When Your Prayer Is Overruled

After reading a handful of my Communiques, it’s not hard to tell what I spend most of my time writing about… building faith, sharing bone-fattening reports, and highlighting answered prayers for District evens and projects. But this month I feel to answer the question, “What about when your prayer is overruled”? I don’t hear many sermons on that topic. But it is where each of us lives. So, here we go.

In 2 Corinthians 12:7-8, the Apostle Paul pulls back the veil on a very personal prayer: And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

Paul has a very transparent moment when he lets us into one of the most personal and painful experiences of his life. He was a man of faith, wisdom, and understanding; he was very spiritual and intelligent. God set him aside and used him in supernatural ways. God brought him to a level of influence that is incomparable to any other in the New Testament.

But before Paul could become intoxicated on his own accomplishments, he says, “lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh”.In other words, lest I be exalted above measure with the things that went right, God balanced me with things that went wrong.

God has a way of balancing your life. Your strengths balance with your weaknesses. Your triumphs balance with your tragedies. Nobody escapes. If you are living your life for God, if you are being used and blessed by God, there will always be something to balance you out. You're going to be wise over here but have no clue what to do over there. You're going to be victorious about this, but never seem to get the victory over that.

Paul pulls back the curtain for us to see that anybody and everybody, even if you have written two-thirds of the New Testament, can have a messenger of satanto buffet them (sorry, when I write, I refuse to capitalize the word, satan, even if it is bad grammar). The word buffet in Greek means “to punch with strong punches; to beat up the body”.  If you have ever experienced any success with God, before you could get intoxicated over the success, you got punched. No one but you may have seen it. But somewhere in your life, if you have been exalted, you have been punched in your gut. Paul was punched in the gut. He was being buffeted by satan. There was a thorn in his flesh.

A great debate has always surrounded what this thorn in his flesh could have been. Thousands of commentaries and theologians have tried to guess what it was, but nobody really knows. And I think that God leaves it to our imagination so that we can fill in the blank with our own thorn. We can recognize that all of us have something different that we face, that balances us, that makes us pray, that makes us need Him!

Paul prayed three times, travailed before God, and asked Him with everything inside him: God, take this thorn out of me!  Whatever it was, it was painful. I'm trying to get you to understand how life balances itself, how no one gets everything, and no one is exempt from pain. But God is still just, even if life's not fair. You are not going to get through this life without using your tear ducts. No matter how intelligent you are, no matter how anointed you are, no matter how many degrees you have, somewhere in your life, there will be something that punches you in the gut and leaves you on your knees saying:

“I speak Greek and Hebrew, but I don't know how to speak to my own child.”

“I can give advice to everyone on the job, but I don’t know what to do in my own marriage.”

There will always be something that will escape your grasp, that will humble you, sometimes humiliate you, and take all the air out of you!

Paul prays and prays and prays about what has overwhelmed him. What is it that is overwhelming you? I'm not talking about what you manage well. I'm talking about what you don't know how to deal with. What is it that rocks your world? It’s as if I can hear Paul’s prayer, “God, here I am. I’m out here working for you. I’m writing everything you tell me to write. I’ve established churches everywhere you sent me. I’ve preached the gospel faithfully even when I was in jail. I’ve laid hands on dead people and seen them get out of the grave. So, I'm asking you for one personal favor. I don't ask you for much. I didn't say anything when I was shipwrecked. I didn't say anything when I was beaten. I didn't say anything when I was locked up in jail. But I need just one favor, Lord, please take away this thorn. It's too much for me. Lord, take it away!

I want you to understand the power of this prayer. This is not somebody praying for a parking place at the mall. Paul is praying about something that overwhelms him. Perhaps somebody is reading this who knows what it is to be overwhelmed by something, and you say to God, “Lord, if you could just take this away, I'd be a better mama, I’d be a better wife (or father or husband), I’d be a better Christian, because this overwhelms me”.

Look what happened. Paul, whose ministry witnessed the dead raised, the sick healed, and who overcame great forces of nature, man, and the devil, went to God on behalf of his own problem, and he was OVER-RULED. You have the right to object and disagree, but He has the right to overrule.

So, WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN GOD OVERRULES? What do you do when you pray for something good, and God says, “No”? You have a loved one in the hospital who’s sick. You prayed, you fasted, you anointed them with oil, and quoted all the best verses over their bed, and then life goes out of them. You’ve been overruled. The enemy looks at you and says, “Where is your God now?” We don’t need anybody to tell us what to do when our prayer gets answered or when the miracle comes. Tell me what to do when I’ve done all I can do, and God still says, “no”.

