Voice of Hope

Today, I read an interesting article on shifting family values from the website of Leadership Journal at Christianity Today. I am placing the link here, hoping that some of you will find the information in this article helpful. To read the article, CLICK HERE

I invite you to check out the new Tennessee Womens Ministries Website. You will find that Sister Londa has worked hard to create a quality site. Kudos to Londa for her hard work. To see the site, CLICK HERE or go to http://tnwomenofgrace.com

Here is another great resource site I found that may help you in your bible study. http://www.religiononline.org/

REVIVAL Lakeside Church WITH EVANGELIST MIKE WILLINGHAM Sunday, March 11th at 11:00 A.M. (No Sunday Evening Service) Monday, March 12th at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 13th at 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 14th at 7:00 P.M. Welcome, Welcome, Welcome Come Worship With Us!!!!

Yesterday was a day filled with more breaking news and investigaive prowess of the entire team. As the case developed, more information was shared on the "Death of a Marriage." More is to come later today.

Lets try this one: http://www.bibleonline.net/

Last night, the 2007 Tennessee Marriage Retreat got underway at the Mainstay Suites in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It was a great time as an investigation was opened into the death of a marriage, supporting evidence and video reports from Action 6 news were interlaced. The case continues to be built, as more input is given from the lead investigator, "Lawdog" McKinley, and the profiling team of Holt, Reid and Stone. Be sure to check back as more information is release on this breaking story.

Pastor Milton Gordon shared this with me: I saw your post about Internest biblical helps. There is an online Bible that can be downloaded free with several versions and other versions for a fee. It is a very useful study tool. The address is: www.onlinebible.org . Go there and click on the English link flag and follow the links to the downloads. I have the KJV, ASV (1910), God's Word For the 20th Century, Basic Bible English, Young's Literal Translation, Wycliffe New Testament, Authorized Version Red Letter Ed., and American King James Version. You can pull up four windows at once with scripture, notes, Strong's, themes, Spurgeon's Morning and Evening and several others. Check it out. God bless. . .mlg

While speaking to a pastor yesterday, he mentioned that he was about to spend several hundred dollars on Bible study software. I know the software he is speaking of, and I use it on a regular basis, however, when I informed him about some of the software readily available on the internet, he was surprised. Because of that, I am going to post several links here that will be helpful in your personal studies. If you have a broadband connection, this is really good (and easy) to use. Here are the links: Christian Classics Ethereal Library can be found at: http://ccel.org/ Blue Letter Bible can be found at: http://www.blueletterbible.org/ Bible Pro Software on line can be found at: http://biblepro.bibleocean.com/dox/welcome.aspx I do hope you will check these great resources out that you will also find them useful. God bless.

This week, I've been in the final stages of making all of the arrangements for the Tennessee State Convention, scheduled for July 27-29, 2007 at the Chattanooga Convention and Trade Center. Once I've received notice from our host hotel that they have received our contract, I will be able to give you hotel information. You will note that I have chosen to reduce the length of the convention from Thursday through Sunday to Friday through Sunday. This will benefit our bi-vocational ministers more than others, along with some of the laity who will take off of work on Friday, and not have to miss two days of work. I am expecting the convention to be a powerful one, and we will have great fellowship, worship and preaching of the word. I do hope you will make plans to attend this special weekend that comes only once every two years.

Almost every day, I am speaking with pastors who are telling me about receiving new members into our fellowship. I am so pleased that great things are happening, and that some of our churches who haven't added new members for a long time, are starting to see increase! For this, I give God all the praise. Our pastors work very hard to minister to their congregations, and to make sure their pastoral needs are met, however, we must not forget that each pastor is to also "...do the work of an evangelist." (2 Timothy 4:5) As new members are added, new life comes to a church. Each of the new members have family and friends that can be reached for Christ, and we have an obligation to help build the kingdom, as well as our local church. Many-years-ago, while serving as a pastor, a disgruntled church member told me, "the pastor's job is to spend all of his time with the members, and if people need to get saved, he should have an evangelist come and preach a revival."...

I love this! Please click on the link to below to see a great illustration. http://www.kids4truth.com/watchmaker/watch.html

Here are the camp dates for 2007, the blog has different dates. Big Shot – June 6-10 Junior – June 23-28 Preteen – June 16-21 Teen – June 30 – July 5 Senior – June 10-15 Encounter – June 1-3 Thanks Mike

Last night we were blessed to be with the good folks on the Columbia District. All but one of our pastors in that area were present, along with our District Presbyter, Bishop Richard Neal. There was a great time of fellowship and worship, and a great freedom to preach. We are so pleased for what the Lord is doing in the churches throughout Tennessee and we are expecting great times ahead.

