDel

loan Fund). He is an

ordained minister in the

Assemblies of God. Prior

to serving with HIS Fund,

He served with Highmark

Blue Shield in their finan-

cial and human resources

operations. Michael and

his wife, Carole, have

been married since 1975

and have two daughters,

Marisa and Mia.


#1. Invest the Master’s money (talent) with urgency. The two faithful servants didn’t hesitate to put their master’s money to work. They realized the sooner they invested, the sooner the talent can begin earning a return.

#2. Invest the Master’s money (talent) with confidence. There is no hint of fear or worry on the part of the two faithful servants. They’ve invested in the master’s business and the master has a proven and consistent track record. If we invest our God-given financial resources in the work of God’s Kingdom, we can and should have confidence that God will give the increase.

#3. Invest the Master’s money (talent) with patience and with a long-term outlook. It’s clear from the story that the master was away for an extended period. over time, the return on the invest-ments of the faithful servants grew. Too many investors lose patience and, as a result, are duped into get rich quick schemes that are sure to fail.

Finally, there are lessons to be learned from the failure of the third servant who buried the money. When it was his time to face the master, all he could return was the unused talent along with excuses for his failure. Because of the current economic crisis, many people are fearful and like the third servant are looking for a good place to “hide” the money God has entrusted to them. They’re look-ing for maximum security instead of maximum return.

This leads me to the final paragraph of this article, which I’d like you to con-sider as an invitation. If you desire to make an investment in the Kingdom of God – an investment that serves the interests of our lord Jesus Christ – Heritage Investment Services Fund can help you achieve your goal. We are now in our 28th year of operation and beginning this year, you can purchase HIS Fund Promissory Notes for your self-directed IrA by using the custodial services of GoldStar Trust Company. See our ad on the back of the Connexions for more details and put HIS money to work for maximum returns.

Pocono Community Church’s 28,000 square foot facility is

located in the heart of the Poconos in Tobyhanna, PA.

David Crosby Jr., is lead Pastor.

Evangel Heights Assembly of God, located in Sarver,

PA, will be hosting the 2009 PennDel MinistrieSummit.

John P. Kuert is lead Pastor.

Below are two current examples of how HIS Fund investments are being put to work to build the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ.

10 Connexions Winter 2009

The Giant Center

DoUG SAYErS Youth

www.penndelyouth.com


The Giant Center


ToM rEES Assistant to the Superintendent

Honor Bound Church Planting

and Development

[email protected]

Get a second job Sure, no one wants to leave their 9-5 day job only to head to a night shift somewhere else, but just keep in mind that it’s temporary. remember, you have to live like no one else now so you can live like no one else later.

Sell some stuff You’re bound to have extra stuff around your home just collecting dust. If you don’t need it, sell it! like Dave says, “Sell so much stuff that you’re kids think they’re next!”

Stop eating out so much If you are a typical American, you eat in a restaurant more than you eat in your dining room!

Carpool to work and activites Sharing the commute to work each day with a co-worker is a smart way to save.

Kick the habit Whether it’s lattes or shoes, kick your indulgence to the curb. Stop splurging until you can actually afford it.

Ditch the cable Does anyone really watch all 573 channels? They don’t just waste your money; they waste your time!

Buy used things visit resale shops. Surf over to eBay. Check out the classifieds.

Get a glass jug Whenever you have spare change, stash it away in your glass jug. over time, the change will make a significant impact on your emergency fund.

Use your energy What do you really enjoy doing? In what area are you especially talented? Now take those talents and find a few ways to make money with them. Are you good at building things? offer your services for side construction jobs. The possibilities are endless!

Now that you have some great ideas for quickly building up your emergency fund, it’s time to get busy! No more excuses!

Honorbound Men

need to get a hold

of their finances.

Dave Ramsey

encourages us to start

by setting up a $1000

emergency Fund.

