Network Leader Connexions Summer 2024

PennDel Ministry Network | Summer 2024
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF MINISTRY AT BCC

PENNDEL MINISTRY NETWORK
NETWORK SUPERINTENDENT | DONALD J. IMMEL
LORD – DO IT AGAIN!
Our calendars are full of days – and seasons – of remembrance. Anniversaries, birthdays
and holidays are typically dates set side to remember and reflect upon some special
significant event that merits a pause, reflection or celebration. The Old Testament had
its feasts and festivals. The New Testament has its sacred moments, like the regular celebration of
communion and/or baptism. The church later instituted the observation of the “Christ mass” to
commemorate Jesus’ incarnation and later Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday to
remember “the passion of Christ.”
717.795.5921 | don@penndel.org
SEPTEMBER 23-25
BONGIORNO CONFERENCE CENTER • CARLISLE, PA
SPECIAL GUEST
Rev. Rick DuBose
Pennsylvania-Delaware Ministry Network
4651 Westport Drive | Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
EDITOR: Donald J. Immel
MANAGING EDITOR: Carole Bongiorno
Read online: penndel.org/connexion
Volume 70 Number 3–(USPS 165-700) is the official periodical
published quarterly by the Pennsylvania-Delaware District
Council of the Assemblies of God. Periodical postage paid
at Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Circulation Stands at
Approximately 5,000. POSTMASTER, Send address changes to:
Pennsylvania-Delaware District Council, 4651 Westport Drive,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-4887
TO REGISTER & MORE INFORMATION
on Sessions, Breakouts, Lodging, Meals,
Activities & Childcare: penndel.org/thrive
Executive Presbytery
Superintendent . . . . . . . . . Donald J. Immel
Assistant Superintendent . . . . Steven DeFrain
Secretary/Treasurer . . . . . . . Jeff Marshall
Timothy Bunney Southwest Suburban–SWS
Mark Caston East Central–EC
Ryan Coon At-Large Under 40
Jeff Dyer Delaware–DEL
James Goodman North Central West–NCW
Wayne Jackson Southwest Metro–SWM
Barry Brown Greater Philadelphia Area–GPA
Dwan Newsome South Central–SC
Kwaku Owusu-Boachie At-Large Ethnic
James Pentz North Central–NC
Tim Halbfoerster South Central East–SCE
Lisa Rodriguez At-Large Female
Wayne Schaffer South Central West–SCW
Allan Thorpe Northwest–NW
David Twiss Northeast–NE
General Presbyters
Donald J. Immel
Jeff Marshall
Jason Lamer
Honorary General Presbyter
Philip Bongiorno
PennDel Superintendent Emeritus
This fall we will celebrate the 40 th anniversary of the Bongiorno Conference Center. In the grand
scheme of things, this is a small recognition. But with forty years of ministry under our belt, only
heaven can evaluate how many lives have been touched because of this place of spiritual renewal
and focus. More than a place to hold conferences, BCC has been a place where followers of Jesus
have sequestered themselves to experience God’s presence, focus on their spiritual lives, enjoy
community with friends and colleagues, and allow the Holy Spirit to speak, transform and initiate
life-altering processes that have eternal outcomes. Stories from missionaries, ministers, chaplains
and followers of Jesus are shared in conjunction with our conference center. Our prayer is that
this gathering place will continue to be a holy place where the body of Christ will experience
God’s touch, the Holy Spirit’s anointing and Christ’s presence in unparalleled fashion. God has
baptized believers, called servants, healed and restored lives at BCC…our prayer is:
“Lord – do it again!”
In 2 Chronicles 5:14 we read that “…the glorious
presence of the Lord filled the Temple of God.”
To this we reply, “Lord – do it again!”
In Acts 2:2 we read “…suddenly there came a sound
from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled
the whole house where they were sitting.”
To this we reply, “Lord – do it again!”
In Acts 2:43 we read “…many signs and wonders
were done through the apostles.”
To this we cry, “Lord – do it again!”
Throughout this issue you will read accounts of lives that
were transformed by God through ministry at BCC.
To this we pray, “Lord – do it again,
and again, and again!”
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PennDel Ministry Network | CONNEXION 3

CARL REDDING | 717.243.7381 | credding@bccretreats.com
What do you think about when you hear the
word Camp? Maybe your brain goes back to your teen
years when you had a positive encounter with God. Maybe
you felt His presence in your life for the very first time. Or,
possibly, camp is where you gave your life over to Him
completely so that He could do whatever He needed to do.
Over and over again, he has done it in hearts and lives. He
changes lives forever on these grounds. Camp is a time in
our lives when we look back and say, yes, I remember when
God changed me. It amazes me how many of us have been
impacted by one of those camp moments, and it’s those
moments that are a true gift from God.
Recently, I had a conversation with Brother Bongiorno about
the very first time he drove onto the grounds that we now call
the Bongiorno Conference Center. It was so interesting to hear
how God almost instantly dropped the vision in his heart that
we had to have this property to propel the message of the
cross forward through camp ministry. He described how he
was able to share that vision with the presbytery and how they
moved quickly to formulate the strategic plan to purchase the
property. We are here 40 years later and literally
hundreds of thousands of lives have benefited
from the PennDel Ministry Network owning and
operating this property. We have seen thousands of
pastors, missionaries, and leaders called into the ministry while
here on this ground and countless individual lives that have
been changed and transformed by God’s power.