It was Jesus who prayed, “Father, I know you sent me down here to go to the cross, but maybe there can be a revision on the contract. Maybe you can amend the decision just a little bit, because if it be my will, then we could let this cup pass from me” (Derald’s interpretation). Jesus prayed that prayer three times, but the Father overruled.

And God says, “No, Paul, you have been overruled”. Then God tells Paul why he was overruled. “Because my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness”. Here comes Derald’s interpretation again: “I know you think that your plan is sufficient, but my grace is sufficient. I considered my grace before I allowed that messenger to send you trouble. I wouldn't let you be attacked on this level if I didn't give you enough grace to handle it.” God considered the weight load long before He put the pain in your life. He knows how you feel when you feel like you cannot handle it any longer. God may not stop it. God may not give you what you ask for. But His gift is GRACE TO MAKE IT THROUGH. You’ve got grace for this moment in your life. You’ve got grace for this situation. Whatever you face, you’ve got grace for it.

When the devil punches me in the stomach, I pull out Deuteronomy 33:25, which says, “as thy days, so shall thy strength be”. That means the tougher the day, the greater the strength. The harder the test, the greater the power. God measures the day before He releases the strength, and He always gives you enough strength to get through whatever comes into your day!

When Paul hears God’s reply, he says, “Therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Cor. 12:9). The Apostle is starting to realize that tribulation is an indication of the grace he has to overcome the situation. Paul goes from being overwhelmed because he was overruled to being overjoyed. The new convert may be overjoyed when they come out of tribulation, but the seasoned saint gets overjoyed in tribulation, knowing that the tougher the day, the greater the grace, and the tougher the times, the stronger the strength. His grace is sufficient. In Him, you can get through anything.

IN THE AUGUST COMMUNIQUE

In my August Communique, along with the building updates, I will announce our total amount raised reflecting our last campaign offering received for Mission Louisiana on Friday night of Camp Meeting 2026. I will also give a recap of the Kidsand Youth Camps as well as Camp Meeting. Happy August!

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Superintendent’s July Itinerary

June 30 – July 3 Tioga, LA – 111^th Camp Meeting

8-11     MS Camp Meeting

16-18   Tioga, LA – Hispanic Camp Meeting

20-24   Out of the Office

26        West Monroe, LA – Pastor Jason Ramsey

As Apostolics, we live beneath the shade of an orchard of trees planted by Sister Thetus Tenney. We walk through doors she unlocked. Sister Tenney was not just a leader, but a pioneer and a mother to our movement. As a woman before her time, she lived in the “future tense”, gifted with spiritual innovation that saw things others couldn't even imagine. When she looked at the women of Louisiana, she didn’t just see sisters in the pews, she saw an army.  She ignited a spark right here in this district, the very first Ladies Conference, and she watched as that holy fire jumped the borders of Louisiana and swept across North America. Every woman who has ever been refreshed at a Ladies Conference owes a debt of gratitude to the visionary heart of Sister Thetus Tenney.

She continually operated as a next-level leader. She and Brother Tenney went from pastoring a local church, to serving as the General Foreign Missions Director of the UPCI, traversing the earth for the cause of the Gospel. Her feet touched the soil of nations, and her prayer covered the map. But despite her global reach, her heart never left home. Her greatest ministry love was always Louisiana. For 27 years, she stood beside Brother Tenney, leading the Louisiana District with grace and organizational brilliance. She poured out until she was empty, stood under the spout where the Glory falls until she was refilled, and then poured out to us again!

Perhaps her most astonishing quality was her selfless heart. She loved ministry families with a fierce, protective, motherly devotion. Many of us have a “Thetus Text” saved on our phone, or a “Sister Tenney Call” etched into our memory:

• That perfectly timed word when the enemy was at your door.
• That congratulatory note when you thought nobody saw your hard work.
• That prayerful whisper that pulled you up when you felt like sinking.

She didn't just lead us; she invested in us. There are not many who have poured themselves into others quite like she did.

We honor a legacy of ministry innovation, passion, and an Apostolic fire that will never go out in the state of Louisiana. Sister Tenney spent her life seeing far beyond where she stood. Today, her horizon has been reached and she finally sees face-to-face the One she served so well!

On Wednesday evening of Camp Meeting, July 1, there will be a special time during the service to honor Sister Thetus Tenney.

111th Louisiana District Camp Meeting 2026

As we approach the 111th Louisiana District Camp Meeting, June 30 – July 3, 2026, we gather under a theme that is both a tribute and a challenge: FOUNDATION.