9 Great Ways to Start a $1000 Emergency Fund

GREAT SMALL GROUP BOOK: The Total Money Makeover, by Dave ramsey

Men of Promise Men of Promise



GEorGE KrEBS Christian Education

[email protected]

When entering ministry at age 37, I resigned my secular career, and I also had to resign the pension plan (monies invested) that went with that secular career. As a new minister (16 years ago), I sacrificed to invest $15 dollars a week in a mutual fund. I have watched

it grow slowly; and in the last 6 months, I watched it go quickly. Wise advisors say, “Keep investing; you’re buying more shares at a lesser price (dollar cost averaging). When the market rebounds, so will you.” Is there a guaranteed investment?

Children’s ministry has a sure fire return. In the past few months I have been contacted by several children’s pastors who are seeking full time positions; their churches have either eliminated or re-duced their positions and salary because of the economy. This is not a time to reduce our investment in children’s ministry; it is a time to increase our investment. Investing people, money and resources in children’s ministry will build the foundation for spiritual change in the church and society.

Children have been targeted by the enemy. If Satan can destroy a child, he has destroyed an adult. Dr. Wes Strafford in his book Too Young to Ignore: Why Children are the Next Big Thing says this,

“I have come to the conclusion that the reason children are such a low priority in the great human institutions that seek to control this world, both secular and Christian, is that an invisible battle, a spiritual war, rages over each and every child. It is above us and beyond us and engages the full fury of the host of both heaven and hell. Children may be ignored by government, church, and mission-but not by Satan or God almighty”

We cannot be lulled by current economics into thinking children’s ministry is the area to cut back. Providing a spiritual foundation and Biblical worldview in those foundational years will produce more change in our communities and our society than any other investment.

Investing for a Guaranteed Return

The AdvenTure is about to begin

If you want to start Junior Bible Quiz at your church, contact:Trish Gunn at [email protected] or our office at 717.795.5921.

Help the

children of

your church

develop a heart

for missions.

It will last a

lifetime.

3 great weekends for you to choose: Feb 27-March 1 • March 6-8 • March 13-15

For more information email [email protected]


KrISTIAN WAlKEr District Music & Worship liasion

www.kristianwalker.org

The original meaning of worship came from the Anglo-Saxon noun, “worthship.” It was rooted in returning praise and thanks to God for His

immeasurable value to us. Can any of us even begin to comprehend God’s worth or value? Impossible! Psalm 145:3 says, “Great is the lord and most wor-thy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.”

Just as God is of immeasurable value to us, so is the very worship experience in which we seek to honor Him. Though our primary objective in worship is to praise God for Who He is and for the incredible things He has done (as outlined in Psalm 150), car-rying out this call yields very tangible and valuable dividends. God’s primary objective is to create a transformational change in us each time we seek to be enveloped by His presence in worship. That’s the payoff! So investing in worship honors God AND changes us…

In the New Testament, “worthy” or “worth” occurs 41 times in the form of the Greek term, “axios.” The word axios basically refers to weight. In Bible times, people did business with coins that were minted to the exact weight corresponding with the face value of the coin. over time, though, the coins would become worn from being exchanged and would actually decrease in value (or “worthiness”). So they would use scales to determine the weight of a handful of coins rather than trusting the face value printed on the money.

We are not worthy to enjoy the dividends of God’s presence, but He transforms us and does His re-deeming work when we honor Him in worship. He takes the coin drained of “worth,” mints it freshly by filling it with His Spirit and views us as valuable and whole on His scales. There’s absolutely no risk and immeasurable reward when we invest our lives in worship.

The Value of Worship

Assignment: Get your team together and take the lead for 4 Great March Madness Sundays

Put one of these trophies on your shelf

• Kid’s Camp Scholarships• Kid’s Ministry resources• Florida Vacation Condominium (for the coach)

Everyone can play in this league

BGMC March Madness

““Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.”

For more information email [email protected]


JASoN lAMEr Youth Alive

[email protected]

Protection for the Moment or for the Future?

Seven Project UpdateThe Seven Project is kicking off the second half of the school year with a full spring schedule. From Upper Perkiomen High School to Harrisburg city, the Seven Project is partnering with local churches and communities for the purpose of building students’ hope. A new promotional DvD is available for presentation to school administrators. For a free copy please contact Jason at [email protected] or 717-795-9780.

Students display

purity rings that were received

at a Silver Ring Event promoting

sexual purity.