Not only have lives been changed but the property has
certainly changed over the years. Original to the property are
two hexagon structures, the original Dining Hall and the Eagle
Lodge. Since then we have added many dorm housing units as
well as meeting rooms and now we have more than twenty-five
A PLACE WHERE…
CHILDREN ARE SAVED, YOUTH ARE CALLED,
PEOPLE ARE HEALED, HEARTS ARE MENDED,
LIVES ARE TRANSFORMED
buildings on the property. When I think back over the years
it’s amazing how much we have grown. From having very few
options for housing and meeting spaces to now having so
many options for guests to share in, not to mention, meetings
under the tent… My how things have changed through the
years of ministry at Bongiorno.
As we ponder the past we would be remiss if we didn’t
look at what’s next. We have a couple of major projects
ahead as we launch into the future of what could happen
here at Bongiorno. We must invest some money into our
infrastructure. Our water system needs an overhaul and we
have to consider our dining hall capacity if we are going to
talk about growth. So we have already began the process
of hiring individuals to take care of this concern. Also, at
some point in the near future, we would love to build a new
dorm as well as provide a dedicated space for activities as
well as worship. All of these are agenda items that will bring
tremendous growth to our Conference Center. We will be
prioritizing and strategizing how we will make this all happen,
understanding that God already knows.
So, when I think about camp and all that it entails and all that
we do at Bongiorno to make it happen, I have to think back
to when God called me to full-time ministry. The Holy Spirit in
the middle of a worship service spoke to me as clear as day.
He said anything that I have called you to do throughout your
life, no matter what, remember, “It’s worth it for one.” That’s
how we serve here at Bongiorno, knowing that the things we
do change one life at a time. This past year we had over 18
thousand people come onto our campus looking to the Lord
to reveal Himself to them. As we anticipate the next
40 years of ministry at Bongiorno, we seek Him
to “Do it Again!”
THE BONGIORNO CONFERENCE CENTER THE FIRST 40 YEARS
1984
First
Summer
Camps
& Fall
Retreats
1986
Softball Field,
Tennis,
BB Courts
1988
Cabins,
RV Sites &
Bathhouse
1991
Fourplexes
1997
Pool
Bathhouse
2002
Renamed the
Philip Bongiorno
Conference
Center
2005
Pennsylvania
& Delaware
Rooms
(Dining Hall)
2012
George Krebs
becomes
BCC Director
2020
Prayer Walk
2021
Carl Redding
becomes
BCC Executive
Director
2024
Deerpath
Tubing Slide
4
1985
Dining Hall &
Eagle Lodge
Renovated
1987
Hotel,
Multipurpose
Building,
Open Dorm
1989
Dining Hall
Annex,
Family Suites
1993
David Center
1999
Hotel East
2004
Inflatables &
Climbing
Wall
2012
Wessman Way
Dedicated in
Honor of First
Director, David
Wessman
2017
Spaceball
Climbing Net
2021
Forest Hills
Disc Golf
Course
2022
Mountainview
Circle
Firepit
2024
Eagle
Lodge
Reopens
PennDel Ministry Network | CONNEXION 5

484.686.4843 | sdefrain@penndel.org
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT | STEVE DEFRAIN
WINNING COMBINATION
I love Judges 5:2 because it highlights the winning combination for every
church and ministry. “Israel’s leaders took charge, and the people gladly
followed. Praise the Lord!” That verse is powerful and precise: Great things can
be accomplished wherever you find leaders who lead and people who follow.
Israel, under twenty years of bondage to King Jabin and the Canaanites, was at a disadvantage. They had no spears or
shields, and no weapons could be seen among forty thousand warriors in Israel! The Canaanites had all the weapons,
including nine hundred iron chariots. It was an impossible situation. But change was about to happen when they did
two things: the people cried out to God for help, and Deborah, a prophetess in Israel, arose as a leader. She instructed
Barak to gather ten thousand warriors at Mount Tabor, and she called Sisera, the commander of the Canaanite army, to
meet them there. God promised victory. Barak agreed to go only if Deborah accompanied him. She agreed, but with
the condition that the honor would go to a woman, not him.
As they approached Mount Tabor, God declared, “Get Ready! This is the day the Lord will give you victory. The Lord is
marching ahead of you.” Picture ten thousand men marching into battle with no shields and no spears. The odds were
against them, but they emerged victorious. When Barak attacked, the Lord caused Sisera and his chariot warriors to
panic, and not even one survived. The result was forty years of peace in Israel.
PASTORAL INSTALLATION
Pastor Jason & Claudia Harris
Evangel AG, Norristown, PA
AROUND THE NETWORK
10 TH ANNIVERSARY
Life Community Church, Dubois, PA
Lead Pastors: James & Niki Goodman
PASTORAL
INSTALLATION
Pastor Eric &
Tiffany Spanier
Waynesburg First AG,
Waynesburg, PA
40 TH ANNIVERSARY
Orchard Beach Assembly, North East, PA
Lead Pastors: Troy & Rhonda Keith
WHAT TRAITS DOES A LEADER NEED TO INSPIRE PEOPLE
TO FOLLOW A VISION LIKE THAT?
1. TRUST: Deborah didn’t talk about trust; she spent her time being trustworthy. In Judges 5:5, we are
told that she held court under Deborah’s palm in the hills of Ephraim. The people of Israel went to her
with matters of justice. When they needed help, they could count on Deborah to be where she always
was: Deborah’s palm. There, she would speak God’s wisdom into their lives. She was trustworthy.
2. COMPASSION: Deborah’s heart was filled with care for others and the condition of their lives.
Judges 5:7 says, “Village life ceased, it ceased in Israel, Until I, Deborah arose, Arose a mother in
Israel.” Her heart ached for the oppression that Israel had endured for twenty years. There was no
life, no laughter, no prosperity. Village life ceased! She allowed her broken heart to move her, inspire
courage and lead God’s people to freedom.
