Moderator Calls for a Day of Prayer & Fasting

As we learned last week, Andrew Brunson, former ARP minister and missionary to Turkey (presently a member of the EPC) and son of Ron and Pam Brunson, who has been unjustly imprisoned, has been indicted. His court date is April 16 at 9 a.m. Turkish time and 2 a.m. EDT. No evidence has been put forth to substantiate any of the accusations against Pastor Brunson.

Therefore, following the example of our own Mississippi Valley Presbytery, as Moderator of General Synod, I call for a day of prayer and fasting, on Saturday, April 7, in advance of Andrew’s court date.

Please consider taking a portion or the whole day to fast and pray as able. Pray that Andrew’s attorney will be allowed to access files that have been sealed to this point and review the evidence in order to prepare a proper and effective defense. Pray that our own national leaders including incoming Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, and the President, will engage effectively with the Turkish government to secure Andrew’s release and safe return home. Petition unto the Lord on behalf of Andrew that his faith would remain strong and that the comfort of the Scriptures and Holy Spirit would sustain him, on behalf of his family bidding their anxious fears be stilled, on behalf of Andrew’s captors that their hearts be changed, and on behalf of his fellow prisoners and others that the light of the Gospel would penetrate their souls and that they be brought to a saving faith in Jesus Christ.

As you make these petitions, remember all of our brothers and sisters throughout the world who suffer under the hand of oppressors and enemies of the Gospel. Pray that the Lord would hear our cries, that the schemes of the evil one will be thwarted, and that the cross of Christ would be lifted high through faithful Christian witness. Pray that this persecution would give courage and boldness to other workers in the Muslim world. Pray to the end that one day it will be certain that, the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.

Let us set apart April 7 as a day to unite our voices again on behalf of Andrew Brunson and let us not despise the day of small things!

Moderator Lee Shelnutt

Stephen Jordan

Please pray for Reverend Stephen Jordan. He has injured the muscles in his lower back. The pain has been unbearable. He can barely walk, sleep, or get comfortable. He has not been able to pastor and it has been over a week. He has seen a doctor twice, an orthopedic and a chiropractor. His spine is fine so it is muscular. Rev. Jordan says, “Thank you for your love and support. I don’t know when this trial will end. This has been the most pain I have ever experienced, but I am leaning on Christ more and more every day.”

Lee Shelnutt

Committee on Nominations

Urgent Request!

Recommendations are needed for the Committee on Nominations to complete their work.

The Committee on Nominations asks that you prayerfully consider those who might serve our denomination, specifically for the following boards and committees:

Benefits
Dunlap
Stewardship
Ecclesiastical Commission on Judiciary Affairs
Inter-Church Relations
Revision
Worship
Synod Reading Clerk
Synod Assistant Clerk

If you know of someone who is qualified and willing to serve in any of these areas, please forward a recommendation form to Cindy Scott. You can find details on requirements for each board and committee plus the necessary forms here.(http://arpchurch.org/nominations/)

Email it to Cindy Scott (cscott@arpsynod.org) immediately.

 The deadline to submit recommendations is April 1.

Thank you for prayerfully considering those who might serve our denomination.

March/April 2018 ARP Magazine

Here is the newest ARP Magazine issue.

Be sure to read the cover story on page 22. The Moderator’s Challenge begins on page 4 followed by Rev. Mark Ross’ Synod Emphasis article. There are lots of exciting news bits from each agency such as The Lodge at Bonclarken has been paid in full, the Julia Hardeman Rhodes Award winner is announced and Erskine Seminary has a new John R. & Jane E. de Witt Library.

Don’t miss any issue. Contact our office if you would like to receive a complimentary print copy or to subscribe!

World Focus 2018

Billy Graham

As you know by now, Reverend Billy Graham passed away February 21. What you may not know is that he grew up in the Chalmers Memorial Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC. While that church has closed, the building still stands. There have been several articles mentioning his childhood in the ARP Church. Chip Sherer, President of Bonclarken, shared a short video of an interview with Billy Graham when he mentions visiting Bonclarken. Reading stories about Billy Graham and the testimonies from those attending his Crusades is a great reminder of the Moderator’s Synod theme from Zechariah 4:10 “Don’t despise the day of small things.”

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/news-columns-blogs/retro-charlotte/article69512727.html

Prayer Request

Please pray for Retired Minister David Warf in the sudden death of his son ,28, yesterday, February 26. Reverend Warf is the supply pastor of New Lebanon ARP Church in Sinks Grove, WV. Please pray for Rev. Warf, his wife Harriet, and their family during this time.

Prayers for the Moderator

Moderator Lee Shelnutt went in for lithotripsy on Wednesday. He had to go to the ER on Thursday morning due to complications before and after lithotripsy. That led to an outpatient surgery to remove a previously lodged kidney stone, the residual from lithotripsy, and insert a catheter. After a couple of weeks for healing, he will have a follow up surgery.

World Focus 2018

All Ministers & All Churches

On Feb 6, 2018, an email was sent to you asking for your response regarding a quorum for the 2019 ARP/RPCNA Concurrent Synod meeting.  

While we realize that last minute situations could arise that change plans, we would like to understand your commitment at the current time to attend this joint meeting in 2019.    Please click on the following link (or paste it in your browser) to respond:

                                                                https://goo.gl/forms/UXKx2n29VLwrh8EP2

 If you have not already responded, we look forward to hearing from you no later than February 28, 2018.  If you have any questions or need assistance with the form, please contact Cindy Scott (cscott@arpsynod.org).

ONA Update

Special Florida Prayer Request

February 15, 2018

The tragic school shooting yesterday took place in the community of one of our ARP church planters. Please join them in prayer.