Category: General

HOLINESS – SPREADING THE FLAMES
By
Mike and Julie McGhghy

Greetings from Costa Rica! What a privilege it is to serve our Lord Jesus Christ in Costa Rica and with our Azusa StreetRiders brothers and sisters.

ASR is a motorcycle ministry seeking to unite all motorcycle riders in Oneness Apostolic Churches around the world to spread the Holy Ghost flames of revival begun on the Day of Pentecost as recorded in the Book of Acts. We seek to spread the Acts 2:38 message to motorcycle riders and their families regardless of their existing beliefs, their loyalties, their church attendance, their traditions or their socioeconomic status. THE SOUL-SAVING MESSAGE OF ACTS 2:38 IS FOR ALL!

As we travel throughout the world, including the United States where the vast majority of ASR members reside, we present our message very boldly on our backs as we wear our patches that proclaim Acts 2:38. It is this great tool that often opens conversations with other people about salvation and provides opportunities to pray for and minister to people outside of ASR. We praise God for these opportunities and continuously pray that He will put people within our paths so that we might minister to them.

With the privilege of ministering for our Lord, we carry the responsibility of living the message, not just speaking it. And what does living the message look like? It looks holy! After all, we are called by God to “Be ye holy; for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16. But what does being holy look like?

ASR is made up of many Oneness Apostolics from many different parts of the world, organizations, and congregations. Although our cultures and convictions may differ, the word of God is constant! His word provides all the guidance we need to live the Acts 2:38 message before the whole world. When people see our patch, they want to see more than a scriptural reference. They want to see a scripture-based life.

So, let’s remember that living holy is comprised to two things:

1. Separation unto God (2 Corinthians 6:17-18); and
2. Dedication to God.

We want to live a life that: is pleasing to God for God’s own sake, not our own; communicates Christ to others; and evidences that we are members of the family of God, which is a holy family, a holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). In the next few issues of the Rumblings, we (Mike and Julie) will be reviewing the scriptural guidance for living a holy life before the world. As a resource we will be referencing Dr. David K. Bernard’s books In Search for Holiness and Practical Holiness: A Second Look.

Throughout this month, please remember that we live a holy life by faith and cultivating the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 3:11; Ephesians 2:8-10. We do not earn our salvation through holiness! Nor do we live holiness through our own strength. We live holiness through faith! God created us and strengthens us to walk in holiness. Philippians 2:13. The Christian life is a close, personal relationship with God. It is a constant, intentional effort to draw closer to God and to become more like Him, which is to search for holiness. If we let His Spirit lead us and if we will cultivate the fruit of the Spirit then holiness will come naturally and easily. And it will be a joy and not a burden. It will be a normal way of life that will be evident to those the Lord sends our way that we might share with them the Gospel of Jesus Christ through our words and our lives. This is how we will spread the Holy Ghost flames of revival.

 

That’s right, that’s where we are going but we are going prepared.  In unity we sing the old song, we are going to the enemy’s camp to take back what he took from me.  Sounds exciting until we go to battle against the enemy and see what we perceive as obstacles.  God said, “Be not afraid, only believe for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”  Warfare is messy business and many times the challenges are providing and demonstrating the love of God to those who don’t seem to deserve it.  If we are not fully prepared by having on the whole armor, we’ll be reeling on the battlefield like a drunken man.

God is calling all warriors to rally in unity for our struggling prodigals and the enemy is desperate to distract us. Rapidly fired demonic bullets of fear, worry, anxiety, frustration and anger can cause offense which wounds us terribly.  “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10-11).  Schemes, wiles, devices and tricks are tools the devil uses to  project his poisonous thoughts into our minds.  He suggest we do things his way instead of listening to and obeying the voice of God.  One way we hear the voice of God is through our conscience.  A Spirit filled conscience does not tell us to speak harsh words to or about our brothers and sisters.  It does not tell us to go out and rob a store or kill someone. No, that is the voice of the enemy projecting his thoughts onto us. By complaining and criticizing instead of thanking God during a trial, we allow the enemy free access in our lives. Vesta Mangun once said, “Anything you don’t bring before God for counsel, hell is authorized to counsel you about it.”

