COGOP Pastor Providing Haiti Aid Dies

District Overseer, Quinteria Rosario, eulogized Juan Sanchez as a man who died as he lived; serving others.

Pastor Sanchez died on Saturday, apparently from a bacterial infection, shortly after returning from a humanitarian mission to help build a temporary home for the 68 orphans from the Church of God of Prophecy’s orphanage in the quake-ravaged Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince.

Sanchez, 63, a faithful Church of God of Prophecy Pastor in the Dominican Republic was a member of a team of 13 people who went into Haiti on a mission of mercy and love.

The entire Church of God of Prophecy family around the world mourns the passing of Brother Sanchez and wraps its arms of condolence and care around his wife (who also accompanied him on the mission to Haiti), children, congregation, and friends. This stalwart man of God will be remembered as a one whose compassion and faithfulness led him to an plot of land in a devastated country where he worked to provide shelter to destitute children in a neighboring country. Surely, God’s ways are mysterious. May His Name be praised.

Thank You - Year End Business Meeting

Thank you to all who attended and participated in our year end business meeting last night. The 2009 Financial Report was approved, as well as our 2010 Operating Budget.

Prayer Request: Mark Pratt

Please be in prayer for Brother Mark Pratt. He has been to the Emergency Room the past two nights with stomach pain. He is a little better today, but needs a touch from the Lord.

THANK YOU CLIFF HAVEN CHURCH!

Thank you to the Cliff Haven Church family. Your offering for Haiti relief was over $3,700! To God be the Glory!

Yesterday Morning's Service

Elder Mark Williams opens the worship service with a wonderful devotion.

Mighty worship led by our worship team!

In the presence of the King!

Worship!

Our current Discipleland theme is Narnia. Bible themes are reinforced by the movie Narnia and videos.

Lifting the name of our Savior!

Men's Ministry to Huntsville Havoc on January 30th

All men attending the Huntsville Havoc game in Huntsville, please MEET AT THE CHURCH NO LATER THAN 4:30 pm this Saturday, January 30.

Welcome Tony & Rhonda, We Love You!

Our two newest covenant members, Brother Tony & Sister Rhonda Williams.

We love these two wonderful people and welcome them into the Cliff Haven family!

Brother Tony & Sister Rhonda take the membership covenant to God's Word

Photos from Sunday's Services

News Fron Haiti COGOP Relief Efforts

Bishop Flavio Rosario and Pastor Quiterio Rosario were able to make their way into Port-au-Prince on Saturday and met with Bishop Dorlean, overseer of Haiti, and some of our Haitian brothers. The long journey into the Haitian capital was slowed by traffic, clogging the roads as others sought to deliver aid. At many points the roadways were made impassable by debris so although delayed, the Dominican team arrived safely. They delivered enough food and water to the children at the orphanage to last about a week. Bishop Dorlean was overwhelmed by the support and could not find words to express his gratitude for this act of Christian solidarity.

Bishop Benjamin Feliz, Director of Finance and Publications, was able to speak with Brother Dorlean and encourage him of the global church's full support for Haiti in this hour of crisis. The office of the General Presbyter of Central America, Mexico and the Hispanic Caribbean, along with the leadership of Panama and the Dominican Republic is providing tremendous assistance in the relief efforts. Bishop Quiterio Rosario, district overseer of the La Romana district in the Dominican Republic, is coordinating a truck shipment of water, food, sheets, blankets, some tents and other supplies within the next 48 hours.

Plans are being made for additional shipments of supplies from the Dominican Republic National Office. The General Presbyter of the Caribbean, Bishop Brice Thompson, is working with his leadership to provide relief and assistance to our Haitian brothers and sisters. Given the difficulties with getting supplies into Haiti by air or sea, the land route from the Dominican is the most feasible, despite the challenges with security on the ground. Cash donations will be used to purchase supplies in the Dominican Republic to take in relief by road.

Please pray regarding your financial contribution for this need. Cliff Haven Church will receive a special offering this Sunday morning, January 24, 2010 for the Haiti earthquake relief. 100% of all money received will go directly to the field with no administrative fees.

Latest Photos from the Church of God of Prophecy Members in Haiti

This is the rubble that was the girl's dorm (it was a two story building) at the COGOP orphanage

The temporary Orphanage site is pictured with their makeshift tarps in an open field about 900 meters from our original Orphanage site.

Haiti Earthquake Update

It has been more than 48 hours since a 7.0 quake pummeled Port-au-Prince, capital of Haiti, demolishing the already tenuous existence of millions in this nation that shares an island with the Dominican Republic. The Church of God of Prophecy, its members, and ministries have not escaped unscathed. The National Overseer, Bishop Jean Claude Dorlean, although reported to be safe, has not been able to make contact with our International Offices. Five of the orphans at the Leogane Orphanage administered by the church died apparently when the Girls Dormitory collapsed. Two adult workers are also confirmed dead. Brother Pierre Richard Mirand, Orphanage Administrator, who was appointed to the post at the 2006 convention, reports that the orphanage walls, the sea wall (the orphanage is on the west coast of the island), and the Administrator's home all sustained extensive damage. Twelve of the children were injured, two seriously enough to require Bishop Dorlean to undertake a four hour journey with them to one of the few hospitals left standing on the island.

