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April 2012
News and Events
Regional Church of God & Christian School
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CHURCH MASTER CALENDAR
To stay in-the-know about all the great activities at Regional Church, click here to view our Master Calendar of Events, which is always current.
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PRISON MINISTRY NEWS
 | | Tammy Sheppard, Prison Evangelist |
March 19 - Just home from the Women's Prison at Lakin Correctional. Had about 30 in the service. These women are growing in the Lord. We had Tongues and Interpretation and Word of Knowledge in operation. God is in the business of restoring broken lives, and I am honored to be part of that. We all have our part to play in the Body of Christ...what has He called you to do? Are you doing it with all your heart?
Note: When you give to Regional Evangelism Partners each month, you're helping finance Tammy's travels to Lakin Women's Correctional Facility in Mason County and Southwestern Regional Jail twice a month. This is good ground to sow into...lives are being radically changed! Jesus IS the way to reform lives of those incarcerated! To help support this ministry's fuel budget through Regional Church's secure website, click here and select the "REP - Prison Ministry" option in the Payment Information section.
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ALL THINGS NEW
 | | Pete Gollihue, Midweek Children's Ministry |
As I drove to work this morning, I took a moment to look around and see the beauty of God's creation. The sun was rising, and I noticed that the barren trees are now becoming full with lush green leaves. The fields are now beginning to show the beautiful the pinks and purples of West Virginia wildflowers. When I got out of the truck at work, I heard the frogs croaking, the crickets chirping, and the birds singing; all the sounds that disappear in the fall and don't return until the spring. Spring is definitely the season of rebirth and regeneration when God makes all things new (Rev. 21:5). These things are truly amazing, but they pale in comparison to what God can do in the life of a man or woman who wholeheartedly surrenders unto His will.
2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"
How beautiful it is, that God can take a murderer and adulterer like David and change him into someone He called a "man after His own heart!" How about Paul becoming a prophet and minister to those he had previously hated and sought to destroy? The beauty of God's work can be seen all around us in the alcoholic who now is free, the angry who now have peace, the dishonest who now walk in righteousness, and the lost who are now found. God's is not limited to renewing the earth and all its wonderful vegetation; He can renew the hearts and souls of men and women who choose to serve Him.
The vegetation, insects, etc., of the earth have to wait for the fall before they can be regenerated...but we can be regenerated at any time with Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God! Today is the day of salvation; God can make all things new in your life.
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HOUSE OF HOPE
MARCH REPORT
 | | June Jude, House of Hope Director |
I love the spring. It's my favorite season of the year. I love to see the flowers bloom, and the return of the grass and the leaves on the trees. Everything is bursting with life. I love the feel of the warm sun. It seems everything is made new. I am reminded of God's grace. I am human and make many mistakes. Unlike spring which comes once a year, God's grace is with me each day, and I can be made new simply by repenting and allowing His grace His Word and His blood cleanse me. I didn't always understand this thing called Grace. As I child, I somehow got the notion that once I had sinned it was over--that was the end. I went for many years feeling that God wouldn't forgive me and I could never get back to the state of being new or clean. Sometimes even now Satan will try to remind me of the things in my past, and I have to remind him they have been forgiven, forgotten, and that I have a CLEAN slate. At one time I told myself that I had to make all the changes and clean everything up myself, before I could come back to God. I lacked the knowledge of the Word of God. No one able to cleanse himself or herself. It takes the Word and the Blood to cleanse us--and a little thing called grace. Grace is unconditional love in which God loves and forgives and forgets all that I have done, and takes the accountability upon Himself. Jesus died to pay for my sins. Thank God for His Grace. By that same grace today we were able to serve 230 families--616 individuals in all: 358 adults, 184 children, and 74 elderly. To God be the glory! I want to thank all my volunteers, and a very special thanks to the kids from Regional Christian School who came to help this month. They were such a blessing to us. Thanks to all of you, too, who give financially. It enables us to do what we do. May God richly bless all of you. We love you. In His Service, June The next distribution date is
Monday, April 27
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Proof of identification, income, and residence is required. For more information, or to ask how YOU can get involved in helping with this ministry, please email June June or phone House of Hope at 304-475-2114. 100% of your tax-deductible gift to House of Hope Food Distribution goes directly to the ministry of feeding the hungry! You can give online here, at our secure site, by selecting "House of Hope Food Distribution" in the drop-down menu. Give with confidence! |
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Dear Friends and Church Family:
 | | Senior Pastor D. Mitchell Bias |
I am so loving spring this year, aren't you? There are days when it feels as if we went from zero to July in 60 seconds (!), but it's great to look up at these hills and see the trees waking up from a long winter's nap. The brilliant pink, purple, and white blossoms hanging thick over our heads are beyond description...except that when I see them, my heart just wants to break out in praise to the One Who, with merely a "let there be," spoke them all into existence!
