Pentecostal Life May 2020

Mental Wellness
Depression 30
Finding Beauty in a Body 32
That Feels Broken
Social Withdrawal: 34
Isolation from the Church
Anxiety 36

MAY 2020

PENTECOSTALLIFE.COM

works.
Discover what
thousands of
colleges and
universities
already know . . .

Thousands of graduates from schools
and homeschools who utilized the A.C.E.
curriculum are excelling at colleges and
universities around the globe.

866-882-3538

View our FREE online catalog

aceministries.com/pl1

See which colleges and
universities have accepted

graduates on an
individual basis.

INFORM PL

EDITORIAL

COMMUNITY COUNTS

Just before the pastor was ready to leave, he picked up the cold, dead ember and
placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow once more with
the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.

As the pastor reached the door to leave, his host said, “Thank you so much for
your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back in church next Sunday.”

I FIRST READ THE story many years ago. I have With just a simple wordless object lesson from the pastor, the parishioner made
a wise decision. He chose to return to church and the community of believers. He had
used it occasionally in sermons and lessons withdrawn from one of his sources of strength long enough.
since then. In light of recent restrictions of
large gatherings of people, including church Withdrawal can be a defense mechanism for an individual who has been hurt,
services, I think it needs a revisit. shamed, ignored, embarrassed, abused, or is in a state of grieving or ill health. Social
withdrawal can be a detriment to recovery. When a suffering individual withdraws
The story is attributed to various individu- from a caring support group, recovery at the least is hindered and possibly will not
als down through the years, even to Dwight L. happen at all.
Moody during his ministry in Chicago in the
1800s. Who knows who first told the story? The While social withdrawal often is harmful to an individual, spiritual withdrawal
original source has been lost in its antiquity and can be destructive. Consider the admonition to the early Hebrew Christians: “Not
frequent retelling. forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhort-
ing one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews
The brilliancy of the story is in its narrative 10:25). Believers need what they can get when they gather together. They need the
style and the use of few words. The following challenge of the preached Word, the stabilizing of the taught Word, the healing and
is one version of the story. guidance of God’s Spirit, and the compassion and understanding of fellow believers.
(See Ecclesiastes 4:9–12.)
The Lonely Ember
A member of a certain church, who previ- North American Missions Director Scott Sistrunk recently posted, “Cancelling
ously had been attending services regularly, physical gatherings of the church as a short-term practical measure to ensure the
stopped going. health of oneself and others (which I think is wise and warranted) is very different
After a few weeks, the pastor decided to from willfully forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” Even though we may
visit him. It was a chilly evening. The pastor be meeting in smaller numbers, we are still meeting and experiencing community in
found the man at home alone, sitting before a Christ. (See Matthew 18:20.)
blazing fire.
Guessing the reason for his pastor’s visit, When an individual willfully withdraws from church attendance and involvement,
the man welcomed him, led him to a big chair there is usually a reason. Sometimes it is real, but often it is imagined—a slight, an
near the fireplace and waited. The pastor made offense, a curt word, a snub. Jesus taught, “It is impossible but that offences will come:
himself comfortable but said nothing. In the but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone
grave silence, he contemplated the play of the were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one
flames around the burning logs. of these little ones” (Luke 17:1-2). We need to guard ourselves lest we offend in word
After some minutes, the pastor took the fire or deed. At the same time, we understand, “Great peace have they which love thy law:
tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning and nothing shall offend them” (Psalm 119:165). Somewhere between Psalm 119 and
ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all Luke 17 we find a balance of not being the offender and not being offended.
alone. Then he sat back in his chair, still silent.
The host watched all this in quiet fascination. We need one another. We lift each other up. We have each other’s backs. With-
As the one lone ember’s flame diminished, drawal weakens; community strengthens. Going it alone opens us up to defeat; working
there was a momentary glow and then its fire together leads to victory.
was no more. Soon it was cold and “dead as
a doornail.” Community counts. Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. PL
Not a word had been spoken since the
initial greeting. P. DANIEL BUFORD

Editor | Pentecostal Life | UPCI
Associate Editor | UPCI

PENTECOSTALLIFE.COM 3

MAY 2020 VOL. 3, NO. 5.

PENTECOSTAL LIFE EDITOR P. Daniel Buford The Pentecostal Life (USPS-427-240) is published
EDITOR IN CHIEF Robin Johnston monthly by the United Pentecostal Church
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lee Ann Alexander International, 36 Research Park Court, St. Charles,
ASSOCIATE EDITOR P. Daniel Buford MO 63304. It is the official publication of the United
PRODUCTION MANAGER Larry Craig Pentecostal Church International. Periodicals postage
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Jina Crain paid at St. Charles, Missouri, and additional mailing
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kaleb Saucer offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
DESIGN SUPERVISOR Tim Cummings Pentecostal Life, 36 Research Park Court, St. Charles,
GRAPHIC DESIGN/LAYOUT Colleen Clabaugh MO 63304.
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Kelly Middleton ©2019 UNITED PENTECOSTAL CHURCH INTERNATIONAL
COPY EDITOR Patricia Bollmann
GENERAL OFFICIALS David K. Bernard*
DISCLAIMER GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT Stan O. Gleason*
The Pentecostal Life (or UPCI) assumes no responsibility for the ASSISTANT GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT Paul D. Mooney*
accuracy of claims of advertisers or for the quality of their service ASSISTANT GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT Scott Graham*
or products. GENERAL SECRETARY-TREASURER Bruce A. Howell*
GENERAL DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL MISSIONS Scott Sistrunk*
HOW TO REACH US GENERAL DIRECTOR OF NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS Robin Johnston
Pentecostal Life EDITOR IN CHIEF AND PUBLISHER Steve L. Cannon
36 Research Park Court GENERAL CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES DIRECTOR Joshua B. Carson
Weldon Spring, MO 63304 GENERAL YOUTH MINISTRIES PRESIDENT
Phone: 1.636.229.7842
Email: [email protected], [email protected] DIRECTORS OF MINISTRIES Michael J. Williams
Web: www.pentecostallife.com MEN’S MINISTRIES Dave Henry
BUILDING THE BRIDGE MINISTRIES Linda Gleason
OUR VISION LADIES MINISTRIES Brocc Chavis
The Pentecostal Life in every Pentecostal home MULTICULTURAL MINISTRIES Raul Orozco
SPANISH EVANGELISM MINISTRIES
OUR MISSION
To publish a Pentecostal magazine that strengthens the hands GENERAL PRESBYTERS
of Pentecostal pastors, encourages and challenges Pentecostal Robert Allen, Royce Andrus Jr., Daniel Batchelor, James Booker, Steve Boyd,
believers, and reaches beyond the doors of Pentecostal churches G. Terry Brewer, Ronald L. Brown, Gaylen Cantrell, Steve D. Carrington,
Brent Coltharp, J. Marrell Cornwell, Kevin Cox, Jack Cunningham,
SUBSCRIPTIONS J. Stanley Davidson, Dean M. Dickinson, Andrew Dillon, David Fauss,
Irvin Fields, Daniel Fleming, Richard Flowers, Jesse Fortaleza, Tim Gaddy,
Single Subscriptions (USA) $25.00 1-year Eddie Gann, Percel T. Graves, Nathaniel Hampton, John W. Hanson,
Single Subscriptions (USA) $46.00 2-year Arthur E. Hodges III, Wayne Huntley, Gregory Hurley, Darrell Johns, Ron Lichtle,
Single Subscriptions (Canada) $35.00 1-year Arnold MacLauchlan, Daniel McAllister, Richard McGriffin, Scott D. Marshall,
Single Subscriptions (Canada) $66.00 2-year Matthew Martin, Dan Mitchell, Micheal Mitchell, Bryan Parkey, Gordon Parrish,
Henry Poitras, Myron Powell, David D. Puckett, Ronald Ramsey,
Single Subscriptions (Foreign) $44.00 Nathaniel Scoggins, Edward Sermon, Scott Sistrunk, James Stark,
Bundle Subscriptions (USA) Jay Stirnemann, Rick Stoops, Jeff P. Story, David Tipton Jr., Jerry Tipton,
$2.00 each for 3-10 copies; David Trammell, Marney Turpin, Robert P. Wahler,
$1.75 each for 11 or more copies Raymond Woodson Sr., Chester Wright

Bundle Subscriptions (Canada) GENERAL EXECUTIVE PRESBYTERS
$2.75 each for 3-10 copies; Doug Davis Jr.*,  Daniel Davy*, Tim Gaddy*, Gary Hogan*, Darrell Johns*,
Travis Miller*, Tim Sullivan*, Steve Willeford*, Raymond Woodward*
$2.50 each for 11 or more copies
HONORARY PRESBYTERS
FUNDAMENTAL DOCTRINE J.R. Blackshear, Daniel Garlitz, Arless Glass, John Grant, Tommy Hudson,
The basic and fundamental doctrine of this organization shall be the Bible David Johnson, Jerry Jones, J. Mark Jordan, Carrol D. Kennedy, Carl Lagow,
standard of full salvation, which is repentance, baptism in water by im- Roger Lewis, R.J. McIntyre, John D. Mean, James Merrick, Ronnie Mullings,
mersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and Paul Price, Paul Reynolds, Harry Scism, B.J. Thomas, Ted Wagner, R.D. Whalen
the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the initial sign of speaking with other * Member of the Executive Board
tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. We shall endeavor to keep the unity
of the Spirit until we all come into the unity of the faith, at the same time WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
admonishing all brethren that they shall not contend for their different views
to the disunity of the body. FEEDBACK CUSTOMER CARE
Send letters or emails for Send subscription, renewal
THE ONE TRUE GOD possible publication to: requests, and inquiries to
We believe in the one ever-living, eternal God: infinite in power, holy in na- [email protected] pentecostallife.com
ture, attributes, and purpose; and possessing absolute, indivisible deity. This or or email
one true God has revealed Himself as Father; through His Son, in redemp- Pentecostal Life [email protected].
tion; and as the Holy Spirit, by emanation (I Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; 36 Research Park Court ADVERTISING
II Corinthians 5:19; Joel 2:28). Weldon Spring, MO 63304. Go to pentecostallife.com and
follow the prompts.
4 MAY 2020

CONTENTS

ENGAGE INFORM

30 DEPRESSION Editorial 3
P. DANIEL BUFORD
PAUL MARION
COMMUNITY COUNTS
God never promised that life
would be easy, but He did
promise He would be there
every step of the way.

32 FINDING BEAUTY IN Leadership Speaks 42
A BODY THAT FEELS DAVID K. BERNARD
BROKEN
UNDERSTANDING GOD’S WORD
ESMERALDA DELGADILLO
Wise Counsel
Dealing with the body allows LAURA NOËL
the mind to think more clearly.
BEAUTIFUL HUMILITY
34 SOCIAL WITHDRAWAL: 43
ISOLATION FROM THE
CHURCH Finances 44
RICK LOVELL
JOEL L. WELLS 36
CREATING A SAFETY NET
Social withdrawal is not a ANXIETY
clinical disorder; it is a behavior Global Missions 45
and a symptom of a myriad of BY P. DANIEL B UFORD AARON AND TIFFANY ANDERSON
psychological disorders.
You are not the only one who BRAZIL
36 ANXIETY sometimes feels a measure of
anxiety. Prayer Ministry 45
P. DANIEL BUFORD FLO SHAW

You are not the only one who DAYS OF PRAYER
sometimes feels a measure of
anxiety.

“Casting all your care upon
him; for he careth for you”

(I Peter 5:7).

CELEBRATE The Last Word 47
LEE ANN ALEXANDER
8 GOD’S MULTIPLICATION 18 SOMETIMES IT’S NECESSARY
PRINCIPLE PRAYER CLOTHS, INDEX CARDS,
DANIEL L. BUTLER
BRUCE HOWELL AND SACRED OBJECTS
While a good counselor can ask the right
God’s multiplication principle continues to questions, the Holy Spirit remains as the very
prove itself generation after generation. best Counselor.

10 IT’S WHAT WE DO 20 MENTAL WELLNESS: KEEPING SHARE A COPY.
CHILDREN MENTALLY HEALTHY
LINDA GLEASON The Pentecostal Life offers
We carve out little slices of time in busy CANDRA FIORINI a discount for our bundle
schedules to take advantage of opportunities
presented for a ministry beyond our own sphere. There is no better means to develop children’s subscribers. Visit
mental health than to instill in them a love for www.pentecostallife.com/

12 THE DAY I SAW GOD God, an understanding of who we are in Him, subscriptions
and a knowledge of His truth and love toward us. to set up a bundle subscription
SCOTT PHILLIPS
When we allow Him, God can look like us— 22 THE BIBLE: OUR FOUNDATION for your congregation today!
standing in the gap to meet the needs of others. FOR CHANGE
LYNDA ALLISON DOTY
14 MY TESTIMONY:
AYC BRAZIL 2019
The problem is not that God’s Word failed, but

CALI DIBBS that it wasn’t followed completely.

