Northeast Oklahoma District Church of the Nazarene

I write today with a heart of praise and thanksgiving because of God’s work in the people called Nazarenes in Northeast Oklahoma. As you know, our theme for the year has been AWAKENING. We have been praying to be awakened by His Spirit so we can live in His presence and walk in His purposes. On January 3, we began 21 days of prayer with fasting as a District family. As I have traveled from church to church, I have been blessed by the hundreds of folks crying out to God.. As we have prayed and given attention to God’s Word, God has begun stirring and renewing His people and His church. Last weekend we had our District renewal weekend with nightly services. The worship was authentic and the congregation was hungry. As Dan Bohi opened the Word and his heart to the people, God’s people received it as revelation from God and responded with faith and obedience: ·  Hundreds responded Friday night to the invitation to go deeper and to pursue a never-ending life of growth in grace and knowledge. Dan challenged us to continually allow Christ to increase. Think of the difference this will make in churches, families and communities as people who were formerly satisfied or stuck begin to increase! ·  Not knowing the direction Dan was going to preach, we started the service on Saturday evening with the call from James, “Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded....Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” As Dan preached, God’s Spirit pierced hearts and close to 100 people came forward to repent of sin and ask God to cleanse their hearts. My heart was touched as older individuals who have been around the church for years and years joined children and young adults in crying out to God for him to purify their hearts. ·  It seemed like every individual present Saturday evening stood to ask God to increase our faith as we share Christ with those around us. Then we exercised that faith as Dan instructed us to pray for the many people seeking a miraculous touch from God. There were a few testimonies of immediate healing, and 60 to 80 people stood to testify that they definitely felt God’s presence and touch. We continue in prayer for God’s Kingdom to come,  anticipating ongoing healing and deliverance in the days to come. ·  Sunday night, we sought God for what Dan said is the missing ingredient in the church – perseverance. What a sweet spirit was in the service! The time of prayer over those with emotional, spiritual and physical needs was powerful! A pastor called me on Monday and reported on Gods healing work in his life on Sunday night. He was released from unforgiveness and bitterness that had a grip on him for many years. He said he didn’t want to go to sleep on Sunday because he couldn’t remember the last time he felt so good! Praise be to God. Thanks to all who contributed to an outstanding AWAKENING emphasis in NEO! Now let’s press on! May the ceiling of Sunday night be the floor for what God does this Sunday in your local church! We welcome your input on the AWAKENING emphasis. Would you take 2 minutes to fill out a brief survey? http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QLBQSSR Grace and peace, Dave

I am also excited because of the wonderful training day we had for pastors on Monday. 31 pastors attended at SNU Tulsa and 3 at the Bethany location. I am so thankful to be a part of a great team of leaders that are always seeking to grow, learn and develop their leadership skills. As Dan Reiland said, “Next to the favor of God, everything rises and falls on leadership.”

Grove Re-Launch

We are using this Sunday, February 3rd, to officially re-launch the church in Grove. Pastor Don Engie reports, “We will welcome new members, issue a local license, have a couple of testimonies of how God has worked in a couple of people’s lives through this past year, and share in a time of communion. Our District Superintendent will be preaching.”

Mortgage Burning

Claremore church burned their mortgage on Sunday, Jan. 20. We rejoice with Pastor Mark Hiehle and this dedicated church family.

Positive Parenting webinar, Monday, February 25th at 7:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time. A misbehaving child is a discouraged child. There are four ways in which “people” misbehave.  Do you have the necessary tools needed to navigate through those behaviors?  Join us as we discover the coded messages behind misbehavior and empower you with more tools for your tool bag. This webinar will be presented by Jayme Lenker, who is currently serving as the Early Childhood Director at First Church of the Nazarene in Pasadena, California. Click here <https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/977158376>  to register. Once you register, you will receive an e-mail with all the information you will need to join the webinar. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at DiscipleshipPlace@nazarene.org.