February 2016

O U T L O O KO K L A H O M A

FEBRUARYSectional Council - Section 5W (PM) February 22Sectional Council - Section 8 (AM) February 23Sectional Council - Section 11 (PM) February 23Sectional Council - Section 10 (AM) February 25SYNERGY Youth Leaders Conference February 26-27Sectional Council - Section 12 (AM) February 29Sectional Council - Section 9N (PM) February 29

MARCHGM Power Surge (OKC Capital Hill) March 4-5OSOM Game Day March 5RR National Lead Conference March 10-12District BGMC Event March 11Spanish School of Ministry (Tulsa) March 12

APRILOSOM Game Day April 2OYM Fine Arts (The Bridge) April 8-9Spanish School of Ministry (Tulsa) April 9Royal Ranger FCF Spring Trace April 15-17Credential Celebration (Sparks Camp) April 16Century Leadership Conference Arpil 25103rd Oklahoma District Council April 25-26OCM Fun Arts (The Bridge) April 30

MAYNational Day of Prayer May 5OSOM Game Day May 7Spanish School of Ministry (Tulsa) May 14Youth Camp #1 May 23-27

PublisherH. Franklin Cargill

DesignerJayson Evans

CopyeditorRenae Elmore

SECTIONAL PRESBYTERS

Raymond FrizzelleSection 1

Keith WilliamsSection 2

Terry BradleySection 3

Bob YandellSection 4

Jamie AustinSection 5E

Mike BuieSection 5W

Chad BrodrickSection 6

Jimmy KeithSection 7

Kelly CoffeySection 8

David BrooksSection 9N

L Duane ElmoreSection 9S

Don BarnesSection 10

Ric FreemanSection 11

Arlis MoonSection 12

GENERAL PRESBYTERS

H. Franklin CargillSuperintendent

Craig DacusAssistant Superintendent

Darryl WoottonCorporate Secretary

EXECUTIVE PRESBYTERS

Bruce McCartyRon McCaslin

MINISTRY DIRECTORS

Doug EveraardYouth Ministries

Dean GuthrieChildren’s Ministries

Darren PilcherChurch Ministries

Michelle PilcherWomen’s Ministries

Lindell WarrenMissions

Ordained Female PresbyterDeborah Burke

Many of our churches have discovered the thrill of planning, recruiting, and executing a missionary trip to some point outside the borders of our nation. Thousands of dollars are involved but beyond that, missions awareness produces benefits far beyond the investment of the local church. A well-planned trip can strengthen the Kingdom, bless the local church, and provide an opportunity for God to speak to someone about saying “YES” to the call of God.

However – lack of planning can spell DISASTER! I recommend that every trip be coordinated through Assemblies of God World Missions. Those who serve us at AGWM live with a constant awareness of regulations, cultures, and connectivity with the national church at-large.

Greg Mundis, AGWM Executive Director, shared the following admonition with me:

“I recently spoke with a group of leaders during which I described a situation in which the Assemblies of God was being sued because of an accident in a developing country in Eurasia. A team led by a former missionary (now a pastor) went to the field unregistered with Assemblies of God World Missions, with no liability waiver, and without our insurance. A member of the team was in an accident in a Speed the Light vehicle and became disabled. This, of course, was tragic, and we have great sympathy for the individual. He, however, is suing the missionary on the field, the church, the district, and the Assemblies of God. If the team had registered, purchased our insurance (only $3 a day), and signed the waiver of liability, this would have helped mitigate the lawsuit in our favor.

We have since enacted a no-tolerance policy for AG groups and individuals traveling overseas who are contacting our missionaries. This means we have instructed our missionary family to not receive individuals or teams that have not registered with AGWM, signed the waiver of liability, and obtained our insurance. We realize this is a hard-line policy, but legal counsel has examined our policies and procedures and advised us that this course of action will minimize our risk for lawsuits that could potentially bring great harm to our stewardship in the Kingdom.

Online registration is now quite simple at http://wideopenmissions.org/. Registration includes a liability waiver and insurance, and it also alerts the field and all of AGWM regarding the team’s or individual’s plans. The insurance is through GTL (Guarantee Trust Life) at $3 per day per person, which covers medical emergencies plus evacuation if needed.

You may already know this information, but for clarification, each AG credential holder has the option to have a Short-Term Minister Abroad (STMA) account with AGWM in which funds designated for his or her

overseas ministry will be kept in AGWM for use in that person’s ministry overseas; the insurance premium can be deducted from that account. Application for an STMA account may be processed by contacting Pam Livingston at [email protected] or by phone at 417-862-2781, Extension 2097.

