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“Between Borders”, my personal movie review!

This extraordinary film brings you the true story of an Armenian family and their struggle to find a country that would embrace them. After the breakup of the Soviet Union the newly freed countries experienced violence and turmoil. They had little love for one another. Russia still ruled it’s people with an Iron Fist! Poverty and starvation was a way of life and communism controlled their world.

“Between Borders” gives us a glimpse of what life was like and why people flee to America for asylum and freedom.

The Petrosyan family, Ivan, Julia, Olga and Violetta face discrimination every where they go. Ivan (played by Patrick Sabongui) who was a rocket scientist does anything to provide for their family, from cleaning floors to repairing buses. Wherever he goes he is always looking over his shoulder and sometimes running from the real threat of violence.

Violetta (played by Elizabeth Tabish) is the perfect mother under the most harsh circumstances. She protects and nurtures their children in all kinds of situations while dealing with fear and anxiety. When she goes for a job interview the racial indignation and humiliation goes beyond human dignity. Elizabeth Tabish (The Chosen) does a stellar performance as the mother!

In Russia they are introduced to a small church that was started by a church in West Virginia, USA. Even though Ivan was not interested he would attend and listen from a distance. God moved on his heart and soon the Petrosyan’s were invited to come share their story in America.

This is where the story takes us, and the real fight for freedom and a new beginning battle takes place.

The children do a brilliant job bringing realism to the screen and do it in a way that pulls your heart out.

This movie will open your eyes to how racism is all around the world and how only God can deliver His people from it!

What “Between Borders” does is delivers the hard message of what communism does to people, the pain, anguish, suffering and hopelessness, but it also brings the message of hope, love, salvation and victory! The movie takes you from heartache and despair to genuine freedom and how God still works His miracles to those who have faith!

 

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“How to Heal the Body”

As Pastors we often separate ourselves from having TRUST for anyone! WE put ourselves on an island guarded by a moat of hungry sheep! Sometimes our spouse and family are farther away than the sheep. The enemies SATAN and FLESH has caused many to buy into a culture of division! Pastors compete with each other so often while our enemies wreak havoc! Please continue. 

 

In America there are more than 250 Denominations recognized by the IRS(The World has many thousands). Throughout the “Church” in America the differences of Denomination, Doctrine, Race, Culture and Social Status has caused great division. According to the many Pastors as a group and particularly within the same denomination do not Trust one another. Sadly the Body and “Pastors” also still struggle with Racial Prejudice and Segregation. As Pastors we are taught how to build a “Castle”, more commonly called the Local Church.

IMG_3034.JPGThe Simple Solution:

Diligently Strive to Transform our Differences into Wholeness in the Body! (One Body with many parts working together to grow the Kingdom) Develop a “Kingdom Culture”! This is the culture when Pastors in a community agree to attack the enemy as one Army and one Body in love, trust and power! It is the mindset of bringing the Lost to the Kingdom and allowing the Holy Spirit to direct them to the right “Church Fellowship”. Pastors Need each other! We must find Pastors to establish True Relationships of Trust, Accountability and Encouragement across all barriers and walls. We suggest that every Pastor make a commitment to find Three other Pastors-different denomination, race, and culture “if possible” and meet with them EVERY WEEK for about 1-2 hours to talk as real men about real issues.                                                                                                                                    20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. 1 John 4:20 NAS

The Results: The Body is quickly Healed! More lost will be brought into the Kingdom of God. Communities will see what being “Christian” really means. Your “Church Fellowship” will benefit because you get refreshed and re-fired every week. Many Pastors say that their “Messages” become more powerful. Your Wife will be Thrilled because she will be spending more time with her Husband and not her Pastor. You will develop trusted friendships to share things that only another Pastor can understand. You will finally have a place to unload without fear of betrayal. You will personally grow because you have embraced accountability. You will learn more about the “Body”…… a lot more! As we build these Friendships with Trust and Encouraging Accountability the Body also comes together and is held tightly together by this bonding also! The community will become shaken. When Pastor’s come together publicly and regularly in love and relationship it overflows to congregations and communities. Note: Pastor’s Marriages, Ministries, and Lives have been saved by starting these weekly Champion Tables! (Just ask Me)                  

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Pastor, It Is So Easy!

