Voice of Hope

I just received word that Pastor Ken Dyer (Harvest Fellowship Church) of Knoxville has been hospitalized at St. Mary's Hospital in Knoxville. He underwent a procedure that resulted in stents being inserted in his heart. Please join me in prayer for Brother Dyer.

Today, I spent the whole day in meetings of the General Assembly Task force in preparation for our General Assembly to be conducted here in August 2008. Just before our meetings began, I had the privilege to meet former Speaker of the United States House of Representative, the honorable Newt Gingrich. Mr. Gingrich was in town speaking at a convention totally unrelated to our business there. We talked for a bit, and he sent a very personal note to my son, Shaun. I was happy for the opportunity.

Tonight Debra and I visited tonight the Crossroads church in White Bluff for the purpose of ordaining a new deacon. Billy Wayne Allsbrook has completed all of the necessary requirements and was recognized by the local church. We had a great service, and the Lord moved among His people. We are grateful for His Presence. Congratulations Brother Allsbrook!

This morning, Debra and I visited with the great folks at the Old Hickory church, where Terry Lowery serves as pastor. In addition to bringing the morning message, I ordained Sister Roseann L. Dewey as a regular minister. Roseann and her husband Scott, and their daughter Candy recently moved to Tennessee from Elizabethtown, Kentucky. In the photo here, you see here family, along with Pastor Lowery and myself. We are so grateful for the Dewey family and look forward to great reports from the Old Hickory church.

Loose! It certainly was an appropriate theme for what went on at Camp Hickory Hills this past weekend. Our state womens ministries director Londa Richardson did an excellent job in the organization, promotion and conducting of the annual two-day event. With over 350 registered and near 45 staff, the campground was filled with exuberant worshipers who obviously came to be "loosed." The worship was great, and all of the speakers did an excellent job of sharing their testimonies and ministry. Tennessee is blessed with wonderful women who now how to enjoy the Lord's presence and the presence of their friends. Thanks Londa for a job well done!

ICM is Just Around the Corner! Institute of Children's Ministry May 23-26, 2007 Cleveland, Tennessee Trees of Righteousness "That they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord." (Isaiah 61:3). Imagine a forest of trees--not deciduous or evergreen. These trees are boys and girls who were once poor, brokenhearted, captive, grieving, and in despair. Because of the Spirit of the Lord working through you these children now stand strong, established, and purposeful. They have become Trees of Righteousness. God has planted them and He is glorified! Check out our website for more information!

Tomorrow and Saturday, women will gather from all over the state at Camp Hickory Hills for our annual Tennessee Ladies Day. "Loosed" is the theme of the gathering, and I am confident that burdens will be lifted and women will be set free as the Spirit moves among our ladies. As always, I plan to be there to visit with the ladies and help do whatever I can to help Sister Londa make it a success. Hope to see you there!

Yesterday, Sharon Caruthers, Pastor Vernon Caruthers wife underwent hip replacement surgery at Baptist Hospital in Nashville. I was able to visit with Vernon while the surgery was in process, and when the doctor gave a good report. Please pray for Vernon and Sharon while she recovers.

We had our last district meeting of 2007 on Sunday night at the Pelham Valley church. All of the district pastors were in attendance, along with most of our State Staff. Special thanks to all involved in the meetings, and for the great times of fellowship experienced in each of our meetings.

Sunday morning, Debra and I visited with the congregation of House on the Rock in Pulaski, Tennessee. We received a warm welcome and the Lord was present in the service. Pastor David Malone and the congregation have worked hard and are now in their new facility located on Highway 64. It is a beautiful facility, and when we dedicate the building, I hope to bring you pictures of the event on our blog.

Yesterday, Debra and I attended a wedding at the Columbia church where we served for eight years. Many-years-ago, I baptized Matt when he was a teenager, and now we watched as he opened a new chapter in his life. Congratulations to Matt and Kendall!

Yesterday, Brother Massengale was moved from the Critical Care Unit to a regular room as he continues to improve. He was in very serious condition at the end of last week, but as new week begins, he is improving rapidly. Please continue to pray for his recovery. Thanks to all who commented and sent prayers up on his behalf.