If you have already been accepted onto an 24 POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
AYC 2020 trip, be prepared; this trip is going IS REAL
to blow your expectations out of the water!

16 THE DANGER JENNIFER MCCURRACH
OF OVERMEDICATION
If you are suffering from PPD, you are not
MARION PIETZ alone. Hang in there; there is help and hope.

We are children of God and our bodies are PENTECOSTALLIFE.COM 5

temples of the Holy Ghost.

COMING SOON

The Living Word
Volume 3
Fall 2020 – Summer 2021

Fall 2020: The Purpose and Plan of GodCURRICULUMWinter 2020-21: Walking in the Light

1. A Made-Up Heart 1. Walking in the Light
2. God Is in Control 2. Rejecting the Word
3. A Changed Heart 3. Greater Is He That Is in You
4. The Handwriting on the Wall 4. Let Us Love One Another
5. Chiefest of Sinners 5. God Will Restore
6. Our Ransom Was Paid 6. The Work of God
7. God’s Word Is Good for Us 7. Seeing Beyond the Present
8. Sharing God’s Word 8. God Is Always Faithful
9. Stirred by God 9. Sensitive to the Lord
10. The Burden of Nehemiah 10. Age Does Not Matter
11. In the Face of Opposition 11. Fight the Good Fight of Faith
12. Freeing the Oppressed 12. Freedom from Fear
13. The Purpose and Plan of God 13. Confident in God’s Love

Spring 2021: Great Mercy Summer 2021: Standing in Faith

1. Alpha and Omega 1. Without Controversy
2. Your First Love 2. Rightly Dividing the Word
3. Faithful in Persecution 3. Amazing Grace
4. Cling to Righteousness 4. Saved
5. When Fear and Joy Collide 5. Standing in Faith
6. Overcomers 6. Faithful at All Times
7. Awake 7. For Such a Time
8. His Strength Is Perfect 8. Elevated to Influence
9. Open the Door 9. Life and Hope
10. The Prophetic Voice 10. The God of Our Salvation
11. Great Mercy 11. Rejoicing in Difficult Times
12. Faithful to Forgive 12. The Avenger
13. We Need the Lord 13. The Role of the Prophet and Prophecy

Available for or1ders beginning July 13, 2020

CELEBRATE IN THIS SECTION

GOD’S MULTIPLICATION PRINCIPLE

BRUCE HOWELL 8

IT’S WHAT WE DO

LINDA GLEASON 10

MY TESTIMONY: AYC BRAZIL 2019

CALI DIBBS 14

THE DANGER OF OVERMEDICATION

MARION PIETZ 16

SOMETIMES IT’S NECESSARY

DANIEL L. BUTLER 18

MENTAL WELLNESS: KEEPING
CHILDREN MENTALLY HEALTHY

CANDRA FIORINI 20

THE BIBLE:
OUR FOUNDATION FOR CHANGE

LYNDA ALLISON DOTY 22

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION IS REAL

JENNIFER MCCURRACH 24

12 THE DAY
I SAW GOD

When we allow Him, God can
look like us—standing in the gap

to meet the needs of others.

BY SCOTT PHILLIPS

PENTECOSTALLIFE.COM 7

PL CELEBRATE | GLOBAL MISSIONS

God’s Multiplication Principle

BY BRUCE HOWELL

THE WORK OF GLOBAL Missions and all of its fruit is shared

by those who go and those who give. God has chosen that
His church works in the harvest together. There are so many
individuals who make the work of our missionaries possible.
Let me tell you the stories of two of them. Sometime ago
I was moved by the following testimony from Gerry and
Darla McLean in Nigeria.

8 MAY 2020

The songwriter wrote, “Little is much when What a tremendous testimony of two that represent
God is in it.” As we consider the giving of Naaman’s literally hundreds—if not thousands—like them. We have
Hebrew servant girl who had only a testimony to approximately ten thousand donors who support the work
share, or the widow who gave two mites, or the of Global Missions. The specific stories of these Bible
young boy who gave up his lunch, we can read- school students represent the countless other stories that
ily see the songwriter understood a basic godly individuals, Sunday school classes, youth groups, con-
principle: if we do the little we can, the Lord will gregations, and so many others make possible. God’s
bless and multiply our efforts. multiplication principle continues to prove itself generation
after generation.
We want to salute our partners for their faith-
ful giving over the years. Without you, none of BRUCE HOWELL
what has happened in Nigeria would have been
possible. In 2001, there was one church with sev- General Director | Global Missions | UPCI
enty members. Seventeen years later, there are 212
churches, twelve preaching points, and 26,783 PENTECOSTALLIFE.COM 9
members. Your giving does make a difference!

We want to especially make mention of two
partners. Since 1999, Jeane Simmons of Thayer,
Missouri, has partnered with us. On our last
deputation we caught up with Jeane, and she
assured me that she would remain faithful in
her PIM commitment. She told me that if I ever
checked our report and noticed that she had not
made her monthly pledge, we would know that
she had passed away. Now that’s commitment!

About ten years ago, a Sunday school class
from Pastor James Booker’s Full Gospel Church
in West Bend, Wisconsin, decided to have a Val-
entine’s Day bake sale and send the proceeds
to help support a student at the Nigerian Bible
school. Christine Steves, the teacher who came
up with the idea and has continued the tradition,
wrote to us about the teamwork that has made
the project what it is.

Over the years this has become a
community project. We have come a long
way from Amy Zaun and me asking par-
ents to help their kids earn two dollars by
doing chores. We included all our kids in
the photo, because they all did something.
The two-year-olds colored posters. The
students are holding centerpieces Tania
Mader made from the photos your wife sent
me of the students they have supported over
the years. We love and pray for you all.
That first offering was about seventy-five
dollars. Soon after that, the entire Sunday school
department decided to participate in what would
become an annual offering. The offerings steadily
increased, and because of the sacrificial giving of
the children, twenty-nine students from a remote
village area have been put through Bible school.
Today, these students have pioneered twenty-three
churches with a constituency of 5,268 people. Full
Gospel Church has partnered with us for years, but
this offering is above and beyond their PIM pledge.
And what a difference their giving has made.

PL CELEBRATE | LADIES MINISTRIES

It’s What We Do
BY LINDA GLEASON

WOMEN, MOTHERS, WIVES, PASTORS’ wives—that is who we are.

Taking care of family, home, meals, cleaning, laundry. Teaching
Bible studies and Sunday school classes. Speaking at home, in
our district, in our homeland, and sometimes in faraway lands.
That is what we do.

Mid-January 2020 took Carla Burton, Lois Mitchell, and me
to beautiful Brazil for a historic event in that country, a mother-
daughter ladies conference. We converged in the San Paulo
airport early one morning on an exciting venture. Exciting for
the attendees because it was our first visit; exciting for us because
it was an opportunity to meet new friends in our church family.

Under the direction of Ivana Norris and Isabel Cooper, we
made our way to a beautiful resort nestled in rolling green hills
amidst the midsummer beauty of exotic flowers, beautiful foli-
age, and welcoming faces of the ladies of Brazil who had come
to enjoy a retreat together.

The wonderful presence of God permeated every session
and marked this historic event for the country of Brazil. Lives
were impacted as we sang together, worshiped together, prayed
together, and wept together in the presence of Almighty God.

After hearing the testimony of Carla Burton‘s call to ministry
when she was only nine years old, of Lois Mitchell‘s infilling of
the Holy Ghost when she was nine years old, a beautiful little
Brazilian girl—also nine years old—received the baptism of
the Holy Ghost. Young ladies testified that their lives were at
the brink of decision, leaning toward giving up on God, only
to be renewed in the Spirit with desire and determination to
stay faithful.

There is no way to measure what happens when women,
gathered together in the presence of God, are moved on by the
Holy Ghost. Lives are changed, directions are changed, and life-
changing decisions are made, decisions that are eternal and set
a new course with vision and passion for ministry.

As Apostolic women leaders in our churches and districts,
we carve out little slices of time in busy schedules to take ad-
vantage of opportunities presented for a ministry beyond our
own sphere. God moves, lives are changed, we bid farewell to
new-found friends, and return to the field of our labor knowing
that our hearts have been touched forever by the experience. It’s
a calling. It’s an honor and privilege. It’s part of the kingdom of
God. It’s what we do. PL

LINDA GLEASON

President | Ladies Ministries | UPCI

10 MAY 2020

We carve out little
slices of time in

busy schedules to
take advantage
of opportunities
presented for a

ministry beyond
our own sphere.

PENTECOSTALLIFE.COM 11

PL CELEBRATE | NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS

The Day I Saw God

Church In A Day

BY SCOTT PHILLIPS

A METAPHOR IS “A thing regarded as representative or symbolic

of something else, especially something abstract” (not having a
concrete existence). Old Testament writers applied metaphors
to God. God—an invisible Spirit—became material and
fulfilled the Old Testament metaphors: when we say, “God
is my Rock,” “The Lord is a strong tower,” or “The Lord is
my Shepherd,” we do not mean God is a literal rock, a tower,
or a man tending sheep. We employ this language to describe
what God is to us.

12 MAY 2020

As I build a church in our city, I see God as living,
breathing men. God went to the bank with me. When the
bank refused a loan to our ten-month-old church, I saw God
sign loan papers so we could borrow the money.

Recently, I saw a living metaphor of God as men of
faith arrived to work from one early morning to the next
early morning. In thirty-six hours, a beautiful house of praise
rose out of the ground.

I saw God as a plumber. He came after his day job and
worked until 3:30 am. After a few hours break, he returned
at 7:00 am and continued until midnight.

I saw God as electricians, HVAC men, and wirepullers
who swarmed like bees in the rafters. I heard God as nails
were struck at the same time all over the building. God was
building a house.

I saw God as a builder with His framing crew as dozens
of men pulled walls together and nailed down decking with
uncanny ease.

I saw God as an army of roofers who came like the
wind and then were gone. The only evidence was shingles
shining in the sun.

I saw God as a pastor on his knees at 1:30 am. He
struggled with sheetrock, refusing to leave until the job was
done. I saw him kneel slowly and painfully. I saw him rise
like a victorious soldier. I saw God in two presbyters who
worked as though they forgot they had to preach the next
day. I weep when I think of the people who worked in spite
of their exhaustion.

I saw that God can be bald and have thick hair at the
same time. I saw that God can be short and tall, skinny and
fat, black and white all at the same time. I saw the body of
Christ building a place of praise.

I saw God do for me what I could not do for myself.
I have few construction skills. I cannot hit a nail with a
sledgehammer. I do not know a live wire from a ground wire.
Constructing a building is far beyond my reach. However, I
saw God do what I could not do and be for me what I am not.

I saw God everywhere at the same time, doing every-
thing. I saw Him as I looked at mortal men who, without pay
or praise, did what others said could not be done.

Whatever you need God to be, He will be that. Be aware
that you might see Him in work pants and muddy boots.
When we allow Him, God can look like us—standing in
the gap to meet the needs of others. PL

SCOTT PHILLIPS

Pastor | Springridge Pentecostal Church | Raymond, Mississippi

NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS

PENTECOSTALLIFE.COM 13

PL CELEBRATE | YOUTH MINISTRIES

M y Te s t i m o nyBY CALI DIBBS

AYC Brazil 2019

MY PARENTS DIVORCED WHEN I was twelve, leaving me come my depression and started to doubt myself and doubt
God. I started contemplating what the purpose of life was. If
with a feeling of emptiness. Throughout the next few years living meant feeling this empty, then living wasn’t worth it.