I read in Matthew chapter 18 where we are turned over to the jailer (tormentors) if we don’t forgive.  We are tormented daily by the video reel playing the offense over and over in our head until we repent.  I have experienced the darkness of jail several times in the past due to perceived insults and misunderstandings. I was hurt and in return hurt others. Through reading scriptures about offense and forgiveness, the Word washed me,  I came to my senses and realized I was in violation and had sinned against God by holding on to unforgiveness. God delivered me when I cried out for mercy.  I  also went to the people and ask them to forgive me.  I did this in order to obey the Word which says if you are offering your gift at the altar and  remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar.  First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.  By forgiving and asking God to order our steps, speech, attitudes and even our facial expressions, we are protected and victorious!

To remove wounds, we lay them on the altar of repentance and are cleansed, forgiven and God forgets. We speak His Word in faith, believing and problems disappear. We pray until every word that comes out of our mouth aligns with God’s Word. This is the will of God where signs, wonders and miracles operate.  This is where our prodigals are set free.

God bless and keep reaching for the prize of the high calling (what the Spirit is telling you to do) of Jesus Christ.

Praise Report:  We have five prodigals from the names in the vase who have come back to the altar. This is powerful! Let’s give God great praise.  If anyone has not put their prodigals’ names in the vase please send to our President Robert Thompson (Robert.thompson@azusastreetriders.com) and he will write the name out on paper and add to the prodigal vase.

Video from our President Robert Thompson:   Prodigals_4012

Chaplain Diane Beall, ASR National Ladies Chaplain

 

 

It seems that before the National Rally and even more so after Azusa SterrtRiders ministry and it’s members have been under a spiritual attack. No wonder were rattling the gates of hell through a renewed effort to take this ministry to a new level of commitment. For example we have, as a ministry dedicated ourselves to more focus prayer especially in regards to our prodigals. Which by the way is already paying dividends we have had five souls come back whose names were in the vase from the Friday night service  and one person who wasn’t in that vase however was on the hearts of some ASR members. 

Praying for the “Prodigal Vase” given to ASR by Pastor Kenny Carpenter, Friday August 2nd 2019

We are now working on revamping our Chaplin program to fine tune what has already been put into place with the placement of Bro Harding and Sis Beall. In addition we have committed to spreading the One God doctrine internationally with our Motorcycles for Missionaries progem both in Cuba and in Sierra Leone. Hopefully when the dust settles we might even have enough money to fund another one or two bikes this year which is a huge blessing for our Apostolic Missionaries. I am also seeing with our different chapter events a heartfelt desire for even more greater outreach. I feel our mindset is  evolving into what this ministry is really about,  reaching for  souls. 

Of course these endeavors do not come without a cost in the spiritual world. We need to be on our toes and ready for any and all attacks that our common enemy might bring against this ministry .  Our enemy wants to cause division and dissension in our lives through whatever means is at his disposal and he has had a lot of practice.  I am writing all of this in order to introduce a lesson that Bro Carpenter gave a few weeks back  on  a wednesday night service to me it was one of the most informable messages on the subject of Spiritual Warfare that I have heard in a long time.

I want to encourage everyone to take the hour and listen to it. You can fast forward right to the teaching I pray that it helps and strengthens you as it has me.

Click on video below

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

Bro. Kurt Handline and Bishop Logue getting around Cuba in a bici-taxi

Missions: City to City

Bishop L. E. Logue and Bro. Kurt Handline have been tremendous influences in the Cuban Church over the years. This year they made multiple trips, including a country-wide mission trip to visit churches that rarely get visitors.

They even endured my driving across the entire island, getting lost a few times, [accidentally] locking them in a hot car with the windows up, going off road through mud and rain, infinite potholes, dodging dogs, chickens, horse and buggies, and people everywhere. We had several adventures … too much to tell in this email.

These brethren have made a lasting impact in the work in Cuba through consistent support and personal contact.

What the world needs is real Christian people, living the message of Christ, speaking wholesome words, giving without expecting a return, and going forth just to be a blessing. Incarnating the Gospel message to a world without hope. This is what Bishop Logue and Bro. Handline have provided.

Thank you for your prayers and support for the mission in Cuba.

Punta Brava, La Habana
Felicidades to Pastor Dany Daniel Marzo Amores, a local minister in Havana and Bible School student, who just took a church in Punta Brava on the outskirts of Havana.

His mom and dad (also a local minister) actually moved to this congregation to assist him in ministry. They do a lot with kids, outreach and spaghetti dinners!
Bro Houseman the Missionary to Cuba is standing on the far left



Caibarien, Villa Clara

This young minister, Pastor Darian Cabrera and his wife, have recently purchased a new home in Caibarien where they have been installed into new pastoral ministry.

