Conference News

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!

Retired Army Chaplain (Colonel) Jerry L. Jones, of Lawton, OK, a Heartland ordained minister, is the new director/ecclesiastical endorser for IPHC. Colonel Jones assumed his duties October 1. He succeeds Retired Colonel Hugh Morgan, who served IPHC in this role for 15 years.

Colonel Jones is a graduate of Southwestern Christian University and is the first Southwestern chaplain to climb to the rank of colonel. He also earned a Master of Divinity degree at Midwestern Baptist Seminary in Kansas City.

James and Iris Crawford feel strongly that they are called to the ministry of evangelism. James' preaching in his
revivals and crusades encourages people of all age groups.

They have committed themselves to serve full time in the ministry of evangelism.

Cowboy Church, Pearline Perky, pastor, celebrated its first birthday in their new facility August 19. The church is located in rural Bradley, OK (pop. 182), located about ten miles east of Chickasha. Lu and I had the privilege to attend the morning service.

The church is experiencing growth: nine new members were added Sunday. One was a confession of faith.

Pastor Steve Cowan led MY Church in its third birthday celebration Sunday. The Mustang church started as a new church plant and now has two Sunday morning services with combined average attendance of about 100. The Mustang sanctuary has room for about 100 chairs.

Pastor Steve and Krista have worked hard at growing the church, including remodeling the facilities. The interior of the sanctuary looks so new one would not believe it is the same building. The next phase is to give the exterior of the building a new image with new sidewalks, porches, awnings and landscaping. Pastor Steve also believes in community involvement , and now serves as president of the Mustang Ministerial Alliance. He has done a very good job getting the name of the church established in the Mustang area. As another example, in the recent Heritage Day parade the church won the best float award.

Passion Church of Bethany celebrated its 5th anniversary Sunday, August 26th. Rev. Steve Ely serves as pastor of this growing congregation that is reaching mostly young people and young adults. Attendance climbed into the 260s.

The occasion was marked by one worship service followed by a barbecue brisket dinner under the big tent.
Pastor Steve believes strongly in the importance of well-planned special days to keep momentum alive and the church growing.