Voice of Hope

Greetings State/Regional Overseers of North America, We are pleased to announce that Eva Kathryn Harding was born today just after 1:00 pm weighing 8 lbs and 4 oz to Jay and Lauren (Howard) Harding at Cookeville Regional Medical Center in Cookeville, TN . Baby and mother are fine. Thank you to all of those who have sent their warm wishes and congratulations to Bishop Howard, Bess, Jay, and Lauren over the past few months. Special Note: This is also the new granddaughter of District Presbyter, Dr. Freddie & Juanita Harding God bless. Shaun McKinley | Administrative Liaison to the General Overseer CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY INTERNATIONAL OFFICES Randall E. Howard, General Overseer P.O. Box 2910 Cleveland, TN 37320-2910 Receptionist: (423) 559-5100 Direct Phone: (423) 559-5103 Fax: (423) 559-5108 E-mail: smckinley@cogop.org Web: http://www.cogop.org

Thanks to each local church that supported our Children's Ministry Training in Tennessee this year. I appreciate the churches who invested into raising the bar for your ministry to Children. We were able to train over 100 Children's Ministry Workers and volunteers across Tennessee this year. God is doing something special in this Generation of Children. Please join me at Camp Hickory Hill on Sunday, May 3rd at 1pm to enjoy a day at our Campgrounds. All ages are invited to bring your local church to Camp Hickory Hills for a day of food, fellowship, fun, and worship. Bring food for a picnic. We will combine all of the food for a big picnic lunch. We will have the Grill fired up for anything you would like to bring. We will have a Worship Service beginning at 3pm. We will have worship, drama, and Chris Bohanon to share God's Word. After service, we will have volleyball and softball tournaments. Bring your lawn chair and come join us for a wonderful day. Hope to see yo...

Attention Youth Pastors, Volunteers, and Parents. This Saturday May 3rd from 9:00A.M.-3:00P.M is a free seminar at Lakemoore Church of God of Prophecy called "Caring for Teens God's Way." This is a DVD provided course with some of the best youth speakers across the nation; Ron Luce,Chap Clark and more. Topics cover from A-Z; peer pressure, relationships,how to talk to teens, understanding teens, etc. Please don't miss this free event! God will bless you! Please contact me no later than Thursday of this week. My number is 423-581-1147 or 423-736-7071. See you there! P.S.- Lunch Provided! East Tennessee Youth Director Caleb Winstead caleb@musfiber.com

Today, Debra and I slipped away long enough to view a movie that was recently released entitled, "EXPELLED." I had wanted to see this since it was released, but this was the first opportunity we've had with our schedule. I have to believe this was one of the most fascinating movies I've seen in some time, although it was more of a documentary than it was an "entertainment" movie. Ben Stein does an excellent job of presenting the debate of "Intelligent Design" and "Darwinism" in an objective, well-thought out way. As I left, I thought this would be a great "required" viewing for all prospective pastors. If you get a chance, it would be a good view to help you think.

Yesterday, Debra and I had the distinct pleasure of ministering at the Lebanon church. I was asked some-time-ago Michell Brooks-Young invited me to teach a Sunday School class on the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. The class was attentive and it was a thrill to spend some time on a subject that is very dear to my heart and very real in my personal life. Afterwards, Pastor George Wallace asked me to minister in the morning worship service. There was a great crowd, good spirit and it was a wonderful time in the Lord. One person gave her heart to the Lord during the altar service! God is so good to allow us to live, work and minister around such wonderful people in Tennessee. We are so honored. God bless.

While I don't have a final count on registration, suffice it to say there were hundreds gathered at Camp Hickory Hills on Friday and Saturday for the 2008 Ladies Day in Tennessee. Londa Richardson and her staff worked hard to provide a quality retreat for the ladies of Tennessee, and they delivered! Guest minister, Sylvia Staten of South Carolina brought the house down each time she ministered to the ladies, and endeared herself to the wonderful people of Tennessee. Her messages were anointed, fresh and dare I say, entertaining? I was so happy to be allowed to attend and participate. Special thanks to Londa, her retreat staff and the Camp Hickory hills staff to make this event one of the best ever.

Friends, Just a few-minutes-ago, I received a call from Londa Richardson informing me that there have been issues with the telephone service at the campground. We believe the problem has been repaired, but in case you've tried to call and did not get a response, please call again. (615) 763-6146 (615) 763-6149 God bless.