In a world of shifting sand, this year’s theme calls us back to the bedrock of our faith. We are reminded of the strong elements we stand upon today – Apostolic doctrine, unwavering holiness, and the sacrificial spirit handed down to us by the committed men and women of God who paved the way.

Our history in Louisiana is rich with the fingerprints of those who prioritized the presence of God above all else. Since the first camp meeting in 1915 at Merryville, and through the establishment of our current campgrounds in Tioga in 1946, we have been the beneficiaries of a spiritual inheritance. The tabernacle where we will worship is more than just wood and mortar; it is a monument to the prayers and commitment of generations.

The theme, FOUNDATION, is not just about looking backward; it is a call to action for the present. We realize that to remain strong, we must:

• Embody the same commitment and the same fire that burned in our predecessors. Our strength is found in the same strong things they gave us: a devotion to the Word and a passion for the lost.
• Build for the future with the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone, as Ephesians 2:20 reminds us. We must ensure our current ministry serves as a solid foundation for those who follow.
• Strengthen our homes. To the spouses who serve alongside our ministers, your role is vital to this foundation. The unity and health of our ministry families are the quiet strength that supports the entire district.

We invite every minister, spouse, and family to join us at the Louisiana District UPCI Campgrounds for these four days of spiritual refreshing and realignment. Let us come together to honor our past, celebrate our present, and solidify the foundation for our future. We look forward to seeing you here as we continue with the same commitment to continue the legacy.

MISSION LOUISIANA UPDATE

Mission Louisiana was born out of a deep appreciation for our campgrounds and all God has done here over the last eighty years. It is impossible to estimate the number of miracles, Holy Ghost baptisms, ministry callings, and so many other acts of God experienced on the Louisiana District Campgrounds since it was purchased in 1946. I think I can safely say, there is no other place on earth that has witnessed, year in and year out, what we have seen, heard, and felt for generations here on these beautiful and holy acres.

Should the Lord tarry, we must work to make our campgrounds a place for continued outpourings of God’s presence. Thus, the reason for Mission Louisiana – building, upgrading, and beautifying the place that has impacted our lives like no other, our wonderful Louisiana District UPCI Campgrounds.

Thank you, pastors, ministers, congregations, and friends for including our campgrounds in your vision. Thank you for every offering you have given towards this grand cause. Only a unified effort could have accomplished what we are seeing. Since this time last year, we have added nearly $600,000 to our Mission Louisiana total!

We celebrate a new Mission Louisiana Total of $2,286,290!

New Boys’ Dorm “FINAL” Offering – Friday, July 3, 2026, at Camp Meeting

Our three-year campaign is quickly coming to an end. The FINAL SACRIFICIAL OFFERING for our new Boys’ Dorm will be received in the Louisiana Camp Meeting Friday evening service, July 3.

Nearly three years have passed since our campaign began, and some of the estimated expenses for the new Boys’ Dorm construction have slightly increased. Despite this increase in expenses, we believe we will remain reasonably close to our original estimated budget of $2.5 million. For this reason, we have set a goal of $400,000 for our final offering, which we trust will cover our costs in full for this much-needed multi-purpose facility.

I prayerfully request that all the churches across the state bring an offering and come ready to give toward our new Boys’ Dorm project. We will accomplish this miraculous feat together.

FOUNDATION Camp Meeting 2026 Schedule

TUESDAY, June 30

• 7:00 PM – Doug Klinedinst

WEDNESDAY, July 1 (Family)

• 9:30 AM
  • Bible Teacher – Wayne Huntley
  • Jolynn Albritton
  • Doug Klinedinst
• 7:00 PM – Scott Graham

THURSDAY, July 2 (Missions)

• 9:30 AM
  • Bible Teacher – Wayne Huntley
  • Ivan Gama
  • Scott Graham
• 7:00 PM –Nathan Harrod

FRIDAY, July 3 (Holy Ghost & Deliverance)

• 9:30 AM
  • Bible Teacher – Wayne Huntley
  • Angela Spates
  • Nathan Harrod
• 7:00 PM – Rashidi Collins

Other District Ministry Events During Camp Meeting:

• Youth Service – Thursday, 7:00 PM, POA, Speaker – Adam Hunley
• Women in Ministry (Licensed Ladies) – Wednesday Luncheon, CDAC (RSVP required)
• Women of Worth (Licensed Ministers’ Widows) – Thursday Luncheon, CDAC (RSVP required)
• Single Adult Event – Friday after evening service, Outlaw’s BBQ-Pineville
• Kids Zone (Ages 5-12) – Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 9:00 AM

Prayer and Fast Day

Please join us on Thursday, June 25, for a day of focused Prayer and Fasting for our 111th Camp Meeting 2026.

