Wisconsin District News

On a snowy Saturday morning February 21st, the Section II Revival Team met at Elim Tabernacle to finalize proposals discussed at the Summit to advance the Kingdom of God in Section 2 during 2009. Chaired by Rev. Anthony Tamel, Presbyter, other members of the Revival Team who contributed were the Reverends Joseph Hanthorn (Germantown), Tim Vic (Elim), Erik Carlson (New Berlin), Geoff Albertson (West Bend), Steve Rogers (Elim), Jim Booker (West Bend), Henry Choconta (Milwaukee).

Section II is bursting with some dynamic plans for 2009. At the meeting, agreement was reached on several initiatives.

For outreach, a Boot Camp for Milwaukee area youth will be held June 18-21st. Bro. Matt Maddix has accepted an invitation to conduct the Boot Camp along with an entourage of an estimated 200 youth. A rally will officially open the camp at Elim Tabernacle on Thursday evening, June 18th. At this time, participating youth will receive intensive training to equip them for evangelizing inner city youth over the weekend. A $50 registration fee will be charged to participants.

A Harp and Bowl prayer meeting will be held on May 15th at Abundant Life in Oconomowoc, from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Pastor Tamel shared the success this prayer event has had at Parkway and was excited to share it with other churches in Section II. The term “harp and bowl” are found in Revelations 5:8. The harp refers to worship and the bowl refers to incense representing the prayers of the saints. A prayer/song leader sensitive to the Holy Spirit will be recruited. The section also has implemented prayer coverage for two churches every month. The churches submit their prayer requests and they are circulated to the churches in the section in accordance with a continuing goal to share one another’s burdens and promote unity.

For instruction, two ideas surfaced. One was to contract with a guest speaker, in person or via web camera, to talk at future SOAR meetings on a variety of topics, such as finance, alcohol/drug treatment, and ministerial ethics by men such as Brother JT Pugh. This idea will be pursued.

The second idea that was approved was to host a section-wide “Free at Last” seminar on restoration, deliverance and spiritual healing during the month of October. Sister Carole Keller, who came up with the idea, was invited to the meeting by Pastor Tamel to present her proposal. Keller, who authored the book Free at Last 15 years ago, shared how principles in the book are being taught in small groups. So many people are broken and hungry for a move of God in their lives, and the pastors agreed the time is right. Since the meeting, Brother Robert Kurz, who travels extensively throughout the country teaching seminars on the restoration of the family, has accepted the invitation to be a keynote speaker at the event.

Finally, the pastors agreed to plan a social event in September for all of the ministers and their families. This will provide another means of fellowship for the Section II ministers.

Submitted by Carole Keller
Section 2 WDN Representative

Sponsored by the Ladies Ministries of the Wisconsin District UPC, the second annual Holiness Conference was held at Abundant Life Apostolic Church, in Oconomowoc, Friday-Saturday, November 21-22nd. Conference speakers were Sister Ruth Harvey, the National Daughters of Zion Director, CT District Ladies Ministries Secretary, author, and recording artist; and Pastor David K. Bernard, founder and pastor of New Life United Pentecostal Church, Superintendent of the South Texas District UPC, and President of Urshan Graduate School of Theology.

We left the conference enriched and with a greater understanding of why holiness is so vital to our Apostolic calling and anointing. Holiness unto the Lord is about being like Him. While societies change, God’s standards do not. The speakers acknowledged we are living in a world where truth does not matter, but the Church must not be intimidated; it must be salt and light.

On opening night, in a message entitled, “I am the Lord. I Change Not,” Sis. Harvey compared King Manasseh’s transgressions against the Lord to America’s breakdown of God’s laws. Like Judah under King Manasseh, America has done according to the abominations of other nations (2 Kings 21:2). She has set up “high places” (e.g. altar of abortion) like Judah shed innocent blood (2 Kings 21:16). The city set upon a hill has become, like Judah, more evil than some of the heathen nations (2 Kings 21:9) she followed and, like Judah (2 Kings 21:12), stands to be judged for her sins against God’s unchanging laws of holiness. In judgment, Manasseh repented and God restored his kingdom (2 Chr 33:13). So, there is hope that, even in judgment, God will bring revival to America and not forsake His covenant with the people.