I filled that emptiness with basketball. Around my sopho- Something needed to change, but how? As I sat in church
thinking about this, I remembered a ministry that had always
more year in high school, I realized basketball couldn’t fill intrigued me: Apostolic Youth Corps (AYC). Though not
raised in church, the idea of mission trips had always inter-
that hole forever, so I quit the team. Then I fell into a deep ested me. I needed God to work in my life in a big way, so
I decided to take a big step of faith and apply to go an AYC
depression. Before I knew it, I was struggling with self-harm trip. But that move didn’t seem logical. I didn’t have the
money; it was completely out of my comfort zone to travel
and eating disorders. across the world with people I had never met; I was not in
a good place in my life; I felt as though God wasn’t hearing
This continued until my junior year of high school. After me. Nothing made sense, but something told me I needed
a few interactions with some Christ-centered classmates, they to trust this feeling and apply, so I did. On January 28, I got
invited me to their Project 7 Bible club. Honestly, the only rea- the email stating I had been accepted to AYC Brazil 2019.
son I went was because they had free doughnuts. My first few
visits were confusing. Not being raised in church, a relationship During the trip, I saw and was a part of some awesome
with this God person was a foreign idea. However, the more God moments. I saw Brazilians filled with the Holy Ghost,
I attended the more I realized the emptiness that followed me demons cast out of individuals, and lives completely restored.
around was slowly being filled. Within a few months, I was I made new friends and new memories. I tasted some crazy
attending the Apostolic Truth Church with these students, and good food. In preparation for the trip, I prayed fervently and
I was filled with the Holy Ghost. I wish I could tell you that in went with an expectation for all of this. I knew amazing God
those first few months of coming to know God everything was things would happen, and I knew I would be meeting a large
group of fun and anointed individuals. What I didn’t expect
fixed, including my depres- or prepare for was the God moment that happened within me.
sion, but that wasn’t the
case. For months, and On the sixth day of our trip, we attended a small church
even years after my service where there were more AYCers than Brazilians. Wor-
conversion, emp- ship started, and within minutes the place erupted. God’s
tiness followed presence became so tangible that a sermon wasn’t needed. I
me around. I dropped to the ground weeping, overwhelmed by God’s pres-
would praise ence. As I sat on the floor, my depression started creeping in,
and shout and and though I tried to ignore it, I couldn’t. I questioned why
feel victory I was even on this trip; I didn’t deserve to be here. I was a
at church but twenty-one-year-old individual who was the only one in my
would wake up family serving God.
the next morning
feeling empty. I
couldn’t over-

14 MAY 2020

This moment was different;
I could feel it.

At that point, Josh Carson grabbed the microphone walking in victory over my depression, completely immersed
and started calling out the spirit of depression. Through my in God’s love and perfect peace. In the most difficult time of
five years of being in church, I had been in many services my life, I applied for an AYC trip so I could travel the world
where the spirit of depression was called out, but nothing and help further God’s kingdom. But God had a bigger plan
ever changed for me. This moment was different; I could when He placed the burden for AYC in me. Apostolic Youth
feel it. I felt this weight lift completely out of my body as I Corps allows young adults and students to help change the
sat on the floor in a room in Brazil, South America. For the world, but it also is an opportunity for God to change them. If
first time since I could remember, I felt victorious over my you are able to go on an AYC trip, do it. If you have the ability
battle with depression and anxiety. It took being over five to support an AYCer, do it. If you have already been accepted
thousand miles away from home, the help of a man of God onto an AYC 2020 trip, be prepared; this trip is going to blow
I had just met, and a missionary kid who prayed over me to your expectations out of the water! PL
realize my depression did not have to define me.
CALI DIBBS
My life was forever changed by an Apostolic Youth Corps
trip. The people I met, the miracles I saw, and the foundations Hyphen Team Member | Apostolic Truth Church
we were able to help lay will stay with me for a lifetime. A year Appleton, Wisconsin | Pastor Aaron Soto
later, I am still in touch with Brazilians I met, and my fellow
AYCers are still a part of my life. Most important, I am still

PENTECOSTALLIFE.COM 15

PL CELEBRATE

The Dangers of
OvermedicationBY MARION PIETZ

THERE ARE GOOD REASONS for individuals to take medica- year, which averages to approximately 5,480 initiates per
day. The reasons for the high prevalence of prescription
tion today whether it is for physical or emotional pain. If drug misuse vary by age, gender, and other factors, but
medication is taken correctly, it can be an effective tool in likely include ease of access.
one’s well-being. However, many times in our stressful
and demanding lives, it becomes easier for individuals So what can we do? Physicians, patients, pharma-
to reach for the pill bottle instead of dealing directly with cists, and therapists can all play a role in preventing the
the issues at hand. misuse of prescription drugs. Physicians can help reduce
addiction by being more cautious and responsible when
According to a July 2018 article by the National prescribing opioid medications. Patients can take steps
Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) there are several dif- to help themselves by asking questions about medica-
ferent categories of prescription medications that can tions and possible side effects. Also, patients need to be
easily be misused: stimulant medications typically for honest with their physicians especially when it comes
the treatment of ADHD; central nervous system medica- to any addiction issues.
tions such as depressants, sedatives, and tranquilizers;
and opioid medications that are used mostly to treat pain. Pharmacists can be instrumental by being watchful
that individuals do not falsify prescriptions. Finally, as a
But what are some of the typical warning signs of licensed professional counselor in private practice, and
these medications, especially opioid addiction? Although as the CEO of the Center of Apostolic Counseling, I can
the answers can be many, the NIDA states that typically be instrumental in helping clients identify addictive-type
the potential signs may include: behaviors, help them understand the addictive personal-
ity, and make them aware of the addictive vicious cycle.
• Motor and coordination problems (Figure 1)
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Dramatic changes in mood Let us remember that we are children of God and
• Confusion our bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost (I Corinthians
• Withdrawal from family and/or friends 6:19). One way that we glorify God in our bodies is to
• Hallucinations not pollute the temple of the Holy Ghost with harmful
• Seizures substances. So, as children of God, when we introduce
As with any addiction, the need to take larger and into our bodies harmful substances, we are dishonoring
more frequent doses just to achieve therapeutic effects God. God breathed life into every human being. When we
(the buzz) can lead to dependence and withdrawal. This partake of any of these harmful substances, no matter how
increase in frequency and tolerance is the foundation little the amount, we start the process of becoming filled
of all addictions. The NIDA report indicated that drug with them and less filled with His Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).
misuse of the last fifteen years has increased emergency
room visits, overdose deaths, and admissions to drug After all is said and done, I’d rather be addicted to
treatment facilities. Overdose deaths involving prescrip- God. Why? Because it is the only life that really counts.
tion opioids were five times higher in 2016 than in 1999. A life lived for Jesus is a life filled with the fruit of the
The same article stated an estimated 18 million people Spirit, living soberly and righteously. PL
misused medications at least once in 2017. According
to results from the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use MARION PIETZ, MS, LMFT, LPC-S, CCDS
and Health, an estimated 2 million Americans misused
prescription pain relievers for the first time within the past Hyphen Team Member | Apostolic Truth Church
Appleton, Wisconsin | Pastor Aaron Soto

16 MAY 2020

The Addictive Vicious Cycle

CONFIDENCE BASED SOBRIETY A Negative Event Occurs
(Pseudo (False) Sense of Confidence) Luke 15:7

Romans 12:3 Immediate
SOBERITY
SOBER
FEELINGS OF:
TENSION BUIDLING SHAME, GUILT, AND REMORSE
(Coming from Life’s Stressors,
Pressures, and/or Demands) LEADS TO:
ACTS OF REPENTANCE,
Matthew 6:25-34 PROMISES, AND RESOLUTIONS

TRIGGERS SOBER THE RESOLVE TO RESOLVE STAGE
(People, Places, Things, Thoughts) OR

Psalm 101:3 MAGICAL THINKING STAGE
II Corinthians 10:5

SIPPING SOBRIETY SHAKY
(Mentally)

THE GREAT AAAH! FEAR BASED SOBER
(A total loss of sobriety) SOBRIETY

Pleasures of Sin WHEN FEAR DISSIPATES
Hebrews 11:25 THE CYCLE

Leads to Periods of Acting Out BEGINS AGAIN

Physical and/or Emotional Figure 1
Objectification from
God and Others

PENTECOSTALLIFE.COM 17

PL CELEBRATE

Sometimes It’s Necessary

(PROFESSIONAL APOSTOLIC COUNSELORS)
BY DANIEL L. BUTLER

ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION HAVE ravished American society. In some circumstances, a person may need appropri-
ately administered psychiatric drugs. For example, medically
Research and statistics demonstrate its widespread effect even speaking, the bipolar mental disorder resulting from inherited
on America’s adolescents and children, tragically expressed DNA messaging remains medically untreatable outside of
in suicide rates that shock the nation. Unfortunately, the quag- psychiatric drugs. The Apostolic believer knows that God can
mire of mental illness also affects our Apostolic churches. either mask the symptoms of a bipolar person or restructure
the person’s DNA chain. Outside of miraculous intervention,
Good news! God created our minds to be like plastic; however, the inherited bipolar condition requires medications
they can be remolded and healed, a condition referred to for it to be managed.
medically as “neuroplasticity of the brain.” Good thinking
that comes from biblical principles and faith in God and His Psychological research suggests that our brains need the
Word manifests good thoughts that positively lift the emo- process of externalization before the brain will fully release
tions, transform mental conditions, and elevate feelings from a painful memory. A locus of the brain, a pocket of a few
depressive and anxious patterns. Likewise, appropriate life- memory cells, holds a painful memory experience, and we
styles should establish the soul that seeks good mental health. ruminate and deliberate in that memory with an ongoing vigil.
Through confession, journaling, and prayer, the brain will
Anhedonia, lack of ability to feel pleasure in a broken process the memory throughout all six of its regions. Once the
mental state, stands as the primary cause of the depression cri- localized memory converts into a physical global experience,
sis. In his book Thrilled to Death, Dr. Archibald Hart explains the brain will give itself a “check” and can then release the
how the brain’s pleasure center never stops craving pleasure, so painful memory. Hence, confession, journaling, and prayer
a person will unceasingly attempt to strike the brain’s pleasure are powerful healing agents that bring about externalization.
center with feel-good stimuli: dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin,
and endorphin. As a result, the brain’s pleasure center slowly Therefore, psychological support is appropriate for certain
turns off, but the person keeps attempting more stimuli in seasons, conditions, or circumstances, even for Apostolics.
search of the elusive thrill. The resultant anhedonia pushes While the Holy Ghost stands as the supreme Counselor,
the brain over the cliff into depression. The thrill results when sometimes a skilled and trained counselor who understands
anger or anxiety becomes elevated and triggers the release of body language, facial expressions, side-stepped questions,
stress hormones. Stressors can be anything from fear-driven, manipulative answers that project blame, shame, or guilt,
exciting adventure or entertainments, to perceived threats like and other dysfunctional behavioral patterns can ask certain
financial or relationship pressures. questions that can trigger honesty and accountability. The
accomplished counselor can help drill into painful memories,
Thus, lifestyles for positive mental health include good allowing a person’s honest externalization that can release
diet that minimizes caffeine and sugar, good exercise that those memories like a popped balloon. Apostolics can learn
rebalances brain chemistry, good sleep that includes REM to pray around deep-seated issues in order to avoid the pain
sleep and provides replenishment of millions of new brain of traumatic memories.
cells every night, and good living that mitigates stress. These
factors release neurotransmitters, the feel-good stimulating Sometimes the inner self holds memories or emotions
brain chemicals. The condition of anhedonia and its resultant so close and protected by thick walls and well-developed
anxiety and depression can slowly heal as we intentionally defense mechanisms that the self feels threatened to re-
avoid all unnecessary mentally stimulating chemicals and lease the truth to anyone. Jesus promised that His disciples
activities that include any alarming sights and sounds, such would abide in His Word and know the truth, and the truth
as video gaming, entertainments, social media’s multifaceted would make them free (John 8:31–32). Deep-seated truth
prongs that disrupt emotions and sleep, loud or stimulating about oneself sometimes remains unrealized until the truth
noise, computer screens, overloaded to-do lists, and constant is externalized and converted into a living reality through
hurry. A well-informed person can develop habits and pat- confession or journaling. When we are made aware, the truth
terns that positively impact mental health.

18 MAY 2020

then makes us free. A good counselor can guide us into the beautiful to enter into the prayer closet and find comfort
truth and help us to externalize. and counsel from the greatest Counselor in the universe!

