General Assembly

Well, I only was able to attend two sessions of the GA this year, but I must say I was very pleased with hop it went! I had been hearing good things all week, both by phone, and by reading Sister Becki Horne's updates on her blog(Thanks Sister!!). But I was was still concerned. I half expected to walk in the door and feel more of the same old tension that we've had for several years now. Well, I am pleased to report that it wasn't there!! Or at least, if it was, I couldn't detect it. It was such a calm, easy spirit, yet exciting at the same time.The singing was great and Spirit filled, Brother Smith did a good job moderating the service. The preaching I heard was great! All the ministers preach with a lot of boldness...some very stout preaching, indeed, and just what the Holy Ghost ordered, I am sure! I needed to hear it. My good buddy Brother Brian Odell preached a great message, giving some rock solid biblical support for our Advice to Members, among other things. Brother Rob Hawkins preached very strong as well. He talked of smacking down the flesh...I left feeling like I am not the only pastor out here who has been frustrated and is sick and tired of the fleshliness that we have been fighting within the church these last few years. Both of these men gave some good instruction for how to deal with this problem. Praise the Lord!!
I also enjoyed the WMB program (always do). Sister Bishop and all her helpers did a great job. I was especially blessed by Sister Vivian Campbell's testimony.
Brother Delbert Bock, who is a great fellow, I think, preach a great message and then the appointments were made. I was again very happy and relieved to hear that our Regional Overseer, Brother Jernigan and his dear wife will be with our region for another year. We love them so much and they have been a good fit for us up here. After all that had happened in our region, we didn't know if anyone would want us...who would come to this region? But they did, and they came with their arms and heart's wide open to us, and ours were to them as well. I believe it has been good for them and us. Maybe they needed us, too? I don't know, but I do know that God has put His approval on their leadership here. We have had an amazing year. We limped into the Regional convention in 2006, hurting, confused, some even growing bitter. But in 2007, the whole region came running in shouting the praises of our God who has kept us through so much! There is so much unity here now, and power, oh! the power of God!!
So, I left the General Assembly feeling quite good about things. We have a lot of work to do , and I'm ready to get at it! Praise the LORD!!
In other news, another young person from our great region was saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost last Friday, at the General Assembly. During the Youth Program, I think. A teenage girl from E'Town. God is so Good!!!
God bless...
Brother Donnie