.
Ozark Christian Schools of Neosho
PO Box 398, Neosho, MO 64850-0398
(417) 451-2057
R eturn Service Requested
“Where God can help Himself to young lives.”
Founder D. C. Branham
The
STANDARD BEARER
Vol. 38, No. 4
July/August 2007
“F ollow peace with all m en, and holiness, w ithout w hich no m an shall see the Lord” (H eb. 12:14).
“ ...An Holy Convocation...”
(Exodus 12:16).
Mark your calendar now . . . October 15 – 18
Plan to attend the
2007 Annual Bible Holiness Convocation
We urge you to come to the convocation for:
g Instruction and inspiration from the preaching and teaching of God’s Word.
g Fellowship with others of like precious faith and convictions.
g Spiritual revival and renewal through prayer, worship, and the moving of
God’s Spirit.
To the question in the Larger Minutes, “W hat may we
measurably believe to be God’s design in raising up the preachers
called Methodists?” W esley answered, “Not to form any new sect;
but to reform the nation, particularly the church; and to spread
Scriptural holiness over the land.” It should be understood that
John W esley never intended to form a new denomination, but to
exert a beneficial influence upon all bodies of Christian believers.
Having been a friend and associate of Brother D. C. Branham for
M onday Evening
Tuesday–Thursday AM
Daniel E. Taylor
Gary Norris
many years, I know that the words of W esley are expressive of his
reasons for founding Ozark Bible Institute and College.
Surely, anyone with spiritual perception can see that we
have strayed far from the example and teaching of our founding
fathers. One of the characteristics of this present age is that “...men
shall be ...unholy” (2 Timothy 3:2). How we need to be challenged
to “cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and the spirit,
perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). (W.E.J.)
Tuesday–Thursday PM
Doug W ebb
Prayer Service AM
Gene Canter
Prayer Service PM
Mike Shelton
(Children’s Workers and Youth Speaker To Be Announced)
Kesler Memorial Auditorium, 906 Summit, Neosho, Missouri
The President Writes
THE SUFFERING ON THE
WAY TO THE CROSS
The Arrest and Trial of
Jesus
By President Daniel E. Taylor
(Read Matthew 26:47-68; John 18)
Judas arrived just ahead of a large mob. The priests must
have thought they’d have to fight the eleven, or that Jesus would
run and hide in the shadows. Thus the swords and staves as well
as the lanterns and torches. Jesus pointed out that they were going
way out of whack in the way they were handling this–“You act like
you are arresting a thief.”
Judas came to Jesus as if he is warning him of the coming
danger. Jesus said, “Friend, wherefore art thou come?’ Judas
said, “Hail, master; and kissed him.” The word implies he kissed
him repeatedly like the sinner woman that kissed Jesus’ feet and
washed them with tears (Luke 7:45).
Then the mob having received the sign of the kiss stepped
up and Jesus asked, “Whom seek ye?” (John 18:4). This led to the
circumstances of the mob falling back and the question being
repeated. Jesus surrenders himself to them showing that a traitor
was not needed, and commands them to let the eleven go. Peter
lost his restraint and cut off Malcus’ ear. Jesus then healed
Malcus as recorded by Dr. Luke, and the disciples flee.
John, who knew the high priest’s family, tells us that the
temple guards took Jesus to Annas’ house first. Annas had been
high priest but that office had now been passed on to his son-inlaw, Caiaphas. Annas asked Jesus of His disciples and His
doctrine. Jesus realizing it was an insincere and pointless question
seeing his ministry was public, said, “Ask them which heard me.”
One of the officers thought Jesus was being disrespectful to the
former high priest and slapped his mouth. Jesus told the officer
that struck him: “If I said anything wrong then show us in the Bible
where it is wrong–but if I simply told the truth then why did you
strike me?”
Then Annas sent Jesus with his hands still tied to his sonin-law, Caiaphas, the acting high priest that year. The Sanhedrin
was gathered there, waiting for the mob to bring Jesus to them.
The majority of the members had been working on getting false
witnesses against Jesus so they could give him the death sentence.
They found many witnesses, but they couldn’t find any two that
agreed. The one really hot prospect was about the temple.
“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up”( John
2:19). But what the witnesses said in Matthew 26:61 and Mark
14:58 and 59 didn’t agree.
The high priest is frustrated by this time. He jumps up
and says: “Have you no answer? What about the evidence these
men give against you?” Jesus didn’t say anything. The high priest
said, “I command you that under oath you tell us whether you are
Christ, the Son of God.”
