Conference News

INTRODUCTION

The gospel message that Jesus Christ is the Son of God is now navigating a season of ever increasing pressure. This reality calls for a fresh look at the Gospel of John, the New Testament book that establishes Jesus as God's Son.

One of these points of tension comes from the arena of pluralism. Political pluralism certainly opens many doors to mutual understanding in the sphere of politics and government. It is indeed wisdom to respect the rights and views of all citizens, and let a ballot box and not a gun settle differences.

Bishop Tunstall has just released Volume 1 of a new series of books studying the gospel of John in depth. Volume 2 is scheduled to come out in early 2014. Bishop Jimmy Whitfield, of the North Carolina Conference, says this book "should be required reading for every minister." Bishop Chris Thompson, of Evangelism USA, recommends pastors freely distribute it in their congregations. We think you'll agree that Pastor Frank has produced another masterpiece!

Teachers take children to safety after a tornado destroyed Briarwood Elementary School in Oklahoma City on Monday.I'm writing to bring you up to speed on our Heartland response to the tornadoes here in Oklahoma City and the devastation left behind.

1. One family in our conference has lost a nine-year-old son. We have one child in our conference family that remains unaccounted for. Please continue to pray for these families.
2. We have families in our churches whose homes are a total loss and some that are partial loss.
3. None of our Heartland churches are damaged.

The camping season this year began with the dedication of a newly constructed canteen, in memory of Caroline Callahan, who went to be with the Lord six years ago. She was a Godly mother who loved young people. Her husband, Wayne, son, David, and grandson, Channing (three generations) were present for the occasion. Dan Manning, a multi-gifted Heartland pastor, did the construction. 

he Heartland now has a nice canteen to complement the goal to reach children's hearts for God. "Thank you, Wayne, and your family for helping make this new facility possible."

Pastor Debbie Burpo led her congregation Sunday morning in their first service in the lovely facilities of what had been Lighthouse Praise and Worship Center in Kingfisher, OK. The Lighthouse closed as a church about three weeks ago.

The anointing of the Holy Spirit on the service Sunday morning was powerful and the enthusiasm of the people was electric. The attendance climbed to 227, making it a full house.

Dr. Dick Honaker, MD, ordained in July 1970 as a Heartland Conference minister and as an IPHC medical missionary to South Africa. He is the recipient of the Heartland Conference Lifetime Achievement
Award for 2012.

Dr. Honaker (born 1935) grew up in Clinton, OK. The family later moved to Bethany, OK. Dick gave his heart to the Lord at age 16. "My sole commitment " he said, "was to follow the leading of the Lord for my life." What an eventful journey it has been!