3. STABILITY: An unstable and inconsistent leader breeds uncertainty. I offer the same advice to all
leaders facing challenges: Be consistent! Every day, rise, show up and do the right things. Deborah
was a beacon of stability in times of chaos. Every day, she kept showing up and doing the right things,
providing her followers with a sense of reassurance and safety.
4. HOPE: Hope believes the future will be better than the present. Deborah told them it was time for a
new beginning. We don’t have to live under oppression any longer. God has a new day for us.
40 TH ANNIVERSARY
New Hope Assembly of God, Elizabeth, PA
Lead Pastors: Damian & Shawna Schoonmaker
Former Pastor: Lance O’Brien
God Do It Again! Give us leaders who courageously lead, and followers
who gladly follow a vision for a better tomorrow. Praise the Lord!
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PennDel Ministry Network | CONNEXION 7

717.795.5921 | jeff@penndel.org
8
SECRETARY/TREASURER | JEFF MARSHALL
DO IT AGAIN!
We hear the cries of God’s people often proclaim,
“Do it again Lord! Do it again.” There
have been songs about it. Preachers have
preached about it, and books have been written about it.
Believers want to recapture a mighty work of God from the
past. There have been cries for revival for generations. A
revival is a reawakening, bringing back to life, renewing a
spiritual hunger that has been lost or never existed in the
first place. Revivals have been recorded throughout history.
All these revivals are a rehearsal for a mighty move of God
that will occur by Jesus himself, described in Matthew 13:39
referred to as “The Great Harvest of Souls.”
One of the greatest biblical revivals is recorded in the
book of Jonah. The reluctant prophet Jonah entered the
pagan city of Nineveh, preached repentance and the city
exploded, turning to God. We read of another biblical
revival in Acts 2. The followers of Jesus were gathered,
120 of them, waiting on the Lord to move and He did.
They were baptized with the Holy Spirit. Peter preached a
message and 3,000 men plus women and children came to
know Jesus. That is revival!
Other revivals have dotted our history with entire villages
coming to repentance. Two revivals emerged on the
scene in the early 1900s: the Welsh Revival in 1904, and
the Azusa Street Revival in 1906, which caught fire as a
result of the Welsh Revival. The Welsh Revival changed a
nation, bars shut down, sporting events were cancelled.
Even politicians were changed by the convicting power of
repentance. Then thousands of miles away in California,
revival broke out in a warehouse. God heard the cries of
those who desired a closer walk with Him and poured out
His Holy Spirit. Both mighty moves of God were a result of a
group of people praying, seeking more of His presence.
More recently we have experienced the charismatic
movement in the late 1960s into the early 1970s followed
by the Jesus Revolution that swept across America. Then
we experienced the Pensacola Outpouring which started
on Father’s Day, 1995. This revival lasted for five years.
Last year at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, God
poured out His Spirit following a chapel service that lasted
for three weeks. There have also been other moves of God
around the world.
Following each of these moves, we hear the words: “Do it
again, Lord! Do it again!” Are we ready for Him to do
it again? Are we, as the church prepared for revival? Could
we handle the crowds? Could we handle the follow-up? Do
we have discipleship programs ready now to handle 100-
1,000 new converts as a result of God “doing it again”?
The one characteristic that preceded each move of God
through the centuries was prayer. Groups of people were
fasting, praying and earnestly seeking God to move.
We want revival. We want a mighty move of God. We want God to “do it again.” Let’s hunger after His
presence, seek His face and dedicate ourselves to prayer. God will do it again, only this time even bigger.
WITH THE LORD:
Philip J Cochrane, 89, passed away on June 8. He was
born in Hounslow/Middlesex, England on June 24, 1934.
After serving as an Assemblies of God World Missionary to
Africa from 1956 to 1976, Philip was the lead pastor of the
following PennDel Churches: Tyrone and Clearfield. He was
preceded in death by his wife, Edith (December 13, 2020),
and his son, Andrew (April 12, 1963).
Robert McDonald, 82, passed away June 13. He was
born in Carrolltown and graduated from Northern Cambria
High School and University of Valley Forge (Northeast
Bible Institute). He served in the United States Army, and
was preceded in death by his loving wife, Elsie who died
in 1995. Together, they pastored the following PennDel
Churches: Kantner, Aliquippa, and Dillsburg.
MISSIONARY COMMISSIONING:
AGWM MISSIONARY RENEWAL SPRINGFIELD, MO
Zach and Camille serve as fully appointed AGWM missionaries
in a sensitive region. The Wable’s have a heart to reach the lost.
Their theme verse is, “Ask of me, and I will Surely give
the nations as your inheritance.” Psalm 2:8
WORLD MISSIONS | JEFF MARSHALL
MISSIONS SPOTLIGHT: HEATHER MATTOCKS
I was thirteen when I was called into
missions. My youth pastor (Shout out:
Jeanne Rowand, Pastor’s wife/Youth
Leader at Rohler’s AG, Dover PA),
decided that it was important to expose
us to missions. On my first trip, the Lord
clearly spoke to my heart and I knew
without a doubt I was going to be a
missionary. Being a teenager, while
knowing that I was called to missions,
is not easy. When I look back on those
years, it is easy to see how going to
every Youth Advance and Winter
Retreat, even the youth camp I attended,
had a huge impact on my call. I know
this is because of the time I spent in
His presence at the altar at BCC. Every
time I went, I met God. I remember
leaving service smiling and laughing
for no other reason than the joy of the
Lord. The snack bar milkshakes helped
continue that joy long after service
as well. Friendships with new youth
groups and God conversations every
night, sometimes all night, are some of
my fondest memories. I have lifelong
friends because of the time we spent
using our talents for all at Youth Advance
to see, and for those intimate moments
praying for each other. I remember
laying everything down on the altar, God
moving and me leaving changed. From
teenage heartbreak, friendships and
doubting the call, BCC is where God
healed, mended and confirmed again
and again the call in my life. When I was
in high school, I specifically remember
encountering and being filled with the
Holy Spirit. I was earnestly praying over
my friends in the youth group and then
the Holy Spirit took over. Being baptized
in the Holy Spirit was just another step of
preparation in my calling.
