Pastor Thomas' Blog

Just wanted to stop by and say that great things are happening at OCOEE CHURCH OF GOD!

If time will allow – I’ll try to update my blog tomorrow!

We will see!

In the meantime, check out our website: www.ocoeecog.com!

Blessings!

Pastor Thomas

In March of 2009, Ocoee Church of God launched a Hispanic Ministry to reach the Hispanic community of Ocoee.

Starting only with 3, the congregation has grown and is now self supportive!

For the first year, the Hispanic Ministry conducted services at our main campus on Sundays @ 2pm and Tuesdays @ 7:30pm.

In April 2010, we moved the Hispanic Ministry to their own location, the former site of Ocoee, Harvest Church of God.

That location (The Hispanic Campus, as we call it) has continued to grow and now conducts multiple services weekly!

After just over two years, plans are in the making to organize this congregation as a stand alone Church of God!

I could not be more pleased with what has occurred through the Hispanic Ministry of Ocoee Church of God.

To the OCOG peeps at the Main Campus, THANK YOU for catching my vision and stepping out on FAITH!!!

To the OCOG peeps at the Hispanic Campus, THANK YOU for your work and committment each and every week, even when the attendance was in the single digits!

To Pastors Raymond and Marisol Escalera and Amy, THANK YOU for your labor of love – even during the tough times!!

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your ministry and for having faith in me and Anglo campus!!

Even though our church relationship will change from a mother-daughter relationship to a sister-sister relationship, I’m here to serve you any way I can!

Blessings!

Pastor Thomas

‎*Second Blessings Thrift Store is closing!*

As announced during our business meeting, in the coming weeks, our Hispanic Ministry will become an organized congregation with the Church of God!

I’m so proud of what they have done on Silver Star Road – it’s just amazing!!!

With that said, we are closing Second Blessings Thrift Store which was housed at the same location.

Stop by this Friday or Saturday!

Everything must go!!!

Pastor Thomas

For many nights now it seems that I have been awaken somewhere between 2am and 4am.

I don’t feel it’s because I’m a morning person because I’m not!!!

Nor do I feel it’s because I don’t need the sleep.

Could it be that the Lord is trying to speak something to me?

I remember a few nights ago I awoke with the though of our upcoming Camp Meeting in my spirit.

I began to pray and meditate on the Lord and I believe during those early hours of the morning God gave me a direction for our Camp Meeting.

One thing I do know – don’t waste that time – use it for something.

Again this morning I was awaken for some purpose.

After spending time in prayer, I thought I’d write about my thoughts with the hope of reminding me and others that God is always there.

I want to be ready to hear His voice no matter what time it is.

Could it be that He is preparing me for something just around the corner?

Could it be that He is trying to deal with my life in an area that I need to improve for Him?

Could it be the He is wanting to take me to a deeper experience with Him?

This much I do know – I’m trusting God for some direction in my life and for my church!

Could it be that in these early morning hours God will not only hear my prayer but that He will also answer my prayer?

Thank be unto God!

Blessings!

Pastor Thomas

Ocoee COG had a great day yesterday celebrating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus!!

We had 293 in attendance!

To God be the glory!

I would like to thank all the staff, leaders, and volunteers who made yesterday a success!

And, don’t forget REVIVAL this week with evangelist Rev. Michael Stephens.

Services are 7:30pm each night through Friday!

I look forward to seeing you!

Pastor Thomas

Today, my wife and I will be honored to participate in the Christmas Event for our Hispanic Congregation.

Our Hispanic Congregation, under the leadership of Bishop Raymond and Marisol Escalera was launched in March 2009!

In April 2010, we were blessed with a permanent home for them at 153 W. Silverstar Road.

They still remain a ministry of Ocoee Church of God – but since the relocation, they have continued to grow and are self supportive!

What a great season we are in at Ocoee Church of God / Iglesia de Dios de Ocoee!

Blessings!

Last night, 16 boys (along with some adult men) camped out on the new property adjacent to our church!

What a night they had! We heard them ALL NIGHT at the parsonage!!!

I’m so glad that we can minister to these boys and their families in so many different ways!!

“THANKS” to the men that chaperoned the event last night – I really enjoyed being able to sleep in my bed – even if it was noisy!!

Blessings!

To All:

Well, since the demise of our church van during the summer – transporting students for any event has been a challenge.

We have been praying that God would supply our need!!

Tonight, we have a 66 passenger school bus parked on the church campus.

While we have NOT finalized all the details – I’m confident that God has moved in this need and in the coming days we will see just how God moved for Ocoee COG once more!

God is so GOOD!!!

Pastor Thomas

Church of God General Overseer Raymond Culpepper will conduct a Web cast on Thursday, November 4, 2010, at 8:00pm. Ministers, laity, members, and non-members are invited to submit questions via email to be considered for the Web cast. For more information or to submit a question, follow the link below:

http://churchofgod.org/webcast-with-the-general-overseer/

Wow – today has been very busy.

I attended the FYLA/FCLA Conference in Ruskin this morning! Great things are in store for the youth of our state in the coming months!

Pastor Chris and Stacey Cantu were able to attend the entire conference (Friday afternoon and Saturday) and report it was GREAT!!!!

Pastor Kevin and Sis. Shannon attended a CGACS conference in Tampa today – I did not hear from them after they returned, but I trust it was great as well!

This afternoon, I had the privilege of meeting our new State Bishop – J. David Stephens – as he was on-site in Ocoee for a church visit, along with Bishop David Nitz!

I am excited about where God is taking Ocoee Church of God as we continue to move forward in HIM!!!!

Blessings!