220424 AOC Sunday Report

Anglican Orthodox Church Worldwide Communion
First Sunday after Easter Sunday Report

This is the first Sunday after Easter; the Easter season is five Sundays, the last of which, the Fifth Sunday after Easter, is commonly called Rogation Sunday. Like every day, today we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, Christ the Lord IS Risen today!

On Point
Someone asked, where do the quotes come from? The answer is from the people who uttered them. But, how did you find them? Oh, that. Some from Bishop Jerry, many from Rev Bryan Dabney, a few from other places, but overall mostly from Bryan. He always has some great ones to share. On to the On Point quotes –

Theory
In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not.
Albert Einstein

A far larger question that explores the relationship between God and evil is… ‘Do you mean to tell me God is going to send some poor person in Africa [etc. to hell] for simply not believing in a Christ he never heard of?… I don’t believe God is going to send people to hell for their ignorance. Notice I didn’t say, ‘No I don’t believe they are going to hell.’ The Bible makes it clear that, when it comes to God, no one is ignorant… God has revealed by his creation that a divine Person created this world… [He] also has revealed Himself in the light of conscience… Everyone has been given a moral monitor that tells [them] that some things are right and some… are wrong… As a result, no one can claim ignorance… I have asked people from all over the world… this question: Have you ever done anything you believed was wrong? Every person has responded exactly the same way …’Of course, everybody has’… They know they have done things that were wrong. If, therefore, they condemn themselves, why should they be surprised if God condemns them.
James Kennedy
20th and 21st century American pastor, teacher and author
Skeptics Answered, pp. 118-120

We shall not grow weary of waiting upon God if we remember how long and how graciously He once waited for us.
Charles H. Spurgeon
19th century English pastor and author
Morning and Evening, p. 381

Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female.
Matthew 19:4
Propers
Each Sunday there are Propers: special prayers and readings from the Bible. There is a Collect for the Day; that is a single thought prayer, most written either before the re-founding of the Church of England in the 1540s or written by Bishop Thomas Cranmer, the first Archbishop of Canterbury after the re-founding.

The Collect for the Day is to be read on Sunday and during Morning and Evening Prayer until the next Sunday. The Epistle is normally a reading from one of the various Epistles, or letters, in the New Testament. The Gospel is a reading from one of the Holy Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Collect is said by the minister as a prayer, the Epistle can be read by either a designated reader (as we do in our church) or by one of the ministers and the Holy Gospel, which during the service in our church is read by an ordained minister.

The propers are the same each year, except if a Red Letter Feast, that is one with propers in the prayerbook, falls on a Sunday, then those propers are to be read instead, except in a White Season, where it is put off. Red Letter Feasts, so called because in the Altar Prayerbooks the titles are in red, are special days. Most of the Red Letter Feasts are dedicated to early saints instrumental in the development of the church, others to special events. Some days are particularly special and the Collect for that day is to be used for an octave (eight days) or an entire season, like Advent or Lent.

The Propers for today are found on Page 170-171, with the Collect first:

The First Sunday after Easter.
The Collect.

A
LMIGHTY Father, who hast given thine only Son to die for our sins, and to rise again for our justification; Grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always serve thee in pureness of living and truth; through the merits of the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today’s Epistle came from the First General Epistle of Saint John, the Fifth Chapter beginning at the Fourth Verse:

W
HATSOEVER is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

The Holy Gospel for this Sunday comes from the Twentieth Chapter of the Gospel of Saint John beginning at the Nineteenth verse:

T
HE same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Bishop Ogles’ Sermon
We are oft fortunate to get copies of Bishop Jerry’s sermon notes. Today is one of those Sundays. Today’s sermon starts off with the collect, and like always, it will give you a lot to consider in your heart.

Sermon Notes
Jesus stood in the midst
First Sunday after Easter
24 April 2022, Anno Domini

The First Sunday after Easter.
The Collect.

A
LMIGHTY Father, who hast given thine only Son to die for our sins, and to rise again for our justification; Grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always serve thee in pureness of living and truth; through the merits of the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

This prayer echoes the beauty of the resurrection of Christ. Had Christ only died for our sins, we would not have been benefitted with life; but He rose from the dead – and that makes our justification authentic. We, too, may enjoy life eternal through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. We are justified by the law by the death and resurrection of Christ because the sin-debt has been paid by Him. ALMIGHTY Father, who hast given thine only Son to die for our sins, and to rise again for our justification. The sinner is declared righteous through that righteousness of Christ who bore our sins. Therefore, we are justified and guiltless before the Lord. Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. (Romans 5:18) We are justified in Heaven by the penalty Christ paid, therefore, all charges are dropped, and we are without fault insofar as the Law is concerned.

Malice and wickedness are poisons which not only eat away at our souls, but enlarge themselves as a cancerous tumor. If they go un-weeded, they are just like the leaven that causes bread to grow larger than its unleavened ingredients would have done. Grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness. False doctrine, too, thrives on wickedness in the heart. Christ told His disciples to beware the leaven of the Pharisees which was false doctrine. Such false doctrine can be found in most churches in our day for we have abandoned the God of our fathers. Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. (Matt 16:6) How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees? 12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. (Matt 16:11-12) False doctrine puffs up a church or people. It makes them appear larger than they naturally should appear. The mega-churches of our day illustrate this very principle.

Without allowing Christ to rid our hearts of this wickedness and malice, we can do nothing worthy of a Christian disciple. “…that we may always serve thee in pureness of living and truth; through the merits of the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Remember that in our proper worship, we must no worship in truth ONLY. Nor must we worship in Spirit only, but in both Spirit AND in Truth! To live in pureness of heart, we must also live in the Truth of the gospel message. Jesus is the Way, but not the Way only. He is the Truth, but not the Truth only. He is the Life, but not the Life only – for He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! Does your life reflect this three-dimensional quality of Christ? Do you walk in the right Way in Truth. Do you walk the right Way in Truth and in the spirit of Life?

A
ND as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. 37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. 40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. 41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? 42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. 43 And he took it, and did eat before them. 44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. (Luke 24:36-49)

Today’s text expands upon the post-resurrection appearances of our Lord. In the present text, our Lord appears to the disciples who are secluded in a closed room (the door being shut according to St. John 20:26) of Jerusalem eight days following the resurrection. It is worthy of note that our Lord always includes all of the company gathered together if He will sup with them. On his first visit to the disciples in the room at Jerusalem, He did not sup with them for Thomas was absent. He supped with those gathered as a single company by the Sea of Galilee on another occasion; and He supped with the party of two at the home in Emmaus. So, here, He also sups with the gathered party as Thomas is also present. The Church partakes of the Holy Communion together.

Though most of this little group had been made aware of our Lord’s resurrection (except doubting Thomas), they were nonetheless full of worries and confusion. What did it all mean? Have we not all faced this same dilemma in our own lives when things simply do not make sense even if the revolting development was of God? But as we bear on course and weather the storm, the calm seas and following winds ahead reveal our successful arrival at our intended destination. Being of feeble understanding of the mysteries of the Spirit, we often need a little extra inspiration from our Lord. The grandest exultation of the Spirit may arise out of devastating circumstances. In all conditions, we may say together with Horatio Spafford – It is Well with My Soul!

As the disciples, being alone without the former physical presence of Jesus to direct them, pondered what comes next, a presence appears among them. Having experienced the same appearing only one week earlier, except Thomas, should not have been surprised. But we are slow of mind and understanding. The Lord often must teach us through constant reminders and repetition. Have you ever noticed how often the same lines are repeated in Holy Scripture? Why do you suppose that is the case? It is because repetition aids retention (a well known law of learning). And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. Have you considered how often this greeting is repeated in Scripture, or words to the same effect. It is a common greeting of Christ when men were frightened at the sight of Him walking on the Sea, or appearing behind locked doors. Remember the message of the Heavenly Angel to the shepherds overlooking Bethlemen at the birth of Christ, Fear not for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. When God appears to us, He never comes for the purpose of striking fear in our hearts. He always means goodwill to men. The fact that we may not recognize Christ walking beside us does not change the fact that He is indeed there.

But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. This reaction seems a bit trite after so many miraculous appearances of Christ to these disciples, but we are all often blind to His presence in the mundane nature about us. We are so accustomed to the barren wilderness we have made around us that the paradise of His presence before us seems odd. But our Lord nonetheless will alleviate our fears at each moment of their emergence. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. When our faith fails, He may bring solid, physical evidence to the bar to dispel doubt. But He always wonders why we are troubled since we believe in Him. If we believe enough, we should know that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are the called according to His purpose. (see Romans 8:28)

A great mystery, too, is revealed – not only in His physical appearance, but in His physical reality. The appearance of Christ to the disciples is not merely an apparition, but the Person and physical Body of the Lord. A spirit cannot be touched, handled, or possess flesh and bones. Jesus rose from the grave with a glorified Body that is mysteriously the same as that with which He was buried. We, too, shall rise with a like body. Though our bodies will be free of blemishes, scars and twisted limbs, His body will be the only one to retain the scars and piercings of His Passion for us.

That is simply too good to be true! is a common English expression. It most often does not indicate doubt of the goodness or joy of an event, but is intended to express the magnificence of it. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered. Unbelievable it was, yet they knew it to be real and yet wondered for the absolute grandeur of the reality. To further open their eyes to His physical presence, He next said unto them, Have ye here any meat? Now this last comment of our Lord makes me very happy. We shall enjoy eating in our resurrected bodies! If there is food in Heaven, it makes all of sense in the world that there shall be CHOCOLATE! And as much of that edifying commodity as the soul desires! To remove any remaining doubts of His physical being, our Lord actually eats with the disciples. And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them.

It is not enough to have read all Scripture, and to have it preached to us – we must UNDERSTAND that Scripture by the educating benefits of the Holy Ghost! And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, Regardless the number of times I have previously read and studied a passage of Scripture, my eyes are opened more widely with each subsequent reading. The Lord knows that our bottles can hold only so much water of life at one drinking, so He replenishes the bottle from His constant and abundant source so that our joy is multiplied by constant review and study. This does not happen in the study of chemistry or thermodynamics, but is a peculiar property of the Word of God. We may have the mental capacity and tools of knowledge to accomplish a task, but fail in our understanding of how to apply those qualities. So Christ OPENS our understanding of the Words we have read and studied through the agency of the Holy Spirit.