It was an amazing thing years later
to pray over my own students and
watch God move in their lives at the
same altars. He molded and built their
relationships with Him in the same way
He had mine. Competitive volleyball
builds character right? Now, again
God continues to move full circle as my
PENNDEL WORLD MISSIONS
DINNER
The AGWM World Missions Connect took place in Springfield
the last week of June. We were honored to host a banquet for
our fully appointed World Missionaries. We are grateful for
these faithful missionaries and their families.
CROSBY MISSIONS HOUSE
2-year Project Goal: $500,000 • Thank you for your contributions. • Total as of June 30: $210,814.14
Malachi, Heather, TaraBeth, Isaiah & Dakota Mattock
Region: Latin America Caribbean, Colombia
AGWM Account # 2713980
Email: mattocksfamilymissions@gmail.com
(717) 424-9260 Isaiah • (717) 434-2544 Heather
Website: mattocksfamilymissions.com
children have gone to Winter Retreat,
and PK/MK retreat, coming home
with stories of friendships, sleepless
nights and powerful encounters with
God. I even had the honor to talk about
missions at youth camp this year. I am
so grateful for a place that shaped so
much of my foundation, of my students’
lives and even my children. Thank you
PennDel, and thank you BCC.
PennDel Ministry Network | CONNEXION 9

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | RICK DUBOSE
THE SALVATION
ALTAR
AN EXCERPT FROM
IN JESUS’ NAME: 5 ALTARS
OF PRAYER THAT MOVE
HEAVEN AND EARTH
BY RICK DUBOSE
We are excited to have RICK DUBOSE
speak at this year’s THRIVE. Rick is
a powerful voice for our movement
with a passion to get in the Word
and back to the altar. As a pastor in
Sachse, Texas, the church grew from
17 people into a church of more than
800. Now serving as Assistant General
Superintendent of the AG, Rick serves
on the Executive Leadership Team.
His newest book is, In Jesus’ Name: 5
Altars of Prayer That Move Heaven and
Earth. He and his wife Rita have two
daughters, a son, and eight grandsons
and based out of Springfield, Missouri.
AG WORLD PRAYER CENTER
More than thirty years ago, Assistant
General Superintendent, Rick
DuBose, received a vision that has
impacted his prayer life ever since
and has also inspired the creation of
the Assemblies of God World Prayer
Center in Springfield, Missouri.
You can schedule a visit at
prayercenter.ag.org
The same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for,
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:12–13
One Sunday, as I was wrapping up our opening
worship, a person in the congregation began to
speak loudly in tongues. Our church, which often
experienced the public expression of Pentecostal gifts, grew
quiet. We waited and prayed for discernment, wondering if
what we heard was meant to be a personal moment of worship
or if it was a message to the whole congregation.
When a person feels the Spirit leading them to speak out
in words they don’t understand, it is often what the Bible
calls a message in tongues. “To another speaking in
different kinds of tongues, and to still another
the interpretation of tongues” (1 Corinthians 12:10).
When words in a Spirit-inspired unknown language are spoken
publicly as a statement from the Spirit, our response is to
listen with our spirit and wait for the Spirit to offer a public
interpretation. As I listened to that worshiper’s message in
tongues grow louder and bolder, I sensed the Spirit was giving
me the interpretation.
Often when I sense God giving me the public response, I don’t
know the entirety of what He wishes to say. God gives me the
beginning and I speak by faith as He continues to offer His
words. As I began to give the interpretation, I felt the Spirit
leading me to speak to a single person who was planning to
commit suicide. I spoke what I heard the Spirit saying.
“I know you,” I heard God say. “And I know the plan
you have to end your earthly life. I want you to
know this morning that I have a better plan for
you if you are willing to trust completely in Me. I
promise to repair your broken life and give you
eternal life, if you will accept it.”
I didn’t have to think very hard or long about what to do next.
I gave an altar call. I made an opportunity for the person to
respond. Really, it was the Spirit who had made the moment.
God had prepared this heart to respond. He had made the
moment “hot” for salvation. My job was to present the altar,
the space for that person to respond.
Almost immediately, I saw a hand go up in the back row. And
just as quickly a person began to move across their row and
come forward down the aisle. She was well-dressed and
appeared to have her life together; however, inside she was
desperate enough to be seriously contemplating suicide. How
easily we make assumptions about people without knowing the
true state of their hearts.
As I watched her make her way forward, I began to see other
people moving as well. Others were responding. In a moment,
several were standing at the altar, and many received Christ
for the first time that morning. It was a very special Sunday that
many of us still remember.
Later, I had a chance to speak with the woman who had first
responded to that call. She explained that she had made up her
mind to attend church one last time before ending her life. If
something meaningful had not happened or changed her, she
had been determined to make it the end. God did something
that day—but He went on to do more. He changed her and
reworked her whole life. She continued to follow the Lord, and
God has fulfilled His promise to give her a new life.
She did not get saved that day because of a special segment of
service we had predesigned for that purpose. We didn’t have a
chance to present Christ over a series of social events and gettogethers.
She was coming one last time. That was
our one and only chance. Because our church had been
focused on praying for the miraculous, God moved and did a
miracle. God spoke directly to her. And we prepared to stop the
service and provide her the altar where she could receive Christ.