April's going to be a spectacular month at Regional Church, and I hope you'll take a few minutes to get familiar with the calendar events listed below. There are wonderful things brewing for every age, from the tiny babies to those of us (ahem!) who have a "touch" of gray in our hair! We'll be concluding our 40-day prayer emphasis, "Seek God for the Region," this month, but we by no means will be concluding the ongoing call to prayer.
As I write, I can't help but think how that good things come in the fullness of time...only after the proper amount of waiting as transpired. You can't get to the spring buds without waiting through winter. There's no shortcut around discipline to achieve greatness in whatever area of life you want to perfect. And though we celebrate the glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus, that resurrection couldn't have come without suffering, sacrifice, and then the wait.
Can you imagine how long that three days must have seemed for the disciples and followers of our Lord?
Personally, I hate to wait! Even at the end of a long day, when I must finally lie down to sleep, I do it only reluctantly even when I'm exhausted...just as I did when I was a child, I still fight sleep. Sleep seems like the ultimate giving in...admitting that in order to have tomorrow, I agree that I must wait. The same thing happens in any situation where there's a delay. It's torture to have a medical test and then WAIT as the results, which seem to take forever, come back you. It's tough to save money for something you want to do later, like retire or go on vacation, because you have to concede that there's a price to pay, then sacrifice, and yes, again, WAIT.
If you're feeling the raw frustration of being in a waiting season, please don't despair. There is a reward just ahead for you, even though you're teetering on the brink of exhaustion. There is a reward for every time you swim across the riptide of doubt and fear, reiterating sometimes dozens of times, "But God's Word says THIS about my situation..." There is a payoff for every time you say "no" to a temptation, "yes" to honoring a commitment, and "WAIT" when the world pressures you to make a decision that you know can only be made well following a season of prayer. The Psalmist wrote, "Wait with hope for the LORD. Be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Yes, wait with hope for the LORD." (Psalm 27:14 GWT). To whom was he talking? Why, first and foremost, he was talking to HIMSELF!
Encourage yourself in the Lord today by quoting back to Him what He's already spoken in His Word. As I've said before, "Prayer is telling God what He's already told you to tell Him!' I challenge you to just do a little Scripture search on WAITING. Instead of it being a dreadful thing, I believe you'll be greatly inspired by what the Word says concerning being in that transitional, yucky, limbo-ey, uncertain place. It only seems bad when you're in the "in-between." Paul patiently described his state of being as "light and momentary afflictions," (2 Cor. 4:17) only because he had grasped the truth that there is something better on the other side of the waiting.
When Peter and John arrived--no doubt breathless--at the tomb, imagine the surprise, relief, and awe they felt when they burst through that open doorway! The grave clothes of the risen Savior, lying like the chrysalis that the beautiful butterfly discards when it emerges, were the only evidence that anyone had been there at all. Be strong, friends, knowing that one day, we too shall shed mortality for immortality...this one short life isn't all of it!
Embrace HOPE this Easter season...
Pastor Mitch
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 Palm Sunday
April 1 - 11:00 AM & 7:00 PM
Palm Sunday is celebrated in the Christian faith to commemorate Jesus' triumphant ride into Jerusalem, and occurs the Sunday prior to Easter Sunday each year.
It's sure to be a great time for worship, with anointed music and with preaching by Pastor Mitch in both the 11 AM & 7 PM services. May we welcome Jesus into our midst in a very significant time of praise this Sunday. Prepare ye the way of the Lord!
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Midweek Kids Church Easter Gala
Wednesday, April 4 @ 6:30 PM Hop on the bus and come to our Midweek Kids Church Easter Gala! We'll have crafts, food, games, music, and our kids' ministry team headed by Pete and Shawnna Gollihue will be teaching you the real meaning of Easter! NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO WEDNESDAY SERVICES ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11. |
| NO SERVICES OR ACTIVITIES AT REGIONAL CHURCH ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, DUE TO SPRING BREAK WEEK. OUR REGULAR SCHEDULE WILL RESUME ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18. |
 Family Fun Day
Saturday, April 7
@ 1 PM - Kiwanis Park, Delbarton |
| Did you know that you can contribute to Regional Church online? Click here to redirect to our secure contributions webpage! Give with confidence, knowing that your donations are stewarded wisely. Contributions not designated in specific categories will be placed in our general account and used where needed most. |
Resurrection Sunday Celebration
April 8 @ 11:00 AM  |
Ladies Ministry Monthly Meeting
Monday, April 16 @ 6:30 PM 
We have an awesome Ladies Ministry made up of multiple generations of women who love fellowship, fun, and feasting on the Word! You're invited to be a part of it all...we meet each 3rd Monday of the month, and there's always food, laughter, activities, and a time of devotion. For more information on the happenings of this great group, contact Ladies Ministry Director Christa Atkins, Fran Peck , or click here to join our special Facebook page just for this ministry!