The most delicate and painful issues that touch the God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us
core of inward identity or security may require a trained along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it
professional with whom the wounded soul maintains no role doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for
relationship. Any role relationship potentially prevents full us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our
disclosure, which in turn prevents the externalization that aching groans. He knows us far better than we
produces healing. For example, if the counselor knows the know ourselves, knows our prevailing condition,
wounded person’s pastor, the wounded person may wonder, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we
“What if my pastor finds out?” Such role relationship could can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love
sabotage the confession process even without the wounded for God is worked into something good. (Romans
person realizing it. For complete trust that can reveal the 8:26–28) (Eugene H. Peterson, The Message, Colo-
truth, the wounded soul may need to interface with a licensed rado Springs, Colorado: NavPress, 2005) PL
counselor devoid of any role relationship and who by law
and license must maintain confidentiality. DANIEL L. BUTLER, D.Min

While a good counselor can ask the right questions, Pastor | International Pentecostal Church | Bellflower, California
the Holy Spirit remains as the very best Counselor. How Adjunct Professor | Urshan Graduate School of Theology

PENTECOSTALLIFE.COM 19

PL CELEBRATE

FEW THINGS ARE MORE entertaining than interacting with young Research indicates that a positive, meaningful relationship
with even one supportive, caring adult greatly impacts the positive
children. You rarely have to guess what they are thinking. Their development of a child. Moreover, children who experience at
boldness, trust, sweet innocence, and faith are worth protecting. least one “meaningful/mentoring” relationship with an adult are
Jesus shared with His disciples the importance of taking on those shown to have less internalizing (low self-image, depression) and
childlike characteristics: “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, externalizing (bullying, negative coping) problems throughout
saying, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’Then Jesus their lives. They are also more likely to complete tasks they have
called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, begun, remain calm in stressful situations, show willingness to
‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as learn new things, be more engaged in academics, and talk with
little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven’” their parents (“Caring Adults: Important for Positive Child Well-
(Matthew 18:1–3, NKJV). being,” David Murphy PhD, Child Trends, December 2013). This
positive relationship with at least one adult (whether family or
Young children tend to be confident and trusting. They community member) is also a key factor in building resilience, an
don’t know how hard life can become, how mean words can individual’s capability to respond with positivity and flexibility
creep in, how people can hurt. As children continue to grow, in the face of struggles/adversity. Jack Shonkoff, director of the
develop, and experience the world, things can become more Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, states,
complicated. Confusion, self-doubt, negative experiences, and “Resilience depends on supportive, responsive relationships
overwhelming emotions can threaten that genuine spark children and mastering a set of capabilities that can help us respond and
possess. It is our responsibility as adults to protect, strengthen, adapt to adversity in healthy ways” (quoted in “The Science
and develop children. But with all of the outside influences, it of Resilience,” Walsh, Bari, Usable Knowledge, March 2015).
can be daunting to understand how to keep children safe and
effectively develop their mental health. This shows the importance of meaningful relationships with
children. These relationships equip them with the tools neces-
Several factors positively impact and promote healthy child- sary to generate solutions when adversity comes their way. It is
hood development: interaction and stable relationships; touch; safe, also important to give children the safety and boundaries within
healthy environments; quality care; communication; self-esteem; which they can develop the skills necessary to stand on their
and play. Each of these components plays a role in the four primary own. Allowing children to experience an appropriate amount
stages of typical development: physical, intellectual, language, of adversity helps them develop resiliency and competence.
and social/emotional (“Brain Development; Ages and Stages;
Comfort and Calming,” FDRnurturingparenting.com, 2011).

BY CANDRA FIORINI

Mental Wellness

Keeping Children Mentally Healthy

20 MAY 2020

Safe environments for children move beyond the obvious open-ended questions to determine if clear communication has
physical implications (a roof over their head and bed to sleep occurred. Provide regular opportunities for children to share
in). This involves a place of peacefulness and rest. Children also thoughts and feelings (i.e., feelings wheel, check-ins, etc.).
benefit from regular routine and consistency. Furthermore, they
need age-appropriate boundaries that are clearly communicated “Speak to your children as if they are the wisest, kindest,
and continuously enforced. Another key element to fostering most beautiful and magical humans on the earth, for what they
mentally healthy children is teaching appropriate ways to pro- believe is what they will become” (Brooke Hampton). Another
cess/express emotions as well as communicate. One important factor in mental health includes a healthy self-image. We should
piece here is modeling these skills for a child. When children are be vocal in our support of children and their abilities. How-
overwhelmed emotionally, use that as an opportunity to show ever, self-esteem not only comes from feeling loved, but from
them how to react calmly and self-regulate. View children’s developing competence. Allow children to take healthy risks
behaviors as a window into their feelings. and make age-appropriate decisions. Encourage them to take
ownership of tasks, pursue their interests, and foster a growth
It is also helpful to have an understanding of a child’s emo- mindset. Overall, instill in children the knowledge that your
tional response in relation to their development. Depending on love is unconditional and not tied to performance or success.
a child’s age and stage of development, there are particularly
effective ways to help them process emotions. Dan Siegel, Of course, the things mentioned above are significant, but
author of No-Drama Discipline and The Whole-Brain Child, there is no substitute for a life built on faith in Jesus Christ. It
offers insight/techniques in responding to children’s emotional is in Him that we ultimately move and breathe and have our
reactions in an effective and helpful manner. Regardless of their being (Acts 17:28), and there is no better means to develop
developmental stage, it is paramount that they feel heard and children’s mental health than to instill in them a love for God,
supported. Children need to know their feelings are a priority. an understanding of who we are in Him, and a knowledge of
His truth and love toward us. PL
Communication has been described as the “way we share
energy and information with each other.” Communication is CANDRA FIORINI, MAC, LPC
received through each of our five senses and encompasses
much more than speech. As parents or adults, it is important Director of Clinical Programs and Therapist | Kids In The Middle
that we take personal responsibility in effective communication New Life—Saint Louis | Bridgeton, Missouri | Pastor Aaron Batchelor
with children. Make time to listen without distractions. Ask

PENTECOSTALLIFE.COM 21

PL CELEBRATE

The Bible B Y LY N DA A L L I S O N D O T Y

Our Foundation for Change

HE SENT HIS WORD, AND HEALED THEM, AND DELIVERED
THEM FROM THEIR DESTRUCTIONS. (PSALM 107:20)

GOD MAKES HEALING AND deliverance depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt corrected, and reproved. There is
meditate therein day and night, that something in the Scriptures suitable
available to us through His Word. But thou mayest observe to do according for every case. Oh that we may love our
how does that work? Think of how milk to all that is written therein: for then Bibles more, and keep closer to them!
of magnesia coats the stomach; that is thou shalt make thy way prosperous, Then shall we find benefit, and at last
how His Word coats the soul. I think and then thou shalt have good success” gain the happiness therein promised by
“milk of mag” is some of the nastiest (Joshua 1:8). faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, who is
stuff I’ve ever tasted, but if it will make the main subject of both Testaments”
me well, I will gladly swallow it. That Second Timothy 3:16 states that (comment on II Timothy 3).
is how God’s Word works inside of every word, jot, and tittle in the Word
us—His healing balm seeps into every of God is inspired by His Spirit. It all Some say the Bible was written too
nook and cranny of our souls. came from the mind of God. If we want long ago to be of specific help to today’s
to get to know Him, we must read the modern problems. We acknowledge
Our Creator breathed forth the words that were written from the heart there are problems today that were not
Scriptures. He wants us not only to of God to the heart of man. widely discussed in the past; however,
read His Word but study, memorize, the Bible tells us there is nothing new
meditate, pray, and obey His Word. Matthew Henry says it well: “It under the sun. Issues and hurts have
Lest you think I’m going to the ex- [the Word of God] is profitable for all always been with us and always will
treme, I have to ask why God said to purposes of the Christian life. It is of be. If we hold to the premise that the
Joshua, “This book of the law shall not use to all, for all need to be taught,

22 MAY 2020

Bible is insufficient for today’s ills, to drive down and counsel with my other end? We really don’t know. But
then we are in effect telling God that husband and me. They had set aside where our limited knowledge falls
He is lacking, that He is unable to tell a whole week for counseling. My short, the Word zeroes in. No human
the ending from the beginning. husband began with prayer, and the being can know the heart of man.
Holy Ghost fell like a velvet cloth in Counselors use a host of methods to
I teach apostolic counseling, and the room. We ministered to them from try to discern what is in someone’s
one of the objectives of the course is the Word, the Holy Ghost ministering “unconscious,” but only the Word
learning how to extract the biblical alongside. has that knowledge.
principles that apply to any problem.
My students often stand in awe when After an hour, everything had I have been told: “I tried it; it
they discover these truths, since many changed; all thoughts of divorce dis- didn’t work.” The problem is not that
of them had previously believed pro- sipated. It was surreal. When they left God’s Word failed, but that it wasn’t
fessionals were the only ones who that day, they had a week ahead of followed completely. We need to take
had the answers—especially for them to spend as they wished. They every thought captive to obedience
the “hard cases.” But God asked in drove to Myrtle Beach for a second to Christ (II Corinthians 10:5). We
Jeremiah 32:27, “Is there any thing honeymoon! must examine ourselves and judge
too hard for me?” Based on that, we wrong attitudes, thoughts, and mo-
should be referring the “hard cases” Hebrews 4:12–13 tells us, “For tives by God’s truth (II Corinthians
to God, not the other way around. the word of God is quick, and power- 13:5; I Corinthians 11:28–31; I John
ful, and sharper than any twoedged 1:5–10). We are to seek God with all
I was called in once to counsel sword, piercing even to the dividing our hearts and not lean on our own or
a sister who had decided she needed asunder of soul and spirit, and of the the world’s understanding (Psalm 63;
a divorce. We began to examine the joints and marrow, and is a discerner Proverbs 3:5–7; Isaiah 55:6–11). We
Scriptures. At first she was dubious, of the thoughts and intents of the are to seek first His kingdom and righ-
having already made up her mind. But heart. Neither is there any creature teousness, not the things the world
something about the Word grabbed that is not manifest in his sight: but seeks (Matthew 6:19–33). That’s a
hold of her. She left that day deter- all things are naked and opened unto strong prescription and not everyone
mined to give her marriage another the eyes of him with whom we have is willing to put forth that kind of
chance. That was twenty-three years to do.” Jeremiah 17:9 asks, “The heart effort. But those who do will find it
ago, and today the marriage is still is deceitful above all things, and des- life-changing! PL
alive and working very well. perately wicked: who can know it?”
LYNDA ALLISON DOTY, PhD
Several years later, a distraught The Word of God is power-
sister called from four hundred miles ful! We humans debate the soul and Ordained Minister | UPCI | Author
away. She and her husband wanted spirit—where does one begin and the

PENTECOSTALLIFE.COM 23

PL CELEBRATE

Postpartum Depression Is Real
BY JENNIFER MCCURRACH

THESE ARE TESTIMONIES OF women who have Baby Blues and PPD are similar in symptomology but different in intensity. Over
time, PPD symptoms may intensify to the point that they interfere with your ability to care
had Postpartum Depression (PPD). If you are for your baby. Sometimes symptoms may begin early (during pregnancy) or even later
suffering from PPD, you are not alone. Hang (up to a year after giving birth).
in there; there is help and hope.

“Before I had my daughter, I had Baby Blues Postpartum Depression (PPD)
a history of depression and anxiety Mood Swings Depression; severe mood swings
and worried I would not be able to Anxiety Severe anxiety; panic attacks
overcome PPD if it happened.” Sadness Reduced interest and pleasure in activities
Irritability Intense irritability; anger
Having a baby can bring powerful, con- Feeling over-whelmed Hopelessness
fusing emotions, including depression. New Crying Excessive crying
mothers commonly experience “Baby Blues,” Reduced conCentration Diminished ability to think clearly or make decisions
lasting up to two weeks., but some new moth- Appetite problems Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
ers experience intense, prolonged issues. PPD Trouble sleeping Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
affects one in seven women and can have ad- Difficulty bonding with your baby
verse effects on both mother and child. Due to Withdrawing from family and friends
fear and stigma, one in five women do not talk Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
about it or seek help. PPD isn’t a weakness or Fear that you are not a good mother
character flaw; it is simply a complication of Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or inadequacy
giving birth. Throughout this article you will Restlessness
read quotes from real mothers who have suffered Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
with varying degrees of PPD and how they were Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
able to deal with it.

“Once we got home, my anxiety “I cried nonstop. I felt like I was losing my mind and that I would never
was so high I couldn’t sleep. I was be ‘normal’ again. Many people told me the symptoms would go away within
filled with guilt and fear that my baby a couple weeks, but they didn’t.”
wouldn’t be able to eat and that I was
a bad mom for not nursing. I didn’t After childbirth, a new mother experiences dramatic drops in hormone levels, which
sleep for three days for fear of the may be a contributing factor to PPD. She feels tired, sluggish, and depressed. In addition
baby dying.” to the physical factors, the realities of adjusting to a new baby and routine can hamper
emotional resiliency. Insomnia can create difficulty in handling even minor issues. Feeling
IF YOU ARE unattractive or out of control are normal for new mothers and can also contribute to PPD.
SUFFERING FROM
PPD, YOU ARE NOT “All these years later, I’m finally learning about how PPD cost us so very
ALONE. HANG IN much! It even robbed me of play time with my children. Here I was, a mom of
THERE; THERE IS three babies and I couldn’t remember how to play. It completely paralyzed my
HELP AND HOPE. creativity, my energy, my desire, and my ability to understand and stay calm.”