Who knows how many people sit in our services facing moments
just as desperate. Who knows what they walk in carrying and
what decisions they have already made. Who knows if that one
Sunday will be the only chance we get. If we are not sensitive to
every move of the Spirit, it might be too late. They may leave still
lost and hurting. They may never come back. Worse, they might
not get another chance.
When the Spirit moves, He should know that we
are willing to listen and willing to respond. God
can count on us to build an altar of salvation.
10
PennDel Ministry Network | CONNEXION 11

717.795.5921 | tom@penndel.org
12
PHILLY SEEK AND SAVE
We’re eager to partner with you for Seek and
Save community outreaches taking place in
Philadelphia this fall! Philly Seek and Save is a
multi-site outreach event. Here is the schedule for
Seek and Save events:
EVANGELISM TRAINING
Each site will host their own evangelism training prior
to Seek and Save. Feel free to join:
Saturday, September 7 • 10 AM – 12 PM
Philadelphia Tabernacle — Center City
1801 Spring Garden St., Philadelphia, PA 19130
Tuesday, September 10 • 7 PM – 9 PM
(This will be streamed as well)
CityReach Church — Tacony
Saturday, September 14 • 9 AM – 11 AM
CityLife Church — South Philly
CHURCH PLANTING | TOM REES
SECTIONAL CHURCH PLANTING
We have asked each section to form a church planting
vision team to lead the way and plant a church in one
of their communities. These are the twelve target areas
they have identified.
• If you know someone you think is wired for one of
these communities, please encourage them to explore
what church planting could look like for them.
• If God is calling you to plant or partner with a church
or multi-site in one of these target communities,
please contact your Presbyter.
• Pray and believe with us that God will raise up new
church planters!
SECTION NAME TARGET COMMUNITY
DEL ......... Jeff Dyer ...........Marshalltown
EC .......... Mark Caston .......Lehigh Valley
GPA ......... Barry Brown ........Chester
NC .......... Jim Pentz ...........Coudersport
NCW ........ James Goodman ....Johnsonburg
NE .......... Dave Twiss .........Lehighton/Jim Thorpe
NW ......... Allan Thorpe .......Edinboro
SCE ......... Tim Halbfoerster ....Colonial Park
SC .......... Dwan Newsome ....Mercersburg
SCW ........ Wayne Schaffer .....Portage/Cresson
SWM ........ Wayne Jackson .....Allentown (Pittsburgh)
SWS ......... Tim Bunney ........California/Brownsville
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN: seekandsave.ag.org
SEEK AND SAVE WEEK
Monday, September 16
Construction volunteers begin work at Philly Dream Center. We need
the following trade skills: Carpenters (finish and framing), Electricians,
Plumbers, Flooring (tile and carpet), Sheetrock, Painters, and helpers
for site cleanup.
Tuesday, September 17, at 7 PM
All are invited to a city-wide Seek and Save prayer meeting at
Philadelphia Tabernacle in Center City.
Tuesday, September 17 – Saturday, September 21
Volunteers will have the opportunity to serve at one of the four
locations with street evangelism. Youth Alive student ministry, CAN
missing children ministry, and recovery ministries will also be taking
place throughout the city.
Friday, September 20 from 2 PM – 8 PM
Volunteers help with Convoy of Hope grocery packing at CityLife
Church in South Philly.
Saturday, September 21
Each site will host a block party on Saturday. Volunteers will assist
with: Set up (stage, sound, tables, etc.), Kid Carnival Games/Face
Painting, Inflatables, Grocery Give-Away, Food - Hot Dogs, Chips &
Drink, Prayer Station and Guest Registration.
DEAN/MINISTRY DIRECTOR OF PDSOM | BENJAMIN GRENIER
DO IT AGAIN IN PDSOM
In the Fall of 2019, we launched a new
campus in Philadelphia. The first class of
the PennDel School of Ministry (PDSOM) in
Philly was AG Doctrine, History and Polity.
During one of these sessions, a powerful
moment unfolded that we are yearning for
God to do again.
The faculty member leading the class was Pastor Bob Novak.
During a discussion on holiness, a student opened up about his
struggle to overcome smoking. As the students began to share
and support each other, another student recounted a missions
trip experience where he had struggled with smoking. The
missionary on that trip had advised him, “If you want to give that
up, you need to replace it with more of Jesus.”
Inspired by this testimony, the student struggling with smoking
asked for prayer. Pastor Bob paused the class, and all the
students gathered around to pray for their peer. This wasn’t
just an ordinary prayer; it felt like a powerful wind of the Spirit
sweeping through the room. The atmosphere shifted as
students prayed fervently, and prophetic utterances began to
flow. They started to prophesy over one another and continued
to pray with intensity and sincerity for about fifteen minutes. A
profound peace of the Holy Spirit then settled over the room.
We need more opportunities like this in our students’ lives—
moments where faculty don’t just lead but allow the Spirit to
take control. One of the prophetic words shared that day was,
The first Class, with AG Doctrine Faculty, Pastor Bob Novak,
at PDSOM Philadelphia September 2019.
“This year will be tough, but God has given you each other to
support through these hard times.” Little did we know how
prophetic those words would be as COVID-19 would soon
profoundly impact our students and campuses.
Lord, please do it again. We need these Spirit-ordained,
unplanned experiences that bolster our efforts to train the future
leaders of our Network. These moments of divine intervention
are crucial for the spiritual growth and development of our
students. They remind us that while we teach and guide, it is
ultimately the Spirit that transforms and equips.
As we continue to navigate challenging times, let us remain
open and expectant for more of these powerful encounters. Let
us pray for and create spaces where the Holy Spirit can move
freely, bringing about transformation and renewal in the lives of
our students.
