“Unified, Revived and Sent by the Breath of God’s Spirit”
Excerpts from an Address to the Order of Evangelists
World Conference, March 28, 2007
By David R. Brock

The Breath . . .
This journey with God’s Spirit begins early. I remember a solitary afternoon on the ranch south of Dodge City, Kansas at the age of 6 when I felt an ache and a longing for something, for a Presence more real than my own flesh and blood, for a home from which I had come but to which I had never been. It was the loneliest of moments, and yet a moment of such connection, of union as I had not known it.

Spirit’s call is a sound so familiar—like your mother’s voice; like your own voice. No, even more familiar; even closer ‘family’ than that. You feel it in the gust of wind through your hair, almost see it as it passes through the tall prairie grass. You hear it playing in the leaves of the Cottonwood tree above the minnows suspended in clear creek water as they swim against the current. There it is in a moment that touches eternity, then it is gone like the sun behind a passing cloud.

Parents who participate in the mystery and miracle of creation must know at a depth even they cannot describe that we live and move and have our being in relationship with a force, a power, and an artist incomprehensible. I was fortunate enough to have parents who sensed that and who were in touch with a community of people who longed for a relationship with the Creator; a community called church, called Body of Christ, steeped in a story, an old story, a story of searching, of escaping, of being lost, and getting found.

The Blessing . . .
On January 10, 1972, I went with mom and dad to the library in our church in Boise, Idaho to receive my blessing from Patriarch Cecil Gilmore. Cecil knew me as a teenager growing up in the life of the congregation, joining in our Zion’s League youth group, and participating in our annual camps at our grounds at the base of the Cascade Mountain Range. He was attentive enough to know my place and role in family, my passion for sports, and some of my idiosyncrasies. He knew me!

But in those moments of prayer on that day the knowing was broadened and deepened by the almost palpable breath of God’s Spirit.

His love has touched your life and you have been granted by Him . . . the gift of love.

So remember all of the obligations you have both to God and to your fellowmen. It will be your call to reach a hand to those hands that are heavy and hanging down; to strengthen the feeble knees of those that know not how to walk . . . .

Seek to build your mind on good things and be not too troubled with the confusion you find so many times and in so many places, even in your church . . . .

The Evangelist’s Blessing is one significant way the breath of God’s Spirit blows gently over and through the lives of people. It is about the blending of the giftedness of humans with Divinity that makes an ordinary moment holy, sacramental. It is about the attentiveness to another life, an ongoing care for the spiritual development of another person that is expressed as “a prayer of blessing in a relationship of blessing.”

I Know an Evangelist . . .
Fifty years ago, when Roy Cheville became president of the Order, there were 89 patriarch evangelists. Ten years ago, Everett Graffeo reported that there were 515 active evangelists in the Order, in 13 countries. Today, with those awaiting ordination, we’ve passed the 700 mark. 120 some women, 580 some men, from 45 to 97 years of age, in 20 countries.

We are strong in number, strong in diversity, strong in a unity of vision, and strong by God’s Spirit . . . even in our weakness. Evangelists around the world are indeed blessing, reviving, pastoring, companioning, and providing sanctuary:

I know an evangelist who prays for an hour with his pastor every Tuesday morning then prays for her every other day
of the week.

I know an evangelist who writes the lead reflection article in the monthly city-wide newsletter. Always pastoral, always future oriented, always conscious of the presence of Spirit in the lives of the people.

I know an evangelist who has given more than 500 life blessings. We made him a mission centre president in a time of need, but we’ll get him back soon!

I know an evangelist who provides non-judgmental and inclusive ministry to a congregation of gay and lesbian members and friends . . . and opens himself to be ministered to in their midst.

I know an evangelist  who has the wisdom and the care to be mentor, support, advocate for a 20 something pastor—encouraging, non-judgmental, quick to point out gifts and skills and successes, very slow to correct or give advice unless asked, and who finds it impossible to criticize the pastor in public or in private.

I know an evangelist  who has walked through the valley of the shadow of death with her daughter, yet in that walk has blessed so many others because of her depth of faith, her sense of gratitude to God, the breadth of her love that reaches out and draws in.