I AM POSTING THIS ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE YOUTH OF TENNESSEE. I AM AWARE OF, AND APPROVE THIS CONFERENCE SPONOSORED BY SEVERAL SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCES, INCLUDING TENNESSEE Voice of Truth Southeast Youth Conference Voice of Truth Conference Coming March 16-18 to Valdosta, GA for more information contact: Donna Howard, (205) 425-1905 or email ministries@alcogop.org Youth groups from across the Southeast, and possibly beyond, will join together March 16-18 in Valdosta, GA for a time of fellowship, teaching and worship. The conference will be held at the Vision Church, 2711 Bemiss Road in Valdosta. Registration fee for the event is $50/person (if received by March 5) and includes a two-day pass at the Wild Adventures Theme Park, as well as a concert featuring Christian music artists Jeremy Camp, Steven Curtis Chapman, Newsong, Scantus Real, Hawk Nelson & Others. Registration begins at 3:00 PM (ET) with an evening service at 7:00 PM (ET) on March 16, and morning session on March 17 f...

Because of continued difficulties with portions of our server, I am posting a list up upcoming events in today's blog: Tennessee Marriage Retreat (February 23-25, 2007 Pigeon Forge) Children’s Training (March 10, 2007 Pine Grove) District Meeting (March 11, 2007 McMinnville) Youth Conference (March 16-17, 2007 Valdosta, GA) District Meeting (March 18, 2007 Pelham Valley) District Meeting (March 25, 2007 Cleveland) District Meeting (April 1, 2007 Big Sandy) Men’s Day (April 13-14 Campground) District Meeting (April 15, 2007 Ridgely) LDI (April 17-21, 2007 Cleveland) Ladies Day (April 27-28, 2007 Campground) Children’s Ministry Institute (May 23-26, 2007 Cleveland) Encounter Camp (May 31-June 2, 2007 Campground) Big Shot Camp (June 5-9, 2007 Campground) Senior Camp (June 9-14, 2007 Campground) P reteen Camp (June 15-20, 2007 Campground) Junior Camp (June 21-27, 2007 Campground) Teen Camp (June 30-July 5, 2007 C...

West Nashville Church of God of Prophecy Pastor Terry Swaw Home 615-789-3775 Cell 615-969-6739 e-mail (swawtees@aol.com) Greetings to All, What a wonderful time it is to be a Christian and to see all the great things that God is doing. In the Church of God of Prophecy praise reports are being shared all over the State of Tennessee. Many churches have been reporting the great works that God is doing. At West Nashville there is a lot of blessings to report. In the month of November 2006 the Members at West Nashville decided to sell the church building and the parsonage and relocate. Since that decision has been made God has blessed our church with reports of healing, lives being changed and people being saved. (I am convinced that God is honoring our faith). On February 8, 2007 we closed on selling the church property and we are currently making plans for our last service at 1105 51st Ave. N. If you have received this letter it is because at some point in your life you have made ...

Yesterday, Debra and I made the trip to Evansville, Indiana to pay our respects for Brother Charles Tester, a member of the local church there. Charles was always very encouraging to me, and to everyone in general. He passed away this week after a long illness. Charles is the brother of Sister Thelma Roby, our pastor at the Sparta church. I am asking all of you to join me in prayer for the family. God bless.

Our overseer of Pakistan will be visiting in Tennessee from February 21 until March 26. If you would like for him to visit your church, please email me at: ecmckinley@mac.com . He is a wonderful man of God, who labors under a great deal of difficulty because of the heavy Muslim influence of his country. I do hope that he will be able to fill his schedule in Tennessee.

BROTHER OF PASTOR THELMA ROBY (SPARTA) Charles "Charlie" G. Tester, 68, of Evansville, died Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2007, at his residence. Charles was a veteran of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne and was honorably discharged. He graduated from Ivy Tech in 1994 with a degree in auto mechanics. He worked for Peabody Coal Company for 17 years and Colonial Bakery for 20 years. Charles was a member of Church of God of Prophecy for 30 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, sky diving, flying ultra light planes, traveling, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Tester and Alene (Tester) Hawkins; brother, Jerry Tester; and sister, Juanita Mojica. Charles is survived by his wife of 45 years, Wanda (Jordan) Tester of Evansville; daughter, Pamela Hirsch and husband, Bill of Newburgh; son, Charles Tester Jr. of Evansville; daughter, Patricia Anderson and husband, Andy of Evansville; grandchildren, Amanda Hirsch of Newburgh and Grace Anderson of Ev...