Matthew, Mark, and Luke each give us a different detail
of what Jesus said. Jesus responded: “If I ask you questions you
won’t answer me, and there is no chance you will let me go. It is
as you say, I am, hereafter ye shall see the son of man sitting on the
right hand of power and coming in the clouds of heaven.”
Finally Caiaphas has what he wants. He rends his robe
and cries “blasphemy.” “What further need have we of
witnesses?” “Look at this, now we have heard his blasphemy.”
“What do you think?” What is your verdict?
2
And the members of the Sanhedrin–well, most of them
cried out in unison, “He is guilty of death!” Mark says, “And they
condemned him to death.”
The abuse started in force as soon as the verdict was
pronounced. Then they spit in his face. They buffeted him. They
punched him with their fists. They covered his face. In Luke it
says, they blindfolded him, then struck him, and asked, “Prophesy
unto us Christ, who is it that just hit you?” At this point, when the
captain of the temple guard felt they had enjoyed their cruel game
enough, he led Jesus out of Caiaphas’ house to Pilate’s judgment
hall.
Let us stop here and learn a few lessons that may help us
be better followers of our Savior who was “despised and rejected
of men.”
The crimes against Christ as described in the short passage
we have just considered are not only historical; they are exemplary.
We can and must learn from them.
I. WHEN THE TEMPLE GUARDS MOCKED THE
LORD’S OMNISCIENCE, IT WAS THE HEIGHT OF
HUMAN FOLLY.
“And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face,
and to buffet him, and to say unto him, Prophesy; and the servants
did strike him with the palms of their hands” (Mark 14:65). “And
the men that held Jesus mocked him, and smote him. And when
they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked
him, saying, Prophesy, who is it that smote thee?” (Luke
22:63,64).
These guards mocked because they didn’t know who
Jesus really was. They thought He was just another zealot whose
religious fervor had gotten Him in trouble. They listened to the
gray bearded leadership and accepted what they said, no questions.
In spite of the miracles, the teaching, even Malcus standing there
with both ears, they still didn’t know who Jesus was.
“But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the
hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our
glory: Which none of the princes of the world knew: for had they
known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory” (1
Corinthians 2:7, 8). If they had known in that day what we know
now, they wouldn’t have done what they did.
But what does that say about us? We know who He is!
We know you can’t blindfold Him and stop Him from seeing! We
know that He is all-knowing. Then why should we continue to do
things that because of our relationship to Him hurt Him or His
cause? If they had known they would not have done it. But we
know! Are we deceived into thinking it doesn’t matter? Or is it
that we just don’t care if we hurt Him? All we want is a God that
is there when life hurts us, not one we have to be concerned about
His feelings.
II.
WHEN THE HIGH PRIEST KNEW
INTELLECTUALLY FOR WHAT PURPOSE JESUS
NEEDED TO DIE BUT NEVER EMBRACED IT
PERSONALLY, THAT WAS THE HEIGHT OF RELIGIOUS
IRONY.
Irony means the quality or effect of speeches understood
by the audience, but not grasped by the speaker himself. “And one
of them, named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year,
said, unto them, Ye know nothing at all, Nor consider that it is
expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that
the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but
(C ontinued on page 4)
D aniel E . Taylor, Editor-in-Chief
W allace E. Joice, Editor
C arol J. Joice, G raphic Art
B im onthly publication of O zark C hristian S chools. Printed in the U .S.A . W e are
a nonprofit religious organization. A ny contributions are appreciated and are tax deductible.
Fax (417) 451-2059
E-m ail: obi@ juno.com
w w w .obiw eb.org
Editor’s Notes
3
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
By Editor Wallace E. Joice
In Psalm 33, verse 12, the Psalmist
said, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the
LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for
his own inheritance.” My text is one of, what I
like to call, the beatitudes of the Psalms. It is
noteworthy that the Book of Psalms begins with a beatitude. In
Psalm 1, verse 1, we read, “Blessed is the man that walketh not in
the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor
sitteth in the seat of the scornful.”
The word beatitude is from the Latin word beatitudo,
from beatus which means happy. A beatitude, then, declares certain
people to be happy. The Hebrew word that is here translated
“blessed” is `esher. This is actually a plural word and could be
translated blessednesses or happinesses. In Hebrew usage this
denotes the manifoldness and magnitude of God’s blessings.