Now we could make an entire sermon on the next two verses: And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. The disciples had languished in abject sorrow and discouragement during the moments before the resurrection. They had no comprehension of the magnitude of the event that had transpired on a hill outside the walls of Jerusalem – the very Crux of all time and Eternity. So Christ consoles them with the reminder that all of these things had already been written and prophesied of His suffering and redemption for sinners. It is written. Again, the living Word of God is in the constant present – not past or future, but eternal presence – it is written.

It behoved Christ to suffer! That suffering of the unblemished and sinless Son of God on the Cross was the only means of paying our sin-debt. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23 (KJV) If we do not pay that debt, we need a qualified substitute to pay it for us, and there is only One qualified – the Lord Jesus Christ! The sacrificial death of Christ fell to His responsibility as a matter of Law and Command, of duty and equity. Because He loved us more than any such torment and suffering, He was privileged (in His own Mind) to suffer for our redemption. And there is another facet of His work that He mentions in the following remark: and to rise from the dead the third day: It is fairly obvious that exoneration from sin means little if there is no acknowledgement by means of reward. If we will die daily to self in repentance and truth in bearing our crosses in His trail, we will also enjoy that glorious resurrection whose path He blazed on Easter morning.

If we are made signatories on the bank assets of a corporation, our freedom to sign and to act is based upon the authority and good will on behalf of the corporation. The same is true when we act as emissaries of Christ – we act only upon His authority and will. Any action outside that will and authority is null and void. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. I believe that the great majority of ministers today have forgotten the principle of preaching ONLY in His Name! If we preach error in His Name, we bear a double measure of guilt before the Lord. It is not enough to preach using His Name, our preaching must be IN HIS NAME, i.e., every Word consistent with the Word of God. Wealth, health, and fame does not cut it; and neither does the preaching that denigrates the institution of God-ordained marriage between one man and one woman. Our preaching should appeal to the soul’s urgent desire to repent and turn from the old man’s way of sin. Incumbent, too, upon the minister and laity is the responsibility to reach all nations with the Gospel without dissent or discrimination (among all nations.) But, like the critic of his neighbor’s mote in the eye, we must shore up the beam in our own eye before correcting his shortcoming.

Love begins at home and, if there is no love at home, it is unlikely that any love can be showered from that home on the outside world. So preaching and teaching begins at home (Jerusalem) and then extends to the larger family beyond the walls of our homes.

Truly, we have heard and read the wonderful Words of Life from the Gospels, Epistles, prophets, Law, and poets of Scripture. We are witnesses of that same realized truth which the disciples came to know in our text today. And ye are witnesses of these things.

And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: What was the Promise of the Father? Was it not the same Promise of a Coming Seed of Redemption made to Abraham and the Church in the Wilderness? And all who believed that Promise, and believe today that Promise, are sons and daughters of Abraham and the True Church of Christ.

but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. The ‘buts’ of the Bible have profound impact. Remember the mighty Naaman? Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the LORD had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. (2 Kings 5:1) All of his honor, valor, and victories were nullified by that word BUT! The Apostles were of extraordinary courage, enlightenment and effectiveness as preachers and evangelists of the Word in the years following the Ascension of Christ; however, we are not empowered to act on our own, and neither were the Apostles. They were not yet ready and equipped for the dangers they would surely face. Tarry (wait) in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with the power on high. That power from on high was the Holy Ghost given at Pentecost, or Whitsuntide. If not inspired of the Holy Ghost, the most articulate and convincing of preaching is utterly useless.

Sermon – Reverend Jack Arnold – Time and Action
Church of the Faithful Centurion
Descanso, California
Today’s sermon brought the Collect, Epistle and Gospel together and is partly contained in the forewords above.

Consider these words from the Collect:

… given thine only Son to die for our sins, and to rise again for our justification; Grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always serve thee in pureness of living and truth…

In the Collect, we acknowledge by the sacrifice made on Good Friday by the One and Only Perfect Man, a single sacrifice, made one time, for all mankind, for all time by our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Christ of God, we have eternal life. Malice and wickedness are pervasive; like leavening, that is yeast, mixed into bread dough, they permeate our being, worming their way into the most remote corners of our souls, hearts and minds. Tiny, wanting only to be fed so they can grow and distort our being. We need God’s Help, in the form of the Holy Ghost, to root out all malice and wickedness so we might serve Him with pure souls, hearts and minds. Without that help, we are destined to fail. On the other hand, with God’s help all things are possible.

In his general Epistle, Saint John continues that thought that without God’s help, that is being re-born in Him, as Saint Paul says becoming or putting on the New Man, we are destined to failure. He points out that if we believe that Jesus is the Son of God, we will have overcome the world. He also says that those who do not believe on Him are lying to themselves. And lying to ourselves is never a good idea. Paul says that if we are to choose to believe either the witness of men or the witness of God, to believe that of God. God is infallible, versus men who are very much fallible.

Saint John makes it clear the entity we refer to as God is a Triune Being, that is Three in One; Father, Son and Holy Ghost. What he does not make clear is the relationship between the Three. He does not make this clear as we do not really need to know the relationship between the three. All we need to know is that God is comprised of three separate entities who are of one substance and form a single entity. Besides God and Jesus, the Holy Ghost is an important member of this entity. He is here to help give us God’s guidance and direction and understanding God’s will for us.

The Holy Ghost is not often talked about in the church, yet He is the key to understanding. God sent us the Holy Ghost that we might have:

• Comfort
• Understanding
• Patience
• Insight
• Perseverance
• Courage
• Sympathy

He is our key to finding Jesus in our souls, hearts and minds. Without His Guidance, Scripture seems a poorly written fairy tale, with His Guidance we find Truth, the Truth that is our Lord and Savior.

When John relates the story of Jesus coming in to the Upper Room, note three things:

• He came into a closed room in bodily form;
• Then gave them His Peace;
• He breathed the Holy Ghost upon them.

The entry into the closed room is of interest. When we leave the Shadowlands, we will gain an optimized body with shape and form, but as Jesus demonstrated things are different in the Real World. Different can be better or worse. In this case, He demonstrates the better. We will no longer be halt, blind and maimed, we will live as God has meant for us. Quite a nice feeling.

Jesus gave them His Peace. Not peace like world understands it, but God’s Peace. This is a totally different concept. A perfect and stabilizing peace, not what the World considers as Peace. The world and God have different idea of what is Peace. There will never be peace on Earth until the whole planet comes to understand the only true peace is God’s Peace. It is the only thing that can help the world, yet because they are blinded by the cares and riches of this world, they do not see it. Perhaps a few might escape the grasp of mammon to see it, but not a lot of people will sadly, as this requires them to willingly open their hearts to God and let the Holy Spirit in to bring that understanding of true peace to them.

His Peace is what will really help us. Jesus brings us, like those disciples, the peace of mind and soul which comes with giving all our worry, sadness and terror to Him. It is the knowledge that the enemy can only hurt our physical body, they cannot hurt or destroy our souls. We are safe in God’s grasp. We would do well to remember that whenever things get difficult.

He leaves in His wake not confusion, but order and wellbeing. With Him in our hearts we cannot fail at anything that needs be done. His Peace. This Peace is what we are looking for and have been looking for since we came into this world, for it is our passport out.

The Holy Ghost is the breath of life, not just physical, whereas to die is to give up the Ghost, which really means to have our soul leave our body for heaven. He is our spiritual life, for without Him in our souls, hearts and minds we cannot see the narrow road to the summit. Without Him we see only the broad even way which gently curves downward and gets smoother and smoother as it nears the Pit. The Holy Ghost is the key to knowing our Lord! He is our perfect vision in place of our defective natural vision, that will help us see the way.

Without the Holy Ghost, we are lost. With Him we find and join Jesus and are found. Then we can act accordingly and enjoy our time here on earth to the extent it is to be enjoyed.

Note the parting line of this Scripture: … He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whosesoever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whosesoever sins ye retain, they are retained. Jesus gave this power to those present, He did not establish an intermediary priesthood. The Triune God is the only one who has the power to remit us of our sins. And, He does when we ask and act in accordance with the request.

There is much joy and satisfaction to be found in proper action.

When the time comes, how will you ACT?

It is by our actions we are known.

Be of God – Live of God – Act of God

Roy Morales-Kuhn, Bishop and Pastor – St. Paul’s Anglican Church – Anglican Orthodox Church
Bishop Roy is pastor of the biggest AOC parish West of the Mississippi and is in charge of the Diocese of the Epiphany, as well as the Missionary Diocese of the Caribbean, Central and South America.

First Sunday after Easter
The Early Days
24 April 2022
Psalm 103 • Isaiah 43:1-12 • Luke 24:36-49

The First Sunday after Easter.
The Collect.

A
LMIGHTY Father, who hast given thine only Son to die for our sins, and to rise again for our justification; Grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always serve thee in pureness of living and truth; through the merits of the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The next couple of weeks in the church calendar will be some of the most contested events that the early modern church will have to defend.

The 40 days Christ was on earth AFTER his resurrection.

The ‘record’ is so sparse, a few references here and there, but no huge events that take up copy such as the crucifixion or his miracles, the feeding of huge groups of followers, etc.

And yet, there is enough of a record of Christ presence on earth after resurrection and before his Ascension, that we can defend the truth of his bodily rising from the grave.

It was not a swoon, not a body switch, not a stealing the corpse and putting in someone who ‘looks’ like Jesus, or any of the other conspiracies that were put forth by all the authorities at the time.

The Jewish political and religious interests had much to lose if Christ was indeed the Messiah. The centuries of control and corruption that pervaded the learned leaders and wise-men would all be swept away.

The struggle that is still being debated to this day, was/is Christ who he said he was/is?
If he could some how be debunked or dismissed as a fraud or charlatan, then all could be kept in status quo.

Here is the biblical record.

Some 500 people will witness the risen Lord during this 40 day period. These 500 people had seen Jesus before the crucifixion, many had witnessed his miracles, some had been healed of their illnesses by this very Jesus. So when it is written that at least 500 people bore witness to his living being AFTER the horrible death on the cross, it had meaning in the annals of the early church.

The next 40 days are critical to the narrative of the early church. It is during this time that Jesus instructs his followers as to the Way. He gives them ‘marching’ orders, that must wait to be opened after Pentecost. In the meantime, he comforts them, he communes with them during this time.

I would say this was the ‘seminary’ training for the disciples, this was their time to know the full measure of what Christ expected of them for the rest of their time here on earth.

