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SoCal AG News
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Good afternoon, friends,
Several months ago, we were all deeply saddened at the sudden passing of SoCal’s Teen Challenge Executive Director Dennis Griffith. Soon after, we began seeking God for wisdom and direction for the future.
A Teen Challenge Executive Director Search Committee was formed, chaired by Assistant Superintendent Gordon Houston, to formulate an appropriate selection process. This committee has received resumes from across the nation, and diligently carried out due process with each candidate. After four months, they unanimously agreed that God had prepared one individual for leading Southern California’s Teen Challenge in the years ahead, and recommended him for selection by the Board of Directors.
It’s my joy to share with you that Ron Brown has been selected by the Southern California Teen Challenge Board of Directors, which includes the District Executive Presbytery and the Teen Challenge Executive Committee, as the new Southern California Teen Challenge Director!
More than 20 years ago, while serving bi-vocationally as a Deputy Sheriff and associate pastor of his local church, God called Ron and his wife, Demetra, to minister to those bound by drugs and alcohol. This led him to LA’s Skid row and ministry to the homeless and addicted, and then, most recently, for the past 8 years, as Director of the Orange County Teen Challenge Center.
Ron will assume his duties immediately and provide direction and leadership for the nine (9) Teen Challenge Centers in Southern California. His extensive experience has equipped him in the areas of leadership development and team building, and his heart and passion is to speak with a compelling vision that will further awaken the enormous potential for Teen Challenge’s future.
May God bless and strengthen Ron’s hand as SoCal’s new Executive Director of Teen Challenge!
Blessings,
Ray Rachels
District Superintendent
Ron Brown faithfully served our nation for 10 years in the United States Air Force and served his community for 5 years as a Deputy Sheriff. He has served a number of churches as worship leader, youth pastor, assistant pastor and associate pastor. For 8 years he served the Los Angeles Mission as a Chaplain, Program Director of its Long Beach outreach, Director of Urban impact, and as Executive Director.
Ron is an ordained minister who currently serves as Missions Pastor of the 3,000 member Mission Eben-Ezer Family Church in Carson, California, where Dr. Isaac Canales is the Sr. Pastor. This is the fastest growing multicultural church in the South Bay. In his capacity as missions pastor, he oversees 24 missionaries stationed around the world who are supported by the Mission Eben-Ezer Family Church. He also is a worship leader and has recorded 2 CD’s of anointed contemporary Christian music that he wrote and produced. Ron also currently serves as Director of the Orange County headquarters of Southern California Teen Challenge, an international ministry that provides a year long structured Christian discipleship program for those addicted to drugs and alcohol. A main focus of the Orange County ministry he oversees is to provide comprehensive outreach and prevention programs for inner-city youth at risk of gang affiliation and drug abuse. In addition to these current ministry activities, he is a sought after speaker in a number of churches around the Southern California area.
Ron is married to the beautiful Demetra Ann Brown, is the father of 2 daughters and has three grandchildren.

