Christian discipleship requires being held in love and being held accountable. We simply cannot follow Christ apart from a community that holds us in compassion and calls us to accountability. Solitary discipleship is a misnomer. We cannot be Christian alone.
- Kenneth Carder, Duke Divinity School professor and retired United Methodist bishop


Dear NEO family,

Greetings in the matchless name of Jesus. I hope you are walking in His presence and sharing His love and joy wherever you go on this beautiful fall day.

How blessed I have been this past week to share in so many positive experiences:

Last Saturday I was present when the Church of the Nazarene Foundation, through the generosity of the David Green family and Hobby Lobby, presented the deed to a large historic home to the Nazarene Student Center at the University of Oklahoma. David and Rhonda Kyncl are serving their 12th year as the ministry directors. The local ministry is known as the 2:8 House, based on 1 Thessalonians 2:8: "We loved you so much that we gave you not only God's Good News, but our own lives as well." The ministry initiatives include small group Bible studies, International food and game nights, and a free lunch for students every Tuesday. Students from more than 34 countries and 28 states have participated in some type of ministry event here in the past few years.

On Sunday morning I attended the Centennial Celebration at Hominy. Pastor Carl and Sandra Brown and the Hominy Church family helped us rejoice in the local and worldwide impact of the Hominy Church. I was moved to tears as I heard stories of laymen who sacrificed to see the church grow (e.g., three families mortgaged their homes so the Hominy building could be erected) and as letters were shared from former pastors recounting how the church’s love and support had helped shaped them. My guess is that every church on the NEO District has some wonderful stories like this. How grateful I am for sanctified, Nazarene laity.

On Sunday evening I conducted a very positive review for Pastor Gerald Burch at Coweta. It is such a joy to see a church united in Christian love and committed to the mission of making Christlike disciples!

Last night I had a chance to attend the revival at Cleveland with Rev. Bobby Huffaker speaking. The Holy Spirit’s presence was manifest throughout the service, which climaxed with the altars full, primarily with men. I am always encouraged to see men leading the way in seeking God with all of their hearts.

I am way behind in sharing pictures from our visits, so let me give you several today:

Hominy Centennial Celebration, Oct. 11, 2009
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTL4A

South County Community Church's One Year Birthday, Oct. 4, 2009
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTMGA

Pryor, Installation of Pastor Dan Hazelton, August 23, 2009
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTLSg

Okmulgee, Installation of Pastor Cole Weston, August 30, 2009
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTLaA

Muskogee, August 16, 2009
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTLhg

Nowata, August 23, 2009
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTLwg

Locust Grove, July 26, 2009
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTLpA

You may have students at OSU in Okmulgee. If so, let me tell you about something new there for college students (a student sent this to me on Facebook): Nobucks Coffee house night for OSUIT students; Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8:30pm; 1st Church of the Nazarene, 711 North Okmulgee. To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=182794095791&mid=13dfe0aG5113e251Gf517b5G7

Are you ready for the Red River Shootout tomorrow? Whoever wins (and I do have a strong preference!), I have great respect for their starting quarterback! Did you see the You Tube video featuring Colt and Sam? It is powerful!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnx2MungsGI

I pray that you will have a blessed weekend, especially on the Lord’s Day! You are loved!

Dave McKellips