Tribute to a Fallen Brother: Pentecostal Pastor Shot Dead

Very sad to read of the recent passing of Rev. Henry Rodriguez, a Pastor affiliated with the United Pentecostal Church International, who was senseless murdered by assassins this past week in Colombia.

May his soul rest in peace until the day that trumpet sounds. Blessings upon his family, and also to the church he left behind. May the saints of God never forget to pray for the safety and well-being of the ministers and fellow saints around the world. Amen.

Press Release from Christian Solidarity Worldwide (Sept. 19, 2012):

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is calling for a full investigation into the murder of protestant Pastor Henry Rodriguez, 44, who was shot dead as he exited his church in Bogota, Colombia, on Sunday 16 September.  Pastor Rodriguez was a leader at the United Pentecostal Church in the Marsella neighbourhood in the Kennedy sector of Bogota.

The reasons behind the assassination are unknown, however, according to local press reports, witnesses said the murder was carried out by what appeared to be professional hit men. Pastor Rodriguez was leaving the church after an afternoon service when he was shot multiple times by two men on a moped, a method commonly used in professional hits in Colombia. Hospital staff were unable to resuscitate him.

While the assassination of a pastor is extremely unusual in Bogota, countrywide church leaders are frequently targeted by illegal armed groups. CSW’s long-term partners in Colombia, the Colombian Council of Evangelical Churches (CEDECOL) Peace Commission, estimates that on average 20-30 church leaders are assassinated each year. In general, leaders are targeted because of their refusal to cooperate or support the objectives of the illegal armed groups; however, the reasons behind the murder of Pastor Rodriguez are unclear as he had not reported receiving any threats prior to Sunday’s events.

Pastor Rodriguez, who was on course to graduate in October from the Baptist Seminary in Cali, is survived by his wife and three children. In a statement released by the United Pentecostal Church of Colombia, Vicente Arango, Director of Missions, said, “Our heart is troubled by the departure of or brother, companion, and faithful friend. Our brother Henry Rodriguez, left for the King’s palace. Now he awaits the joyful words of our beloved Lord, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.”

Mervyn Thomas, Chief Executive of CSW, added, “We were devastated to learn of the assassination of Pastor Henry Rodriguez on Sunday evening and are extremely concerned at the fact that the assassination was carried out so brazenly in the capital city on the steps of the church in front of many witnesses. We encourage the Colombian authorities to ensure that a full investigation into the murder of Pastor Rodriguez takes place soon and that those responsible are brought to justice. We also offer our condolences to his wife, Sara, and their three children.”

Original article here:
http://dynamic.csw.org.uk/article.asp?t=press&id=1429&search=

Detroit Bishop Named Head of Pentecostal Assemblies of the World

The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW) have installed a new presiding bishop, Charles D. Ellis III. Without getting into a lot of detail right now, let's just say I've been aware for several years now of certain struggles and issues the denomination has been dealing with --- some of which I found fairly troubling. So it will be interesting to see the direction the PAW takes under their new leadership. Our best wishes and prayers go out to the PAW and their new leader.  May the Lord be with him.

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From Charisma News Online:

Wednesday, 18 August 2010 07:51 AM EDT Adrienne S. Gaines

The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World elected Bishop Charles H. Ellis III as its presiding bishop last week during the organization's annual convention in Minneapolis.

Ellis, pastor of 6,000-member Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, succeeds Bishop Horace Smith, M.D., pastor of Apostolic Faith Church in Chicago.

"I'm truly humbled and honored to follow in the footsteps of some legendary clergymen who brought this organization from humble beginnings to where it is today," Ellis said in a statement. "With God's help, I'll work to continue in that tradition of excellence as we reach for higher heights in Kingdom work."

Ellis previously served two terms as assistant presiding bishop of the Oneness Pentecostal denomination and oversaw churches in Ghana. He became pastor of Greater Grace Temple in 1996 after the death of his father, Bishop David Ellis.

Full article here: http://www.charismamag.com/index.php/news/29115-detroit-bishop-named-head-of-pentecostal-assemblies-of-the-world

Online Preaching (Audio and Video)

Online audio and video from North Park Apostolic Church, pastored by Joel Trout.

A Shout-out To One Of God's Generals

One of the most powerful preachers out there is not named Graham, Jakes, Osteen, or Dollar. I'm convinced that Lee Stoneking is one of the best of this generation. The fact that he's not as well known as the big-name preachers does'nt make it any less so.

I'm giving props to Rev. Lee Stoneking. Personally, the best I've ever head. I hope God keeps him around for a long, long time. Check out his online ministry at www.leestoneking.com.