Pastors never need a day to rest, right. Being a Pastor or a Pastor’s wife is so easy, you just work on Sunday and go out to eat with people to talk. No one bothers you or criticizes you, never complains or calls you out at 2:00AM. You are expected to survive on as little as possible and never drive the finest cars. The Pastor must never make a mistake and have perfect kids. The Pastor’s wife must either be a great singer or play a keyboard and surely be at all the women’s prayer groups. The Pastor never grows weary and never ever gets grumpy!

As you know this is what many people believe and sadly drive Pastors to give up. Pastor please stay the course and let us encourage you! You are not alone.

We at All Pro Pastors are prepared to share with your congregation how to treat their Pastor and family! Some congregations need to know what the Shepherd’s responsibilities are and equally important what the Sheep’s responsibilities are, according to God’s Word! We are prepared to help you meet other Pastors to develop relationships. We are prepared to connect you to Pastors who can relate to the struggles, challenges, heartaches and joys of being a Pastor.

Each week thousands of Pastors meet at Champion Tables throughout the world. These Tables give us a place to go and pour ourselves out in complete confidentiallity and trust. It is a place of refreshing and refilling. It is also a place to laugh out loud and cry when needed.

Pastor we are just like you. Men who have given their lives to serve our Lord Jesus and to bring people to His saving Grace and Comforting Love!  It is what we signed on for when we said yes to His “Call!” As men, sometimes we fall, we fail, we mess up and we feel inadequate and except for His Grace, Protection and Holy Spirit we would quit!

Praise God we do not have to walk in despair, defeat and rejection. As Men of God we can(and should) walk in Power, Victory and Success! This does not mean to say we do not need encouragers and friends. Moses had Aaron, Hur and Joshua and even Jesus had Peter, James and John. We all need brothers to pick us up when we fall, counsel us when we are faced with tough decisions, push us when we are ready to quit, hold our arms up when we are in the heat of battle.

And Pastor, you need to be the best husband and father in your fellowship. Men need to see a man who outwardly demonstrates love to his wife and children. We need to pray daily with our wife in unity and harmony. Our children should know that our family comes before all others including the “Church”. This is part of our instructions from God. The Champion Table constantly challenges me to be a living example not just a mouthpiece for God!

Pastor you are anointed to carry the battle to the enemy! Let us encourage you walk in strength and holiness, in power and victory, boldness and humility and with love and mercy. Do not wait for the enemy to attack! Take the battle to him. Share the gospel of Jesus daily, pray with people everywhere you go, pray for those as the Spirit guides, and smile smile smile.

Pastor we are praying for you!!!!

 

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David Gibbs III Hits a Home Run or “Nerve” of Many Pastors

July 25th at the Pastors Power Luncheon Attorney David Gibbs and Pastor Fred Harrold both gave resounding messages. Pastor Fred reviewed many of the issues Pastors face with congregations that can be very demoralizing, however he gave a solution for many to consider, “The Champion Table”. To see this compelling presentation go to our video gallery.

Attorney Gibbs talked squarely to Pastors about real legal issues that can not only create great distress for a church/pastor but could possibly destroy a church. Churches today must be aware of the many satanic attacks that are taking place each day across America within churches. I did say within! Church membership is not something to take lightly these days. Please go to our video gallery and take the time to watch Attorney Gibbs powerful and informative message. Every Pastor and committed Christian leader should watch this!

We are thankful for Attorney Gibbs and Pastor Fred for giving their time to Pastors for this tremendous luncheon. We want to also thank Plant City Church of God for hosting and providing a delicious meal!