Well, it is finally here. Ladies will be gathering from all over Tennessee (and some from outside the state) for a time of fellowship, worship and the word. I've watched as Londa has worked away to make everything special for the ladies of Tennessee, and would you believe it? She still had a smile when she left the office shortly after 5:00 p.m. today. Earlier posts will give directions and other information needed for those who might still be undecided about attending. I'm sure you will have a great time, and you will also be able to see some of the great improvements made at our campground facilities. Oh, by the way....I get to attend the Ladies Retreats too! It's one of the perks of the job, and I LOVE attending these events!

The Church of God of Prophecy/Tennessee State Campground - “Camp Hickory Hills” Located near Dickson, Tennessee (off Interstate 40/ west of Nashville) 955 Wilson Hollow Road Dickson, TN 37055 1. Off I-40 West, take exit #172 (Hwy 46/Dickson) At end of exit ramp, turn right and go several miles (about 5) until you dead-end into Highway 70 West. (Mrs. Winner’s will be in front of you). Turn left and go about three miles. Turn right on Hwy 46 (Sign will show “Erin” & “Tennessee Ridge”). This is a two-lane country road. Stay with Highway 46 about 8 miles/watching for “Camp Hickory Hills” sign on the roadway. Turn left at the sign. Go to dead end, turn left again and follow the road (Wilson Hollow Rd.) around to the campground. You’ll see the sign. Caretaker (David Allen) 615-763-2061 Camp office 615-763-6149 State Office 615-824-3563 (office) Women's Ministries (Londa Richardson) 423-240-8828 (cell) Please note cell phone service is very limite...

Debra and I just returned to the office from Crossville where Sister Wilma underwent surgery today. She was out of recovery and resting in her room when we left earlier this afternoon. There was a large group of family and friends there, and I know your prayers are appreciated too. God bless.

Special thanks to those of you who have let me know of your prayers for my recovery. I am doing better today and I appreciate you so much. As I write, Debbie is driving, and we are on our way to Crossville. Sister Wilma Massengale is having surgery today. Wilma and her husband Luther serve our church at Crab Orchard. Your prayers for her would be greatly appreciated. God bless.

Dear Friends, I know that many of you check the blog on a daily basis, and it has been a couple of days since I posted. First of all, I apologize for the delay, its been "one more weekend." As you know I was with the Petros and Oliver Springs churches last week in a six-day series of revival services that was well attended by the surround churches. Toward the end of the week, we were blessed by some from Crab Orchard, Sunbright, as well as the other churches already mentioned. Special thanks to the effort. When the service ended on Friday night, I drove straight home, needing to catch up on work and apparently picked up a case of "food poisoning" somewhere along the way. I was really out of it from late Friday night (well actually up most of the night) and again on Sunday. Sunday morning, Deb and I went to the Collinwood church where Steve and Lisa Boshers serve, and we had a great service, along with a nice meal afterwards. During the service, we had six recei...

Tennessee Ladies Day is only one week away! Next Friday, April 25th, hundreds of women from across the state will gather at “Camp Hickory Hills” full of anticipation and excitement. Registrations reflect names of women who have never attended, women who are not part of this organization, plus names of those who have attended many years! One ingredient remains the same….hunger! A spiritual desire for the Spirit of God and a renewal in His presence! We expect “Glory!” We invite those who have not yet registered to consider joining us. There are a limited number of beds available on the grounds. However, there is plenty of space available for those who would like to attend and stay off-grounds. Those who have not registered but plan to attend, may phone 615-824-3563 and leave a message or email londajoy@aol.com Tennessee will be hosting the “Mission Clothes Closet” at the International Assembly. Women attending Ladies Day are invited to participate by bring the following items to th...

I just wanted to send you a special invitation for revival services at Greenbrier Church beginning May 1 - 4. "By His Grace" will be guest evangelists for revival services. Services start at 7 PM nightly and Sunday @ regular time. If you can't make it to that one, we will be at Strongtower Church with Bro. Donn Lovvorn, June 5 thru 8 for revival. You can also visit our website for details, www.byhisgrace.faithsite.com . Please join us in prayer for an awesome outpouring of the Holy Spirit! We are expecting God to do some great things! God bless you! Gary Baker

Pastor Gordon's blog.... YOUTH REVIVAL : We have committed to seeking God for revival and evangelistic outreach here and plan a time of revival. The months of March and April 2008 are our target months for revival. We are emphasizing outreach to the lost and ministry to youth and children and continuing to fast and pray. Tony Cathey will be ministering April 18-20 . We anticipate a great time in the Lord and are seeking God for revival. Services begin at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday night and 6 pm on Sunday night.