We want our district officials, our ministers, and our churches to understand our position and its ramifications. We would also like to enlist your aid in helping everyone under your purview to register with AGWM and also help them understand why we must adhere to our guidelines so strictly.

Thank you for your attention in this very important matter. “

As mandated by our own governance structure, I am required to safeguard our Fellowship, our churches, and the ministries of the Oklahoma Assemblies of God. I urge every person to use the upmost caution in discharging our fiduciary responsibilities as pastors and leaders within this great Fellowship.

The old axiom is still true – An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Thanks for continuing to respond to His command, “Go, into all the world and preach….”

Linda and I are honored and privileged to serve this wonderful family of believers!

Frank and Linda Cargill, PastorsOklahoma Assemblies of God Ministries

S U P E R I N T E N D E N T

F R A N K C A R G I L L

DISTRICT [email protected]

Into All the World

“Go, into all the world and preach...”

M I S S I O N S

L I N D E L L W A R R E N

MISSIONS [email protected]

Will Jesus Ever Return? Yes, He will. When, I don’t know. I do know, however, that the Lord of the harvest continues to call young people into ministry and missions. I do know that the church (the Bride of Christ) keeps adding to her numbers. I do know that the Holy Spirit has revved up His activity on earth. And I do know that every ethnicity and people group will be represented in Heaven.

When a student at SAGU in the ‘60’s, I really thought our generation would bring closure to this age. At this juncture in my life I sincerely believe it will be my grandchildren and their generation. My emotions are moved by their willingness to spend and be spent for God. With innovative technology and a strong desire to serve in obedience, I look forward to witnessing what the next generation will accomplish for the Lord. It doesn’t matter that their way of doing ministry differs from our, what matters is the final product, some remaining fruit at the end of the day.

It is official. I have tendered my resignation to Brother Cargill as your District Missions Director, effective April 30, 2016. In next month’s Outlook I will have a more exhaustive article on my announced retirement. Suffice it to say here, it is time. Phyllis and I have a peace about the timing. In no way are we leaving our post with the district because of someone or something. This is solely our decision. My conviction is, it is time for a change, both for us and for the district.

We have a number of missionaries in transition at the moment. Several units now want to return to their roots in Oklahoma for family and support reasons. Although we don’t have a lot of traffic at present, counting our dual district missionaries we have a good slate of missionaries itinerating this spring and summer. Now to a list of those itinerating this year in Oklahoma:

Praise God for the World Harvesters that made budget and have left for their next assignment.

Those missionaries include: the Brian Stuke family, the Darren B. family, the Blake Edgmon family, and the Josh J. family.

Fari Rider is now stateside itinerating, the Terrence H. family is itinerating in Oklahoma and Kansas, the Gary Bohanons will

continue itinerating into spring, the Trent Morrow family will itinerate into summer this year.

Arriving this year for itineration purposes include: the Jason Roberts family – early summer, the Shawn L. family – late summer, the Mark Lemos’ - early summer, the Kirk F.’s – late summer, and Amanda & Zack R. – early summer.

The following missionaries all have Oklahoma roots, having grown up in one of our AG churches. With each couple at least one spouse holds credentials with us, while they have already served a term overseas. Much of this has to do with where they pastored before being processed for missions.

Chris and Amy Hales served their first term in the Czech Republic. They are itinerating now in order to return to the Czech Republic this summer.

Todd and Leslie Stamps missionaries to Mozambique in Southeast Africa, will itinerate in the Rocky Mountain District, as well as in Oklahoma. They returned stateside only a few weeks ago.

Ryan and Lauren Plute have completed one term in a sensitive country. They are itinerating at present to return to the field in early summer. Ryan grew up in the Owasso First Assembly Church. They first went out from the Minnesota District. Other units that have Oklahoma ties and have been cleared through the District Missions Department to contact churches in our district: The Josh Sears family and the Danny and Faith Lund family.

Dee McNeill has announced her retirement. After Larry’s untimely death this past June she carried on for several months. As of last fall she is now officially retired from AGWM. We love you Dee. God bless you for the outstanding service you and Larry gave for so many, many years.

Magdy Fam passed away in December. His ministry to the Arabic speaking people has been noted. We pray for his family – Amani his wife, and their son Paul. Sister Amani Fam is working to carry on the revivals and prayer services to the Arab people group.

IT IS TIME...

