Voice of Hope

Below, I am including a portion of an email I received from Bishop Duke Stone, our pastor at Hickory Valley. Please direct any inquiries to him. Thanks Brother Stone. "...Finally, you may have seen the advertisement for ArkALMIGHTY.com. It is a fabulous service campaign that is tied into the release of the movie Evan Almighty. If a church registers for the program, they will receive all the materials (a huge banner, bulletin inserts, mail-outs, door knockers, video clips, and such) for free! It is a web-based site which allows people to post needs and then members of the congregation can go on the website and sign up to fulfill the needs. You can check it out at www.arkalmighty.com. If you want to see how it works on our site, go to the above arkalmighty site and then click on the “find my church” on the right hand side of the banner. Then enter “Hickory Valley Community Church” in the church window; “Chattanooga” in the city window; and “TN” in the state window. Then click ...

Our final camp of the summer is about to begin at Camp Hickory Hills. We have seen a season with an increase of campers along with an increase of the work of the Spirit among our children. Please join me in prayer for this final camp, and join us at the Tennessee State Convention at the Chattanooga Convention and Trade Center for the children, youth and camping programs on Saturday afternoon, July 28, 2007.

Hi folks, You can see by the time stamp that it is almost 1:00 a.m. as I write, because I am still up trying to take care of administrative duties. I stopped just for a moment to check on email I was expecting, and found an unexpected surprise....an email from the Junior Camp evangelist. It speaks for itself, but wanted to share the great news! The following is what I received from Julia Timson: "Hi! I hate that I missed seeing you at camp yesterday. Anyway, I just wanted to give you an update. We had 41 saved, 36 sanctified, 21 filled with the Holy Ghost and 59 baptized. Since I am not a licensed minister I thought you could add this to your report. God is so AWESOME!!! I have never witnessed so many children seeking the Holy Ghost at one time. It was truly one of the most incredible moments of my life. The kids were so hungry for the Lord. He never ceases to amaze me!"

Today, I made a trip to the campground with the State Finance and Stewardship Committee to do a walk-through review of all of our facilities there. It was a hot afternoon, but I believe a fruitful one as we reviewed the needs of our camping facilities. While there, I heard a lot of positive comments about our youth camps and that how our attendance is UP this year, which is always great news. I was told about an impromptu prayer meeting in one of the cabins that led to several of the children being really blessed. Thank God for the work of our volunteers giving up their vacations to minister to the children of our state.

I just learned this morning about the passing of Bishop Robert Pruitt. Bishop Pruitt served our church in man capacities, including as a State Overseer and Assistant Editor of the White Wing Publishing House. Several-years-ago, he left our movement and became the General Overseer of The Church of God headquartered in Charleston, Tennessee. Please join me in prayer for the Pruitt family, which includes former Tennessee Pastor Jack Pruitt, and former State Overseer Dr. Raymond Pruitt.

I just received a phone call from Bishop Bob Creasy, the pastor at our Clarksville (Ashland City Highway)church. He told me that yesterday they had two saved and he added 12 new members by covenant. It made my day! God bless.

By now, I am sure that most of you have heard that Bishop Paul Holt, the pastor at our Springplace church has accepted a position at our International Offices. Brother Paul will continue to serve at Springplace until July 31, 2007. After that time (July 31, 2007) Brother Paul will be available to minister in our state churches on weekends. Perhaps you would like a short revival series, certain classes taught or would just like to have him minister in your church on a Sunday. Please feel free to contact him at your convenience. Although he will be working at our International Office, I plan on his continued ministry to the state of Tennessee in various ways. ADDED LATER Bro. McKinley: Thanks so much for the blog post of my availability. In case someone needs it, my contact information is: International Office Direct Line: (423) 559-5217 Home: (423) 614-6464 Email: pholt@cogop.org Thanks. Paul Holt

I received this notice from Bishop Paul Holt, pastor at Springplace "2007 marks the 50th year of ministry for the Spring Place Church. You are invited to our Anniversary Celebration on September 15-16. On Saturday evening, September 15th, there will be a special singing under the Spring Place Pavilion featuring three groups. On Sunday September 16 at 10:30 AM, there will be a special celebration service with State Overseer E.C. McKinley speaking. After service, there will be a time of food & fellowship. We thank the Lord for all the Pastors, members, and friends that have been a blessing to the Spring Place Church over the past 50 years."