According to CNN, about three million people — one-third of Haiti’s population — have been affected by the quake.
The media coverage will soon be cut back... but the desperate needs of the people won’t go away.
Your online donation today can make an important difference.
Someone like you already made a difference for a little girl named Gamaelle...
She dashed out of her house when the earthquake began, but the neighboring house fell on top of her - her dad dug through the rubble for hours as she called out, “I’m here! I’m alive!“
She had a severely broken leg. Our medical team arrived, administered pain medication, and helped to set her leg... right there amid the ruins of her neighborhood.
Convoy of Hope was in Haiti before the quake, and we’re committed to remaining there for the long haul.
We must immediately ship enough food to continue providing up to 100,000 meals per day for earthquake victims, for all of this month - in addition we need to send water filters, tents, medical supplies, tarps, fuel and vehicles.
Thanks for stepping up again today, to be a hero for Gamaelle and thousands like her. Your generosity is making a difference!
As I write this, the House of Representatives has passed a resolution making your cash donation for Haiti tax-deductible on your 2009 taxes. Your generosity will be a blessing, and could also provide a benefit to you and your family.
Friends,
This email was received from Missionaries Bill and Dorothy Smith after receiving the email appeal sent to our Southern California family for prayers and financial gifts:
Thank you, Ray, for this wonderful appeal. Kevin [Kevin Rose, Convoy of Hope's Country Director for Haiti] was at our house during the earthquake. The destruction is more than anyone could imagine and the needs greater than we can meet. The Haitian people are courageous, strong and resilient. They have covered our neighborhood with prayers and hymns. While everyone ran during a strong aftershock, a large group were heard singing, 'On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand.'
Your prayers and support during this time means more than you can imagine.
Blessings,
Bill & Dorothy Smith
Continue to pray for Bill and Dorothy, our other missionaries, the Convoy of Hope teams, and all others assisting during these critical days.
Blessings,
Ray Rachels
Dear Friends,
You’ve heard the news. You’ve seen the images and the reports coming from Haiti. It’s a very sober time for all of us.
Our Haiti Director for Convoy of Hope was already there when the earthquake hit. And because we had a warehouse filled with food outside Port au Prince, we have been able to respond on the ground almost immediately.
We have begun distributing 50,000 meals, but more food, water purification units, tents, and medicines are needed. One load of supplies is being airlifted in today. Other containers are being readied for immediate shipment.
Through friends like you, two additional Convoy of Hope teams will be on the ground in Haiti IN JUST HOURS — actively engaged in the urgent relief effort.
We know this is not one of those disasters that will last days or weeks ... this is a disaster that will last for months and years.
I promise to stretch every single dollar as far as we can to meet the needs of as many people as possible. Our people on the ground cannot do this without your help.
I will be joining our teams early next week. Thank you for understanding the urgency of this situation and for giving sacrificially today.
God bless you,
Hal Donaldson
President
Untold numbers of people have died. Tens of thousands have been injured or left homeless. Tuesday’s 7.0 earthquake in Haiti decimated the country.
“I heard screams for help from everywhere,” said Kevin Rose, Convoy of Hope’s country director for Haiti, describing the hours after the earthquake hit. “I am seeing many dead and injured people. The need is beyond description.”
On Tuesday night dozens of injured people made it to the medical clinic at the mission where Convoy of Hope has its warehouse. By morning four of those injured were dead.
As the world looks on and aid teams are deployed to the island nation, Convoy of Hope is already setting up an emergency command center just outside Port-au-Prince where food, water and supplies are being distributed to victims of the earthquake.
‘This is a major disaster that will affect the lives of countless families for years to come,” says Hal Donaldson, founder and president of Convoy of Hope. “Thankfully, our warehouse in Haiti was full so we could begin responding immediately. More containers are being staged for shipment and filled with more food, water and supplies in our world distribution center in Springfield, Mo.”
According to Rose, besides food and water there is an urgent need for tarps, tents, medical supplies and medicine too.
“Timing is critical,” says Greg Venturella, senior director international operations for Convoy of Hope. “Food, medical supplies and water are scarce.”
Tomorrow, Venturella and Kary Kingsland, vice president disaster response, will lead teams into the region. Venturella will pick up medical supplies from a partner organization in the Dominican Republic then continue on into Haiti where the relief supplies will be distributed at Convoy of Hope’s distribution point.
Because of the extent of damage and estimated loss of life, Convoy of Hope has already committed to long-term relief efforts in Haiti, which is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Many of its nearly 10 million residents live in abject poverty.
Already, Convoy of Hope feeds more than 7,000 Haitian children each day.
“We need the help of our friends and supporters to meet short and the long-term needs in Haiti,” says Donaldson. ‘Convoy of Hope is committed to helping hurting families rebuild their lives.”/p>
Donate online now to help a family in Haiti
My heart is so heavy today with the disaster that struck the island nation of Haiti last evening. The Assemblies of God has 2 missionary families on the ground there. Reports are that they are safe. However, we have 273 churches with over 66,000 adherents and we do not know the fate of any of these. Most assuredly there is an unbelievable loss of life among the 3 million population here. The capital city, Port-Au-Prince for all purposes has been leveled. I am appealing to our churches and leaders to give sacrificially for relief efforts for Haiti. You can view a video I made this morning at www.ag.org appealing for prayer and for funds. I am especially appealing to our 12,300 churches to take an offering this Sunday for Haiti relief and send these funds to us so we can immediately respond with help. We partner with Convoy of Hope in these efforts and will be doing everything we can to assist. I have asked the AG Fellowship around the world to give and to pray for this nation which is among the poorest on earth.
Please pray that the proclamation of the gospel will be advanced during this time of suffering and that God will take this disaster and bring great good to the Haitian people and churches. We will provide updates as they are available but I am asking for your help today for relief funds. You can give online at www.ag.org and click the Haitian Relief button or by sending your donations to headquarters at 1445 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield, MO 65802 marked for Haiti relief.
May God bless you and make you a blessing.
George O. Wood
General Superintendent
We received a phone call today from Missionaries Dale & Patti Coad. Dale will be leaving for Haiti tomorrow to help with assessing the damage and needed relief. The following is some of the information from Haiti at this time:
Dale and Patti are both posting updates regarding Haiti on their facebook. You are welcome you as friends, if you are not already. (Facebook: DaleCoad and PattiCoad)
From schools to shacks — 3.5 million Haitians in Port-au-Prince are reeling from the 7.0 earthquake that struck late yesterday afternoon.
But as you read these words, Convoy of Hope is responding to this urgent disaster.
Your immediate online donation will help provide critically needed items for the earthquake victims.
Our teams are already setting up an emergency command center just outside Port-au-Prince. Containers are being filled with more food, water, and supplies in our world distribution center in Springfield. Emergency shipments are scheduled to be sent.
Due to the extent of the damage, Convoy of Hope has already committed to long-term relief efforts there. We need your help to meet immediate needs NOW ... and to continue meeting needs in the coming months, as countless families try to rebuild their lives.
Today, I urge you to stand with us in compassionate giving.
Please share this need with friends, neighbors, schools, churches and businesses. This is a movement of compassion.
Your generosity today will make an incredible difference. Thank you!
God bless you,
Hal Donaldson
President