C O M I N G S A N D G O I N G S F O R 2 0 1 6

W E L C O M E B A C K T O O K L A H O M A

O T H E R T R A N S I T I O N S

C H U R C H

D A R R E N P I L C H E R

CHURCH [email protected]

@DARRENPILCHER

What are your priorities this year? What are you endeavoring to accomplish? How are you planning to get it all done? Every leader needs an opportunity to re-evaluate and refocus on what this whole leadership thing is all about. Specifically, thinking long and diligently on what it means for us to be a leader is the idea behind a healthy season of re-positioning. That’s why I really like the beginning of a new year and how it can offer a fresh start and perspective. In this first couple of weeks of 2016, consider authentically asking yourself these questions for starters:

Who am I called to be as a leader?Who am I called to lead?How should I lead them?Where do I want them to go?How can I get better at leading?

With every new year I truly believe God grants the opportunity to dream, plan, and start again. We are given the privilege of unplugging ourselves from the past. As leaders, nothing speaks of freshness, focus, and new energy more than a clean slate. The last thing our followers need is a leader who is distracted with unfinished projects and cluttered by an unsettled or, even worse, and unforgiving heart. So, take time this week to really “unplug.” Ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify and let go of the luggage that would potentially weigh you down as you endeavor to enter strong into the new year.

Another way to lead with a clean slate is to allow Matthew 6:33 to be the compass for your days: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” What if we honestly sought first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness every day? I know, we are human and riddled with imperfections, but God is perfect, and with His help, we can more successfully put Him in the rightful place daily. Think in terms of seeing this practically. What does it look like for you to seek first God’s Kingdom and righteousness today? Rick Warren has provided a nice acrostic to the word F.I.R.S.T. - FINANCES, INTERESTS, RELATIONSHIPS, SCHEDULES, TROUBLES. With God’s help, we can lead in putting Him first in our finances, considering Him first in our interests, allowing Him to be first in all of our relationships and connections, seeking Him first when it comes to our potentially crazy schedules, and going to Him first when we are faced with a trouble or challenge. When God is FIRST, we will not have to worry about how we will be supplied for our calling nor feel the need to control situations or people. When God is FIRST in the leader’s life, everyone ultimately wins!

The slate is clean…at least for now. If we do not pause and take the necessary time to evaluate and plan, the earthly drift will take over. And, before we know it, our lives will be over-crowded and way too complicated. Eugene Peterson paraphrases the sobering warning from 1 John 2:15: “Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father.” The only way we can effectively prohibit our love for the Father from being squeezed out of our days this year is to intentionally take time to reflect, refocus, and, if necessary, re-adjust to God being FIRST in our life and leadership while the slate is still essentially clean! Lead from that clean slate this year!

L E A D I N G F R O M A Clean Slate

R E C O M M E N D E D R E A D I N G

Emotionally Healthy SpiritualityPeter Scazzero

Addicted to BusyBrady Boyd

W O M E N ’ S

M I C H E L L E P I L C H E R

WOMEN’S [email protected]@M_PILCHER

On January 15th, over 1500 ladies gathered around our state to make a difference for missions. It was a night of excitement and fun as we met in 13 locations.

This year’s project was the Place of Hope, Ladies Teen Challenge of Uruguay. We have joined with Oklahoma Missionaries Trent & Tina Morrow to see a new kitchen built for this ministry. The offering for this year’s LIFE project totaled $19,500!

Thank you for your sacrifice and obedience in giving to this need! LIFE pledges continue to come in and have already reached over $100,000. We are full of anticipation to see what God does through Oklahoma Women’s Ministries in 2016!

Place of Hope

If you know of someone who is interested in being a lifeguard this summer at SPARKS Youth Camp, please call the OYM office at (405) 475-1182 and speak with Cody Phillips.

Y O U T H

D O U G E V E R A A R D

YOUTH [email protected]

@DOUGEVERAARD

African Missionary Devotional StoriesStephen Kuert

This is a great tool to put into the hands of your students as you encourage them to give to STL. We have purchased extra copies and they are for sale at a special price of $6.00, send an email to [email protected] in the OYM office and we will be glad to get you or your students copies of the book.

Below is an excerpt of one of the stories, check it out!

“My roommate and dear friend Paul Freeman and I used to go over to the University of Dar Es Salaam just to hang out. The campus was situated nearby our house and offered a refreshing sea breeze not always available at our place. We would take prayer walks, play basketball with students, and most of all just get away. I served as the pastor of the Ocean International Community Church, a congregation geared towards reaching young urban Tanzanians, so it was easy to invite college students to take in a service.

One day Paul decided he was going to go up to the university campus to prayer walk. He asked me if I wanted to go. I had several appointments scheduled and couldn’t make it. He really had a desire for God to use him and had been praying about this often. The sun was already high in the sky and the heat rather intense. I didn’t have much hope that he would really meet anyone at this time of day. Most of the students would either be in class or resting in the cool of their dormitories.