At the first of the year, I sent out a form requesting your ministry information. I have received about half back, but I MUST have them all in order to get our records system up-to-date. If you have sent yours, thank you! If not, please give this your immediate attention. Thanks again. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yesterday was a day filled with activity in preparation for the marriage retreat at Pigeon Forge next week. We are expecting a great meeting, and there seems to be a level of excitement as we are in the final days leading up to it. With the theme, "CSI: Family" we are expecting a wealth of information and interactivity. Please join me now praying for those in attendance that their needs will be met by the Lord. God bless.

Debra and I met with the pastors and companions at the Ryan's at Crossville for a time of fellowship and a good meal. There was a good turn out, 25 in all and we were really pleased to spend time with these precious folks. We had a great discussion after the meal, dealing with current issues and giving counsel to one another.

Folks, Just a quick note about the new website for the Lawrence Chapel church in Crossville. This is a well-designed website and I am proud to share it with you. CLICK HERE to visit the site. I would love to share your website with our readers too! Just email the link to me by CLICKING HERE .

Todd has served as a missionary to Germany the last few years....he returned to Tennessee recently. I am posting this for your prayers and any interaction you want make with the Bagley family. To our friends and family, I am forwarding an email that LaJuanna wrote a few days ago to as many as I can on my email list. I would also ask that you forward it on to prayer groups, churches, and other prayer warriors. My MRI is scheduled for Wednesday February 14 at 2:00 p.m. Chattanooga time. Thank you so much. Todd LaJuanna's email: Hi Friends! Sorry this is somewhat impersonal - but I don't have much time and I need to get the word out rather quickly... I am asking that you pray for Todd. On Dec 4th, he woke up with some vision problems in his left eye. Since that time he has basically lost all vision in the left eye. Through a series of Dr. visits, specialists, etc.... We ended up at Emory University in Atlanta Georgia last week to see a French Dr. who is one of the worlds to...

Friday, Debra and I arrived in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to serve as the guest speakers at the Springplace Church Couples Retreat held at the Mainstay Suites Hotel. We had a wonderful time with the great folks of the church, and were blessed by the fellowship and the presence of the Spirit. Gwen and Debbie Shroyer, retreat directors did a wonderful job of hosting the retreat. The theme built around the thought of marriage being a "road trip." It was a unique concept, and we were happy to be a part of the special weekend. We arrived home late on Sunday night, a little tired in body, but refreshed in our souls! Thank you Springplace church, and Pastor Paul and Barbara Holt. On a final note, this hotel is the same one our State Couples Retreat will be conducted at in two weeks. We do hope you will join us there. God bless.

Today has been a full one. Besides seeing the new granddaughter in Cleveland, I spent much of the day in meetings. Besides those of taking care of internal business, I had an afternoon meeting with the chairman of the Global Day of Prayer, Michael Obi, and with Cleveland Net, Larry Cockerham. We discussed upcoming prayer events, and spent some time in prayer together. This evening, Debra and I met with our retreat committee at the Springplace church to finalize the materials and events for our upcoming marriage retreat in Pigeon Forge. Special thanks to Winston and Vernetta Reid, John A. and Judy Stone and Paul and Barbara Holt. We are looking forward to a great retreat and successful prayer events in May. God bless.

I hope you are doing well today, and enjoying the Lord's blessings in your life. This has been a full week so far, with review of licensure candidates and meetings in both Hendersonville and Cleveland. As I am writing now, I am in Cleveland, and will be in meetings for most of the rest of the afternoon. I wanted to put up a quick post to let you know that it is my plan to go through some upgrades on our website, which will include upgrades to the blog. This upgrade seems to be a continuing process, and one that should make it more "user-friendly" to the world-wide audience of the internet. You will begin seeing noticeable changes in the near future. Because of this, I've had to remove the "Calendar" tab that shows events coming up in the future. I really had not choice, since I was using several web-based services that allowed adds that I feel are contrary to our moral and ethical standards. I hope you will understand, that this will be a lengthy proces...

Mea Culpa! Mea Maxima Culpa! Well, it's Latin and it means "my fault" "my grievous fault." I don't know how it happened, but I inadvertently left out a report of our Pentecostal Fire meeting at the Crossroads church for Districts 11, 12 and 13. We had a great meeting, and the house was filled. There was great worship, a boost by the State Staff and the Lord blessed in the altar service. Special thanks to District Presbyter, Richard Neal and the host pastor Gary Riley. Again, I apologize for my oversight. God bless.

After posting yesterday, we have found that there were indeed many more wanting to attend the Marriage Retreat, but still had not sent their application. We still have room, so I am asking you to help me get the word out to your church. Perhaps you could announce this at your church on Wednesday and Sunday. Thanks for your help.