I referred to the ‘marching orders’, that were not yet issued, this was what Christ meant when he told them to wait in Jerusalem for the Comforter. Christ was of course referring to the coming of the Holy Spirit.

Yes, there is quite a bit of activity in Jerusalem and nearby as Jesus wraps up his earthly ministry.

Ok, now the sceptic says ‘how do you know this Jesus is the One? The Word of God tells us so, some 400+ years before Christ came to earth.

Our Old Testament reading from Isaiah, Verses 9-12 read as follows:

L
ET all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth. 10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. 11 I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no savior. 12 I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.

Observe how well the early church functioned with just a few adjustments, I would say because Jesus left such good instructions. It would be later that St. Paul and St. Peter would have a rather heated discussion on the reception of new believers. Paul advocates for a whole human race gospel message of salvation, that is, one that reaches across the spectrum of humanity, not just for Jews. Whereas Peter tries to add conditions for the new believers, conditions that sound remarkable like the Pharisees, who most recently were involved in the death of Jesus.

Why? That will be a discussion for another time, needless to say, Paul’s view, which I believe was Christ’s view of salvation, will take hold of the early church.

Doing what Christ wants us to do. How do we do this?

Ok, now that should be easy. Ah not so fast, believer. Life gets in our way. There are so many things that “must” be done every day, there are so many “crisis” that come up every day, so much that gets in the way of the WAY. We need to have a priority.

A. What do we do first, every day? Do we talk to God? Do we praise Him for our being?

B. What should we do first, every day? Do we thank Him for his Only Begotten Son, our Savior?

Think about the collect of Grace from our Morning Prayer. It encapsulates our to thanks God for a safe night of rest.

O
LORD, our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, who hast safely brought us to the beginning of this day; Defend us in the same with thy mighty power; and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that all our doings, being ordered by thy governance, may be righteous in thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Now to continue with our lesson today:

We read what Jesus did while he was here on earth those three and a half years of his public ministry. He would take the time to be apart from the crowd.

Sometimes this included being apart from his best friends, the disciples. He would retreat, ‘come apart’ to a quiet place where he would pray, commune with the Father and most likely take up the concerns of those he was working with during that earthly ministry. How do we know this?

Notice after a very active couple of days Jesus went on a private retreat. (Mt. 14:23) Luke 6:12 was another time Jesus went to find solitude and pray. We find many references to this activity by Jesus, a time of solitude, peace, and as a reminder we can think of what David wrote. Be still and know that I am God.

This taking the time to be disconnected from the rush and tumble of the every day world is important. It is very important to our spiritual health. We need to take time to reflect on God’s Holy Word. Read and inwardly digest the Word. That spiritual diet is important to our spiritual health and growth, just as food and drink are necessary for our physical bodies, so too is our spiritual food important.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and , lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world (Mt. 28:19-20)

That my friend was the direct instruction from Christ. We are to reach any and all who will listen and come to the Lord. We are not to restrict, encumber, limit, hold back anyone who will come. All are invited and yet only some will respond. That is not our issue. We are to reach out, we are to show by example in our daily lives, we are to GO. When do we stop? When He comes again. …unto the end of the world can also be translated as the end of time.

That is both geographic and historic. To the end of time could be another way of reading that last verse of Matthew’s gospel. We are to keep on keeping on, until tomorrow is come.

And finally, the following verses are Christ’s certification as to who he is/was/and is to come.

If you match this following passage with the readings from the Psalm 103 and Isaiah there is a seamless match. Christ is who is says he is. He is who was prophesied by David and Isaiah, he is the One who came to be the Savior of all. He will forgive the sins of those who repent, he will be the One who stands in the halls of history for all to see; the King of kings, the Lord of lords.

And He shall reign forever and ever. Below is that witness from Christ during those 40 days he strengthen and certified those believers who say him with their own eyes.

A
ND he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

It is because we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, we can believe. We know He lives, because those who were with him testified to his resurrection. We know He is now siting at the right hand of God the Father and that one day, He will return again. Amen and amen.

Let us pray,

O
LORD Jesus Christ, who didst endure unto the end, and whose courage never failed in the midst of great dangers: Grant that inspired by Thy example I may trust completely in Thy promise to be with me even unto the world’s end, and that so, amidst all dangers I may have a heart inflamed by Thy courage, and a spirit inspired by Thy faith; through Thy mercy, O our God, who art blessed, and dost reign, and govern all things, world without end. Amen.

T
HE Lord bless us, and keep us. The LORD make his face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. The LORD lift up his countenance upon us, and give us peace, both now and evermore. Amen

G
LORY be to the Father, and to the Son * and to the Holy Ghost; * As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be * world without end. Amen.

T
HE grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen.

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Rev Bryan Dabney of Saint John’s Sunday Sermon
We are fortunate to have Bryan’s Sunday Sermon. If you want people to come to The Truth, you have to speak the truth, espouse the truth and live the truth. This is really a good piece and I commend it to your careful reading.

First Sunday after Easter

In Revelation 1:4-20 we were given the apostle John’s commission to the seven churches which are in Asia. Our Lord instructed him to, Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter (v.19). Throughout the pages of the Bible, God used the prophets, and later the apostles, to proclaim his intention to bring an end to the wicked powers which even now control our world.

In the Old Testament, the LORD gave the prophet Amos to write: Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets (3:7). To the prophet Isaiah he said, Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses…(44:8). And to the people through the prophet Zechariah he asked: Should ye not hear the words which the LORD hath cried by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity… ? (7:7)

While in the New Testament, our gracious and loving God supplied the authors of the canonical books with a continuation of the same. In Matthew’s gospel, our Lord prophesied concerning the end of days (24:1-24), in his detailed account of future events which would come to pass prior to his glorious appearing. Afterwards, he reminded the disciples, Behold, I have told you before (v.25) signifying he had discussed such things with them earlier in his ministry. Paul informed the faithful they should, not be soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand… for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed… (II Thessalonians 2:2-3)

Peter noted in his first epistle, the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer (4:7). And St. Jude admonished all to, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts (vv.17-18).

The Bible tells us that, All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (II St. Timothy 3:16-17). And so it follows, that the Book of Revelation— like every other book of the Bible— has been given to us for our edification and enlightenment. Unlike the Old Testament Book of Daniel, it is not a sealed book (22:10) as our Lord would have us read it for our eternal good (Revelation 1:3).

With that in mind, let us examine the messages he gave to the beloved apostle concerning the seven churches of Asia Minor as noted in the Book of Revelation.

To the church at Ephesus (2:1-7), our Lord applauded their works and their patience and how they had rejected the false and deceptive among them. He also chided them for their turning away from their first love. As Matthew Henry noted, “Those who have much good in them may have something much amiss in them, and our Lord Jesus, as an impartial Master and Judge, takes notice of both.” It would seem that in their zeal, the Christians at Ephesus had lost sight of the purpose for their zeal. This is something every believing church body must watch diligently over. The object of our worship is God through our faith in his only begotten Son. Our works are meaningless without the imprimatur of Christ upon them as we are supposed to be working on his behalf for his glory and our eternal good. The flame of our faith is meant to illuminate others. But if we are thus working for ourselves, our flame will be faint. And a diminishing flame of faith will be extinguished by the Master as he will come and take away our church’s candlestick, which means that he will remove his Spirit from us and render our works of no effect.

The church at Smyrna (2:8-11) was recognized by our Lord to be a faithful body of believers who were under persecution. He advised them to, Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer (2:10). Those who face persecution are often burdened with fearfulness, and fear can diminish faith if it is allowed to grow within the body. Our Lord’s victory at the cross vanquished the fear of sin and death, and so it is fitting that all who are born again in his name are also victors with him and co-heirs of God’s kingdom. Therefore, our Lord expects us to live that victory which he has won for us on Calvary’s cross even in the face of adversity.

The church at Pergamos (2:12-17) was chided by our Lord for its embrace of the doctrines of Balaam, and the Nicolaitanes. The former involved the worship of idols and included many false teachings relative to worship and church order. The latter speaks of the formalizing of a priestly hierarchy which lorded over the people. Our Lord desires that we reject those human traditions which violate his word and commandment. We are expected to worship the Godhead in reverence and true holiness. We are also expected to adhere to the established order for the administration of the word through the offices of bishop, priest or presbyter, and deacon. Consider the admonition of Bishop Ryle: “We must be careful that we do not give ministers a place and honour which does not belong to them. We must never allow them to come between us and Christ. The very best are not infallible. They are not priests who can atone for us. They are not mediators who can undertake to manage our soul’s affairs with God. They are men like us, needing the same cleansing blood, the same renewing Spirit, men set apart to a high and holy calling, but still, after all, only men. Human nature, alas, always prefers a visible minister to an invisible Christ. Nor must the minister, or any Christian, desire to be great in the eyes of men, but rather great in the eyes of Christ. His aim must be not so much to rule the church as to serve it, not a master but a servant.”

The church at Thyatira (2:18-29) was a mix of the profane and the godly. Our Lord recognized their good qualities and rebuked them for permitting their faith and practice to become linked to harlotry and idolatry. There is no substitute for offering God what he expects. Denying our Lord the proper worship he desires will not bring us a blessing but something far less. The introduction of women priests, and other persons with sordid and licentious beliefs can only mark a church body as being more akin to Sodom than to Christ.

The church at Sardis (3:1-6) was referred to as partly dead and partly alive. Our Lord advised them to be watchful and strengthen the things which remain. A dead church will not listen to our Lord Jesus Christ because Satan has gotten a foothold there; while those who are alive will heed his calling. The dead church is liken unto those whited sepulchres which our Lord preached about in Matthew 23:27-28 as they may outwardly appear pleasant, but are inwardly full of dead men’s bones. These churches contain many spiritually dead souls who are pretending to be alive. Their lack of knowledge concerning basic Bible doctrines along with their acceptance of false teachers and ministers reveal them to be more akin to mausoleums rather than folds of the living Christ.

The church at Philadelphia (3:7-13) was blessed of our Lord on account of their true and abiding faith in him. All who worship the Godhead in Spirit and in Truth, who heed his warnings and trust in his word will one day receive his reward of an open door and his divine preservation from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth. Our Lord has said that evil shall not prevail against his church, and in that we should take much comfort. Keeping ourselves in God’s word and remaining faithful to its teachings will open the door of God’s blessings. And we also have the added benefit of being kept from the terrible time to come when the whole world will fall under Satan’s great deceiver— the Antichrist. When others are falling away, we will remain faithful and safe in his hand.