This verse, of course, has direct reference to the nation of
Israel. Israel was indeed “blessed”–they were the only nation
under the old covenant that was “blessed.” In contrast, other
nations were “cursed.” It is still true that any nation whose “god”
is not “the LORD” (Jehovah) is “cursed.” This is not to say that
they are utterly devoid of God’s blessings, “for he maketh his sun
to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and
on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). However, in the natural order of
things, those who know and serve the true God, are “blessed,” and
those who don’t know Him cannot enjoy His full favor.
It is a fact of history that the United States of America was
founded by men and women “whose God” was “the LORD.” They
came to establish a nation in which they could worship God
according to the dictates of their consciences. They came to preach
the gospel to the heathen (the American Indians).
In considering this subject, I would like to ask and attempt
to answer three questions-FIRST, HAS GOD BLESSED AM ERICA?
Surely, this question can only be answered in the
affirmative. God has blessed America with religious and civil
freedom. Indeed, no other nation enjoys such great freedoms.
These freedoms were largely denied under British rule.
This was the reason for The Declaration of Independence.
Independence was finally won after eight bloody years of conflict.
Consider well that England was then one of the most powerful
nations on earth, yet in the providence of God, the colonies were
enabled to win their independence.
Because of the concern of some of our founding fathers to
safeguard fundamental individual rights, they insisted on the
inclusion of the Bill of Rights. The original 10 articles of the Bill
of Rights guaranteed 10 basic individual rights. These remain
unchanged though 16 additional articles have been added.
Admittedly, these have been imperfectly implemented. In
the case of the American Indians, treaties were broken, and rights
were trampled upon. Some of my Cherokee ancestors were
defrauded of their lands, and driven over the infamous “Trail of
Tears.” Though Indians fought for the United States in all of its
wars, they were not awarded citizenship until 1924.
Then in the case of African-Americans, much abuse has
been suffered. I think it was in regard to slavery, that Abraham
Lincoln said, “It has many defenders, but no defense!” In
researching this article, I read that the Continental Congress in
considering the Declaration of Independence, “deleted several
sections including one condemning black slavery.” How much
better it would have been had they let it stand. It would have
averted much suffering, and avoided the Civil W ar.
Yet having admitted all this, still personal religious and
civil rights have been more perfectly realized in America than
anywhere else.
Then again, God has blessed America with great
material prosperity. The poorest of us are rich in comparison with
third world countries. For the most part, we have cars, airconditioned homes, and many conveniences. W e are materially
blessed much more than we realize.
Yet, further, God has blessed us with great technological
advancement. In my younger years, I never thought of such things
as computers, microwaves, and cell phones.
Surely, we are living in the time of which God spoke to the
prophet, Daniel, “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal
the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro and
knowledge shall be increased” (Daniel 12:4). This verse speaks of
increased travel and knowledge. In my lifetime, I have witnessed
invention of jet aircraft, making worldwide travel a convenient
possibility. In my lifetime, I have witnessed the invasion of outer
space.
Then we have a “knowledge explosion.” Think of all the
electrical and electronic devices. Think of all the medical advances.
Think of the discovery of DNA, and there is much more that could
be mentioned.
SECONDLY, IS GOD BLESSING AMERICA?
Undoubtedly, God is still in some measure blessing
America, but there are signs that He is withdrawing His blessings.
I am a preacher, not a prophet, nor a politician. I read widely, and
try to understand what is going on in this world. I freely admit that
there are things I don’t understand. However, there are things that
give me great concern. There is the immigration problem. I am
not so concerned with the Hispanic problems as I am about other
elements. I count many of the Hispanic immigrants among my
friends. I have found most of them to be honest, hard-working, and
God-fearing. Though I admit that there are some problems, I do not
think they are the greatest problem.
The immigrants that I am most concerned about are those
whose “god” is not “the LORD.” Those who would impose their
religion upon us, and change the things that have made us great.
These radical extremists have already attacked us at the Twin
Towers and the Pentagon. No doubt many Muslims would disagree
with these actions, but those who don’t should be required to leave.
Again, I am concerned about the natural phenomena I
am witnessing. These things happen because we live on a cursed
earth.
However, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires, and
earthquakes can be judgements of God. As usual in such disasters,
the innocent suffer with the guilty. I fear that the next thing will be
terrible earthquakes.
Still further, I am concerned about the out-sourcing of
American jobs. Almost everything I buy is labeled “made in
China,” or some other foreign country. This has certainly hurt the
working people of American.
Then, I am concerned about the fact that many of our
businesses and properties have been purchased by foreign
investors. I fear that much of our God-given wealth is going
overseas.
FINALLY, CONSIDER W ILL GOD BLESS
AM ERICA?