If you were unable to attend this luncheon please join us on September 26th at Church at the Mall in Lakeland, Florida to see and hear Attorney Gibbs III. (see events for details)

 

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Pastors Power Luncheon Just Days Away

July 25th is a big day in Plant City Florida! Attorney David Gibbs III (National Center for Life and Liberty) will be sharing about the ways Pastors and Churches have to protect themselves in the United States. Yes that is correct, protecting themselves in the USA. Today the US Government appears to be targeting Churches, Christians and Pastors as potential problems. Attorney Gibbs will be sorting this out and explaining where the need for awareness is and what we can do.

We say this not to be alarmists but to be educators of how the enemy is using anyone and everyone he can to cause disruption and division in the Christian world. Do not be afraid, for this is exactly what satan wants. Be diligent and faithful by being prepared.

We invite all pastors to try and make this powerful luncheon. Go to our events page for details and to register.

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Pastors Defeating Predjudice

Where every time you turn around predjudice seems to raise its ugly head we would like to announce that many Pastors who have started Champion Tables are breaking these generational attitudes! Pastors of all races, denominations and tribes are meeting each week in groups of (4) for relationship and trust building. These Champion Table Pastors are producing Kingdom Champions and Leaders who are linking arms to destroy the enemy strongholds in their communities!

In Valrico, Florida one Table has brought Southern Baptist, Assembly of God, Seventh Day Adventist and a Messianic Rabbi together to meet every week. In Eldoret, Kenya many Tribal Pastors are now becoming best of friends because of weekly encouraging and holding each other to serious accountabilty.

When people see Pastors loving one another, liking one another and publicly fellowshipping and having fun, the curse of predjudice suffers a huge blow. When Pastors in every city in America follows suit, America will change! Praise God many are!

Pastor, what about you? 

 

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Pastor or Politician

In America one does not have to listen very long in conversations to hear the phrase “politically correct.” Sadly, pastors who pursue political correctness often render themselves powerless in their calling to be difference makers.

In the world of ministry, Pastors are the center of attention. All eyes are on the Pastor and every ear is straining to hear what the Pastor is saying. The words Pastors speak carry life-changing power because pastors are called to be the mouthpiece of God.

This huge responsibility is something every Pastor needs to take seriously! The questions each must ask are:

Do I preach God’s message, or

Do I preach what I believe will make people in “my” church happy?

Do I teach God’s Word, or

Do I teach non-challenging politically correct words of compromise?

During the past five years of this ministry I cannot tell you how many Christians have confided that they wished their Pastor would preach more of God’s Word!

Don’t be shocked.

Our church families are seeing Christianity attacked on every front. Spiritually, America appears to be crumbling before the eyes of the world and our children are the innocent victims.

The “church” as a whole or in part, would seem to any onlooker that we have —

  • invited sexual immorality into our homes (TV, Internet and movies)
  • allowed other religions to infiltrate our schools and colleges without a fight
  • invited sinful compromise into our fellowships in the name of tolerance and acceptance
  • permitted our government (at all levels) to modify laws and regulations which hinder our freedom and ability to minister and share the gospel!

Pastors, it is our responsibility as the Ambassadors and Messengers of God to tell our congregations and family what God says is sin. “Sin” is not a word whose definition you can assume people, and especially young people, fully understand or agree with. When they see people in our churches openly defying God’s word, the word “sin” carries no weight or consequence.

The big issue is that most do not know God’s Word because they are not hearing it, nor seeing it lived in their homes. The “Church” should have open arms to ALL people in order to bring all to the saving grace of Jesus.

The “Church” should be:

  • A living body that is constantly growing
  • Helping people rid themselves of sinful ways (must be taught)
  • Alert to the attacks of the enemy and be acting upon those
  • Learning and teaching people how to be like Jesus
  • Embracing the Holy Spirit as our Helper, Teacher, and Power
  • Proactive as God’s army to make disciples on the earth

As Pastors we need to be aware of what the enemy is doing. The Bible says “satan” is roaming around like a hungry lion seeking whom he can devour. As a man of God, are you aware of what the enemy is doing in your community and city? Do you understand that this enemy is trying to keep you silent and alone! It is our job to protect the sheep and lead with all diligence. You are not alone! (I pray for you to be bold!)

Let us go just a little deeper.