Later that day I asked Paul about his visit. “How did it go?”

“Pretty good,” he answered nonchalantly. I didn’t think much more of it.

Several days later I returned to our house to find Paul and a young Tanzanian student playing video games. They were having a great time. Paul introduced me to a young sophisticated Tanzanian. “This is Steve. He’s the pastor of the Ocean.”

He continued, “This is Issa. The student body class president of the University of Dar.”

We chatted for a few minutes. When Issa left, I asked Paul how the connection came about. He had prayed that God would order his steps when he went up to the University of Dar Es Salaam several days previously. In the blazing hot sunshine he decided to walk

around the track. Definitely, this wouldn’t have been my first choice. As he started walking, another young man started heading around the track from the other side. Their paths crossed somewhere around the halfway point, they talked, and now here was the student council class president of a university of 20,000 students from an Islamic background playing video games in our living room.

Over the course of the next several months our new friends started attending church. Paul spent lots of time with him. One day he surrendered his life to Christ. Paul discipled him playing video games—Jesus, pass, Jesus, shot, Jesus goal. It was, of course, much more involved than that, but you get the general idea. We visited him at his house several times meeting his family and walked around campus with him regularly. He is an incredibly talented young man. God gave us great favor through this connection.

Issa, of course, means Jesus in Arabic. When I tell the story I like to say that Jesus came over to play video games at our house in Dar. It’s such a great story of God opening doors into a university campus in an Islamic city through a young man aptly named Jesus. Paul prayed a simple prayer that God answered lavishly.”

Author Stephen Kuert has spent his life in Africa. In this book he takes the reader on a journey encompassing real life stories and events from three different East African Countries: Kenya, Burundi, and Tanzania where he has lived. These stories are full of wit, candor, and passion revealing the joys and struggles of being a missionary.

Each story illustrates God’s heart for missions and challenges readers of all ages to develop a missional lifestyle. The devotional aspect of the book includes inspirational quotes, practical application, and relevant Scripture verses promising to make this book a source of inspiration.

VIDEO GAMES WITH JESUS

C H I L D R E N

D E A N G U T H R I ECHILDREN’S [email protected]@OCMDEAN

“BGMC GOES OVER SEVEN MILLION DOLLARS!” This was the announcement that was made on the evening of February 3rd at the National BGMC District Awards Banquet in Branson, Missouri. The banquet was attended by district children’s directors and BGMC coordinators from across the nation.

We are excited to report that $7,003,196.12 was given nationally to BGMC during 2015! The giving for 2015 increased 10% over giving for 2014!

Oklahoma BGMC had a history making year as well, giving $286,666.63. This is the highest that we have given ever. This placed Oklahoma third in the nation for overall giving to BGMC for 2015.

The new theme for BGMC was also announced. Over the next two years we are going “Above and Beyond”. As a district, I would like to see us go above and beyond $300,000 for BGMC in 2016. However, more importantly than seeing us hit another record total, I have a new challenge for our churches.

Personally, I would love to see 100% participation in our district when it comes to BGMC. I’m not asking all of our churches to shoot for the moon, all I’m asking is that we all consider giving….something. More importantly than giving something is the opportunity that you would give us to teach the children of your church to have a giving heart of compassion. BGMC does raise a lot of money for our missionaries across the world, but it also creates a compassionate giving heart in our kids as well.

Won’t you join us this year to see that Oklahoma goes “Above and Beyond” for BGMC in 2016? If you are interested in starting BGMC in your church, please contact us at the OCM office.

Once again, THANK YOU for all that you are doing to support our missionaries and missions organizations through BGMC!

“All I’m asking is that we all consider giving something.”

Above and Beyond

Oliver Swaim1/25/1932 - 1/22/2016

Reverend Oliver Swaim, 83, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday, January 22, 2016. Oliver was born January 25, 1932 in Tulsa to Emmit and Lucy (Calvert) Swaim. After graduating from high school, he

attended Central Bible College in Missouri, graduating as commencement speaker. While there he met his sweetie-pie, Peggy Johnston and they married on May 29, 1953. Throughout their marriage they lived in California, Arizona, and Oklahoma. Brother Swaim pastored numerous churches and was a missionary for over 12 years. He and Peggy served in Ghana, West Africa training and teaching new ministers. In retirement, he helped complete 50 tabernacles over the years. Oliver was pure of heart and lived to serve God above all else. He never met a stranger, and was the first to offer a comforting word, a shoulder to cry on, or a listening ear. He loved his family and serving others.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mom, Lydia Swaim; siblings, Lawrence Swaim, Mildred Pyle, and Melvin Swaim; grandson, Shannon Swaim; nephew, Melvin Pyle.Those left to cherish their memories are his wife of 62 years, Peggy Swaim; daughter, Kathy and Randy Penix; son, Kevin Swaim and Jamie Durham; grandchildren, Aaron and Stacy Penix, Kevin and Amanda Johnson; great grandchildren, Gavin, Lauren, Dylan, Josie, Kizer, and Maverick; three nieces; one nephew; and other family and dear friends.