I have posted on several occasions about the Tennessee Marriage Retreat to be conducted February 23-25, 2007 at the Main Stay Suites in Pigeon Forge. It appears that the attendance is UP and there is a great deal of interest in the retreat. There are still a few rooms available, but shortly the hotel will release their bulk of rooms and no more on-site rooms will be available. I know that those attending the retreat will be blessed in a special way, and you will find the rooms comfortable and pleasant. You can still get in, but you need to act quickly. Contact me by email if you are planning attending, but you've not yet mailed your application. Or you can call the state office at 615-824-3563

Last night we gathered at the Lawrence Chapel church for our district meetings of the churches in that region. Pastor Tim Farmer and his church hosted the service and extended a warm welcome to everyone. There was a good crowd present, and the state staff present did a great job of boosting their various ministerial areas. After the message, Bishop Jerry Payne shared his testimony of God's mercy in his life, and his continued recovery from liver transplant surgery. Thanks to all the pastors present, and their congregations for supporting the meeting. God bless.

As I write, Debra and I have stopped at the Starbuck's in Cookeville for a cup of coffee. We are on our way to another District meeting, this one to be held at Lawrence Chapel in Crossville tonight. I thought I would take an opportunity to write something quickly so that I wouldn't miss posting today (I really want to post something every day) and I know that we will not get home until after midnight tonight. This morning, Debra and I visited with the pastors and their spouses at the Crossroads church (for Districts 11-12-13) for a time of discussion and fellowship. We had a great meal furnished by our District Presbyter and his wife Pat. It was excellent! After the meal the time of fellowship was great and there was a lot of discussion on a number of topics. We are so grateful to get to spend time with the precious ministry teams of Tennessee! God bless.

I am taking the liberty of posting a letter I received from our General Overseer below. I would like to say that this is a WISE choice on behalf of Bishop Howard. February 02, 2007 Greetings to the Presbyters of North America, and International Offices: I trust the grace of the Lord is carrying you ahead in ministry leadership in each of your areas. God is certainly at work in this world in dramatic ways and we want to be filled with His grace to accomplish all that He lays before us. May God give us a double portion for this season of labor. The International Bulletin of Missionary Research just came across my desk and I was blessed to see an article mentioned in this January 2007 edition, Spreading Fires: the Globalization of Pentecostalism in the Twentieth Century. A friend also passed along to me a copy of the New York Times article from the week of January 16th, 2007. The New York Times published a three-part series called "House of Fire," about the rise of Pentecost...

Welcome to Connections! Dear Dr. E.C., Thank you for signing up to receive Connections, an e-newsletter from the Church of God of Prophecy International Offices. Here you will find the latest news and information on upcoming ministry events. We hope you enjoy all that you will read here. Send us your comments and thoughts by emailing connections@cogop.org. In this E-Mail. . . 1. From the General Overseer: Caribbean Leadership Conference 2. An Unstoppable Force in Guinea Bissau 3. Announcing TREES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS ICM 07 4. Changes in Finance and Publications 5. Responses from World Impact Viewers 6. Spanish VOS Announces New Series 7. Stewardship Ministries Update 8. Growing a Huge Small Church in Brownsburg, Indiana 9. Resources Ideas from Leadership Development and Discipleship Ministries 10. Upcoming Events 11. To Unsubscribe From the General Overseer: Caribbean Leadership Conference Just last w...

Earlier, I posted an entry about a News2 report to be aired. This segment aired in the 5:00 p.m. broadcast. You can view the report by going to our state website at www.tncogop.org and clicking on the Link at the top of the page titled, "News Reports." Or, if you prefer, you can watch it and see the accompanying editorial input on the website: www.faithandethics.com I hope you will check out reporter Jamey Tucker's daily blog at: www.faithandethics.com

Throughout a recent episode of an HBO special, the song "I am a friend of God" played. I first heard this song at a Youth Conference in Chattanooga several-years-ago, when Israel Houghton and New Breed performed it. I immediately fell in love with the song, because it struck my heart that "my friend" had laid down His life for me. When the HBO special aired, produced by the daughter of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi I was intent on watching it with a critical eye. Not trusting the past performance of how evangelicals are treated in the media, I was sure that it I would be angry by the time the documentary ended....the opposite happened. No, I didn't like the undertones of the documentary, especially by starting and ending it with interviews with Ted Haggard, of Colorado, who recently fell from ministry because of a drug and sex scandal....I honestly thought it tainted the rest of the documentary, howeverr, it was Haggard's own words and actions that he w...