General Overseer Randall Howard Calls the Church of God of Prophecy to 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting

It has been a great strength infusion over the past two years to begin the New Year with 21 days of fasting and seeking God for His blessings over our efforts to answer His call and carry His gospel forward in the world. This year I cannot imagine beginning the year without such a season of seeking and hunger for God. The most pronounced lesson that we have learned over the last two years has been that Christ is the head of the church and that we can do nothing without Him. Amazingly the most simple lessons seem to be the ones that keep returning as new revelations along the journey. Just as our flesh bodies are the frail temples for our soul and spirit to use, the church here on earth is the frail vessel for Christ to fill and then work through to accomplish His will in the world. I know of no better way to welcome and to empower Christ's filling and working in the church than through fasting and prayer.

So this January we are looking forward to another wonderful season of setting aside our desire for food and lifting high our desire for His will to be done and His presence to lead our ministries fresh and new. Fasting has always been a means of pressing our flesh cravings down, a form of crucifixion, and seeking Christ's presence and power. In a real way we are joining Christ in Gethsemene saying, "Not my will but thine be done." With this understanding that we are the vessels and Christ is the treasure that fills us and empowers us, we can all declare that we need God in our areas of outreach and ministry.

[By Bishop Randall E. Howard]

CGP General Overseer Randall Howard & Bishop Don G. Brock

[Click on image to enlarge it.]

Church of God of Prophecy International Assembly

The International Assembly of the Church of God of Prophecy ended yesterday in Nashville, Tennessee. It was a success in every way measurable. General Overseer R. E. Howard and wife Bess blessed the gathering with their wit, inspiration, and anointing.

CGP General Overser Howard Awarded "Alumnus of the Year" Award by Church of God Theological Seminary

My Alma Mata, the Church of God Theological Seminary, has announced a very deserving Alumnus of the Year Award for 2008, Bishop Randall Howard, General Overseer of the Church of God of Prophecy. Although I knew of this ahead of time, now that it has been released, I am delighted to add my congratulations.

The ceremony took place Saturday, May 31, 2008 during the seminary's annual commencement ceremony.

Dr. Steve Land, Seminary President, said, "Bishop Howard is a man who is an example of a person who has prayed his head down into his heart."

Bishop Howard gave personal honor to many of the instructors who contributed to his education at the Seminary. He went on to share, "when I think of the alumni of the Theological Seminary all around the world, I have met them in Europe, I have met them in Asia, Indonesia, Latin America - it is a prestigious body of men and women who are out on the field doing miraculous things for God and for the Gospel. And so to arrive at this podium today is humbling and I feel undeserving. I think of Jesus' words in the Gospel of John, 'Man can receive nothing except it be given him from Heaven.' Surely in someway I represent that great body of ministry leaders that are flowing out of this Seminary that are doing a glorious work for the kingdom of God and for the Body of Christ."

Bishop Howard continued to say, "I do declare in testimony today that it was the Holy Spirit in these faculties, in this institution, and in the cause of this institution, that has helped to bring transformation to my life. I commend and recommend this Seminary with highest regards. Your passion to lift and center the banner of Pentecost has know placed ... this institution on the cutting edge of Heaven's activity today. The Spirit is falling from Heaven on every corner of the earth."

Dr. Dennis McGuire, General Overseer of the Church of God, various faculty and board members of the Church of God Theological Seminary, ministry leaders and support personnel from the Church of God of Prophecy International Offices and members of the Howard family, were in attendance.

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