Please keep this relatively new work in prayer. We began this work less than two years ago with a few baptisms and a local woman, also baptized, who opened her home up for us to have services.

Local fruits and vegetables, just one block from the church

Fomento and Cabaiguán, Sancti Spiritus 

Pastor Elio Prieto and his wife are country folks! Even in Cuba we have city churches and country churches. Same apostolic doctrine, culturally different congregation and service styles. It’s an honor to work together with apostolic people of all shades of color and culture. This is what God designed all the way back on the day of Pentecost.

I recently met a group of missionaries in Cuba from some sort of American denomination. They asked me what denomination was our church in Cuba.

I replied, “We are the People of the Name in Cuba. We are the Book of Acts Church in Cuba.”

What else is there to say? We believe in only One God, baptize in Jesus Name, speak in tongues when we receive the Holy Ghost, practice Holiness, and believe Jesus is coming back for his Church.

We are not a denomination. We are the Church.

Jobabo, Las Tunas 

This church is located about 45 minutes down a long country road just outside of Las Tunas, Cuba. There are actually two churches, one in Jobabo and another in a nearby town.

These brethren joined our fellowship a couple of years ago and are also going through our Apostolic Bible Institute. Thank you for praying for them and the many small towns across Cuba that we are now finally reaching with the Acts 2:38 message.

Pastor Yurisdel Peña, Apostolic Church of Jobabo, Las Tunas.

Camagüey 

You will never find a more genuine, authentic, and humble apostolic family than this beautiful family in Camaguey, Cuba. Pastor Anselmo Gonzalez and his wife have converted their home into a sanctuary for the church. All four children sleep in one tiny room in the back, while pastor and wife sleep on a mattress in the sanctuary floor each night.

This is Cuba missions. This is the spread of the gospel in Cuba. Men and women who embrace the Truth and begin preaching, teaching, and having church before any resources or facilities are available. It is New Testament. It is 100% APOSTOLIC.

Pastor Anselmo Gonzalez and family, Apostolic Church of Camaguey

Santiago de Cuba 

Over the last six years or so we have worked with a group of apostolic ministers in the eastern province of Santiago. These men and their churches were added to the apostolic fellowship through the ministry of Missionary Armando Roca.

We have been blessed to visit nearly all of their churches, scattered among the small towns and mountainous regions of the province.

Now, we are giving $6,300 for the purchase of property that will serve this group for years to come. On this property they will build a facility to have services, district events, offices, and most importantly training seminars for local and national ministry.

If you would like to help with this special project, please reach out to us and let’s make it happen.

Iglesia Apostólica de Oasis, Santiago de Cuba

Let’s take a moment and welcome our newest members to Azusa StreetRiders

Bro Justin Call
Orwell, OH
Pastor Scott Acdary
Pentecostal Community Church, Jefferson, OH

Sis Eliza Call
Orwell, OH
Pastor Scott Acdary
Pentecostal Community Church, Jefferson, OH

Bro Thomas & Sis Judy Robert
Pierceton, OH
Pastor Phillip Chandler
Community Life Center, Warsaw, IN

Bro James Rhindress
McDonough, GA
Pastor Talmadge French
Apostolic Tabernacle Church, Jonesboro, GA

Bro Gregory & Sis Sheryl Pray
Fayetteville, GA
Pastor Talmadge French
Apostolic Tabernacle Church, Jonesboro, GA

Pastor Phillip & Sis Shari Easton
Tilden, IL 62292
God’s House Pentecostal Church

By the time anyone reads this article we would have already been blessed by the preaching of Pastor Mark McCool at our Opening Night Service on Wednesday July 31st at FAC Maryville. I again want to take this opportunity to welcome each and everyone of you to the 20th anniversary of the Azusa StreetRiders Ministry and the 2019 National Rally looking forward to a great time in Lord and I pray each and everyone of you will  be blessed beyond measure

Tentative Meal Plan for the 2019 National Rally

Wednesday
Pizza, breadsticks, Tossed salad with choice of dressing and Dessert

As Apostolics we are very familiar with the expression of worship and praise by declaring thanks (Hebrews 13:15), by clapping our hands and shouting (Psalm 47:1), by musical instruments and dancing (Psalm 150:4), by singing praise songs (Psalm 9:11), by psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19-20), by making a joyful noise (Psalm 98:4), by lifting our hands (Psalm 134:2), by being still (Psalm 4:3-5), 46:10), and by being loud (Psalm 33:3, 95:1-6). These beautiful acts of worship and praise elevate us into God’s presence, giving us power to overcome obstacles, walk in the miraculous and live a joyful life.