Counsel from our ‘Elder Evangelists’ . . .
As I approach this new role, I have been blessed not only by current evangelists, but by words from Presiding Evangelists past. Some may speak to you as well:

Alexander H. Smith, first Patriarch Evangelist of the Reorganized Church, to the 1900 General Conference: I was so
fearful of doing wrong in my ignorance, I resolved not to move forward until I had light from some source, and for twelve months I did nothing as Patriarch. . . . One of my brethren of the Quorum of Twelve asked me the question, “If you fail to get the information you desire either by revelation or by counsel, what will you do, still remain inactive?” To this I answered, being led by impulse of the Spirit, “No, sir; I shall move forward in my duties as I understand them and leave the result in the hands of God, trusting to be led aright by his Spirit,” and upon this resolve I acted.

Roy Cheville in the “Bulletin to Patriarchs,” January 1971: As I was pondering on the conditions of the church, on the needs of the Saints, I sensed the close, uplifting presence of the Spirit of God. Clear in my soul stood out this directive, as clear as if this had been written on the wall before me. This was the directive, Converse with my people, honestly and hopefully! This was all. The directive pointed me to be with the Saints. I was not to preach at them. I was not to stand above them. The preposition was with.

Sent by the Breath of God’s Spirit . . .
Danny Belrose recently told me that this is the best job in the church. Who could say ‘no’ to such a job! He added:

Take a deep breath and embrace the freedom that this office affords. This is an opportunity for YOU to be blessed in new and surprising ways as you bless others and the church. Allow this ordination and the journey it presents to be one of true personal discovery and change. It’s that testimony that will make all the difference in your ministry in the succeeding months and years.

I believe the Breath of God’s Spirit has called me. I’ve got a million things to learn, but after 55 years of blessings immeasurable, I believe this is a moment for joining you in stretching out my hands, lifting my voice, opening my ears and my heart to receive, then to give back and give away. I’m not ready . . . but I’m ready! When the disciples cowered behind locked doors after the crucifixion, the risen Christ appeared to them, and breathed upon them: “Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you.” Now, as then, Christ takes a deep breath and breathes on and in us: “Peace be with you. Receive the Holy Spirit--breath of God that unifies, revives, and sends.”

Prayer of Blessing for the Order
March 28, 2007—The Temple
By Velma Ruch

O God, who ever abides in us and in whose presence we have met this day, we come with hearts overflowing with gratitude for who you are and who we are. You knew us before we were knit together in our mother’s womb and whether we were always aware of it
or not you have walked with us every step of the way and have guided us into the Holy of Holies. From our earliest days we have heard you call, perhaps dimly at first but then stronger and stronger until we had the courage to say “yes.”

Today we have gathered as evangelists from many lands, speaking many languages, but we are one in you. Whatever human language we speak may it be a witness to your love and power. Whatever our skin color may the radiance of your Spirit shine from us. Over 2,000 years ago as you prayed for your disciples in that Upper Room, you prayed for us as well. You were mindful of those you were commissioning that day to go into all the world to proclaim your gospel and you remembered those of us who would respond to their witness. We have felt the power of that prayer as we have taken up responsibility in the various vineyards that
are ours to tend. As evangelists we speak a common language of the love of Jesus Christ and the infinite worth of every part of God’s creation. We are called to teach that language to others in words of hope and assurance.

All of us minister to those in need of blessing, but we are particularly aware this day of those who are called to work among the hungry and diseased, many who live in constant pain without the bare necessities of life. Ministry can be very lonely where the need is so great. Be with your servants in the lonely hours when they feel lost and separated, when the burdens seem too heavy and
their own ability inadequate. Their tears are your tears and their sufferings your sufferings. Lay your hands gently upon them and touch the depths of the needy heart.

The office of evangelist is unique in the church of Jesus Christ. From the earliest days under outstanding leadership we have had an ever-expanding understanding of what this ministry means for us and the world. Now, once again, we have been blessed through your Spirit with a new leader. How grateful we are that many years ago you touched David’s life and created in him a love for ministry. He with his wife Carolyn and daughter Emily have served you in many parts of the world. Many are those whose lives have been transformed and set in your path because they were exposed to the loving ministry of Carolyn and David. Because Carolyn and
David were receptive you have daily nourished them with your Spirit. We accept with gratitude their Spiritenhanced ministry. May David in his new position as Presiding Evangelist find a richness of joy beyond anything he has known before. Grant him health and
strength for the mission before him and may the well of inspiration never run dry. We join hands with him this day and pledge that we, too, will follow his leadership as we walk together as a community.