Let me state the question another way: will God bless the
America we have become? W e have become sinful and secular,
rather than spiritual. God will not “bless a mess.” He cannot
bless sin.
The greatest threat to our nation is our sin and immorality.
It is still true that “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a
reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). History records that no
civilization has ever survived an obsession with sex. Consider the
fact that pornography pervades our society. Consider the fact that
fornication and adultery are rampant. Consider the fact that there
are serious attempts to normalize perversion, and even to sanctify
sodomy.
(C ontinued on page 4)
Editor’s Notes (Continued from page 3)
Because of His holy nature, God must judge sin. W hen
Abraham learned of the impending judgement of God upon the
sinful cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, he asked the question, “Shall
not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25). Really,
we never have to worry about God doing right. W e know that He
always has, and that He always will do right. It was right that He
delivered righteous Lot and his family from impending doom. It
was right that God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah since, “the men
of Sodom were wicked, and sinners before the LORD exceedingly”
(Genesis 13:13). Their sin was such that they were a moral cancer
upon the face of the earth. Thus they were annihilated with
“brimstone and fire” (Genesis 19:24).
Consider that God withholds judgement only because
of the righteous. Ten righteous people would have stayed the hand
of judgment from Sodom and Gommorah. Note the promise God
made to Abraham, “...I will not destroy it for ten’s sake” (Genesis
18:32). How sad that in the populous city of Sodom, ten righteous
people could not be found.
Surely, only the righteous people of this nation stay the
4
hand of God’s judgement. One and one-half million legal abortions
take place in our nation every year. Over forty million of them, the
last count that I read. The sin to which Sodom gave its name, and
for which it was punished is practiced and defended. I think it was
Billy Graham’s wife, Ruth, who said, “If God doesn’t judge
America, He will have to resurrect Sodom and Gommorah and
apologize to them!” Be sure that God will not need to make any
apologies.
Let us not forget that Jesus said that His followers were
“the salt of the earth,” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13,
14). W e are to exert a preservative influence on this earth. W e are
to exert an illuminating influence on this world. May God help us
to do our job!
If God is to continue to bless America, America must
repent. The promise of Second Chronicles 7, verse 14, is as true of
American as it was of ancient Israel, “If my people, which are
called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my
face and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven,
and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
The President Writes (Continued from page 2)
being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for
that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should
gather together in one the children of God that were scattered
abroad” (John 11:49-52).
“Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took
Jesus and bound him, And led him away to Annas first; for he was
father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year.
Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was
expedient that one man should die for the people” (John 18:12-14).
Familiarity breeds contempt is an old adage. I was raised 19
miles from W ashington D.C., and haven’t seen as much as a lot of
folks from California. People in China will copy parts of the Bible by
hand and secret it away under the floor of their shack, yet some church
people in America have at least five Bibles in their possession and
haven’t blown the dust off one of them in days. Persecuted people in
countries where Islam is in control want to go to church so badly they
risk their lives, and in America if it doesn’t cater to their comfort they
won’t come.
So with this concept in mind, could we be as bad as
Caiaphas? Tell each other intellectually why he died, but lose the awe
of what it means personally! Jesus had to die for you! Can you hear
Caiaphas saying? “You are really dumb!” Haven’t you ever
considered that it is expedient that Jesus die in the place of the people?
Can you take that a step further and consider it was expedient that
Jesus die in your place? John says in chapter 11, verses 51 and 52,
that Caiaphas not only missed the personal nature of Jesus’ sacrifice,
but also the universal nature of it!
“And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that
year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for
that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the
children of God that were scattered abroad.” (John 11:51, 52).
Sometimes even if we grasp the personal part of His suffering, we miss
getting hold of the burden of His suffering for the purpose of gathering
together the children scattered abroad.
This is material for a missions message on understanding the
three levels of Christ’s suffering. First, we understand that He had to
die for people’s sins. Secondly, we understand that He had to die for
our sins personally. Thirdly, we understand that He had to die for a
vast multitude of people who have not heard about it yet, and we must
take it to them.
III. WHEN JUDAS THOUGHT THAT HE COULD
BETRAY JESUS W ITHOUT DETECTION AND RETAIN HIS
POSITION IN CHRIST, THAT W AS THE HEIGHT OF
SATANIC DECEPTION.