Lord, we ask you to do it again. Pour out your Spirit, bring
prophetic words, and let your peace reign in our classrooms
and hearts. May we see more of your power and presence as we
train and equip the next generation of leaders.
PDSOM OFFERS THREE DIFFERENT EDUCATION TRACKS:
CREDENTIALING: This three
year track offers all the education
requirements necessary for Ordination
with the Assemblies of God
BIBLE INSTITUTE: This one year
track focuses on all the Bible classes we
offer and is perfect for Sunday School
teachers or anyone wanting to deepen
their knowledge of God’s Word
BOARD TRACK: This track is
perfect for Board Members and
focuses on our Leadership classes
For more information, please go to www.penndelsom.org or contact:
Barb Jacobs: bjacobs@penndelsom.org • 724-689-3929
Abigail Redding: Abigail.redding@penndelsom.org • 717-795-5921 ext. 229
bgrenier@penndelsom.org
PennDel Ministry Network | CONNEXION 13

Ordination Celebration May 6-8, 2024
Congratulations
TO THE ORDINATION CLASS OF 2024
Erie First Assembly • Erie, PA
Vincent & April Arnone
Korinne Baker
Scott & Melissa Ball
Michael & Vicki Barton
Donald & Louise Belch
Jeffrie & Cristen Crossley
Quinn Crossley
Jeffrey & Leah Deitrich
Randall & Christine Eliason
George & Debbie Everett
Timothy & Jennifer Ferguson
Hugh & Kimberly Flanagan
Brad & Leah Leach
Jeffrey & Melodie Leake
Manuel & Victoria Marin
Carlos & Sarah Munoz
Kimberly Nabors
Timothy & Desiree Nabors
Jared & Melinda Newhart
Colin Robinson
50 Years Ordained
Congratulations to
our Jubilarians
Matthew & Mary Robinson
Glenn & Paula Rousselle
Sherry Sabella
Samson & Sravanthi Samuel
Joseph & Cheryl Terreri
LAWRENCE & CAROLYN REED
KAREY & MARJORIE SCHAFFER
DONALD & LOUISE BELCH
(Not pictured) MARTIN & PATRICIA KOSS
Benton & Megan Ward
Michael & Denise Wolf
14
PennDel Ministry Network | CONNEXION 15

717.795.5921 | jason@penndel.org
CHURCH RECALIBRATION | JASON TOURVILLE
SHED THE WEIGHT
OF LEADERSHIP
The pathway to possibilities is marked with choice and action. As spiritual
leaders, we are flooded with choices, decisions and judgment calls on a
daily or hourly basis. This can feel like a heavy load burdening our souls.
This weight of leadership then compels us to action. Those that we lead expect
us to decide, they expect us to choose, they expect us to lead. With this weight
of leadership squarely on your shoulders, have you ever stopped and wondered,
“What does Jesus expect?”
In John 10:27, Jesus speaks these powerful and poignant words, “My sheep hear
My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” When words like this confront my
soul, I am often reminded that the weight I am carrying may not be a weight I have
been designed to carry. Perhaps we need to shed the weight of leadership, if that
weight wasn’t given to us by the Lord.
According to this passage, the two responsibilities I have are to Listen (hear His
voice) and to Follow. The three words that comfort my soul are “I know them.”
The theme of this magazine’s volume is “Do It Again.” Let me propose, that
should the Lord do so, it will be because we are listening and following, not
because we are leading. Let’s take the time to actually do what Jesus is describing.
MINISTER CARE | PAUL LYNN
“AND THEY WERE
ALL IN ONE ACCORD”ACTS 2:4, KJV
Could Pentecostals have the best mental health?
As I was reading the research blog, “After Babel,”
dated June 10, I ran across this wonderful data rich
information about us. Here’s an excerpt.
Seth Kaplan, an author and lecturer, is the lead researcher
for Jonathan Haidt’s recently published book “The Anxious
Generation.” He explains how we’ve inadvertently
deprived Gen Z (those born after 1995) of real-world
community, independence and free play, and replaced
those things with smartphones and social media,
contributing to a precipitous decline in their mental health.
Kaplan isn’t part of the generation we’re most concerned
about, but as sociologist Robert Putnam observed in
his 2001 book “Bowling Alone,” the disintegration of
communal life in the United States began in the 1960s
as fewer adults attended religious services and civic
engagement fell. The introduction of the smartphone and
digital life has only exacerbated these existing problems:
loneliness, lack of civic engagement and the erosion of
local communities.
But this disintegration of community did not happen
as significantly for one subset of Americans: Religious
conservatives continued attending faith services, and
those adults and teens continued to engage in civic
activities like volunteering and youth groups at higher
rates than others. It seems that kids from conservative
religious communities may have been less likely to lose
their community and free-play-based childhoods.
Why ought we recreate conditions of Acts 2 and be in one
accord? Primarily, it is about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and
the advancement of his Kingdom. Further, as I look at Minister
Care, Healthy Pastors and Thriving Churches, there are
second and third order effects of being in one accord. As we
are being continuously filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians
5:18), social scientists and psychologists are discovering
what we already know. When we live a community oriented,
Spirit-filled and empowered life, the possibilities of witness
are exponentially magnified. Then, what follows is a greater
essence of shalom, wellness, and availability of peace. May
our spirit-filled worship show the world that life is worth living
for Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, do it again! Send your Holy Spirit upon us
so that we might be your witnesses in PennDel.
717.795.5921 | paul@penndel.org
PREPARE/ENRICH
FACILITATOR TRAINING
PREPARE/ENRICH Facilitator Training is being
offered prior to the start of THRIVE24:
Bongiorno Conference Center
Monday, September 23 • 9 am
$190.00 per person
For more information visit prepare-enrich.com
To register: penndel.org/thrive
Individual, Couples and Family
Counseling available to you,
your family and your church.