I would like to share some news from across the state. I received this note from Bishop Robert Carpenter this afternoon... "Brother McKinley I trust all is well with you and the family. I wanted to report to you about our VBS. We had a total of nine saved and I baptized five of those last Sunday evening. Praise the Lord!!! Lakemoore is also getting a new church sign to go down at the highway. It will be 6'x8' double panel with two 2'x8' LED message centers one on each side. We have been wanting to do this for some time now. Praise God we will be able to share Jesus with the thousands of people that pass by everyday! We will continue to pray for state convention, see you there. God Bless, Pastor Robert Carpenter"

On Tuesday and Wednesday I found myself in Cleveland again, this time for committee meetings, and we worked late in the office last night. We are again working towards a successful State Convention that will be conducted late next month. If you haven't noticed, you will find the countdown clock to the left of the daily blog entries. We are continuing to receive reports from our pastors across the state informing us of great things happening in our churches. I truly believe the Lord is "up to something" in the work of the ministry in Tennessee. Special thanks to all of the pastors and other ministers who have been faithful in tithing and reporting monthly. This is an area that still needs attention from a few, and I expect to see 100% compliance from our pastors and churches. It is saddening to see that some continue to neglect this very important responsibility, but again, I want to thank those of you who are FAITHFUL to your commitments. I can't help but believ...

Bro. McKinley, I just wanted to announce the birth of Ava Grace Farmer. Ava was born Saturday, June 16th at 8:44am. She was 8 lbs. 6 oz. and 20 inches long, Kimberly delivered her naturally. We just want to praise the Lord for this unbelievable gift. I also have enclosed a picture. God Bless, Pastor Tim Farmer Lawrence Chapel

Yesterday, I wrote asking the question, "Whatever happened to sin?" One of our readers posted a comment (Thanks Don) which was one step ahead of me. Yes, sin abounds, and in fact, the closer we get to the return of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4) the more sin will abound (Romans 5:20). I especially like the way this is shared in the NIV.... "The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,..." Jesus told us that as the times grow more wicked, there will be a "flood" of immorality ...this is, of course, a sign of the end times. "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." (Matthew 24:12). And it is at such times that we cannot forget the words the great Apostle Paul said, to his "son" in the faith.... 2 Timothy 3:1-3 "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, ...

Recently, I've done a great deal of study on the topic of sin. I came across an old quote that I used in a sermon more than 10-years-ago.... "In all of the laments and reproaches made by our seers and prophets, one misses any mention of "sin," a word which used to be a veritable watchword of prophets. It was a word once in everyone's mind, but now rarely if ever heard. Does that mean that no sin is involved in all our troubles - sin with an "I" in the middle? Is no one any longer guilty of anything? Guilty perhaps of a sin that could be repented and repaired or atoned for? Is it only that someone may be stupid or sick or criminal- or asleep? Wrong things are being done, we know; tares are being sown in the wheat field at night. But is no one responsible, no one answerable for these acts? Anxiety and depression we all acknowledge, and even vague guilt feelings; but has no one committee any sins? Where, indeed, did sin go? What became of it? -...

I spoke with Brother Kephart just a few-minutes-ago. He did indeed suffer a major stroke, however, thanks to the Lord's intervention, he seems to be doing well with mobility, and though he speaks a little slow he is communicating very well. Thank you so much for your prayers for Brother Kephart. His local church is starting revival tomorrow, so please pray for the local church while Brother Kephart recovers.