Last night was a late night, and I wasn't able to post on the blog. The revival continues at the Oliver Springs Church of God of Prophecy. As you know, Sunday through Tuesday nights we met at the Petros church, and last night we moved the revival to the present location. We have had wonderful support in the churches of the area. Not only have Petros and Oliver Springs joined together in the meetings, but also we have had great support from our congregations Clinton, Harriman, West Robbins, Rockwood and Knoxville Arrowhead, but also from Union Baptist, and Big Mountain Baptist and the Church of God. God truly has some wonderful people in this area, and they are hungry for the Presence of the Lord. Each night has featured great singing and praying, but also the Spirit has helped open the eyes of our understanding from the Scriptures. The final night of this series of meetings will be tomorrow, but I'm convinced the revival will continue. God bless.

Trees of Righteousness Children's Intensive Training at Abundant Grace Church in Memphis on Saturday, April 19th. We are honored to have Kathy Creasy, International Children's Ministries, to share with us. Registration begins at 8:30am. $35 registration fee at the door. Hope to see you there. For further information, please contact Kim Batson at 604-7484 or kim.batson@comcast.net .

During my morning devotions today, I pursued my normal routine. It not only deals with reading/studying the particular subject I am on at the time (right now I am studying the New Testament Book of John) and a quick look at the day's news. One of the elements of John's Gospel is how much we read about what our faith is based on. When leading someone to Christ, I will suggest they start reading their Bible in the Book of John, and note how many times they find the words, "believe, believing or believed" and not how important faith is. I found the following facts in my email inbox from one of the greatest apologists of our time, Josh McDowell and it gave me pause: 63% of our churched youth don't believe Jesus is the Son of the one true God. 58% believe all faiths teach equally valid truths. 68% don't believe the Holy Spirit is a real entity. 70% don't believe an absolute moral truth exists. I am convinced that Jesus is the Son of the true God, and that He ...

Tonight was an absolutely wonderful service at the Petros church, as we began a week of revival meetings. Tonight through Tuesday night will be at the Petros church, and then on Wednesday through Friday, services will be at the Oliver Springs church. Pastors Roy Lee Massengale and Stewart Slone are working together to sponsor the revival, and it is a inspiring to see how they interact with their congregations promoting the services. Tonight, we not only had folks from these two congregations, but also from the Big Mountain Baptist Church and Church of God. The special singing was great, and a real Spirit of Liberty in the service. If you are in the area, we would love to see you!

I just learned a few-minutes-ago of the passing of Louise Cartwright, and member of the Greenbrier church. Our hearts go out to the family, and I ask that you join us in prayer for them. Arrangements: Visitation: Monday 4-8 p.m. Services: Tuesday 10:00 a.m. Austin Bell Chapel 2619 Highway 41 S Greenbrier, TN 37073 (615) 643-4000 CLICK HERE for a map to the Funeral Home

Dear Pastor, The Oliver Springs church and the Petros are combining forces for 6 nights of revival services, with Dr. E.C. McKinley, in the month of April. The revival will begin at the Petros Church on the 13th, 14th and 15th of April. That is a Sunday, Monday and Tuesday night. Then on the 16th, 17th and 18th of April, the revival services will move to the Oliver Springs church. The services on Sunday at Petros will begin at 6:00 PM. The start time for the remainder of the services will be 7:00 PM. Brother Stuart and myself would like to extend to you and your church a special invitation to come and be with us. Our churches are praying and we are expecting a mighty move of God. Please announce this revival at your local church. If you should have any questions, please give me or Brother Stuart a call. God Bless, Brother Roy Massengale Pastor, The Church Of God Of Prophecy, Oliver Springs, Tn. (865) 435-5800

Tonight and tomorrow, Mike and Kathy Burton are conducting youth camp staff training at Camp Hickory Hills. We appreciate their hard work and dedication to this vital ministry to the young people of our church. Tomorrow morning, I will be sharing with the workers and I am looking forward to the time of interaction with the workers as we look forward to this summer.

This evening (Thursday) I traveled to Harriman, where I minister the word and visited with the congregation. Pastor Larry Noe will be taking a leave of absence for a little while for personal reasons. Brother Noe has done a great job at the Harriman church, and the congregation are very loving and supportive. Please join me in prayer for this local church and for Brother Noe.

Yesterday, I spent part of the afternoon with Pastor E.C. Kephart while his wife Carolyn underwent surgery at St. Thomas Hospital. We want to thank the Lord for a good report, and for His care for Carolyn. Brother and Sister Kephart serve our congregation at the Slayden church in Middle Tennessee. Please join me in prayer for continued recovery.