Your work on earth is not finished, O God, and neither is the call that has come to the Restoration movement. We have gained greater insight in the past weeks of what it means to be a prophetic people. May the earnest prayers of your people all over the world flow together in confirming power as your designated servants bear witness of the light that has come to them. Breathe on them, O God, with your Spirit, giving them power and strength and assurance. You have set us to live in this day and time. May we be worthy of your great trust in us and may we move out from this place in Pentecostal power, we pray in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

THANK YOU!
by Danny Belrose

How many times have we said these two small words hoping upon hope that they will carry the freight—the full weight—of our appreciation? They cannot, of course. We know that and ironically that’s what gives them their strength. Everyone has tried to pack feelings beyond uttering into their letters and has failed, despite beefing them up with add-ons, such as “. . . very much indeed” or “I can’t tell you how much this means to me.” Because we have all been there, we know there’s far more to “thank you” than, well . . . “thank you.”

The final six years of my ministerial career (is there another way to say that?) were the most challenging and fulfilling. So here goes . . . THANK YOU for the privilege of serving with you, for your support, for your prayers, and for your patience. And THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS GIFT which made it more than possible to attend the Festival of Homiletics with Brother Brock. It was a blessing for both of us. Finally, here’s my “thank you ADD-ON.”

Getting Through

How do I get through,
        using these frail fragile containers, God?
These letters woven into words
        short-changed of meaning.
Tired, over-worked, always wanting,
        carrying that which cannot be carried:
        the joy and hurt of the heart’s song
        that sleepy letters cannot sing.
My hopes, dreams, and deepest feelings escape utterance
        because the clothes don’t fit.
They wrap themselves in hidden beauty.
Peeking, seeking, teasing, like a childhood game
        their meaning unannounced by sayings, sounds,
        and soft winds of scattered thoughts.
So much unclaimed, unheard, unrealized.
Prayer without wings. Breath without air.
And yet, despite my wordless cries
        you’re deep inside and hear me.

Section 163 through the Eyes of Evangelists
by John Rawson, Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia

Sanctuary
I was deeply moved by the words used by Steve Veazey in Dave Brock’s ordination, calling him to a ministry of sanctuary. This creates wonderful imagery, and opens new dimensions to our ministry as Evangelists. It is coupled with our calling to be Ministers of Blessing: Pastoral Presence, Spiritual Companions, Teacher/Learners and Apostolic Witness.

In the Word of Counsel to the church, now Section 163, Brother Veazey made reference to Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God’s shalom (2a), and in reference to the Temple, the Temple calls the entire church to become a sanctuary of Christ’s peace (8c).

There is a close relationship between these three statements. They are inextricably entwined. They are a call to the church to be vigilant in the ministry it gives, and to the needs of those who seek God’s presence in their lives. The call is to healing: physical, spiritual and mental. The call is to reconciliation and peace. The call is for us to be the reflection of Christ when there may well be no other means of seeing him.

Sanctuary is a holy place: a sacred place; refuge; protection; safety; peace; worship; pilgrimage; sacrifice. It is holy ground. Sanctuary is the place where joy, hope, love and peace are realized.

Shalom:
I first became aware of the word shalom about 40/50 years ago; I learned it first from Leon Uris’ book Exodus. I have a particular love of Jewish history and any book which incorporates Jewish history with narrative, instantly captures me.

It was then only a word which I thought was beautiful. In the mid ‘70’s, we moved to Canberra, where I studied the Hebrew language from the Torah, at the Canberra synagogue, under the brilliant tutelage of Rabbi George Stern. Sadly, 99.9% of everything I learned has been lost through non-use. The 0.1% I have retained is about the word shalom. I love it. I love its sound. I love its feel in my mouth. I love saying it. I love all it conveys.