24 MAY 2020 “I had such severe postpartum depression with my middle child that I have
no memories of him before he was two years old. I look at pictures that were
taken by others—even his first birthday—and cannot remember the events.”

PPD can be treated, but the most important thing is to seek help.
1. Get Support. Build a support network. Let your family and friends know what
you are struggling with and allow them to help you!

“I finally sought medical help and took an antidepressant for a couple you face depression, your emotions can become
of months until I could get a handle on it. I should have tried to get help a so overwhelming that you want to withdraw from
lot sooner, but the stigma of depression in the church is very real.” everyone, including God. But even though you may
emotionally withdraw from Him, He will never
“It hit hard and fast. If it were not for my mom and sister, I doubt my leave you.
child or I would have survived.”
4. Bond with Your Baby. Some parents feel
2. Get into a Routine. Getting up at the same time every morning and doing certain an instant rush of love the moment they set eyes
things on a regular basis can help to bring stability and peace. The anxiety and fear on their baby, while for others it takes time. If you
that comes with PPD can be alleviated by taking control in areas that you have control. have not yet bonded with your baby, do not feel
anxious or guilty. Sometimes it takes weeks to
“Today I made myself go outside. All I did was walk to the grocery feel an attachment, but it should come with time.
store at the top of the hill to pick up a few things, but that walk was what I Some ways of bonding include:
needed to snap me back into things.”
• Skin-to-skin contact. Human touch is sooth-
“I recently have started cleaning when I get anxious. It makes me feel ing for both you and your baby, so hold her
better about myself and I’m less anxious. Prayer and meditation and deep often and stroke her gently.
breathing are also helpful.”
• Smile at your baby. Babies begin to rec-
3. Speak to God. Finding regular times to pray, read Scripture, sing, or worship can ognize and respond to smiles around two
set your mood for the entire day. Psalm 31:1–5, along with other passages, can help you months of age. A simple smile and response
feel connected to God and know that He understands what you’re going through. When can be the beginning of a “conversation”
with your baby.

• Sing, read, tell stories. Focus your attention
on the baby and communicate with her
throughout the day.

5. Take Care of Yourself. Eat healthy foods,
take naps, and get outside. Taking time to do things
you like will help to recharge your batteries. Activi-
ties like exercise release natural endorphins that
help to fight depression and anxiety naturally. It
is your responsibility to care for the temple God
has provided. “For [you] are his workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which
God hath ordained that [you] should walk in them”
(Ephesians 2:10).

6. Medication and Counseling. Finally, medica-
tion and/or counseling can benefit those suffering
from PPD for long periods of time. If you feel you
need additional support, let your physician know
how you are feeling and ask about options available
to you. The UPCI has Apostolic counselors avail-
able who can meet with you in person and online
to help you process the emotions and experiences
of PPD. PL

JENNIFER MCCURRACH 25

Director | Human Services Program
Urshan College

PENTECOSTALLIFE.COM

“God ordained His UPCI GENERAL CONFERENCE
church to change the
world. . . By His help the ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
church will minister
the whole gospel SEPTEMBER 22–25, 2020
to the whole world.”
AMERICA’S CENTER
Nathaniel A. Urshan
901 N. BROADWAY, ST. LOUIS, MO 63101
General Superintendent UPCI 1978–2001

upcigc.com

SCHEDULE

All church services will be held in Halls 4-5 of the America’s Center
Exhibits will be in The Dome of the America’s Center

Times below are central standard time

(This schedule is tentative and subject to change)

TUESDAY, September 22, 2020 WEDNESDAY, September 23, 2020

6:30 pm WNOP Prayer Service 9:00 am–2:00 pm Business Meeting
6:45 pm Worship - UPCI Music Ministry 10:00 am–Noon Ministers’ Wives Breakfast
7:00 pm Global Missions Service 6:30 pm WNOP Prayer Service
6:45 pm Worship - UPCI Music Ministry
7:00 pm North American Missions Service

THURSDAY, September 24, 2020 FRIDAY, September 25, 2020

9:00 am–11:50 am Seminars 8:30 am–11:50 am Just Between Us (for ladies)

10:45 am–11:30 am Ministers Session 9:00 am–11:50 am Seminars

Noon–2:00 pm Children’s Ministries Service Noon–2:00 pm 75th Anniversary Service

4:00 pm–6:15 pm Seminars 5:00 pm–6:00 pm Memorial Service

6:30 pm WNOP Prayer Service 6:30 pm WNOP Prayer Service

6:45 pm Worship - UPCI Music Ministry 6:45 pm Worship - UPCI Music Ministry

7:00 pm General Superintendent’s Message 7:00 pm Youth Ministries “Passing the

Mantle” Service

upcigc.com

-Symposium-

Mission 2021:
Advancing the Church’s Mission in an Ever-Changing World

-February 11-12, 2021-

Urshan Campus 1151 Century Tel. Dr., Wentzville, MO 63385

-Urshan Graduate School of Theology Call for Papers-

We are looking for submissions that relate to our theme in the areas of education,
practical ministry, theology of worship, biblical studies, and history.

We invite you to submit papers for consideration to [email protected].

ENGAGE

IN THIS SECTION

DEPRESSION

PAUL MARION 30

FINDING BEAUTY IN A BODY
THAT FEELS BROKEN

ESMERALDA DELGADILLO 32

SOCIAL WITHDRAWAL:
ISOLATION FROM THE CHURCH

JOEL L. WELLS 34

36 ANXIETY
Jesus Christ can be our
Prince of Peace.
BY P. DANIEL BUFORD

The four articles in this ENGAGE section are
designed to be used also as a small group resource.
There are additional complimentary components
such as a facilitator’s guide and a student study
guide for each session containing ice-breaker ideas
and discussion questions available for download
from pentecostallife.com.

PENTECOSTALLIFE.COM 29

|PL ENGAHGEE|AMLEINNTAGL WELLNESS BY PAUL MARION

Depression

Objective: To understand that the best of us may struggle with symptoms of depression, but we must remember
there is help and hope for us all

Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, rather disheartening. Perhaps the depression you experienced in
“So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not 2019 has chased you with no mercy into the new year like Ahab
make your life as the life of one of them [the 450 and Jezebel chased Elijah into the wilderness. Depression has
prophets of Baal whom Elijah had slain with a sword] been used as somewhat of a buzzword in the twenty-first century,
by tomorrow about this time.” And when he saw that, but make no mistake, many of us have felt its crushing winds
he arose and ran for his life, and went to Beersheba, knock us down in more ways than one. All it takes is one dev-
which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But astating phone call, an alarming doctor’s report, an unexpected
he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, loss, a family crisis, or challenging work conditions and we want
and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he to throw in the towel and give up on the battle we call real life.
prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now,
Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!” It is perfectly normal to experience seasons of sadness.
(I Kings 19:2–4, NKJV) We are not exempt from feeling down once in a while, but if it
seems unhappiness is subverting your daily life, then you may
ELIJAH’S MISERY IS A sober reminder that being committed to be suffering from clinical depression or symptoms resulting from
similar types of depression.
God does not necessarily exempt us from the wilderness of depres-
sion. In fact, many of us can relate to Elijah’s journey. For some, Serious medical conditions can lead to a variety of emotional
the year 2020 already feels like a dark and wretched wilderness. and physical issues. Beyond that, there are many different types of
depression ranging from clinical to situational. Clinical depression
Entering a new year is an exciting time—a time for New can stem from genetic, environmental, and psychological factors
Year’s resolutions, new beginnings, new goals, and weight loss! that are deemed uncontrollable, whereas situational depression
Not only are we in a new year, but a new decade as well. However, is often triggered by significant changes in a person’s life. These
it does not take long for the shadow of uncertainty to fall upon changes can include the loss of a job, divorce, illness, or death
some of us. For example, just a few days into the year 2020, the in the family.
United States and Iran exchanged missile attacks, causing World
War III fears to trend on social media platforms. Our president Depression is more than just bouts of sadness; it can nega-
stood trial in the Senate for impeachment charges, followed by the tively affect how we think, feel, and act by manifesting symptoms
tragic death of everyone’s favorite basketball star, Kobe Bryant, that range from mild to severe. Such symptoms can include, but
who perished with his daughter and seven others in a helicopter are not limited to, feelings of sadness, loss of energy, change in
crash. Fear of the Corona virus, with a death toll that has climbed appetite, trouble sleeping, loss of interest in activities you once
to over two thousand, has caused havoc on Wall Street. enjoyed, and suicidal tendencies.

It is safe to say that the first few months of 2020 have been In his journey through the wilderness, the great prophet Elijah
displayed a wide range of depressive symptoms. This faithful man
of God battled fear, loneliness, and bitterness, seemingly losing

30 MAY 2020

his will to live. How could this happen to a man whom God Personal Application:
had used so powerfully? Elijah was a prophet who not only
had preached God’s Word but had singlehandedly withstood 1. Have you or someone you know been feeling sad and hopeless of
450 prophets of Baal and 400 prophets of Asherah and called late? How can this lesson help?
fire down from Heaven in the sight of all Israel. Through him
God had wrought signs, miracles, and wonders that most of 2. Are you or someone you know experiencing any of the symptoms of
us could only hope and dream of experiencing. Yet we find depression mentioned in this article? How can Elijah’s story help?
him at the lowest point of existence, begging God to take
his life. You’d think God would rebuke him for his lack of 3. How can you relate to Elijah’s feelings of depression in the
faith or command him to quit feeling sorry for himself, but wilderness?
the exact opposite happened:
4. Why do you think Elijah ran away instead of getting help?
Then as he lay and slept under a broom tree,
suddenly an angel touched him, and said to him, 5. Do you think Christians tend to hide their mental health problems
“Arise and eat.” Then he looked, and there by his instead of talking about them? If so, why?
head was a cake baked on coals, and a jar of water.
So he ate and drank, and lay down again. And the The facilitator’s guide and study guide for this session are available
angel of the Lord came back the second time, and for download from pentecostallife.com.
touched him, and said, “Arise and eat, because
the journey is too great for you.” So he arose, and Notes:
ate and drank; and he went in the strength of that
food forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb,
the mountain of God. (I Kings 19:5–8, NKJV)

God shows us through Elijah that our mental health is
extremely important to Him. We must always remember
that mental illness is not a sin. Nor is suffering depression
a sin. Depression happens to the best us. Despite our best
efforts, traumatic events such as brain injuries or a stressful
postpartum period can trigger depressive symptoms.

The only way Elijah was able to make it through the
valley of depression was by receiving the proper treatment he
needed. Through his sadness, God gave him rest, food, and
drink, as well as someone to talk to. God recognized that His
faithful servant needed a lifestyle change. Oftentimes that
is what all of us need—we need help. We all need prayer,
but we also need treatment. Such treatment can come in the
form of medication or psychotherapy to provide the change
we need to live a healthy, spiritual, fulfilling life.

If you are struggling with overwhelming sadness and
don’t know what to do, talk to someone. Talk to your pas-
tor. Don’t be ashamed to seek help. God loves you, and He
wants you to get help. God never promised that life would
be easy, but He did promise He would be there every step of
the way. John 16:33 assures us, “These things I have spoken
to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you
will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome
the world.”