It’s his junior year of high school and things have been going pretty well. Nothing too exciting has happened yet except for a countdown to this so called “freedom.” He’s your average, decent, church going student. He knows the love of God, especially the Sunday School stories. He has even had a few spiritual encounters that have left an impression on his life. But there’s no ques-tion, they have been one of many with which he has come into contact. To be honest, whether or not those spiritual impressions have risen above the rest is yet to be seen. Each life moment is formed on the last, and like a stalagmite waiting for the next drip, this young man’s life is taking shape moment by moment in the hallways of his school.

In one particular moment he finds himself standing next to his locker where a fellow student is being humiliated for a lifestyle of purity. Knowing that he thinks the same way, he is now worried that he will be associated with her. He wants to be associated with her convictions just not with her treat-ment. As they continue the harassment, they call his name. His heart jumps in preparation for what’s about to come and in that moment he is put on the spot as they laugh and say, “pretty sad when you can’t get anyone to be with you, huh?” He wasn’t asking for this. He wasn’t even in the conversa-tion, but here he is and what does he say? Will he protect himself and pass it off or will he join her in identifying the truth?

What would you do? What would your student do? What are we doing?

Fear can paralyze us, but truth will set us free. We must have the conversations about purity and what it means to honor God with our body and make strong biblical stands.

When it’s all said and done, I’d rather be made fun of for the truth than accepted for the lie.

For purity resources visit www.silverringthing.com.


GrEG SCoTT royal rangers

[email protected]

In regard to uniforms, royal rangers has been, and is planned to continue to be, a uniformed ministry. However, churches should be provided uniform options. For the center city church that is reaching out to dozens of boys in an economically depressed commu-nity, perhaps the uniform they would choose is simply a ball cap, t-shirt, and eventually maybe even a vest. For a church ministering largely to our distinguished military per-sonnel, they may choose our current khaki uniform. Yet a church ministering to affluent young professionals might feel they need an alternative. For that reason we are planning to introduce a line of uniforms from simple and low budget to sports uniforms to a new utility uniform, all while keeping our current full khaki uniform. The church as a whole, or groups within the church, would choose which uniform(s) to wear, based on the peo-ple they are reaching in their community. The key, though, is that we encourage our leaders to expect boys to wear the uniform they have chosen to weekly meetings and events. This will bring the unity and group identity that uniforms provide.

There is no doubt that the financial re-sources of our churches are being stretched further and further, but relief is on the way. Many small and financially-limited churches will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of royal rangers for the first time ever. royal rangers is still a viable and effective ministry to boys and men and changes are in progress to make it more affordable for all churches, regardless of size.

How will churches that choose, say, the t-shirt uniform provide recognition to their boys and young men?

royal rangers is planning to introduce a new product for each group and for leaders, too. It will be called an advancement logbook, which is a full color, very attractive, folder. The cover has a place for the boy’s name and group information. It also has a list of new mem-

ber advancement objectives and a place to adhere a sticker of the royal rangers emblem once the objectives are met. The inside has the group’s advancement trail and requirements laid out in a very visual manner and a place to adhere stickers once the requirements are complete. This can help re-duce or even eliminate the cost of buying all those merit patches to sew onto vests, making it a very economical approach for the churches and families with limited financial resources.

Some churches have more resources to devote to ministries like royal rangers, others less. Some want a strong emphasis on camping, others on sports, others on technology, others on handyman skills, and still others want to emphasize some or all of these. Some want a spit-shine look to their uniforms, others a more functional image, others are content simply with t-shirts or no uniform at all. We are adjusting our ministry to accommodate the full spectrum. Churches need options that will fit their budgets, available manpower, and interests of their leaders, boys, young men, and the demographic the church is trying to reach. We feel if the church can run rangers around the inter-ests of their men rather than our one nationally-determined focus on camping and if they can offer rangers to their boys for the cost of a charter, a logbook and sticker sheet, and a t-shirt, many small and financially-limited churches can begin to enjoy the benefits of royal rangers for the first time ever. The logbooks will address a variety of concerns—advancement recognition and economizing rangers, just to mention two great benefits. The logbook will facilitate growth. Churches, if they wish, can most certainly run the program on the bare minimum and still enjoy all the life-changing effects of royal rangers.