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Midwest Kidfest Trip
April 20-22
At last count, we had approximately 80 folks going on this trip to Cincinnati! Our Sunday and Wednesday Children's Ministries are heading out to the Church of God Midwest Kidfest event, which is a weekend of awesome fun and activities for kids. The price for the trip has dropped by $30, since Kings Island is not yet open; however, there will be other places to visit, such as the zoo,etc., so be prepared to pay for other activities. Total cost for the trip is now $120 per person, and the final installment is due on April 15. For more information, contact Kids4Christ Directors Richard and Deanna Powers or any member of the Children's Ministries Team.
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Fresh Fire Revival
Living Waters Ministries, McDowell County
April 29-May 7 @ 7:00 PM
 | | Pastor Angela Mullins Stress invites you to 9 nights of anointed preaching and teaching. |
Coming to McDowell Co. April 29 - May 7...a dynamic group of pastors and evangelists with an awesome anointing from the Holy Ghost will be doing a 9-day revival at Living Waters Ministries!
Come expecting a fresh move of the Spirit, with signs and wonders following. Never before has a group of men and women with the prophetic giftings and healing ministries as these been in the same revival. This is the beginning of one of the mightiest moves of God that McDowell Co. has ever seen!
The 9-service lineup of speakers includes 3 Regional Church affiliates!
SPEAKERS:
April 29 - Dana Stafford
April 30 - George Blackwell
May 1 - Mitchell Bias
May 2 - Ron Matney
May 3 - Elizabeth Manuel
May 4 - Tammy Sheppard
May 5 - Missy Webb
May 6 - Charlie Abraham
May 7 - Billy Manuel |
 | | Marshella Curry, Gates of Wisdom Founder and Ministry Director |
News from Gates of Wisdom
An Intercessory Prayer, Prophetic, and Teaching Ministry
Just a note to let my church family know what we have been doing the past several weeks.
This past month, while we were at Christ for the Nations, the announcement was made about Dutch Sheets becoming part of the leadership of the school. He was received very well by staff and students. Dutch Sheets had given a prophecy about 7 years ago about the school and leadership changing. He did not know at the time he would be part of the change. Beth and I had been in prayer about this since back in December but could not say anything about it.
It is really good to be in-the-know about things coming up from people asking us to pray. It is great when the Holy Spirit shows you without any one even asking for prayer. Then all the hours of prayer are never seen by anyone but the Good Lord. So many times we have to be quiet, and cannot say one word about what we have been entrusted with by leaders and the Holy Spirit. That is a hard one-- and also not to give our own advice--only what the Lord tell us. But we have learned that when we keep out mouth shut about Gods business, He lets us in on more of it.
Beth and I went to Edmond, Oklahoma for a few days. Over the weekend, we ministered at a Retreat for young married couples. There were 5 couples and one single man all in their early 30's wanting to learn to hear the voice of God. They were from different churches, but were making new commitments to the Lord in their lives and marriages. We spent Friday night and most of Saturday with them...a wonderful refreshing time with young adults hungry for the things of God. We stayed at a duck hunting lodge that is privately owned. The owner is not a Christian, but lets his Christian sister use the lodge anytime she wants when duck season is out.
We ministered at two home groups. Again, groups of people from different denominations and churches in the 50 to 65 age group who were hungry for the things of God and wanting to know about the gifts of the Holy Spirit. One of the home groups call their meeting place a barn. It is bigger than the Opry House in Delbarton. I would call it their own privately-owned Community Center!
Our little Prayer House is just about finished. We are really looking forward to it. It's just a small building--one good-sized room, a bathroom, and a closet. It's a place set aside for nothing but prayer. I'll send photos when it is finished.
Here in Texas, most of the roads are just straight. I live in Bulverde (about 18 miles out of San Antonio), a little place smaller than Delbarton or about the same size. Driving out Bulverde Rd. is like driving to Ragland or Boy Scout Hollow. Only very few curves, but at every one there is a 20 mph sign showing curves and 3 to 8 markers marking the curve. Needless to say, this seems comical to me, being used to Mingo County roads! But today as I was driving to the post office to pick up a nice surprise package from a good friend, I thought about how life is like this--driving along on the straight and narrow; smooth, no curves in sight. Then, hang on! Here we go! Lord, do not fail me now I am hanging on and holding out for you.
It would be nice if we had warnings as clear as Texas puts on their curves. Sometimes I think we do, even when we do not take notice. One thing I know for sure: being on any road-- straight or curvy, rocky or smooth-- the trip always ends up better when we are on the road with the Lord where he wants us to be.