The last church mentioned was Laodicea (3:14-19). It was rich in the things of this world and believed it needed nothing else. But to our Lord, it was, wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. Those of Laodicea were— as their name is interpreted— judges unto themselves concerning the things of God. The current version of Laodicea is no different. Nevertheless, if Laodicean Christians think that they can manipulate Scripture to suit their jaded opinions and earthy desires, it will not be long before they fall completely away from their standing as a godly church, and thus be transformed into a synagogue of Satan.

The seven churches are seven witnesses on behalf of our Lord. Most bear a warning that our Lord intends to judge disobedience and human willfulness with severity. Today, we have a choice to take to ourselves those godly characteristics of the seven churches of Asia and live by them, or else succumb to their several evils and perish. God has given us his word, so there is no excuse for those who fail to follow it. Purpose then in your heart to be obedient to God’s word written so that you might have life and have it in abundance.

Let us pray,

F
ATHER, assist us as we walk the pilgrim’s path of this mortal life; that in all things we might stand for the truth of thy word written and reach out to others that they too might do the same; for this we ask in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Have a blessed week,

Bryan+

People in our Prayers – http://faithfulcenturionprayerteam.blogspot.com/
Why? Prayer is an extremely important activity.
It is not that God knows not our needs, for He surely does. Yet, Jesus commanded us to ask God for those same needs. In addition to the obvious of asking God for help, offering thanksgiving and the like, prayer helps us focus our thoughts on how we might do God’s work.

The Prayer Team of the Anglican Orthodox Church was established to help our members and fellow Christians pray for those in need and to give thanks as well for the blessings we have been granted.

Who can be on the list? Do I have to be a member of the Anglican Orthodox Church to be prayed for?
No! The only qualification to be on the list is that you want our prayer team to pray for you. We are Christians and are happy to pray for you, no matter who you are. If you want help from God, you are our kind of people.

What is the commitment from the prayer team?
Each member of the team will pray for the desired outcome at last once per day.

How do I get myself or someone else on the prayer list?
You can email one of the prayer team leaders: Jack – jack@faithfulcenturion.org or Dru – dru@ faithfulcenturion.org, or call the office at (619) 659-3608 or fill out a prayer card at your church.

What should I ask for?
Depends on what you want. Some people merely want God to be asked to heal their ills and be mentioned by their first name, others want a specific outcome and / or have more of their personal information known to the team. Ask for what you want. It is your desire and need for prayer the team is attempting to meet. For typical examples, see the list below.

Updating the Team
If you are on our prayer list, or if you have submitted a person that you have asked us to pray for, please update one of the team members or Hap in person, by telephone or email. It helps to be able to pray specifically for these individuals including their specific needs; plus if they get better, it is our happy duty to give thanks!

Please note that on the yellow (maybe green or orange if you get an old one) cards at church, you can ask that those to be prayed for have their names disseminated to the prayer team. Those names will be said in church and appear here. Or, you can ask that their names and purpose be kept confidential, then only Hap will know to pray for them.

Prayer List Notice – If you have someone on the prayer list and their needs have changed, please let us know. We’d like to update our prayers to reflect the need and most important to give thanks!

Corona Virus
With most of the world on some form of restriction, we ask you pray for the governments be guided into appropriate reaction and scientists find cures and vaccines and that the virus pass each of us by.

Laurie is hospitalized with post-Covid lung damage, dizziness, falling, blacking out and loss of time relation. Please pray that they find a cure for these problems for Laurie.

Four of the kids from Bishop Jerry’s home parish have come down with Covid. Please pray for their complete and rapid recovery, as well as to know what treatment they need.

Sandra (63) and her two grandchildren. Sandra and her daughter live in New York and recently got Covid requiring hospitalization and ventilators in ICU. Sandra’s daughter died in ICU and Sandra pulled through and is now home. She is coping with traumatic grief, as she did not get to see or get to be near her daughter in her time of need, confusion on how to proceed on providing for and protecting her and her grandchildren who are teenagers. Please pray for the Lord’s comfort in

Bishop David Pressey and his wife Elizabeth, from St. George’s Anglican Church of Ventura are recovering from Covid. Please pray for their complete and rapid recovery, as well as to know what treatment they need.

Laurie, daughter of Jim and Mary Lou Flanagan – Loss of Lung Function

Bill Hall is still having difficulty breathing and with his ability to move about.

Kai Mandella – Loss of Lung Function

Donald and his family. Donald has Covid, is medically sedated, and has been on a ventilator for a number of days. He makes a little progress and then experiences a setback. This had been a rollercoaster pattern now for a while. Please pray that our Heavenly Father will restore him to health and that He will meet the emotional and financial needs of the family at this time. Donald has a wife and four children.

Travel
No known travel this week.

Birthdays
Dru Arnold celebrated her 67th birthday on 2 February 2022, she saw her shadow, so there will six more weeks of winter, Southern California style, that is lows in the mid-thirties, highs around 60°F.

Jim Flanagan celebrated his 83rd birthday 12 January 2022.

Departed
Pastor William Siraj was murdered and Reverend Patrick Naeem badly injured in a machinegun attack in Pakistan 30 January 2022, a constant reminder of the forces in this world arrayed against Christ.

Immediate Prayer Please
Tricia Marie is recovering from a stroke on 11 December 2021, and is still plagued with vision loss from the stroke and the terrible headaches which had been bothering her for months since she got the Moderna vaccine. She has had almost no real sleep or rest for months. Please pray for relief from the headache, nausea and pain and rest for her, for guidance for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating her and a full and rapid recovery, for peace of mind for her and her family.

Shamu is totally exhausted, but in relatively good spirits. Shamu has a terrible headache, is in a lot of pain; feels like she has been stabbed, totally exhausted and weak, but her faith is incredibly strong. She asks you pray for guidance for the medical people helping her. After 34 surgeries, she is quite very weak, but strong in her trust in our Lord as she goes through this difficult time. She needs your prayer. Please.

Tommy Cook is beset by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Congestive Heart failure. It seems there is little that can be done except fight a delaying action against the aggressive pair. At present it seems like the only avenue open is a heart lung transplant and little chance of that. He asks you pray for guidance for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating him and th miracle of a full and rapid recovery, for peace of mind for him and his family. He is a very strong Christian and has no concern for himself, but for his wife, children and mother.

Deborah Drucilla, sister of Bishop Jerry, is hospitalized with a number of issues including blood clot in her liver. Please pray for guidance for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating her and a full and rapid recovery, for peace of mind for her and her family.

Brady on the way to enter the armed forces in Virginia Beach, got in a horrible tragic car accident that required surgery to restructure his foot, and back surgery to relieve pressure on his spine and repair the breaks. Please pray for his parents, and that he, unsure of what his future will hold, will understand the Lord Jesus Christ holds his future and He will not fail nor forsake him.

David Connis has Stage Four colon cancer, he can no longer do chemotherapy and has switched to immunotherapy in the hope of surviving to participate in an experimental program in December. Please pray for strength and guidance for him and his nine year old daughter, as well as what we consider a good outcome.

John Crawford, of Tennessee, is in ICU for treatment of pancreatitis. Please pray for guidance for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating him and for peace of mind for John and his family and for a good result.

Lori Barnett had a large mass in her abdomen surgically removed which turned out to be cancerous. She has begun chemotherapy. Please pray for the cessation of pain and discomfort for her and for her to tolerate the chemotherapy.

Major Tom Connell, a good friend of Hap Arnold, surgery on 25 February 2022, for abdominal cancer to remove a tumor. Tom now needs surgery for the cancer which has spread to his liver and he will need more chemotherapy which is difficult for him to tolerate. Please pray successful surgery and pray for a full recovery and remission. Tom is a good guy and a faithful Christian, please pray he will be able to weather this storm and God will provide comfort to him and his family

George Gunn, a dear friend of Bishop Jerry, is in hospital with several afflictions, most serious is MRSA. He and wife Becky ask your prayers for healing.

George Johnson, MD, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. From Dr. George Hardin Johnson, I need all my friends and prayer warriors to pray for me, that the new chemo pill (meds) that the doctor ordered will be use mightily by the Lord Jesus to heal my body. Pray that there will be no side effects and my body can handle the meds. Thanks and God bless you all for your prayers in the mighty name of our Savior the Lord Jesus Christ. We know God is in full control and we are trusting in Him to give George a complete healing!

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell. Healthy plasma cells help you fight infections by making antibodies that recognize and attack germs. In multiple myeloma, cancerous plasma cells accumulate in the bone marrow and crowd out healthy blood cells

While there is no cure for multiple myeloma, the cancer can be managed successfully in many patients for years; the average life expectancy is 4 years. However, some people beat the odds and live 10 to 20 years or more.

The most common cause of death related to multiple myeloma is infection, with pneumonia being the most common fatal infection. Other common causes of death are bleeding (from low platelet counts), complications of bone fractures, kidney failure, and blood clots in the lungs.

Hank Mook recently had surgery on a five inch rare pleomorphic non-small cell lung carcinoma which was removed along with a lung lobe, it had not spread. He will need chemotherapy which will begin 5 April 2021. The family is asking for prayers for complete healing. Praising God for successful surgery. Please pray for trust in God, comfort and strength for Hank, his wife Patti and family as they go through the time ahead.

Rev Jack Andrews, his family and all those living in Fiji Islands just went through a Category Five Cyclone with another one coming their way. They were a month without electric, however, they did have solar power so they were able to make it through the month without incident and are preparing for the next event. Please pray for them to make it through the next storm safely.

Howard Tatum, a good friend of Bishop Jerry, has been hospitalized with heart problems. Please pray the people treating him will be open to God’s guidance, pay attention and do their very best to help him. Pray he and his family will keep their trust in our Lord and not worry.

Greg was in an explosive work accident leading to burns over 65% of his body. He is in the hospital and will be for months. Also pray for his mother, who recently lost her husband and now is overseeing her son’s care; she is disabled and in a wheel chair.

Lauralee Meade has tested positive for Covid 19; she is only moderately concerned as she has no symptoms. She asks you pray she stay that way and test negative so she can visit her mother. Please pray also for a complete remission of her cancer. Pray also Lauralee will maintain her great attitude and trust in God.