Floyd G. Rutland4/4/1916 - 12/22/2015

Reverend Floyd Guy Rutland, a longtime resident of Dewar, passed away Tuesday, December 22nd, 2015 in Okmulgee at the age of 99. He was born April 4, 1916 in Okemah, OK to W. J. and Clara Rutland. He married Beulah Marie Spurlock on February 4, 1961 in Henryetta.

Brother Rutland’s passion was serving the Lord and sharing the Gospel with everyone he met. He had been a minister of the Gospel for over 70 years and was credentialed with the Assemblies Of God for over 50 years. He is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Effie Hall, five brothers, Charlie Hicks, Glen Rutland, Noble Rutland, Jack Rutland & Oscar Rutland. He is survived by his wife, Beulah of the home in Dewar; Three daughters, Debee Newport and husband John of Tulsa; Dana Huckabay and husband Rev. Dale Huckabay of Henryetta; Janet Davidson and husband John of Broadlands, Virginia; Seven grandchildren, Charla Newport of Tulsa; Kyle Huckabay and wife Jenny of Henryetta; Nathan Huckabay and wife Christina of Henryetta; John A. Davidson of Broadlands, Virginia; Emily Davidson of Broadlands, Virginia; Joseph Davidson of Broadlands, Virginia; Rachel Davidson of Broadlands, Virginia; Three great grandchildren, Noah, Olivia and Brooke Huckabay of Henryetta; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives.

Lewis E. Dissmore1/26/1933 - 1/1/2016

Reverend Lewis Everett Dissmore was born in Whitehall, Wisconsin to Emma (Rasmusson) and Clinton R. Dissmore. He was an ordained minister for the Assemblies of God for over 50 years.

Lewis was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Virginia; sister, Allene Dell; brother, David Dissmore; son-in-law, Vern Tanner. He is survived by his wife, Linda and her children, Toby Stamps, Todd Stamps, and Tiffany Grach; sons, Allen (Debbie), Tim (Arleen), Loren (Diane), Mike (Lori), Steven, and Christopher (Mitzi); daughter, Shirley Tanner; brother Roger Dissmore; 18 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a host of other family and friends.

I N M E M O R Y

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Our lowest loan rates…

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D I S T R I C T N E W SO K L A H O M A

P R A Y E R R E Q U E S T S P A S T O R S ’ R E P O R T S

E V A N G E L I S T S ’ R E P O R T S

T R A N S F E R S N E W P A S T O R S

Clint Gray - Victory in PSO Easement case, wisdom, and physical healing.Rachel Willis - Clear direction for daughters and peace of mind and heart for mom and dad.Rev. and Mrs. Leonard Stoner - Grandson was murdered in January. Pray for their family, for the OSBI to make an arrest and also, for them to keep a forgiving spirit.Charles Kilgore - Daughter, Rachel Cooper needs prayer.Thomas McEwen - Son’s healing from Huntington’s Disease.

Help for Pastors call (918) 758-4147 or visit www.pastoralcareinc.com.

Charley Hudspeth, Newkirk, reports two healed and three rededicated. Raymond Frizzelle, Miami, reports 10 saved in regular service, 23 saved in youth, and five saved in Children’s church. Don Couch, Tulsa, reports 15 saved or rededicated and 12 responded to call to full time ministry. Several were filled or refilled at a youth rally in Tulsa.

Dale Floyd reports 54 men and women saved.Marna Hillard reports several saved during the Christmas season.

Welcome FromJosh Hainey IndianaFredore Crews Southern CaliforniaLinda Crews Southern CaliforniaMark Shorey North Texas Farewell ToBenjamin Bradley IowaScotty Harris ArkansasAndrew Mathe PotomacBrock Sawyer North CarolinaChris Smith IndianaJoseph Underwood ArkansasWoodrow Walton North TexasRobert Wilson Arkansas

Buffalo First Phillip Ludwyck, Jr.Spavinaw Living Water Joe West

I N F O R M A T I O N

W W W . A G O K F O U N D A T I O N . O R G

E N D O W M E N T S P L A N N E D G I F T S B E Q U E S T S

A S I M P L E P L A N C A N M A K E A B I G I M P A C T