I think Judas thought he could betray Jesus without being
exposed. I think he came to Jesus weeping, Master, Master, and
kissed Him in hopes that everyone would think he was fleeing, not
leading the mob. I think Judas thought he would get the thirty pieces
of silver NOW , and Jesus would respond to the arrest by using that
divine power Judas knew He had. I think Judas thought that it was
a win-win situation–that if Jesus didn’t detect that he had led the
mob, he was still in, and if he did detect it, he could repent and
knowing how longsuffering Jesus was, he would still be in. I think
Judas thought that after Jesus used his power to take over after the
arrest that he would rejoin the apostolic band as a significant and
powerful member of the Messianic kingdom, or at least Jesus would
be released and he could go back to his old job as treasurer and be
thirty pieces of silver richer for his trouble. I base my assumption
on what happened in the morning right after the verdict of the
Sanhedrin was published abroad. “When the morning was come, all
the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus
to put him to death: And when they had bound him, they led him
away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate, the governor. Then
Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was
condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of
silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I
have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us?
See thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple,
and departed, and went and hanged himself” (Matthew 27:1-5).
I think in Judas’ deceived mind he thought his betrayal of
his faith was somehow going to turn out alright. I think all people
who are slipping spiritually are deceived into thinking like Judas.”
This won’t really hurt anything. I will come back before it goes too
far. It won’t kill me.” No, but like Judas it will make you kill
yourself.
IV. WHEN JOSEPH AND NICODEM US IN SUCH A
TENSE ENVIRONM ENT OF RESENTM ENT AND HATE
TOW ARD JESUS AS W AS IN THE SANHEDRIN COUNCIL
THAT NIGHT, CHOSE TO LET FRIEND AND FOE KNOW
W HERE THEY STOOD, THAT W AS THE HEIGHT OF
M ORAL COURAGE.
W e, like Joseph and NICODEM US when we look at
Christ’s suffering, know we can’t stop it or change it. But we can
choose how we respond to it. And we can choose how we stand up
for it. I am not trying to stretch the symbolic blanket until it rips,
(C ontinued on page 6
OBI Guatemala Missions Trip
5
Brother Akers and Brother Canter
preparing for their morning session.
College class singing, preaching, and
witnessing in the plaza in Guatemala City.
Teaching session in the college class.
Sunday Morning, October 1, 2006
National Children’s Sunday.
The above pictures were taken during an OBI missions trip to
Guatemala, Central America in late September 2006. Missions is at the
very heart of the gospel. Jesus entrusted the Great Commission to His
followers in Matthew 28:19, 20, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded
you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
OBI is actively involved in obeying the Great Commission
teaching the Word of God at home. Brother Taylor’s burden of heart is to
obey Christ’s command to “Teach all nations...to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you...” Where God gives a call or
commission He also gives open doors. Brother Taylor and OBI are
receiving appeals for help in defining and defending the holiness message
to which the school is dedicated. This missions trip was the outcome of
obeying the Great Commission to “Go...and teach.” Brother and Sister
Mike Pennington, Directors of OBI Guatemala, along with Brother and
Sister Charles Akers and Nathan, Brother Randy Frazier, and Brother Gene
Canter departed OBI in Neosho on September 26, 2006. OBI Guatemala’s
first Annual Holiness Convocation began on Wednesday, September 27.
Brother Canter’s schedule included teaching college Bible
classes for four days from 8:00 a.m. until noon, with Brother Akers
interpreting the lessons into Spanish. Brothers Pennington, Akers, and
Frazier, along with Pastor Juan Carlos preached the additional day and
night meetings. What a blessed time of weeping and rejoicing and victory
was experienced in the meetings. Time, energy, and money are well-spent
where people mount up on truth that they have just learned and enjoy the
sweet breath of victory in their lives. Thank you for your support and
prayer for OBI’s mission program.
DIRECTORS NOTE: W e are in need of monthly support to maintain our operational budget. If you would like to help
assist in our missions program, please send all contributions to: OBI Guatemala, PO Box 398, Neosho, MO 64850.
Today’s Date _____/______/_______
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9 Other $______ 9 Monthly Pledge
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Scholarship Recipients–2007/2008 School Year
6
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
OBI $100
Textbook
Scholarship
Crystal
Dillehay
Cherry
Memorial
$600
Scholarship
Patrick Berney
Leonard
Allgood
$500
Scholarship
Rebekah Hicks
Max & Mae
Johnson
Full
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Apryl Cooper
Leonard
Allgood
$500
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Ronnie Rice
Max & Mae
Johnson
Full
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Kevi Tsirekos
Russell
Graham
$500
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Kristina Ward
Russell
Graham
$500
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Bryce Miller
Raelyn
Shifflett
Full
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Jake Dillehay
Raelyn
Shifflett
Full
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Melody
Norsworthy
Faithful 500
FAITHFUL 500 PROGRESS REPORT
In November, 2006, we began what we call the “Faithful
500" program. The goal is to get 500 people who will give $10.00
a month to help supplement the OBI general fund. As of M ay 1,
2007, we are at the halfway mark with a little over 250 faithful
people already contributing.