Thus, she said the Church needs a greater fear of the Lord in this hour. Those who do not feel holiness is important right now are going down a pathway of deception from which they may never recover! The greatest fear is that the Church will change with the world. Instead of conforming itself to the “image” of God, she feared the Church is trying to conform to the image of the world and losing its saltiness. The anointing will never come by becoming weak and watered down, she said. Now is the time for the Church to turn up the light and stand for truth for the darkness is very great (Isaiah 60:2).

Bro. Barnard preached on “A Call to Die,” which he said was the key to Apostolic revival. He said the Apostolic movement must go back to the Cross and re-consecrate itself to the principles of sacrifice, holiness and obedience to experience revival. Jesus submitted his human will to the will of the Father, he said, and, in this sense, we should follow Him. He said there should be a sacrificial attitude in our lives and that, paradoxically, is the way to eternal life. It may mean to sacrifice goals and dreams; it may mean to be persecuted and ostracized by society, but if we want results, we must follow the path God has called us to.

Using John 12:24 as his text, Bro. Barnard said there is potential for a great harvest in just one grain having life, but it must first fall into the ground. This is contrary to the world’s counsel, which pushes celebrity endorsements and big programs. If we, in our zeal to attract people, somehow relax the teachings of the Bible, it will not stop with one teaching. He feared churches are becoming social centers. Where, he asked, in all of this is the opportunity for repentance, confession, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit?

He made a distinction between legalism and holiness. While we are under grace, there still are commandments we have to obey! Holiness is dying to sin in the world; it is dying to self-will; it is becoming like Jesus. He said if we take away the commandments of holiness and sacrifice, we will not have the same move of God and, after a while, the Church becomes just another program. Therefore, Apostolics need to go back to their roots and renew their commitment to holiness and sacrifice.

On Saturday, Bro. Barnard presented a two-part seminar on “The Life of Holiness” and “Holiness in Adornment.” He said that while the new birth is necessary to enter in, believers must travel on the highway of holiness to reach their destination. And the first thing to destroy holiness is a root of bitterness, the reason why holiness first and foremost is the attitude of the heart, not outward appearances.

Sis. Harvey taught a powerful message entitled, “What Direction is your House Facing?” Using Abraham-Lot (Genesis 13:11-13) and Jacob (Genesis 33:18-20; 35:1), she taught that the enemy will not always come as a terrorist, but he will get us to turn our direction. When we make alliances with the enemy, it becomes hard to pray until those alliances are broken. Her concluding message was on the devil’s work in society to blur distinctions between the male and female genders and mar the covenant relationship we have with God through obedience. The devil wants to dismantle what God has joined together because a sanctified bride is a picture of redemption. She said, yes, holiness in attire does matter. If we do not have on the proper wedding garment (holiness) we cannot be part of the bride!

To obtain a CD or DVD of the messages, go to www.wiupci.org and click on Media Missions.

Submitted by Sis. Carole Keller
WDN Section 2 Representative

Two Hundred Fourteen Wisconsin Teens Gather for Section Two Elev8-Reach Rally

On Friday, November 14, 2008 Abundant Life Church of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin hosted an Elev8 Rally for Section Two. Months of preparation for this event culminated in the flawless execution of an event that more closely resembled a rock-n-roll concert. This event was much different, however, as the presence of the LORD was very powerful.

Two hundred fourteen teens from ten different youth groups around Southeastern Wisconsin, along with a number of younger children, parents and volunteers gathered to experience this unprecedented Elev8 Rally for Section Two. This concert-like event featured: the praise leadership and music of Seth and Corey Boyt from Oshkosh playing music from Seth Boyte’s latest project entitled “Reach”; a special appearance from Section Two’s own version of the Blue Man Group; guest preacher Pastor Aaron Soto, President of the Wisconsin District Youth Team; lots of pizza and games that included basketball, billiards, fussball, and XBox.

The Atmosphere of Worship

Youth President Aaron Soto preached a message about Heaven to the crowd that inspired vivid pictures of what it will be like in paradise. He talked about how we will be able to spend eternity having conversations with our favorite Biblical characters like Noah, King David, Daniel and our Lord Jesus Christ, not to mention the reunions we’ll experience with our friends and relatives that have passed away. He also helped us imagine what our mansion will be like … the one that Jesus is currently preparing for us.

The preaching of the Word was followed by a powerful move of God at the altar call in which at least one teen received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and many more got re-filled.