There are many improvements that are being or will soon be made to the royal ranger ministry that will benefit every church that wants a viable ministry to reach their young men and boys. To see more of what is being planned visit http://royalrangers.ag.org/nationalcouncil and read or down-load Seek and Save! The 2008 royal rangers vision for taking royal rangers to the iPod generation.

Coming Events in 2009:

JLTA JUnioR CoMPUTeR CAMP Altoona, PA Feb. 20-22

DisTRiCT LeADeRs ConFeRenCe First Assembly of God, York, PA March 28th

Penn-DeL RR CAMP WoRK DAY Honey Grove, PA April 18th

insTRUCToR CeRTiFiCATion seMinAR TBA April 25th

GeoRGe WAsHinGTon CHAPTeR FCF sPRinG TRACe Honey Grove, PA May 1-3


rUTH PUlEo Women of Purpose

[email protected]

Spring Celebrations 2009

The 11th Street Project is our US Missions Offering for Spring Celebrations 2009This inner-city, historic church building, in Altoona, is being renovated by the Pleasant valley Assembly of God with the purpose of providing a place of worship, a state of the art computer lab for after-school programs and a place to feed the hungry and clothe the poor. For more information see www.pvag.org Promo DvD’s are available to show to your church or ministry group.

MarchApril

May

DelmarvaDate: March 21 - SaturdayPlace: Wilmington Christian School825 loveville road, Hockessin DESpeaker: Gwen MouliertTime: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PMMeal: Salad and Sandwich Bar Price: $14.00Contact: Pam Willis [email protected]

East CentralDate: March 21 - SaturdayPlace: Morning Star Fellowship, BechtelsvilleSpeaker: Evelyn KlinglerTime: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PMMeal: Brunch “Coffee with a Purpose” and Fashion ShowPrice: $15.00 Contact: liz DeFrain [email protected]

North Central WestDate: March 28 - SaturdayPlace: Glad Tidings A/G, ClearfieldSpeaker: Cindy Aronson (of Girlfriend Gatherings)Time: 9:30 AM registration 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM serviceMeal: roast Beef dinnerPrice: $20.00 includes mealContact: Sandy lanza [email protected]

South Central WestDate: March 28 - SaturdayPlace: The Casino restaurant of AltoonaSpeaker: Angela CoonTime: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PMMeal: BrunchPrice: $25.00Contact: Karen Maher [email protected]

South EastDate: March 28 - SaturdayPlace: Northeast Assembly, Philadelphia.Speaker: Deborah BrownTime: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM Meal: BrunchPrice: $20.00Contact: Kirsten Torrado [email protected]

North CentralDate: May 2 - SaturdayPlace: river of life - SunburySpeaker: Evelyn KlinglerTime: 8:30 AM – 3:00 :MMeal: lunch & Continental BreakfastPrice: $25 – includes mealContact: lily Bingaman [email protected]

North EastDate: May 2 - SaturdayPlace: Berwick A/G, BerwickWorship – Stephanie PetersSpeaker/Soloist: Damaris CarbaughTime: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PMMeal: Catered lunchPrice: $22.00 includes mealContact: Kathy rex [email protected]

South CentralDate: May 16 - SaturdayPlace: Philip Bongiorno Conference CenterSpeaker: Marjie TourvilleTime: 9:30 AMMeal: BreakfastPrice: $20.00 pre-reg. $23.00 on siteContact: Annette Noel [email protected]

North WestDate: April 25 - SaturdayPlace: First Assembly, New CastleTheme: Garden Tea PartySpeaker: Angela CoonTime: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PMMeal: Catered lunchPrice: $25.00Contact: Gloria Critchfield [email protected]

South Central EastDate: April 25 - SaturdayPlace: Glad Tidings MiddletownSpeaker/Soloist: Dana FieldsTime: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PMMeal: TBAPrice: $20.00 plus mealContact: Gloria Budzowski 717.540.5912 [email protected]

South West MetroDate: April 25 - SaturdayPlace: riverside Community Church at the Pittsburgh Mills MallSpeaker: laverne WeberTime: 9:00 AM - 1:30 PMLunch: Food Court availablePrice: $20.00 ($25 after April 16)Contact: Patti Carver 724.845.7437 [email protected]