Friends,
A few days ago, my friend and yours, Larry Chapman, gave me his letter of resignation, effective June 1, 2010.
For the past 17 years, Larry has served with distinction as Secretary-Treasurer as a great steward of the finances of this District. In lean times as well as good times, Larry has, with a careful eye and wonderful heart for ministry opportunities, guided us faithfully. We have been blessed to have Larry in this important position! I have deeply appreciated Larry's friendship, as I know you have.
Let me share Larry's resignation letter with you:
Dear Ray,
It was a surprise and great honor to be elected as Secretary-Treasurer at the 1993 District Council. At the upcoming District Council in April of this year, I will have served 17 years. It has been my joy during those 17 years to see our District continue to grow and prosper and retain a leading edge in the national Assemblies of God fellowship.
The Southern California District is currently in a good financial position, enjoys the ownership of many properties, and has a solid, effective cohort program in place to train pastors and lay-leaders in church development. The future for the District is bright and consequently paves the way for me to retire during 2010. In order to facilitate adequate time for contemplation and planning, this letter will serve as my official resignation as of June 1, 2010.
My services will continue to be available for consulting and assisting to further the ministries of the District if the need arises. I pray God's direction and blessing will rest on the future leadershop of the Southern California District.
Sincerely,
Larry Chapman
Secretary/Treasurer
The Executive Presbytery has designated the Monday noon luncheon, April 5, at District Council as a time to say farewell to Larry and Jean. Tickets for this luncheon will be available on your District Council registration form or online at www.socalag.org.
Please join us on April 5th to thank Larry and Jean for their friendship and dedication to our SoCal family.
Blessings,
Ray Rachels
District Superintendent

Friends,
Let Us Pray!
How often have we spoken those three simple words to preface an invocation or benediction at an important event. No more vital words could be expressed at this time as we begin our 2010 series of Sectional Councils across our District. They are words that echo the biblical call – "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray... I will hear from heaven." 2 Chronicles 7:14 Peterson’s more contemporary expression of this Scripture says, "If...my people, my God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking my presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I'll be there ready for you: I'll listen from heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health. From now on I'm alert day and night to the prayers offered at this place."
Paul’s injunction to us is: “Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.” Philippians 4:6
Let Us Pray offers an imperative for all of us to place ourselves in God's presence, actively seeking His direction and favor. This year is significant as we will elect 10 new presbyters, 30 sectional leadership team members, and of course, a new District Superintendent at District Council.
Jesus instructs us to pray, "your kingdom come, your will be done," which should be our underlying motivation as we pray on behalf of these significant times we face. Richard Foster underscores our need in his best-seller, Prayer, in this way:
There is a religious word for what I have been describing: supplication.
Supplication means to ask with earnestness, with intensity, with perseverance.
It is a declaration that we are deadly serious about this prayer business. We
are going to keep at it and not give up. John Calvin writes, “We must repeat
the same supplications not twice or three times only, but as often as we have
need, a hundred and a thousand times….We must never be weary in waiting
for God’s help.”
So with the approaching days of decision ahead, I would simply yet earnestly urge us all as pastors, church leaders and servants of Christ— Let Us Pray!
May God be honored in our lives and ministry,
Ray Rachels
District Superintendent
Southern California Assemblies of God