You are not alone. PL

PAUL MARION

Assistant Pastor | The Sanctuary | Hazelwood, Missouri

PENTECOSTALLIFE.COM 31

|PL ENGAHGEE|AMLEINNTAGL WELLNESS BY
ESMERALDA
Finding Beauty in a Body DELGADILLO
That Feels Broken

Objective: To understand and help those
suffering from eating disorders

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonder- The Meaning
fully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul According to the American Psychological Association, eating
knoweth right well. (Psalm 139:14)
disorders are complex psychological-medical conditions charac-
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up terized by weight and shape concerns and inappropriate eating
their wounds. (Psalm 147:3) patterns severe enough to potentially damage health or threaten
life. These eating disorders include self-destructive behaviors such
THE WEIGHT OF TRAUMA is a shadow that slowly robs its captive as Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder
(Trauma-Informed Approaches to Eating Disorders, eds. Seubert
of joy. For many, the emotions attached to traumatic childhood and Virdi, 2019). While eating disorders may vary in symptoms, the
events serve as mental and physiological breeding grounds for cause and psychopathological foundations share common ground.
destructive behaviors such as eating disorders.
A person who has Anorexia Nervosa (AN) deliberately
From the beginning, the divine design for food was a to be a withholds food to control weight or body shape. AN may emerge
source of nourishment and energy to provide power of life and strength during the early adolescent years as girls become conflicted about
for God’s glory. In a fallen world, however, food, along with many body image. This disorder is rooted in “clinical perfectionism,”
other divinely inspired institutions, has fallen prey to the brokenness an emphasis on self-worth based on outward appearance.
and dysfunctionality introduced by sin. What was once a medium
of communion has now become a battleground of pain and anxiety. Bulimia Nervosa (BN) is characterized by recurrent binge
Still, while the archetypical source of food in the Garden reminds us eating, where the person eats a significantly greater amount of
of the tragedy, it also is the birthplace of hope and promise. food than normal, followed by self-induced vomiting or the use
of laxatives (purging). Triggers for this disorder may include a
The Myths history of sexual abuse, victimization, and posttraumatic stress
Common myths regarding causation of eating disorders disorder (PTSD).

emerge from misconceptions surrounding self-inflicted harm Those with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) feel a loss of
through starvation, purging, or other destructive behaviors. control during the episode, but do not engage in the inappropriate
compensatory behavior (i.e., purging). Core emotions are disgust,
Myth #1: “If a person will just start eating healthy, everything depression, shame, and anxiety. Various consequences entail dif-
will get better.” While weight changes and eating healthy are a ficulty adapting to a social role or a compromised quality of life.
top priority in the healing process, they are just the beginning. Studies suggest strong traumatic experiences among parents of
Many times, the person battling an eating disorder has suffered BED patients, with traumatic experiences in childhood. Literature
both physical deterioration and emotional dysregulation, requir- also stresses association with child abuse in all its forms (sexual,
ing much more understanding as to how nutritional distortions physical, and emotional).
occurred.
The Mood, “How We Feel”
Myth #2: “Eating disorders only affect young girls.” While Suffering from an eating disorder comes down to two core
it is true that adolescent girls are more prone to struggle with eat-
ing disorders, according to the Association of Anorexia Nervosa elements: (1) the severity and consequences of trauma and (2)
and Associated Disorders, at least 30 million people of all ages the extent and quality of attachments.
and genders suffer from an eating disorder in the United States.
Individuals with any form of trauma report more severe an-
orexic symptoms, more bulimia, and emotional dysregulation.

32 MAY 2020

In any form of trauma (sexual, physical, verbal, emotional, even withheld as punishment, cultural rituals, sexual abuse when food
spiritual abuse and/or neglect), negative emotions such as fear, anger, or the smell of food is present, or sadistic behaviors involving
depression, and anxiety overwhelm the individual to the point of a foods. Many eating disorders are about controlling the trauma
biophysiological neural overload. The outcome is loss of control, and suppressing the memories. Dealing with the body allows
which can lead to eating disorders as a mechanism to regain control. the mind to think more clearly. Nutritional Therapy targets brain
This pathway is contingent on attachments, the other core element. fuel and gut health affected by the stress of malnutrition (which
in turn affects mood and self-regulation), along with helping the
Attachments, or relationships, play a key role in helping individual to understand his/her appropriate relationship with
people deal with their emotions. The quality of attachments food. Christ’s references to “hunger and thirst for righteous-
plays a role in regulating the mechanism when trauma comes. ness” (Matthew 5:6) and the Bread of Life (John 6:35) speak to
Because the nature of most trauma includes poor or unhealthy spiritual nourishment. Healing the biology means God wants to
attachments (i.e., sexual abuse by a trusted family member, verbal bring abundant life to His creation. PL
abuse by parents, emotional abuse from spouse, or even spiritual
abuse within the church), the very instrument of righteousness ESMERALDA DELGADILLO
that should provide a safe place is no longer a refuge, but a path
leading them to the only attachment that will not abandon them: Director of Education & Community Outreach
food they will accept (BN and BED) or reject (AN). Center for Apostolic Counseling

The Method, “How We Heal” Personal Application:
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly;
1. What are some divinely inspired institutions that have fallen prey
and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be to the impact of sin?
preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ. (I Thessalonians 5:23) 2. From what kind of things has a person battling eating disorders
often suffered?
A “biopsychosocial spiritual approach” means that just as
God’s grace embraces and seeks to transform every dimension of 3. According to the American Psychological Association, how are
humanity, our responsibility is to have the same holistic approach eating disorders defined?
(biological, psychological, social, and spiritual).
4. What core emotions accompany binge eating for individuals with
Spiritual. Godly counsel helps provide direction, open the Binge Eating Disorder?
heart to options, and bring the supernatural stability of safety and
establishment (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22). Whether this is a spiritual 5. What kind of poor or unhealthy attachments destroy the God-
leader, mentor, Spirit-filled professional, or spiritually mature be- intended refuge that should provide a safe place?
liever, being surrounded by godly counsel not only helps someone
see God’s view of the pain beneath the problem, but also strengthens The facilitator’s guide and study guide for this session are
the bonds of attachment. available for download from pentecostallife.com.

Psychological. Paul said we need not exist in the realm of Notes:
the flesh (II Corinthians 10:3–6). He described a psychological
process that centers on how to capture and address thoughts in the PENTECOSTALLIFE.COM 33
light of a redemptive and positive purpose (v. 5). A therapeutic
technique employed by mental health professionals known as
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) utilizes this framework
by identifying core beliefs (such as “No one loves me,” “I am
worthless,” “I am alone”) that drive eating disorders. The devil
works best in the darkness, so uncovering hidden toxic thoughts
and exposing them to the truth of God’s Word (“I am fearfully
and wonderfully made” and “He heals, therefore He cares”) helps
the hurting heart to unravel the mental and emotional anguish
that has bound them for so long.

Social. Scripture is full of references to community, fellowship,
and unity (Matthew 18:20; Romans 12:5; I John 1:7; Galatians 6:2).
Healthy attachments are crucial. In mental health circles, Attach-
ment Therapy focuses on the impact of the relationships that affect
(due to trauma within the attachments or as a result of the absence
of attachments) the development of eating disorders. God said it is
not good that we should be alone, so He created connections for us.

Biological. Eating can be different for those with trauma associ-
ated with it, whether it is being told to eat by an angry parent, food

|PL ENGAHGEE|AMLEINNTAGL WELLNESS

Social Withdrawal BYJOELL.WELLS

Isolation from the Church

Objective: To explain social withdrawal within the church and to offer solutions for combating it

A PAPER BY K. H. Rubin and K. B. Burgess (2001) titled “Social The above parable indicates that the seed is received by all
four natures of the soil, whether bad or good. The individuals
Withdrawal and Anxiety” defines social withdrawal as “isolat- represented by these three bad soils are not doomed to never
ing oneself from the peer group.” Social withdrawal is not a fully develop and produce good fruit, according to the Parable
clinical disorder; it is a behavior and a symptom of a myriad of of the Barren Fig Tree. Luke 13:8–9 (NKJV) says concerning the
psychological disorders. fig tree: “Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and
fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can
For the sake of this discussion, let me suggest there is an cut it down” (emphasis added by the author). The digging and the
equivalent concept of “social withdrawal” that is a characteristic fertilizing in this parable are of the soil—one of the three types of
of some who attend or have attended our churches. It fits the bad soil that have not produced fruit. Jesus lets us know through
definition of “social withdrawal” but without a psychological this parable that there is potential to produce fruit on this fig tree,
spin. In this vein the “peer group” is the church body. Obvious but it will require more cultivation and fertilization of the soil.
questions surface: Why does one isolate oneself or leave the
church? Proverbs 18:1 warns that through isolation one seeks The January 2020 issue of Pentecostal Life records Michelle
his own desire and opposes sound judgment. How do we correct Jensen’s testimony, which relates how she may have appeared to
this behavior that has plagued the church since its inception? be bad soil but became good fruit-bearing soil. Pertinent com-
ments from this article relevant to this topic of social withdrawal
I believe the Parable of the Sower offers some insight. are: “I had so much shame, hurt, and hatred before receiving the
By looking at the types of bad soil that received the seed (the Holy Ghost.” After finding what she was searching for, she said,
message of the kingdom of God) we see some of the attributes “It wasn’t easy for me to pull away from the world. . . . It took
of at-risk converts and potential backsliders. The first type of me about a year and a half to fully submit to God.” Despite her
soil mentioned in this parable is that which fell by the wayside. struggles she is now solidly in the church.
Jesus explained that it represents those who receive the Word
but are confused by Satanic influence. Matthew 13:20–21 Others have communicated to me the same sentiment months
addresses the “stony ground,” stating that these individuals after coming into the church, citing a continued battle with drugs/
have no root and endure for only a while. When “tribulation” alcohol, a difficulty with separating from the only friends they have
and persecution come or, as Thayer’s Greek Lexicon explains, while at the same time trying to wrap their head around holiness
when “pressure,” “oppression,” “affliction, or “distress” comes, issues. They tell me they are lonely and at times want to give up
then that person is “offended” meaning “to fall away” or “to and quit. Give them time. Disciple them. Just obeying Acts 2:38
stumble.” Jesus describes the last of the bad soils in Matthew does not automatically “renew their mind” as we are charged to do
13:22 as “he that received seed among the thorns.” Even though by Paul: “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed
this person hears the Word, “care of this world” or “anxiety by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that
about things pertaining to this earthly life” (Thayer) interferes good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2).
with him becoming fruitful.

34 MAY 2020

The epitome of “bad soil” is Demas, who appears to have Personal Application:
been a highly regarded associate of Paul. Paul mentioned
him three times (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 24; II Timothy 1. Name some supportive methods for retaining at-risk converts.
4:10). Unfortunately, there is a digression in his spiritual walk 2. How would you approach a friend who appears to be withdrawing
reflected in these verses, culminating in this final remark by
Paul: “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present from the church?
world” (II Timothy 4:10). Hopefully, this was not the final 3. In what ways have you allowed Jesus to use you to reach a
chapter in the life of Demas. What may be missed in these
same three chapters is the mention of and progression of wayward, former child of God?
another associate of Paul—John Mark. Mark had previously 4. What are some ways you can become more active in reaching out
failed Paul (and God) by deserting him on Paul’s first mis-
sionary journey. However, in the verse immediately after his to struggling converts?
reference to Demas, Paul made a final request when he said 5. Do you believe the Parable of the Sower suggests there is no
of this former deserter, “Take Mark, and bring him with thee,
for he is profitable to me for the ministry” (II Timothy 4:11). hope for those who fall into the category of bad soil?
Explain your answer.
What was the difference in these two examples of
“bad soil’? It was the intervention of Barnabas whose name The facilitator’s guide and study guide for this session are available
appropriately means “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36, for download from pentecostallife.com.
NKJV). He displayed two elements of discipleship that are
key to preserving converts whether initially good or bad soil: Notes:
connection and renewing of the mind. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10
emphasizes this power of connection: “Two are better than PENTECOSTALLIFE.COM 35
one . . . For if they fall, the one will lift up his companion.”
Also, Barnabas invested time to dig around and fertilize the
“soil” of Mark, helping to renew his mind. Mark started out
as a quitter, but Barnabas connected with him and discipled
him, and he became useful for ministry. Our goal should be
to follow the example of Barnabas.

Connection is a primary theme throughout the Book of
Acts. Acts 2:46–47 reflects that the early apostolic church
found favor with all the people. This was accomplished
through connection: “Continuing daily with one accord
in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house”
in centrally located homes of believers. Hebrews 10:25
(ESV) reemphasizes the need for this: “Not forsaken the
assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some
is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye
see the day approaching.”

Obedience to Hebrews 10:25 by means of share points/
small groups is just as essential in this last day as it was in
the first-century church. This is the primary vehicle through
which discipleship, connection, and renewing the mind was
imparted to the early church, and it is the same vehicle for
impartation to the modern-day church. Due to the number
of broken and hurting people we must disciple today, dig-
ging and fertilizing should also be included in a ministry of
helps. “Social withdrawal” will never be eliminated from
the church but taking advantage of the essential components
mentioned above offers the opportunity for individuals to
make good decisions regarding their personal salvation. PL

JOEL L. WELLS

Licensed mental health counselor (LMHC)
Peer Counseling Director | Path Apostolic Church
Titusville, Florida | Pastor Jody Wells

PL ENGAGE|MENTAL WELLNESS

Anxiety BY
P. DANIEL
BUFORD

Objective: To understand how Jesus can be our Prince of Peace in our times of anxiety

ARE YOU FEELING A bit anxious? Are you struggling with anxi- us into a place of mental, physical, and spiritual rest. He is then
able to lift us up on His everlasting wings as He delights our soul.
ety? You are not the only one who sometimes feels a measure of
anxiety. Other people experience anxiety, even people who wrote Anxious comes from the Latin word anxius, meaning “concerned,
portions of the Bible. The psalmist wrote from experience; “In uneasy, troubled in mind.” The word anxiety comes from another Latin
the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight word angere or anguere, which is “to choke, squeeze, torment, or
my soul” (Psalm 94:19, NKJV). He experienced not just one, but cause distress.” In Anxious for Nothing, Max Lucado said “to choke”
a multitude of anxieties. is a good description of what anxiety can do to an individual. “It can
literally take your breath away—and your sleep, and your energy,
Someone wrote that when an individual is overwhelmed with and your well-being.” Lucado went on to say, “Anxiety and fear are
anxieties, God can calm him down and cheer him up. The author cousins, but not twins. Fear sees a threat. Anxiety imagines one.”
chose an interesting combination of words describing what God
can do for an anxious person—calm him down and cheer him The Anxiety and Depression Association of America explains
up. God can take us when we are in our anxious times and bring the difference between everyday anxiety and an anxiety disorder.