Inga, the wife of Tore, requests prayer for her husband in Norway. He is awaiting surgery for a heart valve and kidney transplants. He is nearing surgery. Please pray for trust in the Lord for her, her husband and family and friends who are so very worried about him. Pray also for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating him that they might be open to God’s guidance for treatment, pay attention and do their very best to help him. Pray for a good outcome.

Kathy Harasimowicz, Amy Jamieson’s aunt, had emergency back surgery on 12 October 2020. The discectomy surgery seems to have gone well, she has some nerve damage to her foot and leg which are numb for now, but the only pain is the incisions; she is pleased. She is the sole breadwinner for her family with many obligations, financial as well as mental. Please give thanks for the good outcome and pray she will continue her recovery.

Angela Walker has Covid and has been hospitalized and currently is in the ICU doing poorly. Please pray for trust in the Lord for her, her husband, two young children and family and friends who are so very worried about her. Pray also for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating her that they might be open to God’s guidance for treatment, pay attention and do their very best to help her. Pray for a good outcome.

Rhonda, a close friend of Angie Colgrove, has Invasive Ductal Breast Cancer . Please pray for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating her that they might be open to God’s guidance, pay attention and do their very be Please pray for peace of mind and trust in God for Rhonda and her family.

Elizabeth Pressey, wife of AOC Bishop Dave Pressey, is seriously ill. Please pray for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating her that they might be open to God’s guidance, pay attention and do their very be Please pray for peace of mind and trust in God for Elisabeth, Dave, their son Eddie and family.

Zephaniah Leguman – the Iron Bishop of the Pacific – has been diagnosed with a serious eye affliction that could lead to blindness. It presently stop deteriorating and seems to be improving. Please give thanks for this positive movement and pray the condition will continue to abate.

Gary Anderson of Enterprise has been hospitalized with unknown illness. He requests prayer for diagnosis and healing.

Jim Flanagan went into the hospital to shed a kidney stone, he ended up in ICU, why is not yet clear. He needs God’s help to recover and get out. Please pray the medical people treating him will pay attention, do their very best and be open to God’s guidance. Pray also the ‘insurance’ people will pay what they are supposed to and not turn their hearts against Jim. Please pray for James and his lovely wife Mary Lou to put their worry on God’s back and do what must be done.

Laurie, Jim and Mary Lou Flanagan’s daughter, came through Covid, but is left with permanent lung damage. Please pray for healing for her and for guidance for the medical personnel treating her to pay attention and do their very best, as well as to be open to God’s guidance.

Corrie Marsh, daughter of Ida Benson, is facing serious medical procedures in coming days. Please pray for trust in God for Corrie and her family and for the doctors, nurses and technicians to pay attention and do their very best, as well as to be open to God’s guidance.

Cyrus has blood cancer and is very very ill. Please pray the doctors treating him will pay attention and do their very best. Pray also for comfort and peace for Cyrus and his family; pray that if it not be that he will recover that he past restfully to home.

Evelyn, an 88 year young woman is losing her eyesight to glaucoma. Evelyn has been transferred to a rehabilitation facility and is not doing well due to the virus restrictions, she cannot receive visitors even her family. Evelyn, even with hearing aids does not hear well and cannot see well, so she is discouraged without her family around her. She feels all alone and her family is very concerned. Please pray for God to guide those treating her and for her to let God carry her worry.

Jill was on life support; her family members traveled a great distance to see her and returned home safely. Jill’s condition improved to critical, but needs your prayers to continue her recovery.

Samson Hendrik has prostate cancer and his kidneys are not working. Pray our Lord Jesus Christ will be close to him and his family of friends during this illness.

In need of a miracle or understanding of God’s Plan
Joey Angelica is a recovering addict with liver cancer and diabetes, he lost his job during the plandemic, then found out he has liver cancer. He is a very strong Christian, he and his friend Vicki ask that you pray for his recovery and continued trust in God.

Michael Baran – End stage congestive heart failure. 20 March 20 at 10:56 AM To all my friends and family I had to go to the hospital in Rochester NY where I had my implant mechanical heart assist pump placed in my abdomen. I have end stage heart failure. On Wednesday I had to go to the hospital I was in need of a wheelchair I was very weak and I needed to have someone push me because I got short of breath, and I was so weak, I needed assistance to get up out of the wheelchair. I had to do a walk test and I had to have help to stand up my blood pressure was so low. I fell back In to the wheel chair. I tried to walk after they got me up and was able to use the hand rail and walk about a hundred feet there were two aids behind me I had to stop and nearly collapsed. They kept me from going down. After all the tests were done the Nurse practitioner reviewed over the results. I had one valve replaced about 6 months ago. But now the other 3 are leaking, there is not much they can do for me.

Yesterday I prayed that if God didn’t need me here. to take me home. I long to be free of this old body and to see my Lord, my family and friends that have gone on to their rewards, to be with them evermore. I told the Lord if he needs me here then he needs to renew my strength so that I can walk.

I woke up this morning and felt good. I got up to go to the bathroom and to my surprise I did not struggle to stand up!!! I actually walked to the bathroom without a walker. I am back in bed crying as I write this to you as the Holy Spirit brought to my mind Isaiah 40:31 ..Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength and shall soar on wings like eagles they will run and not grow weary they shall walk and not faint.

I have been unable to walk more than 100 ft or so, for the last six months in the last two weeks my oxygen saturation was as low as 74 and unable to walk without a walker. have a lift chair-recliner in the TV room. I am now able to get up without it.!!!

My God is an awesome God he has heard my prayers and has indeed strengthened me.!!!

Janine Alvarado’s daughter has what appears to be terminal cancer, she is in much pain, in and out of the hospital. She asks that you pray for a miraculous recovery for her daughter and if that not be God’s will, a safe passing home. She asks you pray also for peace of mind and strength for both of them.

Neal has heart problems and is very weak, he also has COPD, kidney problems, his potassium is too high, he came back from the point of death. He is now home and permanently on oxygen. He is doing well, for that he and his family are grateful and ask your thanksgiving prayers. More importantly, please pray Neal will accept salvation through our Lord and Savior.

Paul is in hospice and ready to meet His Lord. Please pray for Paul as he prepares to go home to be with his family who have gone before him. Pray for the faith of his family to build and the transition to be good.

Dot is an elderly woman with liver cancer. Please pray for Dot as she prepares to go home to be with her family who have gone before her. Pray for the faith of her family to build and the transition to be good.

Mrs. Tiffany (90) has chosen to refuse extraordinary care as it will not gain much earthly time. The Tiffanys have been together for a long, long, long time. Pray for Mrs. Tiffany and her husband as together they begin this Journey to be with their Lord.

Saundra is in ICU with congestive heart failure after a heart operation. She is aged and frail. Saundra is near the end of her time here on earth. Please pray for comfort, understanding, strength and guidance for Saundra and her family who will of necessity remain behind. Pray for the love of God to stay foremost in their hearts.

Polly is in hospice care with dementia and spinal stenosis. Please pray for her as she prepares to go home to be with her family who have gone before her. Pray for the faith of her family to build and the transition to be good.

Ron had a Heart Attack, at the hospital he found out he also has Kidney Cancer. He is a man of faith and is in need of prayer for his health and that the Lord will provide strength for his family.

Krysti is off life support and able to talk, please give thanks for the good news. She is still unable to feel her legs. When that comes back she will go to a rehabilitation facility. Krysti has used drugs, has high blood pressure, is diabetic and has organ failure. Her families are with her and will appreciate your prayers.

Pat has metastatic osteosarcoma; there is little that can be done. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that Pat’s remaining time here on earth might be good. Help Pat and family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror.

Amy has been diagnosed with metastatic melanoma and has cancer all over her body, and in one of her kidneys which are no longer functioning. Amy and her family have asked for prayer to stop the growth and to aid the family financially with the medical bills. At present she has to have surgery every two months to place stents. Pray Jesus will be close to all.

Gemma Dillinger has been treating for breast cancer for over a year now, after surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy, she is reaching the limit of her tolerance with no end in sight. Please pray for her to gain strength and ground on the cancer. Help her to continue with her faith in our Lord, she is not afraid to go home, but wants to make sure it is time. Pray she will be encouraged to not give up until it is her time to go and that her time here on earth with her family will be good.

Janet has had a blood borne cancer for several years. Her faith in the Lord is great and she is ready to be with Him. Pray she will be encouraged to not give up until it is her time to go.

Holly has had Colon Cancer, Breast Cancer and now it is in her spine. Please pray for guidance for the medical personnel treating Holly, for a miraculous remission; that Holly’s remaining time here on earth might be good. Help Holly and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror. Pray for strength and courage for Holly.

Tim was on a kidney transplant list and started dialysis and was taken off the transplant list for a heart problem that required stents, while putting in stents a leaking valve was found. A port was put in and something happened and it has to be redone. In several days he will have a valve replaced, after heart surgery and recover he will go back on the transplant li Please remember him in prayer in the days and weeks ahead. Pray he will put his worry on God’s shoulders so he might be at peace and re Pray for those treating him that they might pay attention and do their best.

Marilyn has been diagnosed with non-operable pancreatic cancer. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that Marilyn’s remaining time here on earth might be good. Help Marilyn and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror.

June found she has a recurrence of colon cancer, which is now Stage Four, that is it has spread. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that June’s remaining time here hon earth might be good. Help June and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their sadness, fear, worry and terror.

Leon McKay suffered a stroke a few weeks back that has left him unable to speak and while undergoing evaluation the doctors also found he has a very aggressive cancer. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that Leon’s remaining time here on earth might be good. Help Leon and his family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.

Rev. Thomas Brooks is not improving and being kept alive by artificial machines. Please pray for a miraculous recovery and if that not be God’s Will, a rapid passing to home. Help Thomas’ family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.

Ronnie has kidney cancer that has spread and the surgeons are very concerned. Please pray the medical team to formulate a successful treatment plan and for a miraculous remission; that Ronnie’s remaining time here on earth might be good. Help Ronnie and family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.

Levi was cancer free for 4 years and just discovered he has kidney cancer. Levi has a great deal of faith and said whether he is healed or God takes him home he will be fine. Please pray for the medical team to pay attention and to their best and for a good outcome. Pray also that Levi and family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders. In particular, please pray for pain relief; Levi is 22 years old.

Ray Daley is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and served his country during the Korean War era. Ray is taking chemotherapy treatments for cancer. Meanwhile his son Trevor is in the hospital in a coma and seems to have lost the will to live.