Dedication is the basis of commitment, without it we are not able to give God anything else. Committing our thoughts and emotions unto obedience to Christ shows our respect for Him. To obey Him willingly involves our intellect, emotions and will (Romans 12:1-2). Our body is to be dedicated as a living sacrifice to God. We are to avoid being conformed to the world, but must strive to be transformed by the Word. Only then can we discover God’s perfect will for our life.

Worship refers to the supreme honor given either in thought or deed to a person or thing. It is reverence, a deep respect, admiration and honor given to God. The Bible teaches us that God alone is worthy of worship (Revelation 4:11).

Worship is not just for Sunday morning church. We should daily live a life of obedience to and worship of God. The single most important act of worship for any Christian is to totally present ourselves to God as an obedient servant. Jesus’ dedication to God involved His body and mind, “Nevertheless, not my will but yours be done.” Our minds coordinate the actions to be executed by the body while the body carries out the will of God. Once the mind and body are completely devoted to God, we become instruments of righteousness by which His will is done in earth as it is in heaven. He chooses to use us to perform His Will.

Praise is an outward expression of faith. When we praise Him, we are telling Him that we believe He is there to protect, comfort and to do battle on our behalf. God wants us to be so dependent on Him that no matter what the circumstances we face, regardless of how dark the night, we know that God is working out all things for our good. He wants us to be confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in us will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

What is your default reaction when things don’t go your way, when the trials and tribulations of life surround you? Do you respond by worshipping God and thanking Him for the storm that draws you closer to Him or do you react by getting angry and/or withdrawing from God, sulking in the hurt and pain? Paul and Silas were arrested for casting a spirit of divination out of a girl. The local authorities beat them and threw them in jail. Beside the trauma of being beaten, they were chained in stocks and their arms and legs were essentially immobile which caused cramping and loss of circulation. It was truly a depressing atmosphere. Despite the throbbing pain and depressing circumstances, Paul and Silas were heard praying and singing praises to God. Suddenly there was an earthquake and it shook the prison. The doors opened wide freeing Paul, Silas and all the prisoners. Praise and worship are the keys to the miraculous. In times of suffering, we sometimes forget this powerful principle that Paul and Silas understood. God inhabits the praises of His People not the complaints.

Choose worship and praise. When a storm develops in our life, it is our responsibility to go out before the battle, to sing praises to God — to shout the victory! No negativity and grumbling allowed. When we worship and praise God, He will elevate us to new heights and give us greater revelation. The degree to which we worship God reflects the degree of His worth to us. Each morning when we wake, we should ask God what he would like for us to do during the day. Ask Him who can we speak life to; give hope to today. Plan your day by telling God, “As I prepare for this day, I appoint it to be used for Your glory. Everything that happens will be used for your purposes. Even the problems that happen will be appointed to be used for Your glory.” Not my will today God, but Your will be done.

Diane Beall,  ASR National Ladies Chaplain

Wednesday July 31st – Opening Service
Pastor Mark McCool – Pastor FAC Knoxville, TN

Pastor Mark & Sis. Jamie McCool – Pastor McCool was born in Knoxville in 1958. He grew up working for and loving the saints of First Apostolic Church. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor’s degree in elementary art education. He married Sis. Jamie McCool in 1981, and together they served as associate pastors and teachers in Apostolic Christian School. Sis. Jamie McCool also has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee in child and family development. They have two children Ashley and Anthony who are both very involved in the ministry of First Apostolic Church. Ashley and Anthony are both graduates of the University of Tennessee. In 2001, Bro. Mark was named Pastor of First Apostolic Church. Together they are leading First Apostolic Church forward.