PHOTO TO THE RIGHT Rev. James T. & Geneva McKinley In 1909, a young girl by the name of Sonora Dodd had the idea for "Father's Day" while listening to a sermon on Mother's Day. Sonora, who lived in Washington State, wanted a special day to honor her own father, William Smart. Her father, William was a veteran of the Civil War (1861-1865) who became a widower when his wife died giving birth to their sixth child. Smart suddenly found himself rearing a newborn and five other children by himself on his family farm located in eastern Washington state. Like all of us, Sonora learned to truly appreciate her father after she reached adulthood. She realized and appreciated the courageous and self-sacrificing example her father had left her. Since her father was born in June, she decided to hold the nation's first father's day in Spokane, Washington on June 19th, 1910. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge lent his support to the idea, but it wasn't until 1966 ...

These are the dates for the upcoming Regional Ladies Retreat for 2007-2008 Season Many of you have been asking for the dates of the new retreat season so here they are for you. Help us to get out the dates to your pastor and local Women’s Ministry Director. FALL 2007 PACIFIC NORTHWEST September 21-23, 2007 Best Western Hood River Inn Hood River, Oregon Total cost per person: 3 or 4 in a room $175 2 in a room $210 Applications must be postmarked before August 10, 2007 SOUTHEAST October 5-7, 2007 Ridgecrest Conference Center Ridgecrest, North Carolina Total cost per person: 3 or 4 in a room $140 2 in a room $165 Applications must be postmarked before August 24, 2007 ROCKY MOUNTAINS October 12-14, 2007 Holiday Inn Sheridan, Wyoming Total cost per person: 3 or 4 in a room $155 2 in a room $180 Applications must be postmarked before August 31, 2007 MID-AMERICA October 19-21, 2007 Radisson H...

I am sharing an email with you from our pastor at Crossroads, Brother Gary Riley. I am so happy to be able to announce this.... Hello Bro. McKinley, Thought I would just let you know that we are excited about our new venture here at Crossroads, the opening up of a Beacon Institute Ministry satellite campus here. Our first class will be held on June 22 and 23 with (4) students enrolled at the present time. I believe that once we get rolling with these classes and the people begin to see the excellent quality of the courses that more will desire to enroll in the school... Please keep us in your prayers as we take this step in providing a place where God's people can learn and increase in their understanding of His Word and His purpose for their lives and become better ministers in His Kingdom. I will keep you posted from time to time on the progress of the school here. Thanks for your prayers and encouragement for us to try to offer this to people. Bro. Gary Riley

At about midnight last night, Brother E.C. Kephart our pastor at Slayden, Tennessee suffered a stroke. He was taken to Veterans Hospital in Nashville where he remains as of this writing. I visited with Brother and Sister Kephart at the hospital. The severity of the stroke is still not known. I prayed with Brother Kephart and told him that I would be requesting your prayers as well.

I invite you to look around on this page and find the new elements being added as we transition the look, feel and functionality of this blog. On the left side of the page, below my personal biography, you will find that I have added a link for forms used by local churches and ministers. I will begin adding more information, including links to photos, downloadable sermons, devotions, sermon notes, and additional resources. After a period of transition, I will be moving all internet-based connections to the state office to this site. The upside to such a transition is that the website will have constant updates, breaking news in both the secular world and in our church. My goal is to make this a one-stop site for our readers to find all of the resources they need. I invite you to check daily to see the changes.

On June 1, 2007, the Senior Pastor at Columbia, Tennessee, Dr. Philip Lawson accepted an appointment to serve the Woodland Hills Church of God of Prophecy in Bessemer, Alabama. The state of Tennessee will miss Brother Lawson's ministry, but we trust this is the will of the Lord for Brother and Sister Lawson and the Columbia church. As of the same date, I have appointed Gary Clements to serve as the Senior Pastor of the Columbia church. He, Peggy and their children moved in last week and assumed the responsibilities there. At the time of his appointment, Gary had been serving for several years at the Breezewood Church of God of Prophecy in Fayettville, North Carolina. I trust we will all give Gary and Peggy and the kids a warm, Tennessee Welcome.

Today, I had the privilege of visiting with much of the staff and some of the campers at our Senior Youth Camp. Directors Victor and Renee Rodriguez reported that there was a huge increase in the number of campers this year, and my rough estimate was that it is up some 30 percent over last year! Thanks to all of those involved in the hard work of Youth Camps!