Pat has been under treatment for colon cancer for some time. He has had major complications the last few days and your prayers will be appreciated by family and friends.

Dorothy had pneumonia, on checking her lungs they found tumors which permeated the lung area. Further investigation found a primary site in the colon, with the lung being secondary. It would appear there is no viable treatment at this time. Please pray for a miraculous remission; that her remaining time here on earth might be good. Help Dorothy and her family put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.

Becky has fourth stage metastasized lung cancer and is not doing well with chemotherapy treatments. Please pray for Becky and her husband as they are together during this difficult time in their lives.

Colleen has been battling pancreatic cancer over the last year and it has now spread to one of her lungs. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

Christine has cancer of the colon, which spread to her liver; she is receiving chemotherapy and is having difficulty eating. Please pray for the medical team treating her to pay attention and do their very best; pray also for confidence in our Lord for Christine and her family.

Homebound or Infirm
Jim and Pam Lanno – After Jim was recovering from a heart attack, he noticed something was off. Soon came the diagnosis of ALS along with dementia. He is in his early 60’s. Pam is learning the role of care taker and overwhelmed and fearful at times. Both are good Christians and love the Lord with all their hearts. Pray for God’s Comfort and Guidance for both and all caretakers who assist.

Babe in her late 80s is experiencing an inability to move at times throughout her day and fear of anyone helping her. Please pray for her family who are caretakers that they may be able to provide the care she needs.

John has Alzheimer’s pray he will call on God to help him as he deals with this.

Steve, brother in law of Paul Martin, appears to have early onset dementia. Steve had teenage children and is very concerned for them. Please pray for the disease to stall or abate and for peace of mind for Steve and his family.

Joan has had serious medical problems that have kept her confined. Please pray her health will remain stable.

Surgery

Adriano, son of Bishop Miguel Madera Otero (dcd) and Viviana in Argentina, who undergo a cochlear implant on 29 November 2021, with hopes of being able to hear. Pray for his mother as well who has spent years of time and energy arranging and obtaining this operation for her son.
Marcia has had a biopsy of a mass in her breast which indicated a tumor that must be removed. Pray the surgical team will be open to guidance, pay close attention and do their very be Pray for peace of mind and trust in God for Marcia and her family.

Edware is having his fourth back surgery (in the last four years) Please pray for the medical team to pay attention and to their best and for a good outcome. Pray also that Edware and his family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders.

Jeff has been undergoing surgery, chemo and radiation since October for pancreatitis and Pancreatic cancer. Please pray for the medical team to pay attention and to their best and for a good outcome. Pray also that Jeff, his wife and family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders.

Albert had a pacemaker installed recently. He will require surgery soon for a leaking heart valve and has just been told he has esophageal cancer. Pray he will turn to God and come to know Him on a more personal basis as the days go by.

Mario has early-diagnosed prostate cancer and had surgery. Pray for complete remission and that Mario and his family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders.

Testing and Treatment
Melissa Morgan, a young woman in her thirties just found out she has ovarian cancer. Pray with Melissa, her family and friends the physicians treating her will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for continued trust in the Lord for Melissa, her family and friends in this worrisome time.

April and her husband ask you prayers for the Lord to guide them and lead them both to the correct medical care; and that the family may receive comfort in the process.

Josh has two little children and just discovered he has a rare form of Cancer. Please keep him and his family in your prayers in the days ahead.

Ross an elderly gentleman has been diagnosed with Leukemia. Ross has had good health until now, your prayers at this time will be appreciated by his family and friends.

Carman was just diagnosed with breast cancer. Pray for her family as they continue to help her get the proper care. Pray with Carman, her family and friends that the physicians treating her will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for continued trust in the Lord for Carman, her family and friends in this worrisome time.

Tina just found out she has cancer on her left kidney. Please pray for guidance for the people treating her and for trust in our Lord for Tina and her family.

Martha is now home after testing and she does not have cancer, but she does have bad kidneys and is adjusting and getting ideas to work with that. Please pray for guidance for the people treating her and for trust in our Lord for her.

Spencer has been diagnosed with Autism. Please pray for guidance for the people treating him and for trust in our Lord for him and his mother Lorna.

Michael has cancer of the blood and is starting chemotherapy. Please pray for the physicians treating him to be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for Michael.

Jim Sevier has been in the hospital for heart related troubles. Please pray with Jim and his family the physicians treating him will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for Jim and his family in this worrisome time.

Claude has been falling and he does not know why. Pray doctors will discover what the problem is and he can continue without any more difficulties.

Gretchen has been diagnosed with severe osteoporosis and is now being treated with exercise, nutrition and vitamins. Please pray with Gretchen and her family the physicians treating her will be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for Gretchen and her family in this worrisome time.

Pete has not been well and is back in the hospital with another stroke. Please pray for the physicians treating him to be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for Pete and his family in this worrisome time.

Mary Lee has bleeding into her stomach and they cannot find the sources. Mary Lee is in CCU and her husband Maurice is not eating until she returns home for is so upset. Please pray for the physicians treating her to be guided in their assessment and treatment plan, for a full and speedy recovery to good health and for trust in the Lord for her, Maurice, as well as the rest of the family in this worrisome time.

Glenn Porter, MAJ USMC Retired, has Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis, which causes him to be unable to get enough oxygen into his system without supplemental oxygen all the time. The only real treatment is a lung transplant, without a transplant he has between two to five years here on earth. Please pray for him to continue in his faith and for a set of lungs to become available.

Pat has an aneurism of the brain, pray she will make the right decision on how to treat this problem and it will be healed.

Dan is very sick with cancer and is starting an experimental treatment. This treatment will take Dan away from their family business and put even more stress on him and his family. Please pray for Dan’s wife who is meeting with Steve who plans to keep the family business going while Dan is ill. Pray for Steve as he has many new responsibilities.

Timothy has brain cancer. He had surgery and is waiting for the pathology report to find out what kind of chemo he will need. Please pray for continued guidance for the medical team treating Timothy and patience and trust in God for Timothy and his family. Pray also for a full recovery for Timothy.

Helen was admitted from her doctor’s office 15 July 2015, as the result of a blood test, to the University of Pennsylvania Hospital with an extremely high white blood count. She and her husband are very active in the ministry of their church and are asking for believers to pray for them and their family, as they are facing very serious problems in the days to come. Please pray for guidance for the medical team and patience and trust in God for Helen and her family. Pray also for a full recovery for her.

Elma has been suffering with headaches for a long time. Doctors have not been able to discover the reason for them. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Elma and her family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people caring for her that they might find the best treatment method to banish the headaches completely.

Deborah has had a stroke, she is doing much better and out of the hospital. She has a problem with anemia and is taking supplements for that. Pray our Lord will be close to her and her family. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Deborah and her family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people caring for her that they might find the best treatment method to allow her to heal completely.

Rev. Steve Boardman has been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. Pray that Jesus will be close and comfort his family and members of his congregation.

Hang So Ryu has cancer. Please pray for medical team contemplating and evaluating the treatment that they might be guided to the correct choice and do their very be Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for him and his family, as well as physical strength.

Olivia, age 7, has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Lymphoma. The prognosis is good at this time, please pray for medical team contemplating and evaluating the treatment that they might be guided to the correct choice and do their very be Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for Olivia and her family, as well as physical strength.

Paul has been hospitalized recently several times because of persistent high fevers. He is being tested and checked by physicians and seems to have a slight scoliosis, a node and Schuermann’s disease. Please pray it will be discovered how to treat these problems and healing will begin so he will be inspired to continue his education.

Rick has heart problems. Please pray for guidance for the medical people treating him that they might pay attention, do their very best and make the right recommendations regarding treatment. Pray for help for Rick and his wife Wanda to keep their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry.

Stacy has Multiple Sclerosis and was hospitalized for what turned out to be food poisoning. Pray for trust in God for Stacy and Chris as they deal with Stacy’s illness.

Faye is in the hospital because she is weak has been receiving blood transfusions. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Faye and her family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment and allow Faye to heal completely.

Tom has heart and kidney problems. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Tom and his family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment and allow Tom to heal completely.

Harold is having surgery on 30 September 2016 to repair a hole in his aorta bleeding into the abdomen which caused stroke like symptoms.

Joe has had a preliminary ALS diagnosis. Pray the final diagnosis will something that will allow him to continue taking care of his devoted young family. Pray for strength, courage and understanding for Joe and his family; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment.

Preston is reacting poorly to recent neck surgery and now has problems with his liver count; Physicians feel that dialysis will help. There may be a blockage in the bowel and an operation might be necessary. Please pray for the medical team to pay attention and to their best to determine how to help Preston and for a good outcome. Pray also that Preston and family will be able to put their worry on God’s shoulders while Preston does his best to facilitate a return to good health.

Brenda is in the hospital because of bleeding on her brain. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Brenda, as well as for her family, and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment.

Mackenzie is a young girl with leukemia. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Mackenzie, as well as for her family, and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find the best course of treatment.

Mack has had diabetes most of his adult life. Circulation in his legs is very bad and doctors are considering amputation. Please pray his medication will help and he will not face amputation. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Mack and for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment.

Michael has been diagnosed with lung cancer recently after making it through gastro intestinal cancer last year. Please pray for peace of mind and trust in the Lord for Michael and his wife Gayle; as well as for God’s guidance for the medical people treating him that they might find the best course of treatment.

Adriano is in the hospital due to high sugar and high blood pressure. He is very weak and will appreciate your prayers.

Heather recently found out she has cancer. Please pray for peace of mind for her and for the medical team treating her will be guided to the right solution.

Jim has had an aneurism and blood clots. Pray that healing will come.

Georgia has liver and pancreatic cancer. The doctors are evaluating whether to do surgery and how to tackle the disease. Georgia is a faithful Christian and appreciates your prayers. Pray for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find out the source of the problem and best course of treatment. Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for Georgia and her family.

Lana’s doctor found something on her lymph nodes and ovaries. Pray for God’s guidance for the medical people treating her that they might find out the source of the problem and best course of treatment. Pray also for peace of mind and trust in God for Lana and her family.

Healing
Madisun Hanks (19) has Tourette’s Syndrome and suffers from horrible migraine headaches. There are various very high risk treatments which provide some relief. None of them are close and none are easy. Madisun is truly one of the most inspiring young ladies we have ever come across, her attitude and actions are almost unbelievable. No one should have to go through what she does, but she makes it through and performs incredibly when others just get by. Please pray for Madisun, her mom Hilda who guides her through all this and those treating her.