Everyday Anxiety Anxiety Disorder

Worry about paying bills, landing a job, a romantic breakup, or Constant and unsubstantiated worry that causes significant distress

other important life events and interferes with daily life

Embarrassment or self-consciousness in an uncomfortable or Avoiding social situations for fear of being judged, embarrassed,

awkward social situation or humiliated

A case of nerves or sweating before a big test, business presenta- Seemingly out-of-the blue panic attacks and the preoccupation

tion, stage performance, or other significant event with the fear of having another one

Realistic fear of a dangerous object, place, or situation Irrational fear of avoidance of an object, place, or situation that
poses little or no threat of danger

Anxiety, sadness, or difficulty sleeping immediately after a Recurring nightmares, flashbacks, or emotional numbing related

traumatic event to a traumatic event that occurred several months or years before

The wise man wrote, “Anxiety in the heart of man causes The first was to replace our anxiety with prayer, supplication, and
depression, but a good word makes it glad” (Proverbs 12:25, thanksgiving. Next he instructed us to make our requests known
NKJV). While anxiety is often a product of various factors, it also to God. He then assured us that the peace of God, which goes
is a cause of some, depression being a major one. beyond our feeble human understanding, would guard our hearts
and minds through Jesus Christ. Paul then gave us a list of things
Paul, in writing to the church at Philippi, gave good instruction to meditate on rather than on our issues and our anxieties: things
regarding anxiousness and anxiety that serves us well today. He that are pure, lovely, and of a good report. He instructed us to think
offered some great practical steps to combat anxiety in our lives.

36 MAY 2020

on things that were virtuous and praiseworthy. Next Paul offered of the Holy Ghost and we treat them as such. See
the practical instruction to simply practice the things we learned I Corinthians 19:6.
and heard from him and that we observed him doing—follow a • Eat well balanced meals. Don’t be a glutton. See Prov-
good example. In closing, he assured us again that the God of erbs 23:21.
peace would be with us (Philippians 4:6–9). • Get enough sleep. See Psalm 4:8.
• Exercise daily. See I Timothy 4:8.
Paul’s assurance of the God of peace being with us was not a There are some other actions the anxious individual can take.
last-minute addition to God’s plan but was built upon Old Testa- • Take deep breaths.
ment prophecies of the promised Savior. “For unto us a Child is • Slowly count to ten.
born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His • Give back to your community.
shoulder.And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty • Take time out.
God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His • Talk to someone. Talk to God and your pastor.
government and peace there will be no end” (Isaiah 9:6–7, NKJV). God has provided hope and a way out of our times of anxiety.
Through prayer, Bible study, and wise godly counseling each
Isaiah also offers us confidence in God’s gift of perfect individual struggling with anxiety can have hope. PL
peace, providing we keep our mind on God and not on our issues,
instead trusting in God. “You will keep him in perfect peace, P. DANIEL BUFORD
whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in
the Lord forever” (Isaiah 26:3–4, NKJV). Editor | Pentecostal Life | UPCI
Associate Editor | UPCI
Peter taught us great lessons of humbling, exalting, and
trusting when he wrote, “Therefore humble yourselves under Personal Application:
the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (I Peter 1. What is the difference between feeling anxious and feeling eager?
5:6–7, NKJV). We are blessed to be able to cast all of our care
on Jesus, knowing He cares for us. 2. What are some differences between everyday anxiety and an
anxiety disorder?
To exchange anxieties for prayer, supplication, and giving
thanks require the individual to actively cast down anxious thoughts, 3. What are some suggestions Paul offers in Philippians 4:6—9 to
bringing them into captivity and obedience to Christ. Paul gave help an anxious person?
clear help when he wrote: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do
not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are 4. What are some Scriptures that can help an anxious person
not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting achieve a positive, faith-filled attitude?
down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the
knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the 5. How can the invitation in Matthew 11:28—30 bring hope to an
obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience individual who wrestles with anxiety?
when your obedience is fulfilled” (II Corinthians 10:3-6, NKJV).
The facilitator’s guide and study guide for this session are available
Jesus understands our burdens, both mentally and physically. for download from pentecostallife.com.
He invited, “‘Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Notes:
Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for
your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light’” (Matthew
11:28–30, NKJV). He wants each individual to walk in rest and peace.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America also
offers the general public some tips on how to deal with stress
and anxiety. This author has added some comments in italics.

To strengthen your mind in dealing with anxiety,
• Accept that you cannot control everything. Understand

God is in control and you are not God. Relax in His
loving care.
• Do your best. But don’t let a failed attempt at perfec-
tion thwart your joy.
• Maintain a positive attitude. Use Scripture to encourage
you. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens
me” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV).
• Learn what triggers your anxiety. Take notes in a journal
to help you.
To place your body in a healthier position to deal with anxiety,
• Limit alcohol and caffeine. Our bodies are temples

PENTECOSTALLIFE.COM 37

Elements

is a revolutionary new convert's program
for the twenty-first century.

Every church wants to close the back door and retain those
new to the church. We invest in outreach events to attract
attention, and we work diligently to instill a culture of

friendliness and connection. However, retention requires
systematic teaching that grounds new people in the Word
of God.

Some churches have amassed materials from various
sources, and still others have developed tools in-house. All
of us need materials that cover Apostolic doctrine thoroughly
and represent our churches credibly.

That’s why there’s Elements.

Featuring four modules of six sessions each:

Module 1 – Foundational Elements
Module 2 – Transformative Elements
Module 3 – Doctrinal Elements
Module 4 – Lifestyle Elements

What’s unique about Elements?

1. Elements is built from a proven model.
The material is divided into modules using the outline and courses UPCI
General Superintendent David K. Bernard developed during his tenure of
planting a church that launched sixteen daughter churches.

2. Elements includes a module to help those new in the faith develop life skills for
overcoming the hurdles of their old lives.
People come into the church with addictions, stewardship problems, and
relationship turmoil. This curriculum includes a module early on to help new
believers deal with life issues from a biblical perspective to establish stability.

3. Elements features a format to involve newcomers in
self-discovery learning from God’s Word.
Questions about key passages of God’s Word prompt those new in the faith
to discover Apostolic truth for themselves rather than be handed down
information from someone else—with the aim in mind for them to embrace
truth permanently.

4. Elements brings a measure of excellence via first-class materials to underscore
the legitimacy and credibility of your church.
What we give to our newcomers speaks to the church’s image and its commitment
to invest in people. You don’t want to send the wrong message with low-quality
copies or a poorly presented graphic. Elements is professionally designed and
printed so you can be confident you’re sending the right message of a credible
church that newcomers can be proud to connect to.

Visit www.elementsofnewlife.com
for more information and to pre-order.

3



INFORM

IN THIS SECTION

BEAUTIFUL HUMILITY

LAURA NOËL 43

CREATING A SAFETY NET

RICK LOVALL 44

BRAZIL

AARON AND TIFFANY ANDERSON 45

DAYS OF PRAYER

FLO SHAW 45

PRAYER CLOTHS, INDEX CARDS, AND
SACRED OBJECTS

LEE ANN ALEXANDER 47

42 UNDERSTANDING
GOD’S WORD

By a diligent, humble,
multifaceted, and holistic study

of the biblical text, we can
understand God’s message to us.

BY DAVID K. BERNARD

PENTECOSTALLIFE.COM 41

PL INFORM

LEADERSHIP SPEAKS

UNDERSTANDING GOD’S WORD

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. (II Timothy 3:16)

THE BIBLE IS THE inspired, infallible Word of God, and our understanding of truth meaning of the text. On the other hand, we can-
not abandon the search for objective meaning.
must be grounded in Scripture. We do not have the liberty to import our ideas and We start by identifying and acknowledging our
philosophies into the text. Instead of adapting the Bible’s message to fit our precon- preunderstanding and then test it and correct it
ceptions and desires, we should seek to understand what it says in its literary, cultural, by our reading of the text even as we use it to
and historical context and then apply its message to our context. approach the text.

Author, Text, and Reader Hermeneutics includes both understanding
Traditionally, the goal of biblical interpretation is to ascertain the intention of the the Word and applying the Word, both exegesis
and exposition. Exegesis means to “bring out”
original authors of Scripture and ultimately the intention of God in inspiring the text. of the text the meaning the writers intended to
Some interpreters say we should focus only on the text itself, because the author’s intent convey to their readers, while exposition means
is impossible to ascertain otherwise. Both approaches assume that the text has objective to apply the text and its meaning to people today.
meaning and that the goal of interpretation is to ascertain that meaning. Exegesis is the proper basis for exposition.

Recent decades have seen the rise of postmodernism, which in its ultimate form holds We seek to understand what the biblical
that there is no such thing as objective meaning or absolute truth. Postmodern interpretation authors attempted to communicate as they were
asserts that the reader is integrally involved in the formation of meaning. Meaning resides inspired by the Holy Spirit. We also recognize
in the interaction of writer, reader, context, and society, and it is revealed by the impact that the Spirit inspired the message to apply
that the text makes on the reader. Postmodernism underscores an important point that is to future generations even beyond the full un-
often overlooked or discounted. That is, everyone comes to the text with presuppositions, derstanding of the authors. Thus, readers are a
assumptions, and beliefs. But postmodernism is too pessimistic about the possibility of the vital part of the process. We must be sensitive
text informing and correcting the reader. After all, authors write for the purpose of com- to the distance between the original literary,
municating their ideas, and if we abandon the attempt to understand their intention, we cultural, and historical context of Scripture and
undermine the very purpose of writing. Even postmodernist authors write in order to present the contemporary context. Through prayerful
their own ideas, not merely to provide a vehicle for readers to create their own meanings. study using various resources and references,
we must bring the two contexts together so that
As applied to the Bible, postmodern interpretation does not fully allow us to learn understanding, communication, and learning
truth, to receive a clear word from the Lord. God gave the Scriptures to lead us to salva- can take place.
tion, to prepare us for Christian life and ministry, to instruct and correct us as needed.
(See II Timothy 3:15–17.) These purposes cannot be fulfilled by a strictly postmodern Since God intended for His Word to profit
approach. Contrary to postmodernism, the Bible does make a claim of absolute truth. us through doctrinal teaching, reproof, correc-
tion, and instruction, we can indeed receive the
The Hermeneutical Spiral truth of God’s Word by the hermeneutical spiral.
To understand Scripture, we begin with faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, In short, by a diligent, humble, multifaceted,
and holistic study of the biblical text, we can
identify and examine our presuppositions, and approach the Bible humbly with an attitude understand God’s message to us.
of learning. We must allow the Bible to inform and transform our beliefs. As we interpret
the text, we modify our preunderstanding based on what we learn from the text, and Excerpted and adapted from David K. Ber-
then go back to the text for a fresh interpretation based on our modified understanding. nard, Understanding God’s Word (2005). PL
We continue until we perceive that our understanding fits the expression of the text. In
the process, we pray for the illumination of the Holy Spirit. DAVID K. BERNARD

This process is sometimes called the “hermeneutical spiral.” Hermeneutics means General Superintendent | UPCI
the science and art of interpretation. The process is like a spiral because the goal is to
get progressively closer to an accurate understanding as we continue to compare our
understanding with the text. On the one hand, we cannot avoid having a preunderstand-
ing. We cannot pretend that, without any self-analysis or reflection, our commonsense
reading of the text will directly and automatically lead us to a neutral, objective, timeless

42 MAY 2020

INFORM PL

WISE COUNSEL

BEAUTIFUL HUMILITY

MOST PEOPLE TODAY ARE strangers to humility: return to her daily activities with a sense of awe and authority that would even stop
Gervais in his tracks.
they seek to be the most, want the most, and
say the most. I’ve made a point to do something Yet this did not end the difficulties life continued to throw at RosaLee. She watched
about it. Being an early childhood educator as her adored father fail and leave the ministry. Her younger brother was killed in a train
well as a storyteller by nature, I use stories and accident. Gervais banned her family and church friends from their home. Her beloved
songs to keep my young audiences engaged. I’m mother suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Instead of wearing RosaLee down, these
hoping storytelling will help my young students continual struggles seemed to make her gentler and more loving but at the same time
to learn about the rare quality of humility. more confident and powerful.