I am pleased to announce that there is a new resource available through our media relations department at International Headquarters. At this resource site, you can download sermons from our former General Overseer, Bishop Billy D. Murray. This is a great tool and I hope you will use it. Simply go to the link below and enjoy! http://cogop.org/254783.ihtml

Hi folks, I hope you will enjoy the new look of the blog. It seemed wrong to be in Tennessee and NOT use the Vol's colors. I recently asked for input and I received some helpful information from our readers. I will be adding and updating, so please check back often. God bless.

Time is quickly passing, and we will be gathering in Chattanooga before you know it. Just a quick reminder that the convention will July 27-29, 2007 at the Chattanooga Trade and Convention Center. It is my understanding that the block of rooms at the Marriott is now filled, but there are a host of other hotels in the area. We are trusting the Lord for a powerful convention and are looking forward to seeing you there!

At last a prayer has been answered. The Children’s Ministry at Sonbright Christian Center has long desired a playground for our children. It has been talked about for almost a full year, but now it is a reality. With recent donations for this project we purchased playground equipment and today there was a ribbon cutting and dedication. I have attached a couple of pictures of the dedication. We give God praise for the wonderful things He is doing at Sonbright Christian Center. Chip

This morning, I spoke with Brother Hall for about half an hour. He told me that he was mowing on Ten Commandment mountain at Fields of the Wood, and as he was lifting the front pan of the mower, his left front wheel went into a hole and he was thrown from the tractor. THE TRACTOR DID NOT TURN OVER ON HIM. He said that he was thrown about 2/3rds of the way up the mountain, and that he tumbled about 75 feet before coming to a stop. He was taken to the hospital, where the doctors did complete xrays to make sure there were no broken bones. Thank the Lord that he is sore but suffered no major damage. He is unable to do the work as much as needed right now, and with the recent departure of some of his grounds crew much has fallen on him to do. He thanks everyone for their prayers.

On Friday night we received word that Brother Wayne Hall, former state overseer of Tennessee had been involved in a tractor accident while mowing Ten Commandment mountain at Fields of the Wood. At first, the word we received was extremely distressing, however, a little further investigation revealed that he had indeed been involved in an accident and was taken to Copper Basin Hospital. At the hospital, he was thoroughly checked out and found that there were no broken bones or other serious injury. Latest reports are that he was extremely sore and still needs our prayers. As with anything else, we are a family in the Church of God of Prophecy and we want to keep each other in our prayers....so today, please pray for Bishop Hall and his family.

Here is an email I received from Pastor Vernon Caruthers Brother McKinley, This morning, (Saturday) our deacon at Campaign for many many years, Deacon A T Hale, lost his youngest son, Terry Hale, in a motorcycle accident here in Campaign. He was about 45 years old and leaves behind a wife and two children. Brother and Sister Hale really need your prayers. I would appreciate it if you would place this on the blog. Many people know Brother and Sister Hale. His remains will be at High's Funeral Home in McMinnville and arrangements are pending at this time. I will forward the details as I know them. Have a good weekend. Brother Vernon

From the General Overseer What an inspiration it was to hear recently of the miracles that God is performing in the Central Church of God of Prophecy in Kiev, Emmanuel Church. National Overseer of the Ukraine and Central Church Pastor, Vitally Vozsnuk, shared the testimony as he visited our recent Leadership Development Institute. After nearly a year of shifting service times and even locations for the congregation that numbers over 2000 in attendance God has helped this church find a property that they want to purchase. How thrilling after eleven years of ministry and great growth to feel the hope rise that this powerful church could have its own building. The cost of the building is over $2.2 million. Miracle number one was to hear that this church had raised over $200,000 for a property over the last five or six years. For those that know the story of the nation, the economy, and the people, this was a wonderful testimony of God's help. This became the down payment and still the...

