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Reflections from the Director
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In this, my second communique to you as the Executive Director of World Missions Ministries, I wanted to pay special tribute to Ronald W Carpenter, Sr., who went to be with the Lord on September 20. I have found myself reminiscing the life and ministry of Bishop Carpenter. I remember like it was yesterday when he met with the Executive Committee for lunch at one of his favorite restaurants, Charleston’s, to tell us that he had decided to resign as General Superintendent of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. Doug, Chris, and I sat there sorrowful and tearful as he shared his heart. I remember him telling us that his number one priority was to get Mrs. Nan home to South Carolina where she could be surrounded by their loving family and many friends. God graciously honored his request.
Bishop Carpenter’s resignation was unprecedented and courageous and was made for all of the right reasons. I honor him for valuing his church and his family above self. His selfless decision demonstrates a remarkable sense of personal character and integrity. His sense of purpose and leadership guided the Council of Bishops through the most comprehensive reorganization of our church in this era. The politics of the decision could not dissuade him from doing what was right.
As the youngest member of the Executive Committee and on a very personal note, Ron was a spiritual covering and father when I needed a covering or father. He was a mentor when I needed a mentor, and he was a friend when I needed a friend. I am honored to have been able to have served under his command.
I close by sharing the obituary for Bishop Ronald W. Carpenter, Sr.:
Dr. Ronald Wayne Carpenter, Sr. went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 20, 2012. Born May 16, 1948 to Joseph David and Pauline Carpenter. Surviving loved ones are his faithful wife, Nan Hale Carpenter, of 46 years. His son and daughter-in-law, Ron Carpenter Jr. and Hope Hilley Carpenter. His daughter and son-in-law, Jewel Carpenter Wilson and Bill Wilson. Mother, Pauline Bissett. Sister, Sheila Risley. Five grandchildren, Austin and Avery Wilson, Chase, Chaz and Chanlin Carpenter and one great grandson, Zayden Carpenter. Ronnie answered the call to preach at 16 years old and has served the Lord by serving the International Pentecostal Holiness Church for 48 years in various forms of leadership from Pastor, College Professor, Upper South Carolina Conference Superintendent, Evangelism USA Director and lastly, presiding Bishop of the IPHC at the 26th General Conference. He will always be remembered for his humble spirit and giving nature. He was a strong leader yet a gentle man. He was small in stature but a giant in the spirit. He will truly be missed by all that knew and loved him.
Respectfully yours,
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A large part of our ministry is focused on training and empowering others to be all that God has called them to be. For years we've had a vision of hosting a week-long discipleship event. And recently, that vision came to fruition when we held our first ever "Converge."
Our focus was on discipling upper high school and college aged young people around Europe. The attendees participated in daily devotions, ministry training, street outreach, and local church ministry. The event was much bigger than expected! These young people led others to Christ, in addition to experiencing personal revival. Attendees came from London, Wales, Antwerp, and Brussels.
I want to give special thanks to our leadership team from Belgium: Gretchen Schwartz, Maldo Amadar, Betsy Salazar, Mark Roskam, and from the UK: Rob Crigger and Jasmine Crilly. Also, a big thank you to those who gave a special financial gift making this event a huge success!
For more information on the Schwartz's ministry, click here.
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The Converge 2012 group
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The Awakening Brings SEND to SCU in Oklahoma City
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Some of the Faith Elementary School students with the building supplies for the well
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I can still remember being a student at Southwestern Christian University (SCU) in 2006, and hearing missionary Jeff Willhoite speak about persecution in Indochina. He tore up a page of his Chinese Bible and gave it to me. That was my first SEND experience, and that page has never left my own Bible.
I believe in the deep, profound impact of SEND week because I know the impact it has made on my life and ministry. The exposure to different missionaries and their stories, hearing about the opportunities available for students to get plugged in, and realizing that you can make a difference are priceless!
Recently, we held our annual SEND conference on the campus of SCU. Joshua Ben King, Matt Bennett, and I were the main speakers and The Awakening Band led praise and worship. It was amazing to see how God knit together the overall theme of the messages shared from the pulpit.
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Joshua Ben King preaching at SCU
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SCU Students actively listening during a SEND sermon
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Joshua Ben kicked off SEND week using his pottery wheel to demonstrate how God, the Potter, can take us, mold us, heal our brokenness, and reshape our lives. He shared in a powerful way that God has a plan and destiny for our lives. SEND continued the next evening with Matt Bennett posing the question, “Who is your neighbor?” Matt said once we allowed God to reshape our lives, we begin to see people as He does. Then we can then truly love our neighbor. For the closing service, I preached about the example of Christ as the Sent one and the pattern He laid for our lives. God wants to send us as He was sent: as a Son, Servant, Seed, and Sacrifice. Once we allow Him to mold us and shape our perspective, we can truly become the seed willing to go into the ground and die to bear fruit.
We are thankful that SEND was a big success! We had the opportunity to connect with many students interested in missions and we promoted our annual Spring Break mission trip we take with SCU students! God is doing great things and constantly calling workers to the harvest. We are glad to know that the student body at SCU is hearing and responding to that call!
For more information on The Awakening or Max and Jessica Barroso, or to give online, click here.
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SCU students visiting The Awakening's booth at SEND
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Celebrating 100 Years of IPHC Ministry in Africa
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Saturday, March 2, 2012 in Phokeng, South Africa
If you are interested in attending this momentous celebration, please contact Dr. Harold Dalton at hdalton@iphc.org for cost and travel schedule.
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©2012 IPHC Ministries | PO Box 12609 | Oklahoma City, OK 73157 | 1-888-474-2966 |
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