Dear NEO family,

My appreciation for the great lay leaders on the District continues to grow. The last four evenings I have met with the Church Boards of Davenport, Sand Springs, Bartlesville and Sapulpa. The board members are passionate about Christ and the church, full of wisdom and the Spirit, they love their pastors and they want their church to have an impact on their communities. May their tribe increase!

I recently conducted Pastoral Reviews at Sand Springs and Cushing. Both Pastor Claude Guy and Pastor Harold Johnson had very positive reviews and will continue their pastoral ministry as per Manual 121.

Below are pictures of visits to Cushing and Mannford:

Mannford, April 11, 2010 Spiritual Renewal Week
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTNog

Cushing, March 28, 2010
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0Abt2TZizYsWTNxA


NEO Training Day is fast approaching on April 24th. Your district department heads and SDMI leaders have been working really hard to put together a top quality training/equipping event for our people. You won't want to miss the special speaker - Ms. Sophie Sunday School- and there will even be help for pastors in regards to annual reporting and the new funding the mission guidelines. The early bird price of just $10.00 will expire this Saturday the 17th. Then the cost will go up to $12.00. Registration is very simple. You can complete it by email and bring your money on the 24th. The flyer and registration information are on the NEO website, www.neonaz.com.


Prayer Concerns: Thanks for your prayers for Jennie Schuneman. Her kidneys are now fully functioning so we can focus on the cancer that is enveloping her liver. Bartlesville has given Pastor Randy a paid leave of absence to focus on his daughter and family. Also, keep praying for Southwest Church as it has been a very trying week for these dear people. Tahlequah is interviewing a pastoral candidate this weekend. Sapulpa and Davenport are beginning the search process.

Former pastor and district superintendent James R. "Dr. B" Blankenship of Lubbock, Texas, went to be with the Lord on April 15. During his pastoral career, Blankenship served at Pawhuska (Oklahoma), Tulsa Regency Park (Oklahoma), Austin Grace (Texas), and St. Louis Webster Groves (Missouri).

Manna House is in need of two (2) men to volunteer on Wednesdays from 9:30 am -1:00 pm. They need someone to help carry out groceries, serve coffee, visit with people coming into Manna House and praying for needs. There might be some lifting of boxes of vegetables from refrigerator to pick up table. If you can volunteer a couple of Wednesdays a month, please contact Howard Essary at 274-8242. Thank you for allowing God to work through you at Manna House.

Sunday night, Claremore Church will be having THE TALLEY TRIO in concert.

Pastor Phil and Karen Buck are Grandparents! “Our first grandbaby was born today – Olivia Monroe Buck – 7 lbs 12 oz and 20 ¼ “ long. Our youngest son Nick and wife Rachel are doing great. Papper and Nanna are ecstatic at the wonders of our Heavenly Father. The most precious little girl you ever laid eyes on!! “ PBuck

Hope you have a blessed weekend. You are loved!

Dave McKellips