Today, Debra and I travel to the Abundant Life Church in Crossville, Tennessee to participate in a two-day Ladies Conference. At the conclusion of the event, a luau has been planned. I know it will be a great time of fellowship. Who knows what photos may show up on this site after the event? God bless, hope you check back later....

As we near to mark of over 30,000 visitors to our daily blog, I would love to hear from you on a given number of subjects. I have been working on a monthly newsletter to pastors, that I hope will be extended to other ministers which is currently to be delivered by postal mail, and I would also like to post an online version for anyone to read. In the inaugural issue last month, I covered the thought of bring ministry into the 21st Century, with other topics as well. What would you like to see in such a paper? I know it will only take a minutes or two, or perhaps you could write a lengthy paper on the subjects you would like to see covered. Currently, our State website serves our constituency, along with the Women's, Men's and Youth and Children's ministries websites. Hopefully, after the camping season, we will have one up and running for our camping ministries. I am asking you to CLICK HERE to send me your thoughts on what you would like to see covered on this blog, ...

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Have you ever been sidetracked? I'm sure you have....we all have. I was spending time in my personal devotions today and I realized just how often I've been sidetracked. You know what I mean? You start your prayer time, or time in the Scriptures and the phone rings, there is a knock on the door, or some other type of distraction happens that takes you away from what you are doing. In fact, it is entirely possible that we sidetrack, and therefor sabotage our own success. I realized that I'd done something like that recently when I was working on a lesson plan for a Bible study that will be published later this year. I heard the little "ding" that notifies me on the arrival of email. I stopped only momentarily to see who the message was from, and before I knew it, I had consumed another twenty minutes reading and writing email, and I failed to return to my initial task for the rest of the day. It was then that I began to think about how many things "side...

Dear Friends, I know that many of you read this blog daily for the latest information. I am hoping to get the word around with your help. Today, I sent a bulk of appointment letters to pastors in Tennessee. These letters indicated my intentions for the pastor's appointment effective August 1, 2007. I have NOT sent letters to those pastors who are behind in their reports and tithing to the State Office. I would rather deal with everything at once, but I am dealing with this on a case-by-case basis, in order that we clearly understand just how important this is to me personally. If you are a pastor and have NOT received your letter by next Monday (June 11, 2007) you may want to check to see if you are up-to-date. Thanks for helping me with this important matter. God bless.

In the past few weeks, I have been receiving updates from the Harvest Partners ministry in Cleveland. These updates have included copies of letters written to the pastor of the local church connect to a foreign mission field. I am so happy to see the local churches actively involved in reaching out to the ripened harvest surrounding us. Each of you are to be commended for your wonderful contributions you are making to the work of the Kingdom of God. Keep up the good work!

The camping season is now in full-bloom, with the Encounter Camp ending today. While we don't have a full report, I can tell you that I've already received reports that the camp was a real blessing to those who attended. Big Shot camp will be underway beginning Tuesday and we are expecting great results. Please join me in praying for our campers, the staff and parents. We are now fully focused on our 2007 State Convention to be conducted July 27-29, 2007. We will be honored to have our North American Presbyter, Bishop Sam Clements and the State Overseer of Florida, Bishop Larry Dotson. I have been told that we might expect even more visitors to the convention who will be presented as they arrive. Please join me in this season of prayer that God's will be done in our appointments, and the convention in general. We need a move of God....

This last week's travels have been so hectic that I haven't had time to post on a regular basis...for that I apologize. After returning home late Sunday night from Cleveland where I participated in the Global Day of Prayer event, I left the next evening to return to Cleveland again to participate in Unity of Ministry Committee meetings on Tuesday and Wednesday. At the conclusion of the Wednesday night meeting (around 10:00 p.m.) I returned again to Hendersonville in order to try to catch up on work. The next morning (Thursday) we left Hendersonville and traveled to Columbus, Georgia where I was the commencement speaker for the graduating class of 2007. It was a great event that went very well. I've included a photo here of a portion of the program, and am looking forward to returning to Tennessee in the morning. Now...well, its full-speed ahead to the State Convention in Chattanooga next month. We are looking forward with anticipation. For those of you who continuall...