First, let me say thank you to all those who have responded
to the need by making their pledge to the OBI general fund. It is
through your faithful support that the ongoing vision of OBI is
being fulfilled. Training young people for Christian service in the
last days is challenging beyond my ability to describe. W e are
seeing God raise up a tremendous group of young people to take the
Gospel to this generation. It is an honor to be able to invest in their
lives, especially when I see the commitment they have to prepare
themselves for the ministry. Your investment in these young people
is worthwhile and appreciated.
In addition to thanking those who have already joined the
Faithful 500, let me invite any who haven't, to take this opportunity
to become a part of this project. W e need 250 more individuals that
will become members of the Faithful 500 and give $10.00 a month
to OBI general fund. W e have teenagers, even kids that have
pledged $10.00 a month. Even they can give that much for such a
vital work. At the churches that I have visited and presented the
Faithful 500, some have written their checks and paid the whole
year at once.
If you haven't already made a pledge and would like to,
just make your check to OBI, write Faithful 500 in the memo and
mail it to: OBI, PO Box 398, Neosho, MO 64850. Again, let me
say thanks to those who are already a part of the Faithful 500, and
if you haven't joined us yet, please do it today.
The President Writes (Continued from page 4)
but here is what Joseph and Nicodemus did when they let the world
know where they stood.
First, it was obvious what brought them out of hiding as far
as their commitment was concerned: His suffering. W hen you really
comprehend what Jesus went through for you, you want Him and
everyone else to know where you stand.
Secondly, they showed how they felt toward their suffering
Savior in how much they cared about his body. Like us, they couldn’t
do anything about what He had to suffer for their sins, but they
reverenced his body. “Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and
fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for
his body’s sake, which is the church” (Colossians 1:24). Their
reverence for his body is shown in three ways:
1. Their reverence for the body of Christ is shown by the
way Joseph begged for an opportunity to do something for it (John
19:38).
2. Their reverence for the body of Christ is shown in how
they both provided for it from their own resources (John 19:39;
Matthew 27:60).
3. Their reverence for the body of Christ is shown in how
they gathered around it even in its severest trial (John 19:4).
So now here we are confronted with “Jesus Christ and him
crucified.” Has His suffering brought out any of these noble qualities
in us?
HIGHER GROUND 2007 SCHEDULE
July 1, 2007, Su nd ay
Pastor James Link
V ictory A ssembly of G od
15705 K entucky R d., N eosho, M O 64850
417-451-1609
10:00 A M
7
HIGHER
GROUND
A ugu st 1. 2007, W ednesday
Pastor R andy Snow
Faith Tabernacle A ssembly of G od
1101 A udra Ln., D enton, TX 76202
940-565-1055
7:00 PM .
July 1-6, 2007, Su nd ay-Friday
C am p P eniel
R acine, M O
July 8, 2007, Su nd ay
Pastor D w ain G aliher
Junction H ill Pentecostal C hurch
7063 C ounty Line Rd 1120
W est Plains, M O 65775
417-257-1055
10:00 A M .
A ugu st 4, 2007, Saturday
Pastor M ike M axon, Jr.
C ounty Line H oliness Church
1618 C R 4315, D ekalb, TX 75559
903-667-2841
7:00 PM .
July 8, 2007, Su nd ay
Pastor Joey H ight
C alvary Pentecostal Tabernacle
1444 W . M ain St, W est Plains, M O 65775
417-256-6455
6:00 PM .
July 9-10, 2007 M ond ay-Tu esday
O zark H oliness Y outh C am p
M ountain V iew , M O
July 11, 2007 W ednesday
Pastor A lan H arris
Trinity Pentecostal C hurch
H w y 70 W est of C entral C ity
C entral C ity, K Y 42330
270-757-9372
7:00 PM .
July 12-13, 2007, T hu rsday -Friday
B luegrass Pentecostal Y outh C am p
Elizabethtow n, K Y
July 15, 2007, Su nd ay
Pastor Clyde C han
G race Free W ill B aptist C hurch
Sum tner, SC 29150
10:00 A M
July 15, 2007, Su nd ay
Pastor T im othy D avis
C am p B ranch P entecostal H oliness Church
L ake C ity, S C
6:00 P M
July 31, 2007, T uesday
Pastor C harles W ilson
Payne Springs A ssembly of G od
5503 FM 316., M abank, TX 75156
903-451-9282
7:30 PM .