Her name was RosaLee Ethel. She was I know this story well because it is my precious mother’s life story. I’ve watched
a beautiful, brown-haired girl, the eldest in a her wear humility like a beloved garment. She glows with true joy when her life brings
minister’s family. The family was not wealthy glory to God. Everyone knows when RosaLee steps into a room. The power and author-
and often gave what little they had for the “work ity that accompanies her make people stop and wonder. At seventy-two, my mother is
of the Lord.” As a young lady, RosaLee learned beautiful and serene. God’s presence surrounds her like a cloud because He has become
what it meant to serve and give of her time and her everything. He is her beloved Master; she is His humble servant. His Word is her
energy doing whatever needed to be done to life’s command; His work is her joy.
help her family and the church.
Recently I went home to visit my mother. She asked if I would like to go to the
As RosaLee entered high school, her beauty church for a time of prayer, and I gladly agreed. The church was empty and quiet. As
and sweet spirit captured the attention of the I began to walk the aisles and pray, I watched as RosaLee knelt, face lifted to Heaven,
handsome football captain. He seemed like such hands raised in honor of the One she loved so much. Tears streamed down her face as
a perfect catch! So, at sixteen years of age, she she began to tell Him how glorious and wonderful He is, bowing her face to the ground
married Gervais. This was a crossroad in her in awe and humility. I listened as she sang to Him and spoke beautifully in the Spirit,
life. On her wedding night, she learned she had words that only He could understand. This was their time together.
made a terrible mistake as her new husband
stayed out all night gambling. This was only My mother seems to embody the word “humility.” It is beautiful beyond belief—the
the beginning of sorrows. Gervais, having been understanding and relationship gained by a humble heart that trusts a God who knows
raised by alcoholic parents, had no idea what what is best for her life. Although they have walked together for so many years, she tells
love was. He cursed God as the reason for his me that every time she opens His Word she learns more about His glory and splendor.
rough childhood. This world has no hold on RosaLee. Long ago she humbly traded material wealth,
prestige, and position for treasures far more valuable.
As the years passed, all six of RosaLee’s
children watched the heartache and the hurt There is an epilogue to this story. A full life of humility has produced a bountiful
she endured. As life became harder and harder, harvest: Gervais was baptized in Jesus’ name. RosaLee’s father now lives in their home
she finally made a choice. I was too young to and they serve God together. All of RoseLee’s children are serving God, several of them
understand what she did, but I certainly wit- with active ministries.
nessed the outcome. Instead of bitterness and
complaint during Gervais’s anger and rage, I Everyone faces heartache and trouble. Our response to these things will bring us
would watch RosaLee go quietly upstairs to to the point of decision. Will we allow ourselves to be drawn closer to God, or will we
the children’s room and kneel down. Over and walk away from Him?
over she returned to that same posture and would
rise after a while with a shining face. She would Humility is beautiful. Humbling ourselves beneath the mighty hand of God brings
love, joy, peace, and all the gifts we need to be truly happy.

Humility is strength, not weakness.
Humility is divine ability, not incompetence.
Humility is confidence in God’s leadership in one’s life, not insecurity.
Join me in beautiful humility beneath the mighty hand of a loving God (I Peter 5:6). PL

LAURA NOËL

Pastor’s Wife | Life Church | Campbellton, New Brunswick, Canada | Pastor Michael Noël
Atlanta District Secretary | Ladies Ministries | UPCI

PENTECOSTALLIFE.COM 43

PL INFORM

FINANCES

CREATING A SAFETY NET

LIFE’S REALITIES MUST NEVER be ignored. Storms come. Tires blow out. Anniversary These ideas may seem impossible if you
have never established a savings plan. But re-
gifts need to be bought. Property taxes must be paid. How are you planning for these member it is much wiser to earn interest from
savings than to pay interest on credit card debt.
expenses? Building a financial safety net (i.e., establishing a savings account) will allow
Apps to Help You Save: Technology can be
you to pay for these future expenses without the anxiety of piling up credit card debt. a tremendous help when establishing a savings
plan. The following apps are highly rated in the
Future expenses can be sorted into two basic categories: planned and unplanned. financial management marketplace:
Planned expenses include everything you know you will have to pay for in the future.
These include anniversary, birthday, and Christmas gifts, upcoming vacations, annual • Mint—An app that is managed by In-
personal property taxes, summer youth camps, and even shoes that wear out. A good tuit, a popular financial, accounting,
indicator for knowing if you should save money for an upcoming expense is to ask your- and tax preparation software.
self, “Will paying for this out of my regular paycheck be possible without breaking my
bank account?” If you know that your checking account total will not cover these known • YNAB (“You Need A Budget”)—One
expenses, it would be wise to create a financial safety net that will help you pay for them. of the highest-rated personal financial
management apps on the market.
Unplanned expenses can include medical bills, vehicle and home repairs, even that
spur-of-the-moment offering for the single mom in your church who was laid off work. • Simplifi by Quicken—Supported by a
Wisdom instructs us to always be ready for emergencies. thirty-year history of financial software
management.
The Bible gives many examples of the benefits of planning for our financial future.
For example, “The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one • Personal Capital—Number-one rated
that is hasty only to want” (Proverbs 21:5). A diligent, well-planned approach to your app by Forbes.com for tracking and
finances will allow you to have enough saved up for when you need it. God used this very managing expenses and savings.
principle in the story of Joseph in the Book of Genesis when he interpreted Pharaoh’s dream:
• CashApp—The number-one rated app
Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him in the iTunes app store allows you to
over the land of Egypt. Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over spend, send, save, and invest.
the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous
years. And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and For Parents: Greenlight is a popular app for
lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities. teaching children how to save money. It allows
And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, parents to set spending, saving, and even chari-
which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine. table giving (i.e., tithing) limits for their children.
(Genesis 41:33–36) Teaching children the purpose and blessing of
saving money will benefit them their entire life.
Joseph instructed Pharaoh to save one-fifth (20 percent) of their income every year
for seven years so they would have enough to make it through the coming seven-year Like the rain, financial challenges come to
famine. Saving 20 percent of your income may seem impossible, but it is wise to start us all.Adiligent approach to money management
somewhere. The following tips will give you a formula for determining how much you will help you build a financial safety net, so you
should save each pay period for future expenses. are properly prepared for the storm.PL

Planned Expense Savings Tip: Make a list of every planned expense you will have RICK LOVALL
in the next twelve months. Divide that amount by your annual take-home income. What-
ever that percentage is, set that as your “pay period savings goal” for Planned Expenses. Assistant Director–Senior Loan Officer
Transfer that amount into a savings account every pay period and commit not to touch The Stewardship Group | UPCI
it until a planned expense is due.

Unplanned Expense Savings Tip: Think back over the previous five years of your
life. Make a list of every unplanned expense you encountered during that time period.
Consider which expenses could likely be repeated in the next five years. Add that amount
up and divide it by the amount of money you will likely make in the next five years. Like
the example above, consider setting that percentage of your paycheck back each pay period.

44 MAY 2020

INFORM PL

BRAZIL

LAST YEAR WE HOSTED an Apostolic Youth Corps (AYC) trip that resulted in

over forty-four receiving the Holy Ghost for the first time. Besides teaching in
our local Bible school, we attended several conferences, including the South
American Conference that was hosted in Bolivia. We have continued holding
services at our new church plant in the center of Sao Paulo, and one of our
faithful families asked if they could host a service in their home in the northern
zone of the city. We were thrilled that over forty people arrived for that service
with over half of them being first-time visitors! PL

AARON AND TIFFANY ANDERSON

Missionaries to Brazil, South America | Global Missions | UPCI

DAYS OF PRAYER

EACH YEAR DURING THE month of May there are specific days marked as days of prayer. It

is important for us to commemorate these days as we further advance the kingdom of God
through the dynamic power of prayer. Be sure to mark these on your calendar.

• May 7: National Day of Prayer (United States)
This involves mobilized united public prayer for America. The theme is “Pray
God’s Glory Across the Earth” based upon Habakkuk 2:14.

• May 8: Apostolic Day of Prayer
Apostolic organizations unite in prayer and worship.

• May 31: Global Day of Prayer
People around the world seek God’s blessings upon their lives and their world.

Let’s pray with a Mayday fervency on these days in May! PL

FLO SHAW

Director | World Network of Prayer | UPCI

PENTECOSTALLIFE.COM 45



INFORM PL

THE LAST WORD

PRAYER CLOTHS, INDEX CARDS, AND
SACRED OBJECTS

“LOOK,” MOM SAID, WAVING something green version of throwing paper or an object representing a personal struggle into a blazing
fire to visualize casting off weights and sins.
in my direction. “I just met Sue, a sweet lady
at the end of the hall past the therapy room. I imagine the Lord knew what we would need to fully experience the gospel
She gave me this card.” message when He called us to partake of the fruit of the vine and unleavened bread to
remember His sacrifice at Calvary (John 13). Moving beyond speech about intangible
I glanced over as Mom read from the beliefs and putting our hands on a visible object helps us mentally process our faith
Scripture handwritten on the green index card, in a way similar to how Jesus conveyed deep spiritual truths with practical parables.
but my mind was elsewhere. The nurses had
just allowed us back in the room after sharing The tension is real. We resist the mechanics of routinizing and institutionalizing
a concerning prognosis. faith; we like the Spirit-led aspect of the invisible and intangible. After successfully
converting hungry seekers from nonbiblical practices of other faith traditions, we
Mom, however, was locked in on the card. are careful to avoid the trappings of those groups who traded in biblical accuracy for
She continued, “Sue said she has to live here humanized observances. And yet my friend who is a first-generation Pentecostal tells
now because she can’t take care of herself me of her former faith tradition, “I miss the sacraments.”
anymore, but that she gives out these cards to
everyone she can as her ministry. I told Sue this I do not advocate for all the smells and bells of other faith traditions. I also don’t
card surely ministered to me today.” examine my bowl of cereal or plate of potato bites for a piece of food shaped like an
angel as a sign to buy my next car. But I am fairly certain my mother will hang on
I pictured Sue wheeling up and down the to our BELIEVE index card from Sue as we navigate this particular difficult season.
halls of the care facility, doling out green index
cards like a salesperson dispensing coupons. I believe God is bigger and more sovereign than the signs we ascribe to Him and
The difference was the message. On a day when more real than a physical object. Jesus critiqued the scribes and Pharisees who entreated
emotions weighed heavy and tough decisions Him for signs like they were parlor tricks instead of recognizing His lordship in His
loomed, Sue’s wobbly green letters on the in- presence, His Word, and what He had already done (Matthew 12:39; 16:4). We must
dex card, which might have been a nuisance be certain we seek Jesus and do not prioritize signs over the Lord Himself. The Spirit
to anyone else on any other day, comforted is in our hearts and at work all around us, and we should seek His presence directly.
us as we stared at her hand-sketched heading: Sometimes, though, it is just nice to put your hands on something that points you back
BELIEVE. to that larger truth that He is Immanuel, God with us.

I spent the better part of the spring of 2018 At times those touch points are the prayer cloths that convey faith and care to the
studying material religion—a term describing hurting. It may be in the sparsely worded text to let someone know you are praying for
sacred objects used by people of faith as part them. However, I wonder if the real sacred object is the believer herself. Like Sue, all
of their religious practices. I backed into the of us can be those instruments who point people back to God. We are living epistles
study because I didn’t understand why prayer known and read by others (II Corinthians 3:2), lively stones forming a spiritual house
cloths are approached so differently church to (I Peter 2:5–9), salt and light to the world (Matthew 5:13–14), and branches from the
church, and no formal research explained their vine (John 15). When we reach our hands to pray for and help the hurting, we become
biblical and historical roots. The study raised anointed vessels, sacred objects, to convey the Holy Spirit. PL
much broader topics.
LEE ANN ALEXANDER
Sociologists would suggest humans bet-
ter process abstract principles when they’re Associate Editor | UPCI
attached to physical objects. That’s why we
encourage early learners to baptize dolls in WHEN WE REACH OUR HANDS TO
Sunday school classes to conceptualize baptism,
and why many a youth camp has involved some PRAY FOR AND HELP THE HURTING,

WE BECOME ANOINTED VESSELS,

SACRED OBJECTS, TO CONVEY THE

HOLY SPIRIT.

PENTECOSTALLIFE.COM 47





FIRM BUNDLE

DO NOT BREAK