Hilda Hanks has developed diabetes, which resulted in the need for eye surgery and has difficulty with the added stress in her life. Pray for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating her to pay attention, to be open to God’s guidance and do their very be Pray for trust in our Lord and peace of mind for Hilda and Madisun.

Linda recently had a basal cell carcinoma removed and she is doing well, 15 years with Multiple Myeloma is doing great. She is continuing bimonthly chemo and this keeps her going strong, she is grateful for all prayers.

Chris Hill (close friend of Jon Weston) suffered a brain aneurysm and needs your prayers. He came out of a coma he had been in since the week before Christmas 2016. He is now in a stepdown facility. Every day is a new day to him; his memory seems to have been damaged to a point where it is not recovering so far. Pray for the doctors, nurses and technicians treating him to pay attention, to be open to God’s guidance and do their very be Pray for trust in our Lord and peace of mind for Chris and his family.

Rev Bill had a stroke. Pray he will stay comfortable and Jesus will be close by, please pray for a full and rapid recovery.

Vickie has been bothered with Migraines and all that go with the headaches. Please pray for relief from the pain for Vickie.

Jon has Stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma. There is good news in that he is in remission; however the chemotherapy is producing neuropathy in his legs so it is a challenge for him to get around. Please pray that he will be as comfortable as possible; he has been a Marathon runner so this is especially difficult.

Amy has melanoma in her lungs, liver and kidneys; they have found a treatment for her that has a high success rate however the side effects are debilitating. Please pray she will be able to tolerate the side effects and the treatment is successful. Amy has full trust in the Lord, but would still appreciate your prayers.

Liz had a massive stroke at age thirty-seven. The prognosis is good but she has a long road ahead. Please pray for guidance for those treating her, for trust in our Lord for Liz and her family, for healing.

Ebick is suffering from a severe ulcer but the Doctors cannot give her the proper dosage of the medicine due to her six month pregnancy. Please pray doctors will find an alternative avenue for treatment or that God will provide.

Stan is going through chemotherapy and radiation treatments for cancer. He is elderly and the treatments are tiring him. Please pray for his wife Marvelene as they do this together.

David has many concussions and unable to go to school, read books, watch TV and has headaches and migraines. He has trouble sleeping and his family will appreciate your prayers for this 10 year old young man.

Gladys has breast cancer and has had a lumpectomy. She needs to take a year off of her work to have chemo treatments.

Alwin Jack has had a stroke and recently has had a relapse. Please pray for those who treat Alwin that they might choose the best possible treatment and pray for peace of mind for Alwin during the recovery phase.

Carolyn has Multiple Sclerosis with complications. Pray Carolyn and her children will be close to our Lord Jesus Christ as they and family members help to ease the problems.

Bill had malignant growth removed from a lip last month and seems to be experiencing a re-growth of the cancer. He asks your prayer for the medical team treating him and for peace of mind for himself.

Hank has osteoporosis, which has caused him a great deal of pain and inconvenience in the past few years. Pray for his healing and that his medical bills will be met.

Evelyn is an elderly woman who has had problems with her eyes and is now blind. It appears some sight will return shortly, pray for that to happen!

Joanne has begun kidney dialysis as a result of kidney failure due to extensive chemotherapy. Additionally she cares for an adopted drug addicted baby who is now nine years old. Please pray for her to keep her faith, to let the Lord carry her worry and concern and to give her strength. Pray also for those treating her that they might pay attention and do their best.

Bud and his wife for their continued welfare and enthusiasm. Bud has been advised of an aneurism in his heart of a size not mandating immediate surgery. This comes at a time when he has sole care of his wife who recently broke two vertebrae and thereafter sustained pneumonia.

Dester is suffering from unknown skin and diseases. Please guide the medical team treating him to find out what the problem is and cure it. Pray also for Dester to trust in the Lord.

Lee has Arterial Fibrillation, she is doing much better and she and her family thank you for your prayers. Her pain level is high and some medications have bad side effects. Please continue her in Prayer in the weeks ahead as she heals.

Nell recently adopted two children and has just been diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

Mary Lou has been suffering with seizures. She was in the hospital with a 24 hour monitor and is being sent home from the hospital with two medications and orders to return in 2 months for another MRI to review whatever is going on in her brain. Please pray for guidance for the medical people treating her, as well as peace of mind and trust in God for her and her family.

Kathleen has spent the last two weeks in the hospital. She has been diagnosed with colitis, shingles and possibly colon cancer. Pray she will be comfortable and begin to heal.

Rachel has Mitochondrial Myopathy. This is a hereditary disease of the muscles and they do not have a cure for it. Part of her pain is her family does not believe she is indeed ill, as she appears to be just fine. Please pray her family will learn the truth and be supportive of her; pray also the medical people treating her will find the right measures to minimize the disease. Most particularly pray for Rachel’s trust in God.

Nicolas is in the hospital with serious symptoms of a heart disorder. Please pray for peace of mind for him and guidance for the medical team looking for the cause and cure.

Juanita is a young girl who was in a coma because of a blood disease. She has not come out and is gaining strength. They are awaiting results from blood samples. Her family thanks you for your prayers and asks that you continue.

Kay Denton (Mrs. Kay) is recovering from a hip replacement operation years overdue; please give thanks for her seemingly great recovery and pray for it to continue. Kay has had a stroke and has residual vision and balance problems and needs a knee replacement to be able to move about. She still has many physical difficulties in connection with her dialysis and related problems. She has been on dialysis for many years and has cascading problems. She had been feeling very down and depressed, but has turned a corner. Please pray she retain the cheerful outlook on life that has characterized her being and for continued peace of mind for Mrs. Kay and her family. Give thanks for her trust in the Lord and her positive attitude.

Healing and Patience
Kym (43) has various hip problems which seems to be related to osteoarthritis. And, her mother Ruth is in the early stages of dementia. Pray for guidance for those treating both of them, as well as patience and trust in the Lord for both of them.

Christopher has had problems with his leg for some time. Now he has to have it casted and it will stay that way for what to him seems an interminable time. Pray for patience and peace of mind for this young man who has much he wants to do.

James for the Lord’s healing of health issues and give a remedy for many personal challenges at the moment.

Thanksgiving and Continued Healing
Wendy Hinman, one of Hap Arnold’s backseaters from the Air Force and a great Christian of much faith, had successful double bypass surgery on 14 March 2022 to replace two stents which failed. He ended up with a lung blood clot and back in the hospital. He is back home again. Please give thanks for the successful surgery and for continued healing and for peace of mind. He is depressed and beset by thoughts he does not want to confront.

Ken Harris underwent apparently very successful quadruple bypass surgery on 8 April 2021, please give thanks for that and continued healing and recovery.

Bill had surgery November 2016 for a kidney tumor; he is one kidney short, but recovering very well for the present. It appears the cancer has spread to another spot. Please pray for Bill as he undergoes chemotherapy and perhaps other treatment. Pray Bill and his family will stay strong in their faith and draw the strength they need from our Lord.

Cindy (81) had an operation to remove a cancerous growth in her stomach which was successful. She is now home, but in a bit of pain. Please give thanks for the good result, pray for full and complete healing and remission of the cancer, as well as cessation of the pain; pray also for continued faith for Cindy and her husband Les (91).

Ruby broke her hip on 10 December 2015, surgery was successful. Please give thanks for the successful surgery and pray for her full and rapid recovery.

Terry was undergoing radiation treatment for cancer, which he had to stop to amputate his leg below the knee due to diabetes. The surgery was successful, he has been fitted with a prosthetic leg and foot. He is in good spirits and positive about the remainder of his treatment. Please join Terry and his family in giving thanks for the successful surgery and continue to pray for his return to radiation treatment and then to chemotherapy, ask God to give Terry, his wife and seven year old son trust in him for peace of mind and heart, as well.

Janet Jessup had a stroke and heart problems were causing huge issues for her. They seem to have gotten her stabilized and she is home. Please pray for those treating her to find the appropriate treatment and for trust in God and peace of mind for Janet and her family, in particular her husband of 45 years, Rev Roger Jessup, retired minister of Saint Joseph of Arimathea Anglican Orthodox Church.

Sam had surgery on his entire large intestine that had become infected. At the time of the operation he was just hours away from a complete organ shutdown. He had had turmoil in his life over the years. Sam is now in the ICU and his Minister visited him and explained to him God had given him another chance for him to make things right with his Lord. Pray for his good health and his spiritual life with Jesus.

Ian had surgery to remove excess skin rendered a nuisance by controlled lost of 200 pounds. Please give thanks for the successful result and for those treating him to have paid attention and done their very best on the lengthy surgery, taking the best possible care of him. Please pray for his continued recovery and strength for his Mother who will be in charge of his after care.

Jenniffer had surgery for breast cancer on 15 October 2014. She continues to have other complications which preclude her from making a full recovery in particular, the reconstructive surgery seems to have gravely affected her back muscles and nerves, resulting in both very limited mobility and extreme pain, the drugs are making her terribly sick; please pray those will be overcome. Pray for help for Jenniffer to keep her trust in the Lord and let Him carry her worry and concern as she recovers. Please pray also for strength and courage for her family as they try their best to help her.

Elma is suffering from cancer. She was taken home from the hospital on the advice of her Doctor. We were asked to pray Elma’s remaining time here on earth might be good and Elma and family might put their trust in the Lord and let Him carry their worry. Since then, Elma’s Bishop told us a great Miracle of the Lord is working over Elma. Doctors sent her home to die, but now she seems to be doing all right. On behalf of her, thank you for all of your prayers. Please continue praying for her complete healing.

Mike is a veteran who has served his country when she called. Please pray he will open his heart to God so He can make Mike’s crooked road straight and pull him towards the summit rather than to the pit.

Financial Guidance and Employment
Kona is applying for a job in the hospital. Pray our Lord will find the right position for her and she will glorify Him in the work.

Doug recently became unemployed from his job of 18 years. He has been applying for jobs, but unable to get one at this time. His wife is working; this is not enough for the family. Please pray he will find employment with a firm that will be able to use his considerable skill and hard work to benefit both the firm and the family.

Lori is considering a potential change in her employment. Please pray for God’s guidance in considering all aspects of her potential work.

Financial Guidance and Healing
Clark is in need of salvation; for God’s Will to be done in his life. Pray his family will be blessed with the financial miracles that come from doing His Will.