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Superintendent’s June Itinerary

1-5       Tioga, LA – Kids Camp

8-9       Tioga, LA – Junior Camp

10-12   Pensacola, FL – BTB Conference

15-16   Tioga, LA – District Board Meetings

15-19   Tioga, LA – Senior Camp

30        Tioga, LA – 111^th Camp Meeting

To my Fellow Laborers in the Louisiana District,

There is a sound rising from the pine woods of Tioga. It is the sound of a generation finding its voice. As ministers of the Louisiana District, we often speak of the "uncommon unity" that binds us together. We marvel at how God has knit our hearts as one. But we must remember: Unity is not an accident; it is an investment.

The Psalmist declared, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1). But notice, the flow of that blessing starts at the head and runs down to the skirts of the garment. As pastors and leaders, you are the "head" of your local assemblies. When you prioritize district fellowship, your people follow. When you value our camps, your children catch the vision.

Unity in our district does not begin in a business session; it begins on the altar at Kids, Junior, and Senior Camp.

• Kids Camp (June 1-5): Where the "bigger picture" is first framed.
• Junior Camp (June 8-12): Where the Kingdom identity is frequently confirmed.
• Senior Camp (June 15-19): Where the "Macedonian Call" is often heard for the first time.

When our children step onto the campgrounds, their world expands. They realize they aren't just part of a small local youth group; they are part of a Pentecostal army. They see hundreds of other "brothers and sisters" from Shreveport to New Orleans and Monroe to Lake Charles. They realize they are not alone.

As pastors, you are the catalysts. In Joel 1:3, the scripture says, "Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation."  Your endorsement is the bridge between a parent’s hesitation and a child’s transformation. Share your testimonies! Remind your congregation of the time a shy teenager went to camp and came back a firebrand for God. Remind them of the hundreds who receive the Holy Ghost every summer and those who feel the pull toward local, district, and global missions. When you promote the camps, you aren't just filling a calendar, you are facilitating a divine appointment.

Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us that "a threefold cord is not quickly broken." Our district unity is a tapestry woven from many threads. One of the strongest threads in that fabric is the lifelong friendships and spiritual bonds formed during the first three weeks in June. When a young man from the northern part of our state prays with a young man from the southern part of our state at the altars in Tioga, a knot is tied that the enemy cannot easily undo. They grow up together, they enter the ministry together, and they sustain the work of God together.

Ministers, let us lead by example. Let us show our churches that we believe in the "bigger picture" of the Louisiana District. Let’s get our buses ready, our sponsorships set, and our children to the campgrounds. The future of our unity is waiting in the June heat. Let’s make sure our kids are there to meet it.

Mission Louisiana Update

Big things are happening at our Louisiana District Campgrounds! As part of our Mission Louisiana initiative, we are thrilled to share the latest progress on the New Boys Dorm project.

We have officially cleared the building site! The doublewide trailer that previously occupied the area has been successfully relocated to the far end of Peppermint Park. This was no small feat, and we owe a massive debt of gratitude to our Operations Team for their incredible hard work and long hours. We also want to extend a huge "Thank You" to Robinson Mobile Home Movers. They generously donated their services to move the trailer, providing a significant boost to our efforts.

With the site cleared, the next steps are already in motion:

• Engineering: A soil boring company is scheduled to take samples, which will allow us to fine-tune the engineering plans for the foundation.
• Final Approvals: I have just received the completed plans for one final review.

We are standing on the threshold of breaking ground!

The financial support for this vision has been nothing short of miraculous. As of April 2026, in less than three years,contributions have reached $2,263,431!

To every Pastor and every giver: Thank you. Your faithfulness is a living testimony to God’s provision. We are reminded of Malachi 3:10, where the Lord invites us to prove Him:

"...prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it."

God is pouring out that blessing on our campgrounds and upon every giver!

Pledge Reminder

If you pledged toward the Concession Cabin Remodel expense at your Section Banquet or a Camp Meeting Pledge during District Conference, please submit your commitment to the district office or online at your earliest convenience.

What a joy to serve in the Kingdom together during such a time as this!

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Superintendent’s May Itinerary

1          Salt Lake City, UT – District Leadership Retreat

3          Salt Lake City, UT – Pastor Ron Rice

10        Lafayette, LA – Pastor Derek Weber

17        Indian Village, LA – Pastor Scott Benoit