Voice of Hope

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Hi folks, Just sharing some good news I received from Londa. I am posting below. Check your local stations to see one of our own church kids do well! We are proud of Jeremi.. "Just wanted to share Jeremi and "Avalon" will be singing on the Billy Graham Special dedicated to Ruth Graham on Saturday - December 1st on NBC Channel 4 in Nashville at 9:00 p.m. They will also be on in Chattanooga, ABC - Channel 9 December 4th at 8:00 p.m. Wherever you are on that date, thought you might want to take a look! God bless.

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Debra's mother is still hospital in Owensboro, Kentucky. She has been here since Tuesday. Debra and I arrived yesterday afternoon and will be trying to return to Tennessee today. She is in need of your special prayers, and we thank you in advance for praying. God bless.

On the chance that some of you are like me, and you can't stay away from your computer very long... I wish for you to have a wonderful, joyous, Christ-filled Thanksgiving today. As you spend time with family and friends, please remember to take the time to tell them how much you love and appreciate them. This morning, my heart was filled with sadness when I thought about my own mother and father, who have gone on to be with the Lord, and I was saddened that we are not sharing a Thanksgiving meal together today, however, I know that "Christians never see each other for the last time." The truth is, that I didn't stay sad too long, because I heard my granddaughter downstairs calling out, and the sadness was chased away by the joy of being with my family today. God certainly is GOOD to me. We have much to be thankful for, but mostly its not the "things" but rather the "people" around us. Family, friends and acquaintances make such time so special. ...

I am posting a report (from Joshua Lynn) of the Tennessee Youth Retreat conducted last weekend. Special thanks to all who made this event a success: Bro. McKinley, I wanted give you and the state a praise report from POWERhouse- Tennessee Youth Retreat 2007. On Friday night we were blessed to have our state overseer Bishop E.C. McKinley speak to the youth of our state. I was so proud to have a state overseer to be transparent of how God has brought him from a life of sin to where he is today. This along with the continued encouragement to not just be somebody but be the greatest generation ever as they usher in the return of the Lord, has and will continue to raise our youth to levels they have never seen. East TN Youth Director Caleb Winstead preached on Saturday night to our youth. During all our services the Lord filled our presence as each night our youth filled the alters. After the way the Lord moved on Friday and Saturday night we knew that the Lord has saved many. We ask...

Debra's mom, Margie Lindsey was taken to the hospital in Owensboro, Kentucky today and is undergoing several tests. She is in need of special prayer tonight. Debra's dad serves as the pastor of the Central City, KY Church of God of Prophecy. Please join me in prayer for our family...

Friends, I just spoke with Monica Luithle a few-minutes-ago about Mike, who underwent surgery for a broken shoulder today. The doctors took a little longer than expected, but they believe the surgery was successful. Mike was injured at the Lake Barley Regional Ladies retreat, when he fell from a ladder. Thank you for praying for Mike and his family during this difficult time. Mike serves as the IT department manager at our International Offices.

Hi folks, Thanks for stopping by today to check out our blog. You might have noticed, that I removed the redirect (computer code that points my website to this site) that was taking people directly here when checking our our web address ( www.tncogop.org ) I was noticing how "cluttered" this blog looks from different browsers, and decided to separate them again. One thing that might be helpful is that when you go to our state website , there are several helps: 1. List of future events 2. Church listing 3. Extended list of links Since our domain server is upgrading the web software, there will be changes at the state website and on this blog too. I do hope you will check back from time-to-time to see the improvements and upgraded features. Here are the web addresses for your convenience: Blog is located at http://tncogop.blogspot.com Wed is located at http://tncogop.org I do hope that these two information mediums will be a blessing to you. God bless!

A BOOST FROM MY FRIEND KIRK RISING God bless everyone!!! This is Kirk Rising, State Youth Director in North Carolina! I just wanted to make all Overseers aware of the CCMN ( College and Careers Ministries Network ) website and upcoming events! We are going to be in Myrtle Beach, SC. Jan 4-6, 2008. The cost for this week-end is $30.00 ($40.00 at the door). The hotel information is on the our website. (These rooms sleep from 6 to 14! Living rooms, kitchens etc. Most are condo's) This is a very affordable week-end! This week-end is for College and University students, young single professionals and young married. There will be a learning tract for each group. We are trying to fill the gap of our youth ministry to help curve the loss of college students and career path young adults. We hope this week-end will benefit your state and local churches. Sis Palma Hutchinson, our General Youth Director, is boosting this from General Headquarters. I have sent ema...