Shalom, is a greeting and farewell. It is hello, goodbye, hi, g’day, so long, adieu. Shalom means peace. But it is much more than the absence of war, the absence of noise, the absence of conflict, the absence of tumult. Its roots are deep and entangled and take us into places we may have never been. Maybe into places we would rather not go. But always, these places are places of safety, of
sanctuary. Holy ground! God’s shalom is something we must share together. Shalom is something that I can’t have if you don’t have it!

When Jesus pronounced his benediction on his disciples—peace I give you. My peace, which is unknown to the world, this peace is God’s shalom! Here Jesus was revealing to his disciples, that in reality he was the embodiment of God’s shalom! This was God’s call to them, as it is God’s call to us, and with them, we become the reflection of Christ for the world to experience God’s presence.

The Temple calls the entire church to become a sanctuary of Christ’s peace!
For me, the Temple is a stunningly beautiful place. Perhaps the most architecturally beautiful building I have ever seen or been in. It is a place of refuge, of sanctuary, of healing. The place of God’s shalom.

The beauty of holiness experienced on entering the Worshipper’s Path, is truly awe-inspiring. Instinctively one senses the presence of God. Here is a place of safety, of refuge, of sanctuary. It is where all the words used to express sanctuary, are realized.

Ours is the ministry of sanctuary, the embodiment of God’s shalom found in our Lord Jesus and the witness to the church (and world) that the Temple is the sanctuary of Christ’s peace. As an Order of Evangelists, we need to be pro-active in bringing to the church this ministry of sanctuary, along with those other gifts which we have to offer.

We should plan weekend retreats of blessing, sanctuary and healing for our leaders, at least annually, so that they will feel the support of the church in the ministry they give. So often, we tend to forget that most of our pastors are self supporting and need to feel the benefit of the church behind them. We as Evangelists are called to be this means of blessing, sanctuary and healing.

Section 163 through the Eyes of Evangelists
by Bob Casino, Pittsburg, Kansas, USA

As an Evangelist who gives Evangelist Blessings, I felt the struggle President Veazey mentioned in the preamble as he searched for the right language, the right words to contain divine impressions; to express the truths needing to be put into a language which is limited in carrying meanings and feelings of the Spirit. I felt the struggle to insure to say in the best manner and the best language possible what one senses, so as not to create any possibility for misunderstanding. Yet there will always be limitations in our understanding as we listen from different backgrounds, so often using different receivers tuned to different frequencies that even the Spirit is not heard.

Such experiences shared from the Prophet enlightens me to the continuing process of discernment I am called into, not only for Evangelist Blessings but in preparation for a Sunday morning sermon, a visit in a home, a prayer meeting, or a communion service. I am called to the task of spending the time and struggle necessary to listen, to discern and to bring ministry for the healing so needed in our areas of ministry. There is much hurt caused by what we so often say without forethought. I am, then, one with the Prophet and know how much he needs my prayers.

Different parts of Section 163 affected the Evangelists of the South Central Stakes Mission Center differently as we met together on  May 19, 2007 in Joplin for the 2nd Quarter to share, fellowship, and strengthen one another. Personally, I felt the words "be vulnerable to the Grace of God" were powerful and spoke to me as well as the challenge near the end of the section, "we must find what is most important" out of all the present issues. To me it is becoming a "Disciple;” one who is becoming like the Master in flesh.

I attended all the business meetings during conference. Not as a delegate, but as an observer. On the first one I sat in the balcony. As I looked upon the stage there were the Twelve on the left, the Presidency in the middle and the Bishopric on the right. As I watched, the impression came and the spiritual words said, "These are my servants. I have called them to this time and place. And if  you will support them and follow them they shall take you to places where you have not yet been as a body. And they are doing the best that they can." Other thoughts were present like "I have others which shall step forward in my times who are standing near..."

I felt this positive testimony was to be my message to every congregation to which I go and I should share it openly with the disciples to stamp out the "winds of doubt and rumors" which seem to flow so easily amongst the Lord's disciples. We certainly are not there yet, but I believe we are on track with where the Lord wants us to be.

Order of Evangelists—MEMBERSHIP CHANGES

SPECIAL THANKS TO HALE COLLINS for his patience and skill in formatting and redrafting this newsletter.