Guidance
Jackie and her son Tommy, Jackie 10 years free of substance use, returned to substance use while pregnant with Tommy who was born free of substances. Tommy has been removed from her and placed with Grandparents. Pray for the Grandparents strength and courage to raise Tommy in a Godly way and for Jackie to return to the Lord and give up substance use and become a responsible Mother.

Zachary is still having huge problems growing up. He has backed away from much of the evil, but seemingly has adopted the sloth as his ‘spirit animal’ and does not want to move forward in life. Pray his parents Lee and Shamu will come to see what course of action they can take to help Zachary and safeguard his brother and sister. Please pray for God’s guidance for all of them and in particular for Zachary to open his heart to God and his parents help.

Linda is slowly converting her children through her great loving attitude and Love of the Lord.

Judy seemingly does not want to allow the Holy Ghost into her heart so she might come to know our Lord and Savior, despite the efforts of her family. Please pray for her to open her heart and for her family to be at peace with their efforts.

Barbara has been recovering from cancer for the last three years. Pray for her husband Bill who has come down with a mental illness that may have been caused by much stress the last few years. Barbara and Bill will appreciate your prayers.

Larry is very weak and has periods of confusion and depression. Larry has been in the hospital and recently moved to a rehab. Please keep him in prayer as he begins to gain strength in the days ahead.

Thomas recently learned as the result of a parole violation he will not be allowed to return to society for the remainder of his life. He is despairing and fearful of his inability to cope with this new news and God’s plan for his life. Please pray he will be able to work with God to live with the choices he has made and go forward.

Cam has gotten into some of the issues being with the wrong crowds, too much dinking and making the wrong decisions. Pray he will ask God to send the Holy Ghost in to straighten things out and he will listen when He speaks to him.

Paul recently had his large toe amputated due to diabetes and is having a difficult recovery filled with fear about dying. He recently accepted Jesus as his savior and his family Rosie and Brenda are very grateful. Pray for strength for both Rosie and Brenda who are staying by his side through it all encouraging him on.

Steve is addicted to alcohol, pain pills and gambling. Pray for wisdom, courage and strength to stick with treatment and follow God’s plan for his life.

Eli has some mental issues and has lost his way. He has yet to come to grips with the demons chasing him. He has returned to his family living in a cottage on his parents’ property in Hawaii so that they can keep him on his meds. He is doing much better, but he still needs prayer to follow his medication schedule. His parents are so thankful for all of the prayers as they have felt the Holy Spirit’s power in handling Eli during his dark periods.

Michael and his Family ask your prayers for wisdom as they are under trial and affliction to follow the law of the land and yet honor God in so doing.

Flora is in remission with cancer, but has high blood pressure and fatigue. Flora’s Mother recently died and this has caused added stress. Please pray she will be able to let God carry her worry and sorrow so she can do the things she must do.

Mitten has a Christian talking to him about Christ. Mitten does not believe and does not seem to care. Please pray Mitten will see the light.

Kristen, Rickey and their two children ask you to pray for grace, wisdom and understanding as they attempt to cope with infidelity, separation and possibly divorce as a result of backsliding from the Lord into the World.

Helene and her family ask your prayers for them as they deal with the loss of Alan, husband and father.

Caitlin is in the grip of the Prince of Darkness; she thinks there is escape from reality in drugs. The saddest part is that reality is not as she sees it. Her family is despairing as they can do nothing to help her and ask that you pray for the Holy Ghost to enter into heart and show her the need for change before it is too late.

Nathaniel is in spiritual turmoil. His family and friends will appreciate it if you will keep him in your prayers for him to find the root of his trouble and accept God’s help.

Sam and her two children have been living in a shelter and are to lose their place there. Please pray a place will be found they can stay in and recover.

Norrie is facing daily exams in the weeks ahead. Pray for calmness and concentration and to do the best possible.

Jonathan is addicted to drugs. He is now in jail awaiting trial. His parents and friends will appreciate it if you will keep him in your prayers for him to find the root of his trouble and accept God’s help to heal addiction.

Beth is suffering from ungodly treatment in her marriage. Please pray God will guide her in her behavior, actions and thoughts that she might be able to lead her husband to God so her marriage might prosper to the benefit of them.

Jeanette has had many members of her family die from diabetes and several are near death now. Jeanette does not know the Lord and is despondent and perplexed about her family and herself. Please pray she can open her heart to allow the Holy Ghost in to bring her knowledge and understanding.

Sara asks that you pray for guidance for her as she deals with the stresses of life. Pray she can separate those things which she can affect from those things which she cannot and give her grace to accept that she cannot do everything and can only change those things within her control. She asks for God’s help to keep up with the needs of her husband and healing her own problems.

Jacquie to open her heart to God and accept His Love and Grace.

School Challenges
Destiny, Blake and Janet

Anglican Orthodox Church
Solomon Islands
Please pray for Bishop Zephaniah, the AOC and all the peoples of the Solomon Islands who are experiencing civil unrest as a result of the government switching their alliance from Taiwan to Communist China.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/solomon-islands-leader-blames-foreign-powers-unrest-australian-forces-arrive-n1284619

Diocese of Central and South America
Rev Miguel Madera was received into the Anglican Orthodox Church on 13 August 2018, with the AOC mission of San Augustin de Canterbury, La Plata, Argentina.

Indonesia
Please pray for the Lord’s will regarding the establishment of an AOC church in Indonesia.

Pakistan
General and Ongoing – The forces of evil are strong in Pakistan. The force of God stronger. Pray for our Christian family there.
Ernest Jacob
Presiding Bishop Pakistan
Congo
Jimmy is a missionary in the Congo. There has been violent unrest in this country and also a water shortage. Please pray people will find water to drink and Jimmy will be a means of helping others to find the Lord.

Philippines
We are generally doing good, except that all boundary checkpoint out were tightened again due to the DELTA VARIANT entered the city. On the other side, our members in Tulodan are now experiencing famine due to the effect of the recent continues heavy rains during the month of July to early August which completely destroyed their vegetable plantation.
Bishop Anthony Pangsiw

Diocese of the Epiphany
Saint Paul’s Moberly, Missouri would like your prayers that the Holy Ghost might enter more fully into their hearts so that they might be more effective in spreading the Word of God.

Diocese of Virginia
Saint Joseph of Arimathea Anglican Orthodox Church is under a lot of stress. We all are, but they need even more prayer. Rev Roger Jessup, their wonderful minister, had to retire as he was so pressed by the duties of a primary care giver, in addition to all the worries of this world. Pray for trust in God for each member of the parish and for them to find economic relief.

Columbiq
I am writing to request your prayers for Colombia, my country. At this moment frightful things are happening, a great diabolical shadow is cast over this nation.

1. The Constitutional Court in a tyrannical way has decriminalized the crime of abortion in Colombia, even up to six months. This is an illegitimate process, the court is legislating, something that is not within the competence of the judges, on the other hand the issue of abortion was a cause judged in 2006, which is why it should not be judged again in 2022. But socialist groups, international elites, social engineers and feminist groups have not given up on the issue. They want to traffic in death.

2. The candidate of the extreme left Gustavo Petro is close to become the president of Colombia, this is a man who in his youth was a guerrilla criminal, a vile and despicable man who has always served the interests of drug trafficking, he was an advisor to Chavez who implanted Communism in Venezuela, his second home is Communist Cuba.

3. The same court approved the movement of Gustavo Petro called: “la Colombia Humana”, it gave him the status of a political party, with this, he has the possibility of getting to introduce at least 15 congressmen, basically he is close to kidnapping all the powers, he already has the judicial power in his pocket, he only lacks the executive and the legislative. We are close to the precipice, we trust in a miracle of God.

We hope you support us with your prayers, I will ask the brothers to pray unceasingly so that in his mercy we will be saved from these perverse men. God bless you and keep you in all things.

Your servant in Christ,

Bishop José Antonio Rios

Armed Forces & Contractors
Dustin (USAF – Stateside), Airman Donny Patton (USAF – Hulbert Field, Florida), Jordan Brown (USMC – Recruiter – Iowa City, Iowa), Trevor Jennings (USAF – KC-10 Boom Operator – McGuire AFB, NJ), Trevor Di Marco (USN – Whidbey Island, EF-18 Pilot), Kurt Thomas (USN – Headquarters, Virginia), Ethan (US Army Airborne – Southwest Asia) Sarah Schumacher (US Army Kuwait)

Employment
Sharon Derrington is in need of full time employment. Please pray she might find a suitable position.

For Our Country
Our country has lost its way. Over half the people that vote, voted for a government that promises them things it cannot deliver in return for their souls which it can, will and does take. Our foreign policy backs the rise of Islam, we turn our backs on those who would follow God and arm those who murder them. Pray God will raise up a leader from among the people who can turn the country’s course 180° and attempt to come back to God. Pray the people will recognize that they are headed down a smooth wide road into the pit, a road that will get smoother and smoother, steeper and steeper until the only possible way is down. Down, into the depths of the pit. Pray people will recognize there is:

• One True and Triune God who is goodness in and of Himself;
• All religions are not equal;
• All ways of life are not equal;
• The Bible holds the Key to Life;
• All rights come from God, not the State;
• Good;
• Bad;
• Evil;
• Right;
• Wrong;
• Allah is the Devil;
• Abortion is no more than sacrifice of children to Baal.

Pray this recognition will not come too late. Pray we will, each of us, do our duty to God, Country and Family, putting His Honor above all.

Persecuted
Around the world, Christians are under attack, not only in the Muslim world, but from Hindus and others in India. Also, they are under continual attack in the name of Separation of Church and State in the western world, as it becomes actively atheist or pro-devil buddy. Please pray for God’s guidance and protection for all persecuted Christians and those around them.

Thanksgiving
Shamu gives thanks for recovery from Covid and safe travel to and from London.
Rev Yves Mera and his wife give thanks for recovery from Covid.
Eddie Pressey from St. George’s Anglican Church of Ventura gives thanks for recovery from Covid.
Lynn and Katie Hall give thanks for recovery from Covid.
Amy Jamieson gives thanks for recovery from Covid.
Hope and Ralph DeLong give thanks for recovery from Covid.

Coming Up
1 May 2022 – Second Sunday after Easter– Morning Prayer – Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service at 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – 10603 Burrell Way, Descanso, CA

By |2022-04-25T14:32:04+00:00April 25th, 2022|Blog|Comments Off on 220424 AOC Sunday Report

About the Author: