The Assemblies of God recorded its second-highest ever number of new church openings in the United States, planting just more than one church a day, with 368 new churches opening in 2011.

AG Statistician Sherri Doty states that the number of new churches planted comes second only to the 400 churches planted in 1982 and ties the number of churches planted in 1991. Currently, the Assemblies of God now has 12,595 churches in the United States - the highest on record.

"One of our strategic values is to vigorously plant new churches," states AG General Superintendent George O. Wood. "Our goal was to plant a church a day in 2011. It was exciting to see how God helped us meet - and then exceed - that goal. This is also a strong step in the direction we believe God is directing the Assemblies of God. We're believing God to help us plant at least 410 new churches in 2012, with an ultimate goal of planting at least 500 churches a year, every year, in the United States alone."

Wood also points out that in addition to a surge in church openings, the number of church closings in 2011 had also decreased - only two times in the last decade has there been fewer than 230 church closings. "Overall, we had a net gain of 138 churches," Wood says. "That stands as our 11th highest net gain of churches."

Recognizing the impact that Parent Affiliated Church plants have had on the growing number of church openings, Wood also gives a strong endorsement to the Church Multiplication Network. "CMN has given a huge boost to church planting in providing matching funds, training and mentoring of church planters," Wood states.  "I think the surge in new plants is attributable to several factors," says Steve Pike, national director of CMN. "Under the unflinching leadership of Dr. Wood, starting new churches has become a premier activity of the Assemblies of God. God has seen our willingness and hunger to yield ourselves to His mission and He is working through that. As a result, the AG is rapidly emerging as a great organization to plant a church with. Effective planters are attracted to the excellent opportunities we are able to provide."

Faith For Tomorrow Footnote:  The Assembly of God is one of the largest Pentecostal Denominations in the world, having roots in the great revival at Azusa Street in Los Angeles, California in the year 1906.  With ministries active all over the world, the Assembly of God represents one of the major arms of Christian Evangelism in the world today, still having as a major reason for being to carry out the Great Commission given to the church by our Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 28:18-20  (KJV)  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:   Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Clarence Thomas is one of the most distinguished Supreme Court Justices in the nation’s history.  Thank God there is such a brilliant and distinguished Jurist on the Supreme Court influencing the decisions of that powerful body, a man of tradition and integrity who holds the line for decency and the American Spirit.   But we would expect nothing less from Justice Thomas, a truly American individual.

Clarence Thomas was raised in Georgia during the darkest period of racial segregation; the town he lived in lacked paved roads and even a sewage system.  His father was a farm worker, his mother a domestic.  His ancestors had been slaves within the State of Georgia.  Clarence Thomas' father abandoned the family when he was two years old, after which his mother scrubbed floors for pennies, but it was never enough to feed her family.  After the family house burned down, Clarence and his younger brother went to live with his grandfather and his wife.  His grandfather had a small business and life improved for young Clarence.  Thereafter, his grandfather proved to be the greatest influence on his young life, teaching the boy about hard work and the importance of education.  Clarence Thomas became an honor student in high school where he was the only African American.  He went on to college at the suggestion of helpful nuns and excelled.  Clarence Thomas took his grandfather’s advice and never looked back.  

Thank God for Supreme Court Justice, Clarence Thomas.  However, not everyone wants traditional Americans on the Supreme Court, or, in any other position of authority where they can represent the interests of average Americans, those of us who are part of the forgotten 90%.  The ruling elite wants to make sure that persons of influence within government are always filtered through the Attitude Adjustment Camps of Harvard, Yale, and Princeton.  That they have the seal of approval of elite journalists at the New York Times and Washington Post.  So when Clarence Thomas was nominated to the Supreme Court, the Hounds of Hell came against him.  They not only wanted to make sure this decent, brilliant, American did not get on the Court they wanted to destroy him for all time.

Now it’s the turn of another decent American who was born into poverty who came to the American dream from an era when the rigidly segregated South was totally controlled by demagogic populist Democrats.  Herman Cain was born in Memphis, Tennessee to Lenora Cain, a cleaning woman and domestic worker, and to his father Luther Cain, who was raised on a farm and worked as a barber and janitor, and part time chauffeur.  Herman Cain has said that as he was growing up, his family was "poor" but "happy". Cain related that his mother taught him success was not a function of what you start out with materially, but what you start out with spiritually.  His father worked three jobs so he could purchase his very own home and help his sons graduate from high school.

Cain grew up on the west side of Atlanta, Georgia, where he attended school and a local Baptist Church.  Cain married his wife Gloria soon after her graduation from Morris Brown College in 1968.  His wife of 43 years is a homemaker, who has served stints as a teacher and a librarian.  Cain graduated from Morehouse College in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics and was accepted at Purdue, where he received a Masters in Computer Science in 1971, while working toward his Masters Degree he also worked full-time as a ballistics analyst for the U.S. Navy.  The brillaint young man, Herman Cain, actually was a Rocket Scientist.

And now Herman Cain is running for President of the Untied States.  But, he is not running for Divider and Chief.  So, therefore, we shouldn’t be surprised that the ruling elite wants to destroy another brilliant American, who just happens to be black, (Remember Clarence Thomas?) and who is on the verge of taking on the Executive Branch of government on behalf of average Americans.  They can’t stomach Herman Cain just as they can’t stomach Average Americans.

Please. please, please... do not allow evil to influence you.  Both of these men are Christians who deserve the respect of Christians here in the United States and throughout the world.  The brilliant Jurist and the Honored Mathematician, turned entrepreneur, turned respected American Advocate---the highly honorable gentlemen; Clarence Thomas; and Herman Cain.

Do not allow Satan and his legions of demons to decide for you who is worthy and who is not.  Look beyond the surface and see the truth crooching directly beneath.  And pray for those whom the enemy of our soul is out to---not only weaken---but also to destroy.  Pray for two honest, decent, admirable men, who deserve the respect and admiration of all the men and women of GOD everywhere.

Toward the end of September in New York City a tiny clown car drove down 43rd street and parked near the waterfront where all the colorful characters tumbled out.  They all came to one of the world’s great cities to speak before the United Nations, that talking head that pretends to represent all the nations, peoples, races, and languages of the world.  The UN headquarters building sits upon the western bank of the Hudson River, which runs to the Atlantic Ocean, where many waters spread out over the face of the earth. 

Among the speakers appearing before the UN that week were Mahmoud Ahmadinejad the despotic dictator of Iran and Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian National Authority.  Abbas, formerly a world-class terrorist and murderer, received a standing ovation from a majority of observers that make up the General Assembly these days.  In his speech, Abbas called upon the members to support the petition which is presently before the UN, calling for immediate recognition of a Palestinian State (which would almost certainly lead to continuous war within the region).  The only acceptable means leading to the establishment of a Palestinian state---in order to guarantee peace---would come about through peace negotiations with neighboring Israel.   However, this was the United Nations.  The Abbas petition will come up for a final vote in October.  

Unbelievable incidents of moral mischief take place within those buildings sitting upon many waters there at the end of 43rd street in New York City.  New York---the city that controls the economies of kings.  Take for example the following:  in AD2003 Muammar Qaddafi’s murderous Libyan regime was elevated to head the UN’s Human Rights Commission.  Qaddafi was elected to the position by a vote of thirty-three to seventeen.  Thirty-three member states of the UN thought Libyan dictator Mouamar Qaddafi was the right guy to head their Human Rights Commission.  You would think that would be ridiculous enough, but no… of hundreds of resolutions that have been passed by the UN in the past thirty years, relating to Israel, the vast majority overwhelmingly condemn the human rights record of the only free democratic nation within the Middle East.  