To all my friends and family thank you so much for all the love, prayers, and support. Be blessed during the Resurrection season with the fullness of salvation.
Until next time, you're close to my heart and in my prayers.
Marshella NOTE: You can support Marshella's ministry by giving online (just select "Gates of Wisdom" in the drop-down window of the Payment Information section) or by making your checks payable to Gates of Wisdom. We process her offerings through Regional Church of God and send them to her at the first of every month. |
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 Next Month!
National Day of Prayer
Thursday, May 3
12:00 PM
Mingo County Court House
You're encouraged to join us for the annual National Day of Prayer, which occurs the first Thursday in May each year. Thousands of people all over the United States will be gathering at this same time. As we celebrate our freedom to gather in prayer, we're coming not only to give thanks for our blessings, but to pray in earnest for our nation, our region, and the world. A mere half-hour long, please set this day aside on your calendar! Give just one lunch hour to a very worthy cause...intercession.
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COMING NEXT MONTH!
Spring Revival, May 6-9. Sunday 11 AM & 7 PM; Monday - Wedne
 | | Bishop William A. Lee, Jr. |
sday 7 PMwith Bill Lee on May 7-9 NOTE: To read the amazing story of Pastor Bill's arrest and imprisonment for preaching the gospel in India last October, click here and go to page 23-24!
William A. Lee, Jr. is presently serving the Kingdom of God as Pastor of Daytona Deliverance Church of God in Daytona Beach, Florida. He is a native of Springfield, Massachusetts. The son of the late William A. Lee, Sr. and Essie C. Lee (both deceased). He is a 1985 graduate of Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee with a Bachelors of Biblical Studies with an emphasis on Pastoral Ministry and has worked toward a Master of Divinity at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, and the Church of God School of Theology in Cleveland, Tennessee. He has served as a Pastor in Providence, Rhode Island, Baltimore, Maryland and on the island of Bermuda. His Evangelistic ministry has reached throughout the -United States, Canada, the West Indies, Europe, South Africa, India, The United Emirates as well as Australia. He has also been a guest several times on Daystar television and a Keynote Speaker at the General Assembly of the Church of God in 1998 held in the Alamo Dome in San Antonio, Texas, revivalist at Without Walls International Church in Tampa, Florida and Guest speaker at University Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Through life experiences God has birthed in Rev. Lee a message of healing that has been described as both therapeutic and restorative. Many people have testified of overcoming past pain through Rev. Lee's ministry. In 1998 Rev. Lee founded "Lee Ministries International Incorporated". He has since expanded Lee Ministries to include an International ministry team. The impact of this ministry has extended to the Middle East, Europe West Indies and Canada and South Africa. Countless souls have been saved, healed and, lives transformed through this ministry. He serves as a mentor and a teacher for many young ministers in the Kingdom of God. His passion is teaching young ministers to deliver the word with clarity and power. Rev. Lee is described by parishioners as a man after God's own heart, with a heart for the people. An avid student of the word, Rev. William A. Lee Jr., is currently pursuing his Masters in Counseling from Church of God School of Theology. A visionary leader and anointed preacher, Rev. Lee still remains a person of the people who possesses a keen sense of humor and a commitment to strong relationship and family ties. Rev. William A. Lee Jr. is becoming one of the most sought after servants in the Kingdom of God and continues to strive to do the work of an Evangelist. He is married to the former Sheila Renee Mebane of Washington, D.C. and together they are sold out to a life of servant hood. This ministry team has committed themselves to mentoring and coaching young adults and young ministers, which has resulted in the development of many sons and daughters throughout the Kingdom of God, It is the vision of this ministry to continue to evangelize the world for the Lord Jesus Christ and to prepare the next generation to be effective and powerful citizens in the Kingdom. |
 Health Screening Recruiting Needed
The American Cancer Society is launching a Community Health Advisor (CHA) Program in Mingo County. The program is based on the CHA model, which identifies and trains local women who then seek to improve the health of people in their communities. Through the CHA program, the American Cancer Society hopes to identify and target women who are unscreened for breast and cervical cancer, as well as women and men for colorectal cancer. Mingo County has a lower than average breast and colorectal cancer screening rates and higher than average cancer mortality rates. The CHA program is a proven health promotion program that will implement activities to improve the community's health.
You can help the American Cancer Society share positive health messaging that saves lives. Volunteer today to help educate local women about breast, cervical and colorectal cancer and to make sure these women have access to lifesaving screenings. Please email Vicki Hughes or call 304-638-5730 for more information or if you would like to volunteer.
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Regional Church Contact Info
Regional Church of God & Christian School
Mitchell Bias, Senior Pastor
US Rt. 52, South
PO Box 236
Delbarton WV 25670
304-475-3468
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