Thursday August 1st – Motorcycles for Missionaries Service
Rev Darry Crossley  – UPCI Regional Director for South America – Retired

Rev Darry & Sis Kathy Crossley – Darry and Kathy Crossley’s missions involvement began in Argentina in July 1974 under the Overseas Ministries program. Their initial responsibility was to help set up the Bible school program in Buenos Aires. They taught in the Bible school, set up national financial books, pastored in San Justo, and held revivals and seminars. They returned to the States in October 1975 to receive full missionary appointment. Through the years Brother Crossley held every office on the national board and pastored the Central Church. Brother Crossley was elected as president of the UPC of Argentina in 1982. He was kept very busy administrating and coordinating the national work, teaching in seminars and in the Bible school and spent about missionary profile half of his weekends ministering in the interior of the country. In September 2002, the Foreign Missions Board appointed Brother Crossley the regional director for South America. He now oversees the churches, missionaries, and national leaders in the ten nations of the South America Region. He also serves as the President of the UPCI of Bolivia and as President of the UPC of Uruguay

Friday August 2nd  – Evangelistic service
Rev Kenneth Carpenter – ALJC General Supertantant  & Senior Pastor of FAC Maryville, TN

Rev Kenneth Ray Carpenter & Sis Penny Carpenter became senior pastor of First Apostolic Church of Maryville in June 1984, and continues to pursue the vision and dreams God placed in his heart to reach the community of Blount County.

His ministry began at age 17 when he preached his first sermon, and shortly thereafter he began evangelizing throughout the United States.  As a troubled 16-year-old teenager, he was enrolled at Apostolic Christian School in Knoxville, Tennessee. It was there that Bishop Billy and Betty McCool and the First Apostolic Church of Knoxville took a chance on him. February of that school year, he was baptized in Jesus name and received the gift of the Holy Ghost.

He has been a minister with the Assembles of the Lord Jesus Christ (ALJC) for well over 30 years. He is a regular conference and camp meeting speaker and is well-known for his leadership in missions giving. Pastor Carpenter was elected General Superintendent of the ALJC in 2013. His compelling burden and vision for the ALJC is to see prayer networked throughout the organization. It is his heartfelt desire to see all churches, regardless of size, have the tools they need to propel them into a greater revival and reap a harvest of souls.

Pastor Carpenter is passionate about God, family, and church. He treasures being a husband, father, grandfather and pastor. In 1982, while preaching as an evangelist at FAC Maryville, he met the love of his life, Penny Bennett. In July 1984, one month after becoming pastor of FAC Maryville, he and Penny were married and she joined him in pastoring. From the beginning Penny assumed the role as lead administrator for both First Apostolic Church and Apostolic Christian Academy. She also spends a great amount of time teaching bible studies and helping disciple individuals with their walk with God.

Azusa StreetRiders Ministry would like to take this opportunity to welcome all our new members for the month of July

Robert Poleto
Myrtle Beach, SC
Christian Life Center
Rev Stacy Davis

Robert & Ginger Beck
Stockton, CA
Christian Life Center
Rev James Kinney

Neva Brasfirel
Denison, TX
Truth Church
Rev Darren Gilbert

Jon & Serrena Weber
Ft Wayne, IN
Calvary Lighthouse
Rev Richard Maron

Terry Metheny
Plymouth, IN
Community Lfe Center
Rev Phil Chandler

 

Greeting in Jesus name from Costa Rica. We miss seeing everyone this year at the National Rally. Our friends in ASR are so supportive and caring that it is always a time of encouragement when we are together. We are starting our 8^th week in Costa Rica and have been busy. We completed 4 weeks of Spanish immersion classes which is a start but we have a long way to go to be fluent in Spanish. God has provided a vehicle at a very reasonable price so we are able to get around. We were able to sell our house in July so we praise God that we are not maintaining two households.

We have been able to teach in Sunday School and Julie will start teaching English classes at the Pavas church in mid-August.   The people here are excited about learning English since it provides more opportunities for employment. God is opening doors for us to get involved.  The people here are true worshippers and are expecting and working toward a great revival in Costa Rica.

We have met a few bikers here and have handed out several of our ASR cards. One of the bikers has been in group rides with the Soldiers for Jesus, which is the only Christian motorcycle club in Costa Rica that we have found. We are living in the San Jose metro area which has a population of around 2.2 million people. The roads are similar to what you would find in the Smokey Mountains – very narrow, lots of curves, and steep climbs. A 1.5 mile drive to the grocery store can take 15-20 minutes each way. Motorcycles are everywhere and are very aggressive.   It gives a totally new meaning to lane splitting. The motorcycles are on your right, your left, and will cross in front of you to go from one side to the other depending on traffic. It will be an experience to ride here.

We are praying for ASR, the services and for the business meeting at the Nation Rally. Please keep us in your prayers as we make this transition. God is Great!

Bro & Sis McGhghy