Tennessee Ladies Day is next week-end (April 27 & 28) at the state campground in Dickson. Applications have been arriving for weeks and anticipation is high for a dynamic spiritual feast! Lodging at the campground is at capacity but there is still room for those wishing to attend and stay in town. (Please note: If you have mailed an application wishing to stay on-grounds, your lodging is secured.) Those planning to attend who have not registered, should contact londajoy@aol.com ASAP to assist in proper food preparations. Registration begins at 3:00 p.m. CST next Friday. A dinner meal will be served at 4:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. The evening General Session will begin at 7:00 p.m. Saturday morning session begins at 9:00 a.m. Applications reveal a number of first time attendees as well as several ladies outside this organization. Advertisement has been placed in the local newspapers extending an invitation to area ladies. Don't miss this annual celebration. We are anticip...

As I write, our pastor at Clinton, Tennessee, Brother Russell Massengale is in the Critical Care Unit of a hospital in Oak Ridge. He needs your prayers. The lack of information prevents me from posting more, however, I have been in contact with the family every 45 minutes. Please take a moment right now to pray for this man of God, who has pastored the Clinton church for over almost 35 years.

Yesterday, I was privileged to attend the first day of the Leadership Development Intensive in Cleveland, Tennessee. There was a large crowd in attendance, and there seemed to be a high level of anticipation as those attended took part in their particular areas of study. The evening service was a mix of comedy, musical entertainment, high worship and the word. Please continue to pray for the success of the conference.

Thursday, April 19th Hendersonville Memory Gardens & Funeral Home 353 Johnny Cash Parkway (Gallatin Pike) Hendersonville, TN 37075 5:00pm - 9:00pm Viewing Friday, April 20th Hendersonville Memory Gardens & Funeral Home 10:00am - 11:00am Viewing 11:00am - 12:00pm Service Saturday, April 21st Hopewell Church of God of Prophecy 8100 Hopewell Road S.E. Bessemer, AL 35022 10:00am - 11:00am Viewing 11:00am - 12:00pm Service & Burial

I am sharing this email from Pastor Shannon Bowdoin of the Bellshire Church in Nashville. Sister Jones-Lawson is the widow of former State Overseer, Bishop L.V. Jones, Sr. and Bishop Raymond Lawson. Her son, Bishop L.V. Jones, Jr. is the Overseer of Alabama, and her daughter is Janice Miller, formerly of the International Offices. Dear Friends, It saddens my heart to have to pass on the news that Sis. Lillie Bernice "Bunchie" Jones Lawson has passed away. Her passing was sudden and unexpected and we extend our deepest sympathy to her children and the rest of her extended family. Funeral arrangements are pending and I will provide the schedule of services VIA another email as soon as they are available. Please be in prayer for the family and her church community as we mourn the loss of this spiritual giant who will be greatly missed. In Christ, Shannon W. Bowdoin Senior Pastor Bellshire Church of God of Prophecy

I am saddened to report the passing of Sister Mary Nell Harden. Arrangements are a follows: Visitation at Dyersburg Funeral Home Tuesday the 17th, from 5-8 pm and funeral at the funeral home Wednesday at 1:00 p.m.

Sister Delilah Mummel and Sister Denise Pyburn (biological sisters as well) entered an amateur gospel singing preview sponsored by Gospel Radio Station 93.1 Good News of Jackson, TN. The preview was held and judged in Humboldt, TN. They were placed at the top out of the three that were given the go for the next step (semi-finals) to be held in September near Lexington, TN. The judges told them that they no problem choosing them as the first one. Both of these ladies were raised in the Huntingdon area and grew up attending the Church of God of Prophecy here. CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE SISTERS. Sister Delilah is presently very active in the local church ministry as a member of the Praise and Worship Team, Assistant Youth Leader and Bulletin Coordinator. She loves the Lord and serves faithfully. She has blessed our services many times with her solos. She lives in Huntingdon with her husband, Jeremy and his son Austin. She has dedicated her life to use her gift for the glory of God. Denise...

On Tuesday, April 17, 2007, the opening sessions of this year's LDI will kick off. The event promises to be one that will be enriching and fulfilling to those in attendance. It is my intention to attend the intensive and to take in as much as possible. Last year, I sat in one of the best classes I had ever been privileged to attend. Dr. Stacey Rinehart taught on the subject of "Upside Down Leadership." I do hope to see many of you at the upcoming conference to be held at the Peerless Road Church in Cleveland, Tennessee.