Dear Friends,
I was reading the wisdom of Ecclesiastes recently and that wise man said to me:
"There's an opportune time to do things,
a right time for everything...
"A time to hold on and another to let go..."
- Ecclesiastes 3, The Message
I've had the incredible privilege, since September, 1985, of serving our Southern California Assemblies of God family, first as District Assistant Superintendent, then for the past 22 years, as Superintendent.
This is an opportune time for me to let go!
These years, all of them, have been filled with the pleasures of serving, as best as I'm capable, the finest people on earth.
Thank you for the privilege you've given to Judy and me of being part of your lives and ministry. It will continue, I hope and pray, but in other, more informal ways.
This week I informed the District Presbytery of my decision to resign from the Office of Southern California's District Superintendent, effective June 1, 2010.
We will vote on a new Superintendent at the April 5-7, 2010, District Council, to be held at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel, to find our Lord's direction for the years ahead.
You are a wonderful family of friends. I love you and am believing for a tremendous future, with fresh vision from new leadership.
May the Lord watch over us as His servants.
Ray Rachels
District Superintendent
Southern California Assemblies of God

Classes are offered the third weekend of each month (Friday and Saturday) at the District Office for those pursuing a Certified, License or Ordination Credential.
The Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Dennis Griffith will be held at 10 AM on Monday, November 2, at the Grove Community Church, 19900 Grove Community Drive, Riverside, CA 92508. A light reception will follow immediately after the service. Please continue to remember Kim and the family in your prayers.
Dennis Griffith is the Executive Director of Teen Challenge International, Southern California and has served the organization for 33 years. Under Griffith’s leadership the Southern California organization has grown to include a network of 10 centers, providing youth, adults and families with effective and comprehensive drug prevention services, including a residential discipleship program for 500 adults seeking freedom from their addiction.
Dennis Griffith has also served the world wide Teen Challenge organization in various capacities over the years. Currently he serves as an Officer on the Board of Directors for Global Teen Challenge, networking with Teen Challenge centers in other countries. He also serves Teen Challenge International, USA as the Teen Challenge Representative to Washington, DC. In March of 2003, Dennis received a special honor, President George W. Bush appointed him to serve as a Commissioner with the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, Drug Free Communities Program, giving the White House advice on drug related issues. “I deeply appreciate and I am honored by the President’s appointment,” Griffith says. “This is a wonderful opportunity for me to serve in a way that is vital to our country’s future and contribute to the nation which gave me a second chance.”
Dennis also serves on the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) Advisory Board and is also an Expert Faith Based Panelist for the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). Both centers are part of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA).

Don't miss Vanguard's Lewis Wilson Institute for Pentecostal Student annual lectureship featuring Dr. David Reed speaking on "The History and Beliefs of Oneness Pentecostals." Seminar is Friday, Oct. 23, 2-4 pm in Heath 109.

October 19-21, 2009 @ Grace Bible Church
Come away for a time of refreshing and encouragement! Make your hotel reservation today for special rates.

October 19-21, 2009 Grace Bible Church - Arroyo Grande Come away for a time of refreshing and encouragement! Make your hotel reservation today for special rates.

Oct. 2-4, 2009
Beverly Garland Holiday Inn
Come and celebrate a girl's identity in Jesus!

Only a few spaces left -- make your reservation today!

All of the evening services from Leadershift: 2009 District Council can be downloaded from our downloads section, as well as viewed on our videos section.

Fine Arts Festival is a discipleship tool of National Youth Ministries designed to "help students discover, develop and deploy their ministry gifts."
District Competition - May 15 & 16 - Orange County First Assembly
Be a part in protecting California families by:
Larry & Melodee Gruetzmacher began as Directors of Hispanic Ministries on August 1, 2008. Dick and Jann Larson will continue as Area / Field Directors for Hispanic Churches.Created & Maintained by 454 Creative
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