A ugu st 5, 2007, Su nd ay
Pastor M ike C ooper
H oneygrove H oliness Church
R t. 3 B ox 624, B roken Bow , O K 74728
580-212-3258
10:00 A M .
July 18-20, W ednesday -Friday
Pastor M ike Blue
“Y outh Ignite”
Faith T emple A ssem bly of H oliness Church
701 H w y 702
C happells, SC 29037
864-445-7649
10:00 A M & 7:00 PM
July 22, 2007, Su nd ay
Pastor D on Ingram
B lue Springs C hurch of G od
3265 B lue Springs R d.,
Straw berry Plains, TN 37871
865-932-7603
9:45 A M .
July 22, 2007, Su nd ay
Pastor V ernon Jarvis
First Pentecostal C hurch
1505 S. M ain St.
London, K Y . 40741
606-864-4811
6:30 PM .
July 25, 2007, W ednesday
Pastor L loyd Shuecraft
Fairland H oliness Church
Fouke, A R . 71837
870-653-5133
7:00 PM
A ugu st 5, 2007, Su nd ay
Pastor T rent Stuart
G race A ssem bly
211 Sunrise, Idabel, O K 74745
580-286-2116
6:00 PM .
July 26, 2007, T hu rsday
Pastor M ike B rew er
C alvary H oliness Church
Fouke, A R 71837
870-653-5132
7:30 PM .
A ugu st 6, 2007, M ond ay
Pastor R eggie D ow dy
N orthside Church of G od
222 E. H ayes St., N orm an, O K 73069
405-364-9989
7:00 PM .
July 29, 2007, Su nd ay
Pastor G aylon Taylor
Southpoint C hurch of G od
8171 C R 2170, W hitehouse, TX 75791
903-581-8466
9:45 A M
A ugu st 7, 2007, T uesday
Pastor R andy P erry
A m ber M ission H oliness Church
202 E. M ain St., A m ber, O K 73004
405-222-1025
7:30 PM .
July 29, 2007, Su nd ay
Pastor Sam uel Snow
O ld Paths T abernacle
2906 FM 2087; K ilgore, TX 75662
903-986-2529
6:30 PM .
A ugu st 8, 2007, W ednesday
Pastor R itchie Robertson
H illdale H oliness Church
6421 S. 43 W est A ve., Tulsa, O K 74132
918-850-7363
7:30 PM .
OBI Honor Roll–Spring Semester
DEAN’S LIST--SPRING 2007
3.90 and above
12 hours and above
Adria Campbell
Janelle Dodson
Zachary Rapp
Kristina W ard
Patrick Berney
Jennifer Hatfield
Aimee Snow
Heather Thomas
Amy W hitley
Crystal Dillehay
Jake Dillehay
Julie Smith
4.000
4.000
4.000
4.000
4.000
4.000
4.000
4.000
4.000
4.000
4.000
4.000
The above are listed in order of hours carried.
HONOR ROLL–SPRING 2007
3.50 and above
Apryl Cooper
Michelle Dodson
Anson Miller
Sarah Baker
R. C. Betz
Kara Edwards
Tabitha Riggs
DeW ayne Silva
Dathan Tucker
Bryce Miller
Jennifer Norman
Kelly Frailey
Melodi Norsworthy
Rebekah Hicks
Ashley Snow
Joshua Burkholder
/ O zark C hristian School Facilities inspected w ere found to be asbestos free.
3.892
3.872
3.872
3.829
3.829
3.829
3.829
3.829
3.829
3.813
3.688
3.684
3.657
3.625
3.600
3.556
“THEY LOOK
LIKE THEY’RE
FROM OBI”
“By their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:20).
W hen my wife, Kristy, and I first came to Cisco Assembly of God,
where we’ve now served as pastor the past 2 ½ years, the church
had been without pastors for about seven months. In that time, they
had seen everything from comedian to politician in the pulpit, and
had come to the conclusion that Bible-believing preachers were few
and far between.
On our first Sunday morning in Cisco, a lady from the
church saw my wife and me in the sanctuary, then quickly went to
find her husband, who had yet to meet us. Her husband later told
me that she excitedly informed him, “The Howards look like they’re
from OBI!”