Accepts most forms of insurance • Online or In-Person • www.Emerge.org/PA • 800-621-5207
16
PennDel Ministry Network | CONNEXION 17

mike@penndelyouthalive.com
YOUTH ALIVE | MIKE KUBIS
80,000 TO REACH A MILLION
“He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38
So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send
more workers into his fields.” Matthew 9:37-38 NLT
Across Pennsylvania and Delaware, students today are
in a state of crisis. They feel unloved, lack hope and
feel their lives have no purpose. While reading this can
be discouraging, now is the best time to encourage,
empower and equip students in our churches to share
the Good News of Jesus Christ. Whether the students in
your churches attend a public, private, cyber or home
school, the Lord is looking for students willing to be
vessels who will start a movement in their schools and
communities. The middle and high schools are mission
fields that need more workers. There are about one
million middle/high school students across PennDel.
If we want to see one million students hear the Gospel
Message, we need about 80,000 Campus Missionaries
(students actively sharing Jesus) to reach the million. So,
would you join me in prayer and ask the Lord to send
80,000 Campus Missionaries to PennDel? The Lord has
used young people before to bring Great Awakenings
and Revivals across the globe, and my hope and prayer
is that He will do it again, starting here in PennDel.
Learn more
about
PennDel
YOUTH ALIVE
and how you
can support
this mission.
YOUTH DIRECTOR | JOE CALI
When I come home from work my younger kids want
me to play outside with them on the swings. They
can swing on their own, but they love it when I
give them a big push because they go higher faster. They
enjoy the speed and the height. Without fail, every time they
say, “Again! Do it again!” Sometimes I do, but then I tell
them, “You can do it, pump your legs and swing!”
Ephesians 3:20 says, “Now to him who is able to do
immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to his power that is at work within us.”
Through the Holy Spirit that is at work within us, we can
accomplish more than we could even imagine. What God
has accomplished in the past was great, but will you keep
dreaming and believing He can do it (and more) again?
AGAIN! AGAIN!
This generation is in need of experiencing a powerful move of
God in their lives, just as past generations did. You can do it again,
because God wants to do it again. You have what you need to
keep swinging and see greater ministry results today! God loves
this generation and He loves you. He’s ready, willing and able
to give you the “big push” you need. God has greater things
to accomplish in and through you as you lead your ministries.
Continue to faithfully do your part and he’ll back up your efforts.
In youth ministry, your groups turn over every four-to-six years.
Your dynamics might change, your teaching styles might
change, your discipleship techniques might change, but God still
wants to give you great Kingdom wins again and again and again.
He’ll show you how to reach and connect with each group.
As we embark, on another school year what are you
asking and believing God to do again?
• Fringe students becoming part of your core group
• Greater influence in your school district
• More students responding to the call of Salvation
• Greater Discipleship results
God wants to give you great wins again and again and again.
If you and/or your students need a push, I encourage all of you
to get connected with our Youth Alive missionaries Michael
and Rachel Kubus. They have set up a number of opportunities
to help your students thrive and accomplish great ministry
results in their schools and communities. I invite you to our
PennDel Youth Convention, October 12-14. Included in the
Convention schedule are Youth Alive workshops for you and
your students to be resourced to reach your schools and
communities again this year. This might be the push needed to
see God move again in your church and your communities. If
God did it for some of your students in the past then He can do
it for your students this year as well. Approach this school year
believing God can and will do it again because we serve the
God of today, yesterday and forever!
717.649.6788 | joe@penndel.org
18
PennDel Ministry Network | CONNEXION 19

717.795.5921 | tom@penndel.org
MENS MINISTRY | TOM REES
As I write this, the Phillies are leading the National League. By the time this is published, my hope is
that they are still looking UNSTOPPABLE!
As men, we appear UNSTOPPABLE at times in our lives. When we go to college, when we start a
new job or business, when we get married, when we commit our lives to Christ… but over time that
enthusiasm can fade, and we can find ourselves freefalling through life.
This year’s conference is an opportunity to turn things around for those who are stuck or freefalling.
With Christ at the center of our life, we can be UNSTOPPABLE IN CHRIST!
PENNDEL WOMEN | CHARISSE JENKINS
THERE IS THIS PLACE…
It is situated mid-state, among beautiful trees, a glistening river, and winding
paths. The setting is calm and Christ-centered. On various calendar days, you
can hear the joy-filled laughter of children and teens, conversations shared
by friends, the sound of songs filling the air or the crackle of the evening fire.
There is this place…the Bongiorno Conference Center.
charisse@penndelwomen.org
PERSONAL HISTORY…
The Bongiorno Conference Center
is named for former Network
Superintendent, Reverend Philip
Bongiorno, or “Brother B.” In the
1960s, at an open-air meeting,
Brother B prophetically called out a
young seventeen-year-old kid in the
congregation, speaking a divine call
over his life. That teen, Ralph Volpe, did
become a minister, and was my pastor
for nearly four decades! He and Brother
Bongiorno remained close friends and
Brother Bongiorno was a frequent guest
in our church. As a young girl, I stayed
in the original Eagle Lodge for the
annual Missionette Powette. As a teen,
I felt cool being assigned to one of the
new fourplexes and being front row for
“Tim and Jim’s Morning Show.” It was
at Youth Camp that my call to ministry
was solidified. As a young pastor’s wife,
I learned how important the Women in
Ministry Retreat was to help formulate
lifelong friendships. The David Center and
Pennsylvania Room are settings where my
husband and I both had our credentialing
interviews. These remain benchmark
moments in our lives. As a youth pastor,
I braved the mud pit and watched a
physical healing manifest in one of my
teens! As a mother, I have had the joy of
picking up my very tired, but filled-up kids
as they say goodbye to their fellow PK/
MK’s. I have cheered them on at Fine Arts
as we run from building to building! BCC
was the place where I first heard that my
childhood pastor and PDN Jubilarian went
on to his Heavenly home. As a ministry
staff member, it is a place where our team
has had great times of prayer, learning,
and engagement. Now, as a director, I can
meet many ladies within our Network and
invest in the women leaders of PennDel on
this special property.