  • Do you believe that as Pastors we need to keep quiet and ignore Islamic teachings that threaten our religious freedoms?
  • Do you really know what their writings say and instruct about Christians?
  • Should we keep silent about homosexuality and its obvious political agenda in America to destroy the traditional perceptions of home and marriage?
  • Should we say nothing of the fornication and adultery running rampant in many church families?
  • Should we seemingly approve by silence the pornography plague that has gripped men and women alike by the tens of thousands?

Politicians are all about getting votes. They will say anything to anybody to get their approval. They will do almost anything, if they believe you will donate to their cause! With politicians money is king. (Note: There are a very few good politicians the previous statements were made to me by one of them who loves the Lord Jesus.)

What would people say about you as a Pastor? Are you more about giving or more about getting? Are you —

  • Pastor or Politician?
  • Leader or People Pleaser?
  • Army General or Civilian?
  • Visionary or Status Quo?

The souls of America and your church family are at stake!

Pastor, I pray that you will take this post seriously. The enemy “satan” is working overtime to divide the Body of Christ and to keep us from sounding the alarm. He is distracting us from telling people they are lost and headed for Hell without Jesus!

Jesus is still the only way to Heaven!  He is still Lord!

I pray that you will become aware of what is happening in your city, community and country. Listen to the opposition and to a variety of Christian leaders on the radio and television. Listen, watch and study across denominational, racial and cultural lines. Become acquainted with fellow Pastors in your neighborhood. Take a couple of Pastors in your city to breakfast and become friends and allies in order to impact your local culture for Christ.

We need to be All-Proactive Pastors who rightly divide the Word of Truth.

We love you and are praying for you. May God shower His grace and blessings upon you and may you faithfully carry HIS Word in your mouth!

Amen

 

 

 

 

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International Pastors Conference in “Nigeria” Hears from Pastors Nolan Edwards and Paul Pickern

It was a whirlwind trip to Nigeria All Pro Pastors Paul Pickern and Champions Church(Winter Haven, Florida) Pastor Nolan Edwards took on April 29-May 8th to speak at the International Pastors Conference in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Logos Ministries Founder and Presiding Bishop Yomi Isijola contacted us while on a visit to Tampa in March and expressed his desire to start Champion Tables with the many Pastors he oversees throughout Nigeria. Many Pastor and Denominational leaders were scheduled to attend. In less than a month we recieved funding, got our NigeriaVisas, Passports were updated(Thanks to our local US Congressman) and airline tickets secured. Praise God, it all came together without a hitch!!

The Conference Started with Pastor Nolan speaking a powerful message of Worship and Praise. This set the foundation for the whole week. I was able to introduce Champion Tables to all the Pastors and had four Bishops sit at the Champion Table to illustrate how one should look. The Conference was a complete success and our time ended with Pastor Nolan laying hands on over 200 Pastors to pray for healing and impartation. The impact was super-natural!

We have been invited to return next year to follow-up what was a great start. If God opens this up I could see a team of Pastors going.

While in Nigeria we felt safe at all times. Our security and care was always the highest priority. Pastors Akin and Aduke’ were our hosts and they allowed us to stay with them in their home. The people of Nigeria that we met were very kind and demonstrated great honor. The women wore beautiful and colorful clothing most of the time. The food we were served was delicious and all authentic Nigerian. We did have security guards with us during all transportation except once.

Over all I would say the mission was very very successful. God opened the door and we said yes to His call. He took care of us and we obeyed!

 

 

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2nd Annual All-Pro Pastors and Wives Conference

 

(Commentary by Cheryl Johnston)

What a day of refreshing and practical encouragement was the 2nd Annual All-Pro Pastors and Wives Conference held on May 9, 2013 at Champions Church in Winter Haven.

The more than 115 attendees from Central Florida were treated to a well-organized program of powerful messages, practical advice, a great lunch, and opportunities to network with supportive organizations such as Moody Radio Florida 91.1 FM, Kingdom Life University, Strong Tower Insurance, World Action Radio & TV Network, and the National Center for Life & Liberty, among others.