So how about it, let’s take a close critical look at two General Assembly member states, let’s take a look and compare Saudi Arabia’s human rights record with that of Israel.  In Saudi Arabia, women must have permission from their nearest male relative before they can leave the seclusion of their home.  Which means, taking the hypothetical case of a sixty-year-old Saudi widow who’s nearest male relative is her nephew’s son, that this woman has to have the permission of her nephew’s son before she can leave her house and go to her doctor’s office for a checkup.  Not only that, but when she leaves her house, her clothing must cover her body from head to toe.  In Israel, women have the same rights as men, no woman in Israel has to get anyone’s permission before she can legally leave her house.  If the weather is warm, say one hundred and ten degrees, an Israeli woman, even a grandmother, can wear shorts if she so chooses.  In Saudi Arabia, Jews and Christians are not allowed to openly practice their faith.  Another interesting fact; there are two Saudi cities where non-Muslims would be killed if they dared to enter within the city limits---Medina and Mecca.  In Israel, all religions are free to express their faith openly.  Muslims openly practice their faith throughout Israel as do Christians, Buddhists, or anyone else.  Jerusalem contains the holiest site in all of Judaism, the Temple Mount.  So are non-Jews killed if they dare enter the area of the Temple Mount?  No, of course not, Israel is a civilized state; anyone can freely visit the Temple Mount.  Except for the very top, that is, where Muslims have been granted control.  They were granted control there because in the seventh century Muslim conquerors erected a victory mosque on the spot they believed the Jewish temple had once stood.  In Saudi Arabia, homosexuals are persecuted---not when they are caught in a public park in the act---they are persecuted for just being homosexuals; they are persecuted because they exist.  In Israel, homosexuals have the same basic human rights as everyone else.  Homosexuals are not persecuted in Israel.  Are any of the violations of basic human rights that routinely occur in Saudi Arabia the subject of resolutions passed by the United Nations?  No, they are not. 

The United Nations brings to mind the image of a mysterious harlot… a woman of ill repute riding upon the back of an ugly many-headed scarlet beast.  And who can deny that the sordid nations of the Middle East---lumped together with other despots such as China and Russia---do not resemble a writhing multi-headed beast.  Picture therefore, a woman, a soiled prostitute clothed in purple and red, sitting upon many waters, clinging to the back of a sordid beast all the while wailing, pointing fingers and uttering blasphemous condemnations.  Does anyone really believe that Saudi Arabia and Iran and Syria are fond of the UN?  We all know in our heart these hate-filled nations despise the UN.  They are merely waiting patiently for the day (can you say, Caliphate?) when they have the power to dismantle the object of their hatred.   Think of it this way:  the western democracies pay the largest share of the billions of dollars that sift through the UN sieve each and every year, but still the UN kowtows before the hate-filled dictatorships.  Just like a faithless loose woman---centuries ago we would have used the word, WHORE---who accepts the pay of many lovers, but is not satisfied and is always on the lookout for one more customer.

On Friday, August 5, for the very first time in history the credit rating, for the United States of America, was downgraded by Standard and Poors from AAA to AA+.  This is a milestone event in the history of the country.  For the first time our credit is less than perfect.  The Monday after the downgrade the NYSE stock market plummeted over 600 points.  The United States is at a turning point; we could be on the verge of a depression the likes of which we have never experienced before. 

The cause is obvious---unrestrained spending by the federal government and unrestrained printing of worthless greenbacks.  Meanwhile, back in Washington the politicians are demanding higher taxes on the wealthiest Americans.  But what would happen if the tax rates were raised through the roof for wealthy Americans?  Well, the corrupt political class will simply spend more---the increase in revenues will disappear---and they will demand taxes be raised yet again to cover their extravagant spending.  Why does the political class engage in unrestrained spending?  Because your tax money is their power base, the ability to control and spend enormous sums of taxpayer’s funds is how they retain power year after year. 

What is the answer for the people of GOD?  Get off of the hamster’s exercise wheel.  As soon as possible get yourself out of debt, or, if not possible for you, get your debts down to the most manageable point you can.  Furthermore, put some of your savings into something tangible like silver or gold; silver is good for those with limited savings.  For example:  if you have ten thousand dollars in savings, put one thousand dollars into silver.  If the worst comes your silver may be the only money you have of any value.  If you can afford gold, buy gold.  Even at one thousand seven hundred dollars per once?  The answer is---yes!  If you can afford it---buy gold even at one thousand seven hundred dollars per ounce.  Plan for the worst situation.  Put away foodstuffs.  Have an emergency plan for you and your family if the economy crashes. 