The White Wing Publishing House has commissioned Pastor Terry Barnwell to write some curriculum for them in the Spirit Matters Lessons. These lessons are now available for purchase. They are designed for Sunday School, Small Group Studies, or Wednesday Evening classes. These lessons are undated meaning they can be taught anytime, without following a set teaching schedule as the traditional Sunday School lessons in the past. This series is called; "Hosea a Portrait of God's Love". These lessons are centered on the biblical character Hosea and his unconditional love for a promiscuous wife. Each lesson is designed to challenge the student concerning how they impact the world around them with Christ Love. The material is cutting edge, fresh, and applicable to real life for the student. The study can be ordered by calling White Wing Publishing House at 1-800-221-5027 and ask for Darlene, she is the account specialist. Soon it should be online at; www.wh...

From the Clarksville Church Brother and Sister Creasy will be celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary on June 6, 2008. We are pleased to share with you that the Clarksville church will be honoring the Creasys by hosting their 50th anniversary reception. The date for the reception is June 7, 2008 and the time has been tentatively set for 2:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m. We are still in the planning stages for the reception. This newsletter's purpose is to let everyone know our plan for this event and to request that everyone, from the youngest to the oldest help us to make this reception the best it can be. Be sure to mark the date of June 7, 2008 on your calendar and touch base with someone on the pastors committee to see what you can do to help. The Clarksville church feels blessed to have our pastor and his wife! The church and their families and friends have experienced many battles and many victories under Brother and Sister Creasy's leadership. They have prayed with and for...

Later today, the Tennessee Connection (formerly known as the W.H.I.T. ) will be mailed from the State Office. Each church will receive a pre-allotted amount of this newsletter, and our retired ministers will receive a personal copy. This is a long-standing traditional paper in Tennessee that has undergone changes from time-to-time, and will continue to be sent on a monthly basis. If you are reading this post, then you no doubt have email. I would love to begin offering this as an "e" magazine with new features. If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please click on the email graphic below and simply put in the subject line: "subscribe." I'll add you to the list. God bless

Like most ministers I know, I have a voracious appetite for knowledge. It seems that I am usually reading three to four books simultaneously. For the past several weeks, I have been studying the book of John. I ran across something that I found fascinating, and thought I would share it with you today: In the early church, Eusebius tells us that John was banished to Patmos in the reign of Domitian (Eusebius, The Ecclesiastical History , 3:23). In the same passage, Eusebius tells a story about John that I had not heard before. Apparently, he received this story from Clement of Alexandria. John was said to be a bishop of Asia Minor, and was visiting one of his churches near Ephesus. On one church visit, he met a tall, handsome young man who impressed him. John turned to the elder in charge of the congregation and said," I commit that young man into your charge and into your care, and I call this congregation to witness that I do so." (This may have been similar to our...

Dear friends and family, April 5, 2008 We heard some exciting news yesterday from Indonesia. Our paperwork for our Visas is being submitted to the Indonesian government offices this week!! We should hear shortly (a couple of days to a couple weeks) whether our visas are granted. Please pray for this. Every visa is a miracle. Pray that we will find favor in the government officials eyes. Pray that our paperwork will stay together and will not get lost or discarded. Pray that it will find its way to the top of the pile and get approved quickly. Our next step after our visas are granted is to get our passports stamped by the Indonesian Consulate in Washington D.C. and then we need to buy tickets. Please pray for the finances to get those tickets. Pray that God would bring that money in so there is no delay on our departure. Thank you all for your prayers. With much...

Dear Friends, This has been an eventful weekend, with our travels across the state. This morning found us traveling from Cleveland to Knoxville in the morning, and from Knoxville to the Pine Grove church in Crossville. All along the way, at every stop we were blessed by the people in the Church of God of Prophecy whom we came in contact with. Along the way today, I learned of the possibility of a new field work starting in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and another one in the Chattanooga/Cleveland/Athens area of the state. God is up to something! Without a doubt, the cap on my day came when I returned home and received an email message from a regular reader of our daily blog who also happens to be one of my mentors in early ministry. I do not have the words to describe the lift this gave to me personally, and when I shared it with my wife, Debra, she was lifted too! I never cease to be amazed at the goodness of the Holy Spirit, as He uses people to encourage and lift us up when our bodies...

Today, I attended the funeral services for Deacon Howard in Cleveland. There was a large crowd both last night at visitation and today for the service. In the service today, the Peerless Road Choir (and I noticed some from our other local churches with them) did an absolutely phenomenal job. Pastor Tim Coalter and Billy Wilson preached the funeral, while Kathy Creasy and Randy Howard spoke about their father and his impact. Deacon Frank Shroyer of Cleveland sang the song, "He was there all the time," and spoke about being at Frank and Elva's wedding well over 50-years-ago in Elva's mother's rose garden in Wyoming. At the graveside service, Pastor Coalter directed, along with Bishop Randy Howard. There were testimonies given by people in the crowd and the grandchildren sang one of the old faithful hymns that Frank taught them. It was such a blessing to see a shining example of the love of God demonstrated to all in attendance, and as always...I left feeling so ...