Following the altar call, the night transitioned from worship and prayer to fellowship and games. Teens had a wide selection of activities to choose from as ALC pastors Rick Kielley, Michael Kielley and JoeDon Calhoun opened up their church to host the event. Recent additions to the church that the teens took advantage of included a large gymnasium and teen center.

Pastor Aaron Soto Joins the Blue Man Group

Congratulations to JoeDon Calhoun and the dedicated volunteer team at ALC for putting on a spectacular event for the youth of Section 2. Many people coordinated activities for the flawless transitions and execution of the night. I’m sure that many are looking forward to next year when ALC can host another Elev8 Rally and put on a similar performance to this night’s. Pastor Calhoun commented, “It is our desire to get beyond the four walls and reach as many young people as we can. We are constantly employing various methods to introduce an unchurched culture to Christ. The U-turn youth team then gets very serious about making disciples of those that experience God in our Reach Services”

Report Submitted by Bro. Jesse Darrow, ALC

Camp Babylon
SOAR 2008

Captivity was never so captivating! SOAR dreamed of giving a wider range of children and their guests the “Junior Camp Experience”. Our Camp-in-a Day team provided Jr. Camp-in-a-Day without all those pesky mosquitoes, sweaty showers, and sleeping bags!

On October 25, 2008, the Oconomowoc church was transformed into the Babylonian Empire, with many of our favorites, disguised as Biblical characters. Over 130 children from Section 2 gathered together for a condensed Junior Camp rolled into only one Saturday. Our children, like Daniel and his 3 Hebrew friends, became the temporary subjects of the Babylonian Kingdom.

The day opened with exciting worship. John and Gerry Bath, drama directors at Wisconsin Junior Camp, brought together a Section 2 drama team to retell the story of Daniel. They touched the hearts of our children, introducing them to the young Daniel and his God fearing parents, who taught him the Holy Scriptures

Suddenly, Babylonian guards broke into the sanctuary and took our children captive. The guards decreed that our children change their names, to “new Babylonian names”, which actually were their names, spelled backwards. The guards then led the children into the gym. There, the Drama team unfolded the story of Daniel and the 3 Hebrew Children in the fiery furnace. The 3 Hebrew Children taught the captive audience of our children, to stand up for God in the face of opposition.

The children participated in a Daniel Fast game in which they sampled foods that Daniel and the 3 Hebrew Children would have eaten to stay strong and obedient to the Word of God. The sun warmed up the earth and the children played “Capture the Lion”, a twist on a childhood favorite game. Everyone devoured the lunch prepared and served by many helping hands from Parkway.

We returned to crazy praise, like only our children and youth praise band know how to give up. The Drama team captivated the hearts of the children once again with a humorous, yet moving interpretation of Daniel in the Lions Den. As Youth Pastor, Rob Jadrnicek, sang from the heart of Daniel, children bowed before the only King of Kings, Jesus Christ. Two of our precious children received the Holy Ghost for the first time, and many others were refilled with the Spirit!

Our children thank the Oconomowoc Church for hosting this inaugural Camp-in-a-Day SOAR event, the Baths and the entire drama team for a repeat performance of Daniel, Jeff Albertson for rallying the Section 2 churches, Kim Garcia for pulling together all the details, and to the huge volunteer staff from many churches in Section 2 who ran our Camp-in-a-Day! We are looking forward to making Camp-in-a-Day an annual event!

Submitted by Kristin Contino
Section 2 Parkway

Held on Friday, September 5th, at Pulaski High School on the south side of Milwaukee, the Worth the Wait rally attracted nearly 400 youth along with a local TV news agency.

The rally began with several contests to energize the crowd, spearheaded by Bro. Tim Vik (Elim Tabernacle). Giving credence to the festivity of the event was a barrage of colorful balloons that filled the auditorium. Then, adding to the excitement that filled the air was a electrifying worship service led by Bro. Rob Jadrnicek (Parkway Apostolic Church). Among those who were present for the worship service were the principal and two vice principals. Finally, all settled down to hear the Rev. Tim Gurley from Texas present a PowerPoint presentation on sexual purity.

Bro. Gurley celebrated the characters of Joseph and Daniel in the Bible who stood up for what they believed in the midst of a decadent culture, and he encouraged the youth to do so also, even if no one else does. He said it comes down to choice, and the choices youth make today play a vital role in what they become tomorrow. He noted contrary to what many believe, the majority of high school students (according to statistics compiled by the Center for Disease Control), have not engaged in pre-marital sex. Eighty-two percent believe in one marriage partner for life, so he said others are choosing the right thing as well.