Pierre Chestang of Moody Radio Florida emceed and author Richard Mull and Natasha Malpeli led with worship music. In addition to some of the early speakers in both the morning and afternoon portions, women enjoyed two breakout sessions.

Over and over were heard these comments: “Wow, so powerful!” “Great advice.” “Those ideas gave me a whole new perspective.” “I had never thought about it from that approach before.” “Thank God for my Champions Table group.”

In addition to the “Champions Table” accountability groups of 3-4 men who meet weekly for friendship and encouragement, the international All-Pro Pastors ministry now has its first groups for women. This is a ministry for people who are hungry for God and who desire with their whole hearts to see Him made known throughout the world.

Without a doubt, founders Paul and Linda Pickern are two of those.

 

Hats off for an incredible day of revival for area pastors and their wives, and all glory be to Jesus Christ, our Lord.

 

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“Spirit” Powerful at 1st Missionary Church Pastors Luncheon

Pastor Cliff Dollison and 1st Missionary Baptist Ch in Winter Haven, Fl. hosted a full house of Pastors for an All Pro Pastors/Ministerial Alliance luncheon on March 7th. The love and unity bringing pastors together across denominations and race at this luncheon demonstrated the power of the Kingdom when its leaders (local pastors) get connected. At this luncheon it was clearly seen that when we accept the assignment that God has given us as individuals and do it without jeolousy or discrimination the Body can then work together embracing our differences as strengths, not weakness.

This luncheon was very powerful and we heard many anointed testimonies and encouragements from speakers; Pastor Nolan Edwards, Bishop Willie Bolden and Pastor W F Floyd. Pastor Ron Ellis gave a very compelling word of challenge and inspiration. Pastors were hugging one another, praying for one another and connecting with one another. These Pastors were setting a new standard of Trust and Friendship that needs to grow across their community.

The presence of God was felt very strongly as over 40 pastors and friends, black, hispanic, and white linked hearts together as shepherds for the Kingdom! Every Pastor was challenged to become the “Champion”, God requires of His Leaders.

Many Pastors committed to starting Champion Tables and others to become Ambassadors for APP. The Spirit of God brought a contagious excitment of brotherhood that we pray will continue to grow and expand in this region.

Thank you Pastor Cliff for having the heart and desire for your Pastor friends in your community and your hunger to see Winter Haven brought to salvation!

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1st Baptist Bartow Fl. invites APP to Share the Vision to Area Pastors

On March 5th  Pastor Ron Burks and 1st Baptist Bartow, Fl. Hosted and treated Pastors to a tremendous meal and wonderful fellowship. We believe that this 1st for them will start a Kingdom movement to see many Pastors join forces to reach their community for Salvation!

Special Guest Ron Ellis brought the house down with words of challenge and motivation. Pastor Ron Ellis, the founder of BAM International as well as Exalted Word Ministries speaks all across America with an annointed word from God. He challenged all to reach to the next level!

Many pastors left the luncheon charged up and ready to be the Champion God called them to be, starting at home! We were surprised when one guest even volunteered to be an Ambassador for APP to India. It was another day of breakthrough. PTL

Thank you pastor Ron Burks for opening your heart and church to APP and the local Pastors. We pray that this beginning will bring a renewed committment for Pastors to link arms together to reach Bartow for Jesus!!

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Abundant Life Church of God Hosts Powerful Pastors Luncheon

Abundant Life rolled out the Red Carpet for Pastors and Spouses Feb 28th then surprised everyone with an old fashion “Fish Fry with Grits and Hush Puppies” luncheon treat! Pastors were encouraged, loved and blown away by Pastor Ron Ellis from BAM International. His powerful word had everyone out of their seats and cheering like the winning touchdown had just been caught.

Words from Pastors Steve Gornoski and Bob Stone about their “Champion Tables”  illustrated beautifully the importance of being a part of a Champion Table. Having  three brothers to share issues in trust and confidence each week is just like a vacation according to these pastors.

Thank you Pastor Ron Stewart and Chuck Thorpe for being great hosts and providing a terrific blessing for the pastors in Lakeland, Fl.

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