And pray for the country.  Pray for those leaders who understand that the problem is too much spending---not too low taxes.  Pray for your countrymen and women to come to their senses.  Write letters to your elected officials whenever there is something coming up that will affect the national debt.  Vote!  Vote!  Vote!  Vote for representatives who understand that nations---like individuals---cannot continue year after year to live far beyond their means.  After all, prayer can move mountains and even sometimes---corrupt politicians.  Look up Luke Chapter 19: Verses 8 & 9.  Jesus has just ministered to a corrupt politician named Zacchaeus who has enriched himself by levying crushing tax burdens upon his fellow Judeans.  “Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.   9And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house…”

There are many spirit led ministries out there and one is the television ministry of the late, Zola Levitt, now hosted by his widow, Sandra Levitt.  Zola Levitt is a Messianic Jew who loves Jesus down to the very core of his being.  Zola often educates Christians on the roots of their faith, Jewish tradition and Israel.  Please… treat yourself, click on the live link in the right hand column under Spirit Led Ministries (www.levitt.com) and check out the Zola Ministry website.  Then, study the schedule for future television broadcasts and arrange to meet up (via your television) with Zola and Sandra.  You will be blessed.

Another ministry you really should investigate is the ministry of T. D. Jakes (the Pentecostal Pope).  Once again look in the right hand column under Spirit led ministries and you will find a live link to the Potters House Ministry (www.pottershouse.org) the Ministry of T. D. Jakes.  Check out the ministries website and watch one of Pastor Jakes broadcasts.  You will be blessed by the preaching of one of the great preachers of the gospel.

One of the most effective organizations bringing Jesus Christ to a starving world is the Ministry of the Assemblies of God.  There is an Assemblies of God Ministry in practically every city (and town) in the United States of America. Some Assembly of God Ministries are Super Churches with thousands of members while others are infant ministries with young pastors struggling to win a small town for Christ.  The Assemblies of God attempts to reach the whole world with its outreach.  Assemblies of God (USA) has a website with great resources for those searching for a deeper meaning and purpose in life.  Check out their website, click on the live link to the right under Spirit Led Ministries (www.ag.org)

Faith Community Church is pastured by Jim Reeve and his wife Marguerite.  The Ministry is located in Southern California, in the working class community of West Covina.  Pastor Reeve is quite proud of the fact that they have an integrated congregation.  Faith actively seeks to draw Latinos and African Americans as well as European Americans (people of all colors and complexions) to their services and they have succeeded.  The music is lively and the preaching will lift you up.  Pastor Reeves is no T. D. Jakes, but, with the power of the Holy Spirit behind him, the man can turn a phrase.  They also have a television ministry called Balanced Living.  It is worth watching.  Go to their website in the right hand column www.go2faith.org.  Check out Faith Community Church, you will be blessed.

Chuck Colson Ministries

Charles Capp Ministries

---

Followers of Jesus should know what is going on in the world and should be careful not to be led about by skillful propaganda.  Check out the live link at the right (www.foxnews.com) under News of the Day.  This is the Fox News Channel’s website.  Faith For tomorrow believes that for a fair and balanced presentation of the news each and every day there is no better source that FNC.  Find out what cable channel in your area carries FNC.  When tuning in the evening news try them out.  You will be blessed.

This day in the year of our Lord AD 2009 the Ministry is praying for revival, the people of God are praying for the Holy Spirit to gush forth and just pour all over everything like a tsunami hitting the beach, washing away everything that came before.  Holy Sprit… Please, Lord… Reach out and touch our town… our state… our country… our world...  with the blood and sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ.  It has happened before and it can, indeed, happen again.

What happened on Azusa Street in Los Angeles on that day that astonished and changed the world.  To learn more simply click on the link titled (wikipedia.org/azusa street revival) in the right hand column under great Revivals.

---

Israel… Jesus said at one point that he would have taken Jerusalem under His wing like a mother hen protecting her chicks, except for her sins.  Jesus loved Jerusalem.  Every Christian should long to see the City of David.  But, everyone, unfortunately, is not in a financial situation that would allow them to do so.  So, you do it for them.  If you can afford it, visit Jerusalem, travel to Israel.  Walk in those places where Jesus walked.  You will be blessed.  Click on the live link to the right under travel and see what kind of Israel travel deals you can get for your next vacation.  Sha'aloo shalom Yerushalayim