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United Christian Campmeeting-Convention 2008 June 26-July 5 From the desk of Donald Warren . . .Campmeeting 2008 has come and gone—and what a time we had here in Cleveland, Tennessee during 10 great days of a Holy Ghost outpouring reminiscent of the Revival Days of the 50s and 60s! With exuberant praise, anointed singing and powerful preaching of the Word—all in attendance were blessed. There were no spectators—all who came to receive from the Lord did just that! Pastors and evangelists from all across the United States converged on the UCCMA campus. We at UCCMA headquarters welcomed delegates from nine foreign countries. On June 26 at 7:30 PM, Campmeeting 2008 officially began. Bro. Ron Cargil, pastor of United Christian Church in Candler, Florida, his wife Sandy and the girls sang the glory down. The Hinkle Family ministered in song. What a talented family—we were truly blessed to have them with us again this year. Before Bro. Keith Nix, UCCMA International Youth Director began his sermon, he introduced his father, Pastor Larry Nix from Asheville, NC who testified of God’s power, and the love and respect he has for his son, Keith. Bro. Keith preached a stirring message—many came to the altars. Friday morning began with the anointed singing of the Sledge Family—Lela Sledge, Wanda Pico, and Kenneth Bowers. Then Sister Sledge brought forth the Word with power and conviction. During the afternoon session, Sis. Elizabeth Shreve taught “How to Have an Awesome VBS.” This session culminated with a tour of the VBS facilities in the education annex. Friday night, Pastor John Autry and his wife, Mary, sang, “He Ain’t Never Done Me Nothing But Good.” As Bro. Johnny played the guitar the power fell. Bro. Autry’s message stirred our hearts—as he told of the wonders of our God. How we were touched as he brought Bro. Darrell’s son before the congregation and told how God had brought him back from the precipice of death. What a blessing and what a reminder of just how great our God is! Saturday morning, Bro. Mike Chapman, UCCMA board member, preached. Bro. Mike is such a true witness to God’s Word. He speaks the Word clean and plain thereby driving his message straight to the heart. Bro. Mike and Sis. Sherry Chapman are wonderful friends of this ministry. Sis. Sherry stayed throughout the Campmeeting working in any area where she was needed. She surely has a servant’s heart. Saturday night a Cleveland favorite, Sis Elaine Hollmer, delivered a powerful sermon. We will never look at the anointing the same after hearing her expound on “knowing Him.” Not just having a general knowledge, or even an intellectual knowledge, but what we long for and what we must have is a true knowledge of God’s Spirit—living and working in us. We were so blessed to see her mother, Sister Craze, a longtime friend of Bro. and Sis. Hall, and of this ministry. How we love and appreciate her and the life she lives for the Lord. The altars were filled as Elaine took time to minister to each person who came forward. Sunday morning, Sister Leona Kent ministered in song and testimony. She spoke of being in the will of God and how she is confident she and Bro. Kent are exactly where God’s wants them to be at this time. Bro. James Kent sang and then ministered on “Recovering What the Devil Has Stolen From You.” With great anticipation we welcomed UCCMA Vice President Mike Shreve to the Campmeeting 2008 pulpit on Sunday night. Before he ministered, his daughter Destiny sang a beautiful traditional Appalachian song, “Down in the River [Valley] to Pray.” Always a dynamic speaker, Bro. Mike began his sermon with the “Royal Priesthood” and culminated in the “Servant Leader.” As Bro. Mike asked the attendees to come forward, many came in repentance and humble submission to the will of God in their lives and ministries. Monday morning the sanctuary filled quickly as Bro. Rocky Goad and the members of the New Life Harvest Choir made their way onto the platform. Not only was the performance excellent—the anointing of the Holy Ghost was evident in each song. These individuals know of whom they sing—they know Jesus. New Life Pastor Dallas Vines brought forth the Word as she spoke of how God can do the impossible. When we look at a life on the road to failure—He knows what that life can be for Him. When we look at people through our fleshly eyes and see total defeat and no promise of a good future—He sees with His eyes and sees what they already are in Him. If our lives were ruled by the definition of men—we would be hopeless. But God can and will do the impossible! Praise God! During the afternoon sessions, Mike Shreve and Kent Sullivan combined their classes, “Understanding World Religions” and “Keys for Revival Today.” They were filled to capacity, overflowing into the hall. Pat Hayes followed with “Ministerial Ethics.” In the Sunday school annex, Vacation Bible School began. This year the VBS program was “Son World Adventure Park,” based on Joshua 24:15, “Choose you this day whom you will serve.” The purpose was to help kids learn to make right choices in a world of options. Monday night we were blessed as Bro. Kenny and Sis. Hira Dunn sang. They are always such a blessing during Campmeeting. Bro. Kenny Dunn preached and it was exactly what we have come to expect—a sermon that reached us right where we live. It always seems like he has been reading our mail! He is right on target every time. Tuesday morning Sister Susan Thomas and her husband, Steve, sang together—I didn’t even know Sis. Susan could play the piano! They did a great job! Sis. Susan preached with great anointing—speaking especially to those who feel the call of God in their lives. At the end of the service the altar was filled as Sis. Susan walked among the people praying