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Due to requests at the state office, Tennessee Ladies Day “Early Bird” registration is extended to Monday, April 7th to allow promotion one more Sunday. Response to date has been excellent and we are anticipating a powerful event at Camp Hickory Hills April 25th & 26th. Thanks to all pastors and local women’s ministries directors for encouraging attendance from your church. The applications are stacking up! If you have not done so, please register today. ( www.tnwomenofgrace.com ) We look forward to seeing YOU soon. After Monday, on-ground registration increases to $35.00! Regardless, the fellowship and blessings received from Tennessee Ladies Day 2008 will be a bargain! Why? Because the “Glory” of the Lord will be there, and we want you to be in the middle of the blessing! Londa Richardson, State Director “Women of Grace”

Hi folks, As you've seen by the multitude of blog posts, this has been an extremely busy week around the state of Tennessee. With the multiple announcements of passing notices, our hearts are heavy for the families affected. In each case, those who have gone on have left a legacy for us to follow, and we have been honored to be associated with a part of this "cloud of witnesses." (Hebrews 11). This week, the General Presbyters have been in from across the world for their bi-annual meeting. These meetings have been punctuated by tragedy and difficulties, but I am convinced they will be successful. At the beginning of the General Presbyters meeting, Bishop Felix Santiago, the General Presbyter of Central America suffered a heart attack and was hospitalized in Knoxville. Bishop Miguel Mojica, General Presybter of South America was hospitalized in Cleveland for a heart-related issue. As you know, Bishop Randall Howard's father, Deacon Frank Howard passed away. I hav...

Dear Friends, We are pleased to announce that an online condolence book is available should you wish to send a greeting or message in tribute to Brother Frank E. Howard. The online condolence book may be accessed by visiting http://webapps.cogopmedia.com/memorial/Frank_Howard.html . Tributes will be compiled and presented to the family. Please feel free to share this link with others who might wish to extend their sympathies or tributes with the family. Shaun McKinley | Administrative Liaison to the General Overseer

RECEIVED FROM PASTOR CHIP MEADOWS I received word this today that Sister Gertrude Turner passed away this morning. Sister Turner was a devout Christian for many years, and she lived an exemplary life. I, for one, am very happy that I had the privilege of knowing Sister Turner. She was a living example of what it means to be a Christian. I never heard her speak a word of criticism. She simply loved people. During her lifetime, Sister Turner experienced many hardships, yet I never heard her utter a word of complaining (I doubt anyone did). She had submitted her life to the Lord, and she trusted Him completely. Several weeks ago, I went to visit with her in the hospital. She was pitiful and obviously in pain. She said the thought she was sicker than she’d ever been. But when we began to pray for her, this sick little lady raised her hands in the air and began to praise the Lord. Now, how awesome is that? As I have thought of this precious lady this afternoon, the words of the apos...

Funeral arrangements for Brother Frank E. Howard will be as follows: Friday, April 4 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Viewing, Peerless Road Church of God of Prophecy Saturday, April 5 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Lie in State, Peerless Road Church of God of Prophecy 11:00 AM - Funeral Service, Peerless Road Church of God of Prophecy with Interment following at Sunset Memorial Gardens *All functions will be held at the Peerless Road Church of God of Prophecy, 3301 Peerless Road NW, Cleveland, Tennessee. Memorial Contributions Contributions in memory of Brother Howard may be made to: International Children's Ministries of the Church of God of Prophecy Frank Howard Memorial PO Box 2910 Cleveland, TN 37320-2910 Peerless Road Church Building Fund Frank Howard Memorial 3301 Peerless Road NW Cleveland, TN 37312

I know that many of you are waiting on the funeral arrangements for Deacon Frank Howard. As of 10:30 a.m., April2, 2008, the arrangements have NOT been finalized, but tentatively the visitation will be Friday night and the services will be on Saturday. REMEMBER. THESE ARE NOT FINAL

I am saddened to share with you the passing of Deacon Frank Howard of the Peerless Road Church in Cleveland, TN. As many of you may know, Frank is survived by his wife, Elva Howard, former Women's Missions Director, Bishop Randall Howard, our General Overseer, and Kathy Creasy, our International Director of Children's Ministries. More information will be posted as I receive the information. Please help me pray for our "first family."