South West SuburbanDate: April 25 - SaturdayPlace: Christian life Church TraffordSpeaker: Sue WillisTime: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMMeal: Catered lunchPrice: $20.00 plus mealContact: robin Pugh 412.896.5743 or412-759-7297 [email protected]


SHAroN PoolE Girls Ministries

[email protected]

Are we in a recession? Are we headed for a

Depression? Business analysts continue to scruti-

nize the difficulties of our economy and formulate

solutions to the multi-faceted issues. Wisdom in

our investments is imperative.

I do not have a degree in economics. But I have

learned some “common sense” lessons of invest-

ing. No matter what your “income level”, these

practical directives will work for you.

1. Invest in yourself. “… Make every effort to

be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.”

II Peter 3:14; “Humble yourselves before the lord, and

He will lift you up.” James 4:10

2. Invest wisely. “But store up for yourselves

treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not de-

stroy, and where thieves do not steal. For where your

treasure is, there your heart will be.” Matthew 6:20,

21, “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as

unwise, but wise.” Ephesians 5:15

3. Invest consistently. “Making the most

of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

Ephesians 5:16

4. Invest sacrificially. “… offer yourselves

to God, as those who have been brought from death

to life; and offer the parts of your body to Him as

instruments of righteousness.” romans 6:13

5. Stay focused in your investments. “But seek ye first His kingdom and His righteousness,

and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Matthew 6:33, 34

6. Invest for a rainy day. “As long as it is

day, we must do the work of Him who sent me. Night

is coming, when no one can work.” John 9:4

7. Diversify your investments. “…You

will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and

Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

The best investment, the real prize – SoUlS! “… I tell

you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are

ripe for harvest!” John 4:35

Girls Ministries provides the opportunity to invest in

the future of girls. lives can literally be saved from

the perils of Satan’s future! Investing in this ministry is

crystal clear. The future for these girls is as promising

as the amount of effort and time you are willing to

invest!

Investment Tips

Girls Ministries Impact!“Building Bridges” is the theme for the leadership Training

retreat for Girls Ministries to be held April 17-18, 2009 at the

Philip Bongiorno Conference Center in Carlisle, PA. The ohio

District Girls Ministries Director, Bobbie Moyer, will be the

keynote speaker. The weekend will include leadership Train-

ing Sessions and a variety of sessions to inspire and motivate

Coordinators and Sponsors.

4651 Westport Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-4887

The initial interest rate on all Notes will depend on the effective interest rates at the time of purchase. Term Notes pay interest at a rate fixed at the time of issuance. Once fixed, the interest rate on a Term Note will not be changed until the Note matures. At least thirty (30) days prior to any decrease in the interest rate on a Demand Note, the Loan Fund will notify the holder of such change.

This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy these securities. The offering is made only by the prospectus. These unsecured debt securities are NOT available to residents outside of Pennsylvania or Delaware. The notes are not savings or deposit accounts or other obligations of a bank and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, any state bank insurance fund, the Securities Investor Protection Corporation or any other governmental agency.

HERITAGE INVESTMENTSERVICES FUND


HERITAGE INVESTMENTSERVICES FUND


Visit us online for more infowww.HISFund.com

PHIlIP BoNGIorNo Chairman and President

[email protected]

DENISE FolK Administrative Assistant

[email protected]

MICHAEl BoNGIorNo Chief Executive officer

[email protected]

Demand Note .....................3.25%6 Month Note ......................3.50%1 Year Note ...........................3.75%2 1/2 Year Note ...................4.25%4 Year Note ...........................5.00%

Rates Effective January 1, 2009

($500.00 Minimum Investment)

Welcome to

IRAsRollover your existing IRA, 401k,

403(b), SEP, stocks, or bonds

Contact us for a prospectus and to open your Individual Retirement Account today 717-796-9784 or 1-866-219-0820 (toll-free)

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2009Q1

Documents

god cares

assemblies of god

scw section christopher

sws section jeffrey

swm section donald immel

sc section kenneth martin

ec section william ellis

ne section timothy satryan