Come worship with us Union Grove Church of God of Prophecy located at 533 Union Grove Rd will be in revival with Evangelist D.L. Wilson on Friday and Saturday (November 16 & 17t h at 7:00 PM and Sunday November 18th with Special Singing at 10:00 AM and Evangelistic message at 11:00 AM. Come worship with us.

Dear Bro. McKinley, Attached is a flyer of the New Year's Eve Rally sponsored by Lebanon COG Worship & Ministy Center & Mt. Juliet COG. They have extended invitation to all of our area COGOP churchs. We are on the mailing committee to contact these churchs address & phone's for not only this event but future events as well. As a follow up of our phone conversation of retreiving this info. your help is greatly appreciated. Blessings to you and yours, Kalei & Dianne Lam Lebanon COGOP Y4C (Youth for Christ) 615-415-9077

Lakemoore Church (Morristown) is conducting the 12th Annual Dicken's Christmas Village. For more information... CLICK HERE

Hi Dr. McKinley, I would greatly appreciate if you would post the following announcement in your blog: Event: CHRISTMAS CRAFT BAZAAR & BAKE SALE When: November 16-17, 2007 Time: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Where: Clarksville Church of God of Prophecy 1586 Ashland City Hwy. (41-A Bypass) Clarksville, TN 37040 (931) 552-2540 We have some wonderful handmade crafts and delicious baked items, so come do your Christmas shopping with us and take home a great tasting desert for your Thanksgiving Dinner. Thank you, Linda Arnold Clarksville Women's Ministries

After posting last night from the Emergency Room of the Regional Hospital in Madisonville, KY, we learned that Mike's shoulder is broken in two places and will need surgery. The doctor was able to reset his dislocated shoulder. I brought Mike home with me and we arrived in Hendersonville at about 2:30 a.m. this morning. After a chance to rest, I met his family at Monteagle in order to get him home later in the morning. Please join me in prayer for Mike

Today, while breaking down equipment at the Regional Ladies Retreat in Lake Barkley, Mike Luithle, IT director at our International Offices, and member at the Peerless Road Church, fell about 10 feet. Mike was transported by ambulance to the Trigg County Hospital in Cadiz, KY. He was diagnosed with a dislocated shoulder. After several attempts to correct the problem, he was transported by ambulance to the Regional Medical Center in Madisonville, KY. As I write, the orthopedic surgeon is trying to correct the problem. Debra and I are staying with Mike to make sure he is taken care of and that we are able to get him home. Please join me in prayer for Mike.

Now before you say it, I know this might be an awkward subject, but I do believe for our own spiritual well-being, it is a question we should ask. I was fascinated by an article I read in my morning devotion time today. I would like to share it with you. CLICK HERE to go to the article at Leadership Journal's website (taken from Christianity Today ). I have to admit, that since my trip out of the United States last month to the Ukraine, I have been asking myself some soul-searching questions. My mother used to say, "ask God to allow you to see yourself through His eyes," and after all of these years, I have began to today...I'm not really happy with everything I see in my own personal walk with Christ. There is so much more I can do, and in fact, I probably need an attitude adjustment. The Christians in Kiev, Ukraine affected me more than I could have imagined...they demonstrated a faith that has humbled me. To realize that I was standing in a church, that was ...

It's here! The Regional Ladies Retreat at Lake Barkley, Kentucky starts today. Debra and I arrived last night and we are anticipating a rather large crowd for this annual event. Cathy Payne and her staff do a great job of ministering to the ladies who attend. The retreat begins today and continues through Sunday.

I just received this notice from Pastor Helen Hall "Brother McKinley, Virginia Jean McGill passed away and they have her at Williamson & Sons Funeral Home in Soddy Daisy. Her husband, neal McGill pastored Jones Chapel (Greeneville) many-years-ago." Please join me in prayer for the family.

This past Sunday, Debra and I visited and mistered at the Heartland Fellowship Church, in Elizabethton, Tennessee. There was a full-house and a great time of worship, fellowship and the word! I am including three photos taken of the new church they are building. It was only a few short months ago that we were there to break ground and celebrate the vision of Pastor Marvin Slagle and the congregation there. In these photos you can see the view from the front of the church, the one overlooking the mountains, and another from inside the church showing what the inside view will be once the window is installed. Pastor Slagle and the congregation are to be commended for their hard work, sacrifice and vision.