for their needs. In the afternoon session, Bro. Keith Nix taught on “The Purpose and Power of Praise and Worship” as Bro. Mike Shreve instructed a class on “Printing and Publishing Your Book.” Bro. Pat Hayes followed with “Missions Fundamentals.” Tuesday night, The Dartts sang. They were a real treat singing all original songs. Their repertoire was very diverse, so there was something for everyone to enjoy. UCCMA board member and missionary, Bro. Jim Angle brought the message. He spoke of the harvest he is experiencing for the Lord in India. It truly is harvest time! Behold, the fields are ripe. Bro. Jim and Sis. Sharon are dear friends of this ministry and we love and appreciate them. Wednesday morning we were honored to welcome Joanna Coe-Herndon to Campmeeting 2008! Sis. Joanna is the daughter of great revivalist Jack Coe. After blessing us with a song presented in sign language, she ministered with the true heart of a servant of God. At the end of the service, young and old filled the altars as she and her husband ministered to the needs of the people. They prayed for those who needed healing and embraced those in need of a Savior. After this great service, the Herndons decided to stay on for the rest of the Campmeeting—and we were so pleased to have them! Wednesday afternoon, Bro. Keith Nix taught the “Leadership Principles” class, while Bro. Anton Burnette led “The Internet and Ministry” session. Sis. Wanda Griffith was teaching the “Writing 101” Lab at the same time. At 3:30, Sis. Griffith led the “Advanced Writing” session, while Chaplain Dean Yancey taught the “Effective Prison Ministry” class. We were blessed by the anointed singing of Pastor Ricky Perkins in both the Wednesday morning and evening services. Bro. John Couch brought the message. He spoke of the widow woman who had no money and how the prophet of the Lord told her to get as many vessels as possible. She set the limit of her blessing herself—the Lord’s blessing kept flowing as long as she had vessels to fill. Many were blessed as they came forward at the end of the service. Thursday morning began with the morning service where Pastor E.J. Lowery ministered. The sermon theme was the Holy Ghost and how we must become intoxicated with the Spirit of God so much so that we allow it to control everything we do. When we are Holy Ghost-driven, God will bless everything we set about to do for Him. In the afternoon sessions Pastor Hans Hess led a session explaining, “How We Got the Bible.” Next door, Sis. Margie Nix taught a class titled, “Divine Design—Basics to Publications.” Down the hall, Pastor Mitch Rhoden led the session on “Starting a Christian School.” In the next sessions, Bro. Hess led a class detailing the “Christian Foundations of America.” Bro. R. Ariel Vazquez taught a class titled, “Illegal Aliens: Civic Nuisance of Missions Opportunity?”. Downstairs in our formal dining room the annual United Christian Bible Institute graduation brunch was just beginning. After prayer, the graduates filled their plates with delicacies prepared by our wonderful kitchen staff and began to share their Bible study experiences with their fellow grads. General Bible Knowledge co-authors, Pat Hayes and Mike Shreve were in attendance to discuss the study with the graduates. How the graduates enjoyed sharing their stories with Pat and Mike. They seemed to be pleasantly surprised to get to meet and spend quality time in an unhurried atmosphere with them. Following the brunch, UCBI Director Oreeda Burnette, introduced the graduates to the professional photographer who had been moving among them taking pictures during the brunch. They donned their caps and gowns and had their official graduation portraits taken. What a blessing to get to meet these dedicated Bible scholars. Thursday evening, renowned evangelist and friend, Dr. T.L. Lowery preached. His sermon was taken from 2 Corinthians 4: “But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” He spoke of the anointing of the Holy Ghost and how it is present not only in the pulpit, but during everyday life and we as ministers of God are accountable. Sister Betty Jean Robinson sang during this service, as well as Friday and Saturday evenings. Friday morning UCCMA Missions Director Pat Hayes offered a rousing presentation of original music while accompanied by his talented daughter, Anna. Bro. Pat, a gifted musician, played the guitar and harmonica. Bro. Pat’s sermon quickly became a favorite topic of conversation. It was said by one pastor that it should be transcribed and sent to every UCCMA minister. He spoke about God’s leaders, most notably the Sauls and Davids—the donkey-drivers or the sheep-leaders—and how this applies to ministry today. During the afternoon sessions, Keith Nix led a class on “Youth Ministry-Fighting for This Generation.” During the 3:30 sessions, Pastor Hans Hess led a lab titled, “Christians and Public (Free) Speech,” while Pastor Mitch Rhoden taught a class titled, “Birthing a New Church.” Meanwhile, in the main sanctuary, at exactly 2:30 Pastor James Kent began the annual graduation ceremony with prayer. The doors were opened and the 2008 graduating class of the United Christian Bible Institute entered led by Wynonia Pope, valedictorian and Kathleen Palm, salutatorian. Following the graduate processional, foreign delegates from around the world were presented by country. As they entered the sanctuary, some in their native attire, you could see how happy they were to be part of this special service. The Cargil Family provided a program of music. Bro. Mike Shreve introduced the graduation speaker, Bro. J.O. (Toro) Townley, Jr. Bro. Townley is lifelong friend of UCCMA. He is a UCCMA executive board member and Townley Engineering and Manufacturing CEO. We are so thankful he took time out of his busy