The ground is still shaking periodically in Haiti as there have been more than 50 aftershocks since the initial earthquake, with some of these tremors exceeding 5.0 on the Richter Scale. The 68 surviving children and staff are in dire straits outside the walls of the orphanage compound in a field about 900 meters from the orphanage, fearful of further aftershocks.

The Church of God of Prophecy in Haiti has been led by Bishop Dorlean since 2002 and currently has more than 75,000 members, with 263 churches and 156 licensed ministers, with a number of schools, and a clinic among its various ministries. Brother Mirand, who also serves as a district overseer, noted some of the broader impact of the tragedy, reporting that of the 11 churches in his region, only one is still standing and he is unsure of the shape it's in. Two of his pastors have children who are trapped in their school building. He has been unable to make contact with many of his pastors, a number of whom are already known to be among the missing.

The normal communication challenges experienced in Haiti have been exacerbated by the destruction of telephone lines and cell towers, and the overloading of the system by the massive numbers of people attempting to reach friends, relatives, and colleagues. Currently, the system is only allowing two minute calls before an automatic disconnect mechanism disrupts service.

At this time, we do not have detailed information regarding the status of the National Office, school and headquarters church on Dwight Eisenhower Boulevard, where conventions are typically held, although Brother Mirand thinks that this complex escaped serious damage, except for a few walls and some minor damage to the school.

A team of leaders from the Dominican Republic, led by Panama overseer, Flavio Rosario and Pastor Quiterio Rosario, have gone into Haiti to try to assess the situation and make contact with Bishop Dorlean. I urge you to call on all those who know God to pray for safety, wisdom, protection, and provision for these leaders and all the people of Haiti.

 

Information courtesy of COGOP-Connections

GLOBAL OUTREACH SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Please pray about making a financial contribution to aid the Church of God of Prophecy relief efforts. The Cliff Haven Church will receive a special offering for relief efforts on Sunday morning, January 24, 2010.

Haiti Earthquake Relief

I have received the following communication from the International Offices regarding the Haiti earthquake:

"As you may know, the Church of God of Prophecy has a significant presence in the nation of Haiti-our most recent statistic indicating 58,000 members-much of which live in the Port-au-Prince region, along with our Orphanage being located in this region, as well, caring for 68 orphaned children.

In a nation already challenged by limited infrastructure, extreme poverty, past devastating hurricanes and flooding, the 7.0 earthquake which struck yesterday has only exacerbated the difficulty that our brothers and sisters already faced on a daily basis. Due to all communication lines being down in the Port-au-Prince area, we still have NOT been able to make contact with our National Overseer. From the news reports, our fears are that there is much loss of life and property, but our faith must rise and reach up to the One who is ultimately in control. Your urgent prayer support is vital at this very moment!

Certainly, we appreciate your patience as we make every effort possible to make connections and supply you with correct information about our brothers and sisters in Haiti. As is our general rule, we will be providing E-mail updates along with website Connection updates and posts as soon as we receive them.



As with any disaster of this magnitude, your financial gifts are deeply appreciated to help assist our Church people in this grave time of need."


The Cliff Haven Church will be receiving a special offering on Sunday morning, January 24th for the relief efforts of the Church of God of Prophecy in Haiti. If you would like to contribute to this need please designate "HAITI RELIEF" on your check or envelope during the Sunday morning offering on January 24th.

100% of every dollar given for Haiti will go directly to this need.For more information regarding this offering, you may contact Missions Directors Elizabeth Pierce or Amy Stults.

Yesterday Morning's Service

The Lord blessed us with a wonderful day in the Lord yesterday. It was VERY cold outside but warm inside and in our hearts. We are thankful for each Sunday School teacher and their preparation for classes each week. Thanks to Worship Pastor Garry and every worship team member who arrives early to practice and bless the church by leading us into worship. Thanks to Children's Pastor Cam for her work and each of her staff from Discipleland to Rainbows. We are blessed with wonderful people who have a great desire to serve the Lord!

Men's Ministry to Huntsville Havoc on January 30th

Men's Ministry will take a "road trip" to see the Huntsville Havoc on January 30, 2010. The cost is $8 and must be paid in advance. We will depart the church at 4:30 p.m. Men's Director Dan Pierce will have a sign-up sheet and take your ticket money.

Update: Destiny Pratt

Please continue to pray for Destiny. She is better today, but has an infection. She remains in ECM hospital in room 113.

Prayer Request: Destiny Pratt

Please pray for Destiny Pratt (Daughter of Mark & Felicia) she has been admitted to ECM Hospital.

This Morning's Worship Service

Church Elder Michael Shook leads the morning devotion prior to worship
The worship team did a wonderful job leading the congregation into the throne room

Sister Lee Ballard flashes a smile

Praise the Lord!

Lifting up the name of Jesus!

Worship Pastor Garry Lovette and Forrest during the morning service

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord"

Our beloved Deacon, Brother Earl Davis

Receiving the Offering

Our Wonderful Ushers

Sister Phyllis Sutton ministers to the Rainbows

Our Precious Rainbows

Children's Pastor Sister Cam Becht Ministers in Discipleland Children's Service

Discipleland Theme for this month is Narnia

Hannah and Sarah Becht also minister in the Discipleland Ministry

During the Morning Message

Some of the Congregation during the morning message