Around this same time I was speaking with a presbyter
concerning a particular church, when the man, who was a perfect
stranger to me, asked, “Did you attend OBI?” I told him that I did
and asked how he knew. “Just by the way you talk,” he replied.
The W ord of God tells us, “By their fruits ye shall know
them” (Matthew 7:20). I’m proud to bear the “fruits” that God has
produced in my life through my years at OBI. My loyalty to this
school runs deep for many reasons. Here are two of them:
I appreciate OBI because of what I experienced there.
I’ve walked the halls, sat in the classrooms, and gleaned from the
wisdom of men and women of God. I’ve seen, firsthand, the
sacrifices made by the committed staff as they train and send out
laborers for the harvest. Aside from the Bible and book learning,
much of what I experienced at Bible school helped “put shoes on”
my theology. After four years at OBI, the Lord launched me into
full-time ministry–picking up kids for Sunday school, taking out the
trash, and cleaning the toilets at my father-in-law’s church! M y
experiences at OBI taught me about the true meaning of being a
minister–a servant, like Jesus Christ.
I appreciate OBI because of what it produces. Many
missionaries, evangelists, pastors, teachers, and faithful church
members have come up through the ranks at OBI, and are now
serving God in various places across the nation. I count it a
privilege to serve the Lord together with these chosen few. As my
wife and I serve our church family in the place where God has led
us, I count it an honor to bear the marks of an OBI graduate–which
is simply the fruit of God’s grace and mercy in my life.
–Jeremy Howard
2001 OBI Graduate
M inistry News
Josh and Celesta (Gray) M cCutchen are currently
working at First Assembly of God in Phenix City, Alabama as
music pastors where Bro Danner is the pastor. Their new address
is 791 Lee Rd. 213, Phenix City, AL 36870.
Births
Josh and Jennifer (Lee) Seaman have a new addition ,
Lily Adaline. This little girl was born April 2, 2007, weighed 7 lbs.,
14 oz., and was 20 inches long. Congratulations on your precious
gift!
Jessie and Tammy (Parker) M allory have a new little girl
they named Emily Sue. She was born on April 4, 2007, and she
weighed 6 lbs., 14 oz., and was 18 ½ inches long. Brittany (17),
Bethany (15), Jessica (13), Parker (8), Preston (5), Janessa (3), and
Elita (2) are Emily’s older brothers and sisters! Mom has a lot of
good helpers. Congratulations!
On April 5, 2007, a new addition came to Bryan and
Renee (Baker) W ebb. Nathan Eli weighed 9 lbs., 1 oz., and was
21 ½ inches long. Alecia (13), Bryan II (11), and Drew (6) are glad
to have this new little guy in their home. Congratulations to your
family!
Justin and April (Burks) Sherer are happy to announce
the birth of their second son, Elias Scott. He was born on April 12,
2007, weighed 7 lbs., 8 oz., and was 20 ½ inches long. Titus (1
year) is Elias’ big brother. Congratulations to you all!
Jeremy and Laura (Kaser) Heath want everyone to know
about their new little girl born May 12, 2007. They named her
Adeline Hadassah. She weighed 7 lbs., 10 oz., and was 21 inches
long. Oliver, her older brother, “loves her and wants to hold
Adeline!” Congratulations on your new little blessing!
W eddings
Carrie Smith and Ryan Edwards were united in marriage
on April 21, 2007. Congratulations to you both, and may the Lord
bless you as you together live for Him!
W edding bells rang for Tamara Adolphson and Jeremy
Bogan. They gave themselves to one another on April 28, 2007.
Congratulations, and may the Lord use you both to further His
Kingdom!
Alumni News
Thank you to those who have sent announcements to us!
Keep sending your news concerning ministries, marriages, births,
prayer requests, testimonies, suggestions, etc. to Dawn Schminkey,
115 S. Ripley St., Neosho, MO 64850, phone (417) 451-7644,
email: [email protected] or OBI Secretary, Bonnie Stoner
at PO Box 398, Neosho, MO 64850, phone (417) 451-2057, fax
(417) 451-2059,
email:
[email protected],
website:
www.obiweb.org.
OBI WORK WEEK
August 13-18, 2007
(Monday through Saturday)
W ork needed to be done before
school starts:
M issions Department: Putting up ceiling
tile and painting.
M en’s Dorm and W omen’s Dorms:
Installing cabinets, counters, painting,
and general maintenance.
(Housing will be provided).
You may call the OBI office at (417) 451-2057
or Bro. Terry Miles at (417) 455-6310