If these are solely my touchpoints
to BCC, imagine the storyline
produced by every camper,
pastor, teen, and child.
The Bongiorno Conference Center has a
rich history and a very bright future. Have
you noticed the many improvements? The
hardscape area, the developing Crosby
Missions House, enhanced food services,
building renovations and a new slide are
all updates to boast of!
Is there an area at the Bongiorno
Conference Center you can help
with, send a workforce team, or invest
financially in? How has the BCC left an
imprint on your life? How can you make a
way for impact to reach the generations to
come?
There is this place…
For more information: penndelwomen.org/conference or email us at info@penndelwomen.org
20
PennDel Ministry Network | CONNEXION 21

717.795.5921 | jeremiah@penndel.org
CHILDREN AND DISCIPLESHIP | JEREMIAH GRUBER
GENERATIONS CHANGED
THROUGH GOD’S WORK AT BCC
As we celebrate 40 years of the Bongiorno Conference Center,
memories begin to flood my mind. God has used the ministry
of BCC to shape my life, just as He has so many others. In 1993
I was called into ministry and baptized in the Holy Spirit at Kids
Camp. Our youth ministry attended Winter Retreats and Youth
Camp where that calling was solidified and my commitment to
the Lord was strengthened. I began chaperoning at Kids Camp
to re-invest in the next generation when I was a teen myself. At
the age of seventeen our team began leading worship for PK/
MK retreat, and eventually leading worship and speaking at
Kids Camp for over twenty years.
BCC has also changed the
course of my family. My
wife, Candice, and I got
engaged at BCC because
of how important it was and
is in both of our lives. Now
my kids are attending and
having their lives formed
by the power of the Holy
Spirit. When we were asked to step into the role of PennDel
Children and Discipleship Director in 2022, we knew God was
leading our family to be a part of continuing the legacy of lives
changed at Bongiorno.My story is only one of thousands of lives
and families impacted through the ministry of BCC.
Jeremiah & Candice Gruber & family with George & Jan Krebs.
Here is another from Megan Walsh (Knorr),
Children’s Pastor and School Administrator at
Mountaintop Family Center, Mountain Top, PA:
“Whether your stay at
Bongiorno Conference
Center involves ministering
to others or being
ministered to, it is impossible
to leave the grounds
without experiencing
the impact of the
Holy Spirit. BCC’s
first imprint on my
family occurred
before I was even
born, when my
parents stayed in the
chicken coops for camp and felt
a call from the Lord to serve in the
ministry. My first trip to BCC was as
an infant tagging along with my
parents, young ministers, who were
fulfilling the calling from their camp
days and serving as staff at Youth Camp. Soon after,
the highlight of my summer became Kids Camp where
my own parents served as my chaperones. Kids Camp is
where I participated in my first human video, witnessed
my first pie in the face and felt the unique joy of the Lord
alongside my family. Fast forward to my teenage years,
and the Lord called me into education and ministry while
chaperoning my very first group of campers. Around that
time, my future husband was attending Youth Camp and
felt that same call on his life. What a blessing it was to
bring our baby daughter on her first trip to BCC this past
year! We were able to serve as a growing family with the
Eagle Lodge renovations and at Family Camp. BCC is
the opening setting of hundreds of stories just like mine,
and it brings joy to my heart knowing that it will continue
to speak into the lives of generations to come, including
those of my own children.”
June 13-15 Our PennDel Girls Ministries
hosted two Retreats at the Bongiorno
Conference Center. The Prims and Stars
Retreat were blessed by the ministry of
Dan Loughner, Elementary and Special
Needs Specialist. So many good times
and great memories took place!
Kelly Carver spoke into the hearts of
the girls at the Friends and Girls Only
Retreat. Not only were the words spoken
over each girl powerful, but also the
prayer times as well! Throughout the
year, a number of girls keep in touch with
me and allow me to pray with them for
things in their lives.
Let’s believe together for God to
“Do it Again!”
GIRLS MINISTRIES | SHARON POOLE
ROYAL RANGERS | STEVE STEFFEL
We live in a society that is trying to find out who they
are, testing out different genders and lifestyles. God has
created us unique, with value, purpose and a call to serve
Him. In the midst of the world’s confusion, Royal Rangers
challenges boys to embrace who God made them to be
and to develop their talents and abilities to serve Him,
while becoming Godly men.
God knows the beginning and the end of our days and
promises to guide and bless us on our journey as we
submit to Him. As we walk in truth and integrity, we enjoy
true freedom. To Him be all glory, honor and praise.
Pathfinder Missions Work Trip
at PennDel Royal Ranger Camp Berry
September 13-22, 2024
All are welcome to come one or more days,
accommodations in the Farm House
and RV area are available.
724.622.4696 | gmdirector@penndel.org | penndelgirlsministries.org 302.379.1580 | rrdirector@penndel.org | pdrangers.org
Facebook: PennDel District Royal Rangers
22
PennDel Ministry Network | CONNEXION 23

4651 Westport Drive
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Find us online: penndel.org
Join us on Social Media:
PennDel Ministry Network
PennDelMinistryNetwork
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