Then Bro. Gurley presented a list of reasons that keep youth from making godly choices: dating too young, dating someone much older, pairing off outside of a group of peers, going to homes in the absence of an adult, use of drugs and/or alcohol, poor relationship with parents, dating on the rebound, dating someone in rebellion, improper clothing, immoral peers. He talked to the men and encouraged them to fight the flow of the world. He said “real” men go against the flow and submit to God. Turning to the ladies, he said one quarter of sexually active teenage girls are more depressed and suicidal than those who do not engage in pre-marital sex. Once married, they are more likely to break up, more unhappy, and there is a higher incidence of adultery. In short, God was telling the young people that, if they want to be successful in their lives, to follow a lifestyle of purity and holiness.

Brother Gurley urged the teens to seize the moment by making a simple pledge to God to save sex for marriage, laying their past at the altar of repentance, and resolving to be different. The anointing of the Lord was there. You knew God touched hearts in the altar call that followed. One young lady received the Holy Ghost. Hundreds of teens swarmed the altar to re-consecrate their lives. Then one by one the students took a blue ribbon as a sign of their commitment to remain pure until they are married.

Kudos for the success of the rally go to those responsible for it, beginning with Section 2 Presbyter Anthony Tamel for authorizing the rally, and to the planning committee responsible for organizing and publicizing it: Rev. Tim and Armedeina Vik (Elim Tabernacle, Milwaukee), Section 2 Youth Representative and Chair, Pastor David Meyer (Living Word Apostolic Church, New Berlin), Jose Blanco, Rick and Karen Baily, Rev. Joe Don and Sarah Calhoun, Rev. Rob and Aimee Jadrnicek, along with their Assistant Janel Koss (Parkway Apostolic Church, Oak Creek). Altogether, there was representation from Sections 1, 2, and 3.

Submitted by Carole J. Keller
Section 2 WDN Representative

Parkway Apostolic Church became the fourth state campus for Purpose Institute and the first and only Wisconsin campus to offer the college curriculum in Spanish. The other sites are: Appleton, Madison, and Eau Claire.

First of all, you may ask, “What is Purpose Institute?” Brother F. Joe Ellis, Founder/President, claims Purpose Institute Bible College is a “God ordained vehicle to train and equip Apostolic ministry and leadership anywhere in the world.” It affords Apostolics an invitation to increase their knowledge of God’s kingdom and in the process earn an Associate Degree (2 year program) or a Bachelor’s Degree (4 year) at affordable prices. You no longer have to give up your job to earn a college degree.

This is such an outstanding opportunity to grow in the knowledge of God as it provides discipline and structure so necessary in the study of God’s Word. One individual who is attending the first semester had this to say: “As you absorb the truths that are being imparted, your life will not be the same because you will receive deeper revelation of the Spiritual life that will utterly transform you and open the door to greater ministry You reap a closer walk with God.”

The first semester subjects and instructors are:

• “21st Century Leadership I”– Anthony Tamel, Pastor of Parkway Church
• “Introduction to the Word/Pentateuch”—James Booker, Pastor of Full Gospel Church
• “Apostolic Doctrine Studies”—Dr. Ed McFarland, Parkway Church
• “Apostolic Evangelism Studies” Manual Rogers, Pastor Emeritus, Elim Tabernacle

Bro. Robert Falkey, Administrator of Parkway’s English-speaking program, recently released the following preview of the second semester subjects and instructors:

• “Pastoral Studies”– Guest Instructors such as Frank Tamel, Parkway Apostolic Church.
• “The Life and Ministry of Christ”— James Booker, Pastor of Full Gospel Church
• “The Ministry of the Apostles (Acts 1-10)”— Dr. Ed McFarland, Parkway Church
• “Apostolic Evangelism Studies” Manual Rogers, Pastor Emeritus, Elim Tabernacle

(Note: List of instructors is subject to change without notice.)

Each semester, students are required to attend 11 hours of classroom instruction one weekend per month. New students can enroll in any semester—as the classes are not sequential. Individuals may obtain information on tuition and second semester enrollment (classes begin January 18th) by contacting:

English Speaking
Robert Falkey, Administrator
(414) 571-2680 x111

Spanish Speaking
Esther Bahringer, Administrator
(414) 571-2680 x130

Sis. Carole Keller
Section 2 WDN Representative