Northeast Oklahoma District Church of the Nazarene

Dear NEO family, AWAKENING 2013 is happening and our weekend of special services is only a few days away. Thanks to all of you who have joined in praying and fasting, anticipating and expecting a fresh movement of God in our lives and churches! I had a call last week from one of our pastors telling me of a breakthrough in his personal walk. He was confident this area of fresh obedience was related to our time of prayer and fasting as a District family. I am sure there are numerous testimonies like this to be shared. I read today this quote from Mark Batterson, lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C.: I feel like prayer is the difference between the best you can do and the best God can do. So if we’re not praying, then the best we can do is the best we can do, and that’s not good enough. When we get on our knees, the Holy Spirit does the heavy lifting. Prayer creates the culture and gives people a heart for evangelism, because when you get into God’s presence, you start to get His heartbeat. That’s been the game-changer for us this year. Let’s continue to pray. This week, I hope you will intercede for our workers – Dan Bohi, Marci Marquis and the worship team, Kyle Tyler and the Children’s ministry team. And pray for God to search your heart and show you anything that makes Him sad. If God’s people will humble themselves, pray, seek His face and turn from our evil ways, times of refreshing and revival are on the way! Pastor Todd and the Central youth team are preparing dinner on Friday evening, beginning at 5:45pm (Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Fried Apples, Biscuits, Chocolate Sheath Cake, Tea, Water, Lemonade) and on Saturday, beginning at 4:45pm (Ham & Beans, Cornbread, Salad, Apple Crisp & Ice Cream, Tea, Water, Lemonade). Cost is only $5 per person. It would help us, but is not mandatory, if we have some estimate of how many plan to attend the meals. Anticipating AWAKENING,   Dave NEO December Statistics Attendance for December                                                                             2012-13                  2011-12                                     SDMI                                    2704                         3192                                     Morning Worship                 3824                         4293 view full report I Want to Celebrate. . .  Nick Vernier, The Tribe. . . A special Christmas communion service with individuals sharing testimonies of God’s care and provision in the last year.  Also, being able to assist a teacher’s family that has experienced several major financial setbacks… with gifts and food for Christmas. Bill Hilton, Tulsa Living Hope. . . We had a tremendous birthday party for Jesus after worship Christmas Sunday with 9 neighborhood children and 3 of their parents present. The Sunday following Christmas a fourth neighborhood parent was present. With 13 kids and 3 teens, the fellowship hall was filled with energy. The children seem so appreciative of their weekly Sunday snack bags. Special thanks to the three children's workers and unspeakable thanks to the GIFT who makes it all meaningful. David Stevens, Vinita. . . We set another record of attendance on Children’s Program Day. It is marvelous and wonderful to serve the Lord, especially during the Christmas season. I am also thankful for generous people who made it possible for Carol and myself to be involved with the Commission Unto Mexico. Scottie Behm, Chelsea. . . We shared a Christmas blessing by having a wonderful 3-hour night of Christmas Caroling, visiting 5 shut-in friends.  It was amazing how much fun the people and the caroling team (including children, teens and adults) had in that simple act of sharing God’s love.  We also enjoyed a couple of Christmas parties held for the congregation and the teens. Don Engie, Grove. . . The incredible spiritual growth we are seeing here at Grove Nazarene. The Month of December has been such a great reminder that this is God’s church. We had the humble privilege to see two people baptized during our Christmas Eve service. We have also seen a man come to faith in Christ during the month of December! God continues to open up doors where we sense Him leading us as a church. We were contacted again by an agency about possibly helping another family needing a place to live. The incredible people of Grove Nazarene again – without hesitation - decided to be Christ to yet another family in desperate need. A man whom we have ministered to for some time is now staying in our old evangelist’s quarters – and God is doing incredible things in his heart and life. We also were able to provide a place for a man who couldn’t pay lot fees – a place to park his camper and plug into our electricity. I continue to be blown away at the foundation God is laying here! He continues to open doors – and I pray we will continue to respond in obedience. The numerical and financial growth may not be happening as quickly as what we may have expected, but there is long-lasting spiritual growth taking place here- and for that I am deeply humbled. Praise God! Carl Brown, Hominy. . . We have completed another year, praise our Lord, and are looking forward to reach out to our community and making Disciples in the Nations. We are ready to see 2013 be a banner year, celebrating Christ, Reaching the Lost, and Loving each other with Christlikeness. God is Good and we just want to celebrate in Him. Tony Siebels, Pawhuska. . . The very fact that I am here.  I am so thrilled to be serving as pastor....preaching, teaching and loving the people.  The installation service was a HUGE highlight for me. We had over 20 kids at out Christmas party and we are seeing great potential in that ministry.  It excites me for the future! Ned McCarty, Cushing. . . We baptized 6 people (two new professions of faith and two rededication) this past Sunday...four adults two children!! PTL!!!!! We are growing with new young families with children and have added a children's Sunday school class. We will soon be adding a youth night as we are seeing new teens. God is moving on His people in Cushing and we are united in the purpose of making Christ-like disciples in our community!! Northeast Oklahoma District Church of the Nazarene 6705 E. 81st Street, Ste 130, Tulsa OK 74133 / Ph:918.496.0022 / Fax:918.496.0288 / neokdistrict@neonaz.com