schedule to share his personal insights with our graduating class. We were especially blessed to have his family in attendance, including Sis. Helen Townley. His address encouraged us all to reach for more of God’s Word. Bro. Jerry McKinney provided organ music. Diplomas and awards were conferred by Bro. Mike Shreve and Bro. Pat Hayes. The valedictorian and salutatorian were award beautiful trophies along with their diplomas. Honorary degrees were then bestowed upon the tenured foreign guests. Certificates of Participation were presented to the balance of the foreign delegates. What an honor to be able to offer General Bible Knowledge. Thousands have completed this course and gone on to great ministries. It is a foundational course based strictly on the Word of God—not ruled by denominations or doctrines of man. I recommend it to anyone who is seeking a closer walk with the Lord and especially to those either in ministry or those who are called to ministry. Perhaps you can be included in the graduates who attend our commencement ceremony during Campmeeting 2009. Friday evening, Pastor Hans Hess preached an anointed sermon that stirred our hearts. He is truly an anointed speaker—full of the Word and, so knowledgeable. We so love and appreciate Bro. Hess and his talented wife, Jackie. Early Saturday morning there was much activity in the kitchen and fellowship hall. The annual Minister’s Breakfast was on schedule. As the ministers and their spouses began to file into the room, I was taken aback by the diversity and even with that diversity—the camaraderie. Men and women of God took their places alongside virtual strangers and realized they were indeed brothers and sisters in the Lord—fellow laborers in this time of harvest. What a blessing to see all our friends we have known down through the years and also to welcome the next generation to this much anticipated time of fellowship. The Rhoden Family and Sis. Regina Puttman provided music for the occasion. We appreciate Bro. Jim Angle, the speaker. Saturday night—ordination night—is always a highlight of the Campmeeting/convention. Bro. Bobby Burnette was the speaker for the evening. After a short visual presentation, he gave a moving report on the ministry of Love a Child. Bro. Burnette reminded us of the call to help the poor found in Psalm 41: 1, 2: “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies.” It is such a true blessing to be a part of this ministry Bobby and Sherry Burnette have birthed in Haiti—pure and undefiled. “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction” (James 1:27). At the end of the service, ministers and laity from across the nation and around the world came forward to be set forth into ministry by the laying on of hands and anointing with oil of the presbytery. Of course, we have no formal presbytery—but these were true men and women of God, full of the Holy Ghost, who live a life above reproach exhibiting Godly Holiness in all they do. United Christian is just that—Bible believers, seeking the perfect will of God for their lives. We do not set ourselves above others, nor do we step aside for those of denominational factions of ministry. We believe the Bible—pure and straight. We believe in Holiness before the Lord. We surrender our lives and wills to God’s will. Jesus is our Lord—He is our Master. There is not above Him. We believe this is a time of harvest and we are determined to be co-laborers in the Lord’s fields bringing in the final sheaves before the Lord’s return. We are united in Christ, united in purpose, united in the Holy Ghost, united in love—we are United Christian. I especially want to honor our co-founder and President Emeritus, Sister Amelia Lucile Hall. Sister Hall put forth a special effort to attend all services. God’s anointing on her life and ministry was so evident as she sang each night and shared from her heart. Sister Hall worked alongside Brother Hall throughout his ministry—from humble beginnings in Canton, North Carolina to leading this great ministry. Words can never express the love and appreciation I have for her personally—I know you feel the same. The tremendous outpouring of love made Campmeeting 2008 a special time of joy for Sister Hall. If you were unable to come, please make plans to attend one of our services when we are in your area. Sister Hall and I would love to see you! We appreciate Pastor James Kent pastor of the Cleveland United Christian Church, and his wife, Leona. Special thanks to Greg Lowery and Tim Alexander, Delila Daniels, Matthew Love, Darrell, Ray Branham and his wife, Linda. We could not have made it without the tireless efforts of our kitchen staff and their volunteers—we thank them for the wonderful food served with a smile. We appreciate the time donated by our instructors who put much prayer and preparation into planning their Ministerial Sessions. This year, the first year for these classes, was a tremendous success as veteran ministers sowed into the lives of the many participants. Thanks to Jerry Witt our technical director and editor of the UCCMA television program. We appreciate the efforts of the local UCCMA staff—Paulette Hilton, Oreeda Burnette, Ann Warren, Amy Simonds and Steven Powell. From my heart, I thank each person who attended Campmeeting 2008. I appreciate all those who could not come but lifted us and the services up in prayer. I thank each person who contributed monetarily so these meetings could take place. We love and appreciate you all. Only heaven will tell what your contribution has meant to the kingdom of God. If you were not able to attend Campmeeting 2008, make plans now to attend Campmeeting 2009 (June 25—July 4, 2009). We love you and look forward to seeing you here in Cleveland, TN next year! |
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