PLEASE READ THE CHALLENGE BELOW...PUT ME DOWN FOR $100 I RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING EMAIL FROM MICHELLE BROOKS-YOUNG "Recently Overseer McKinley sent out a blog regarding the pay-off of the Greeneville Fellowship Hall. I was moved for Lebanon to be a participant in this and we have pledged $100.00 from the women at the Lebanon church, as a matter of fact, I am picking up the check from the church clerk tomorrow. This led me to a challenge if you will, to other churches in the state. While I have a passion for foreign missions, I am also a believer that missions begin at home! While the $2500.00 balance for this church may be a financial strain for lots of our churches, I believe the 24 congregations that I have emailed can afford a $100.00 offering to help pay off this debt. Together we can make a difference!! I know God will bless you and your congregation for this unselfish giving, according to the scripture your generous giving is just another way of showing your gratitude to C...

Yesterday, I was honored to take part in the funeral of a great man of God, Pastor Glen O'Kain. Former state overseers, Bishop Eugene Weakley and Bishop H. Wayne Hall and I all officiated the service. The special singing was such a blessing as David and Debbie Bowker ministered. After the graveside service, the Slayden church had the family and friends to their church for a meal. I was so happy to see Brother O'Kain's peers as so many pastors, ministers and state staff attended. Special thanks to all who have prayed for the O'Kain family, and I am asking that you continue to pray for them through this transition.

AVALON WELCOMES NEW MEMBER JEREMI RICHARDSON Group Pays Tribute to Christian Classics on Ninth Studio Album In Stores Feb. 26 (NASHVILLE, Tenn.)—Nov. 6, 2007—Dynamic vocal foursome Avalon welcomes new member Jeremi Richardson to the group. Richardson joins the award-winning artist in time for the release of its ninth studio album, Another Time, Another Place: Timeless Christian Classics, on Feb. 26. Originally from Cleveland, Tenn., Richardson and his wife Amy currently reside in Orlando, Fla. where he is a member of the Disney groups Voices of Liberty and Four for a Dollar. He has toured singing and leading worship all over the United States, Jamaica, Bermuda and Israel. His voice can be heard on numerous recordings by Tribe Studios, Jeff Arthur Productions, WiseGuys Productions, Walt Disney Studios, Word Music, Brentwood-Benson, SpiritSound Music, and Integrity Music. “I have been a longtime fan of Avalon,” says Richardson. “I first saw the group on tour with Crystal Lewis my sophomo...

I am posting an email I received from Brother R.C. Meadows, pastor at the Crossville mission work. Please join me in prayer: "I learned late this afternoon that Brent Human was killed in an automobile accident. Brent was the son of R. B. and Velma Human from the Sunbright church, and he was my friend. I sat with the family at the hospital for a couple hours until the funeral home picked up the body and the family went home. Brent and his wife Savannah just had their second child on September 20 of this year. Please remember Savannah and R. B. and Velma in your prayers! I will post arrangements on my blog as soon as I know them. " Chip

I have spoken with Pastor Glen O'Kain's family today and learned the following arrangements for his visitation and funeral services: Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. tomorrow (November 5, 2007)  Funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday (November 6, 2007) at: Taylor Funeral Home 214 N. Main Street Dickson, TN  37055 (615) 446-2808 CLICK ON THE ADDRESS ABOVE FOR AN INTERACTIVE MAP

I just learned a few-minutes-ago that our pastor at Dickson, TN, Brother Glen O'Kain passed away late last night.  As most of you know, Glen has suffered for a long, long time with physical illness, and at times has been unable to fill the pulpit. I am asking all the pastors, ministers, and members to please remember Sandra O'Kain as she, and the rest of the family goes through this difficult time. The arrangements will be posted on this blog site when I receive them later today.

I am referencing prayer requests that were made in earlier posts: 1. Joyce Cowan . I spoke with Joyce this morning and she told me that she is doing better, but is weak. Please continue to pray for Joyce for a full recovery. 2. Barbara Creasy's brother . I spoke with Pastor Bob Creasy this morning and Barbara's brother is doing some better today. 3. Gary Riley, pastor a Crossroads Church and is also a District Presbyter underwent surgery yesterday for a detached retina. Please join me in prayer for his full recovery. Finally, let's all pray for revival/renewal among God's people. God bless.

Please join me in prayer for Barbara Creasy's brother in Kentucky. He is in need of a touch from the Lord tonight. Barbara and her pastor Bob serve the Clarksville, TN church.

Today, I've included a picture taken from Eastville, Virginia. I obtained this photo some-months-back when I was preaching at a local church in Maryland. The photo to me is self-explanatory. It is the photo of a church, that has been grown up with weeds and is literally falling in. This photo could be representative of the individual believer's life or that of a local church. Jesus said, "My house shall be called a house of prayer." (Luke 19:46) When we allow our lives to be taken up in the cares of life, we stop praying and the cares grow up like weeds to take over our house which will lead to its collapse. Are you struggling in your personal life? Is your local church struggling? Perhaps the answer is as simple as prayer!