Last night and today, I was privileged to attend the State Men's Retreat at Camp Hickory Hills, Tennessee. Last night, after a great time of worship, Bishop Leon Graves, ministered to the men who had gathered. Today, the state men's director Chuck Bailey delivered a powerful message on the need for Christian men to be "Supermen." Special thanks to all who made the retreat a special one.

Greetings, Pastors, Brother Ferdinand Weah, our National Overseer of Liberia, is stateside and will be attending L.D.I. this next week in Cleveland, TN. This is his very first trip to the states and he is very excited. Presently, he is in New York, and has already visited some of our churches there. Each of those host pastors that I have spoken with in New York shared with me that Brother Weah delivered a powerful word from the pulpit, and gave an excellent presentation about the ministry in Liberia. He would like to stay over following L.D.I. closing on April 21, and visit churches, if possible. I am trying to assist him with such scheduling. He is available for revival, weekend services, or midweek services from April 25 through May 20. Our New York brothers assure me that he will bless your congregation tremendously should you choose to invite him for a visit to your local churches. If you can host Brother Weah during this time, please contact me immediately for scheduling. As ...

Jordon Holt is the son our our Springplace pastor, Bishop Paul Holt. To see a special report on his comic strip and his special abilities, go to the following link (Way to go Jordon...I'm proud of you!): http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5590533640654186616&pr=goog-sl

I've been hearing reports across the state of great attendance at our churches on Easter Sunday. Even though this is a special day that brings folks to church who might not ordinarily attend, it is always uplifting to see the potential that we have. Debra and I attended church with our daughter Lindsey at the Bellshire church in Nashville. There was a great crowd, and the service was very well organized, thoughtful and inspiring.

In just a few days, men will be gathering from across the State of Tennessee to participate in a highly anticipated event. On Friday and Saturday, April 13-14, 2007 Camp Hickory Hills will be the site for what looks to be one of the best-attended Men's retreat in a long, long time. Chuck Bailey, our State Men's Director has been working for some time to make preparations for a successful event. I plan on being there, along with many of our pastors for what will be a great time of worship, fellowship, fun and good food! If you have not registered, it is not too late. You can send an email to Chuck by CLICKING HERE , or calling the State Office 615-824-3563. I look forward to seeing you there!

As I have reflected on Holy Week and the activities Christians have observed this week, I found myself thankful for so much. Earlier in the week, I watched events from Jerusalem and Rome on the television, and marveled at the pomp and splendor surrounding them. People had traveled from all across the earth to participate or to observe. Yesterday, we celebrated Good Friday as we remembered the death of our Lord on a cross. I found myself somewhat sober yesterday as I remembered the great price paid for our pardon of sins. As I write today, it is now dark outside. I thought it must have been dark in a lot of ways for the followers of Christ. No doubt it was hard to hold on to the promises He made to them, especially since they observed his death. They knew that he was in the tomb. On Saturday, they must have been filled with a sense of hopelessness and fear, and may have been wondering what would become of them. Because they had been seen with him, they were enemies of the state...

The State Convention for the Church of God of Prophecy in Tennessee is just around the corner. Each pastor will be receiving a poster in the next mailout of the WHIT (at the press now). We look forward to seeing you there!

The Harriman Church of God of Prophecy at 328 Vernal Street in Harriman will be in revival services April 2-6, with guest evangelist Rev. Ralph Johnson, pastor of the Wabash Church of God, Wabash, Indiana. Services begin each night at 7:00 p.m. Pastor Larry Noe and the congregation extend a cordial welcome to all to attend.

Pastor Thelma Roby called the office and asked that we get the word out: The church at Sparta has 13 - ten foot oak benches (old fashioned type) for sale. If you are interested, phone 931-456-0376 or 931-484-085

Last night the churches in the Big Sandy area gathered for our regional meeting of staff and churches. As usual, the state staff did a wonderful job of presenting their materials, and the local churches were well represented. Special thanks to Pastor David Prince and the Big Sandy church for hosting the event.