Voice of Hope

Volunteers Still Needed for 95th Assembly! We are still in need of individuals to assist with key positions at the 95th International Assembly. Check out these great opportunities to serve! Proxy Registration Volunteers We are in need of individuals to assist with registering proxy delegates as they arrive at the Assembly. Not much is required of our registrars, you simply check off the name of the individual registering and provide them with their nametag and registration packet. The times we still have openings and need assistance as are follows: Monday (8/11) – 9 AM – Noon, Noon – 3 PM, 3 PM – 6 PM Tuesday (8/12) – 7 AM – 10 AM, 10 AM – 2 PM, 2 PM – 5 PM Wednesday (8/13) - 7 AM – 10 AM, 10 AM - Noon Proxy Scanner Operators Proxy Scanner Operators will be positioned around the main floor of the Sommet Center on Tuesday afternoon (8/12) and Wednesday (8/13) morning to monitor the scanning devices as proxies cast their expressions. There are no special qualifications needed for thi...

Please pray for my dad, Donnie! He was put in the hospital Monday with pneumonia and he is worse! They are moving him tonight from Wake Med in Raleigh, NC to UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill. He had a shunt put in a few years ago and it is infected. They are looking at removing it and 2/3's of that lung. It is a very serious operation especially for his health and age. My mom is also sick and she is not handling the news very well concerning my dad. Thank you Sammy Allen

Bro. McKinley: Greetings in the name of the Lord! I trust all is well with you and Sis. McKinley today. I have a request. Are there any Pastors or members in Tennessee that you could personally contact and recruit to serve as ushers in the upcoming Assembly? As of this note, we do not have the number of commitments to serve the Assembly that we have had in the previous years. Some of those who have served before will not be attending this year. I know that you are busy with other duties but if you think of anyone that you could contact I would appreciate it very much. You can have them contact me and I will follow up with them. Thanks for your help in this mater. Blessings! Michael Willingham michaelwillingham@insightbb.co...

From Paul Holt Greetings: Please help us get the word out! There are now a number of rooms available for delegates at the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville for the 95th International Assembly. The Renaissance is the host hotel for the Assembly. You may go direct from the Renaissance through a covered passageway (without going on the street) to the Nashville Convention Center and on to the Sommet Center where the general sessions will be convened. That rate at the Renaissance is $124.00 per night. Please call 615-255-8400 to make a reservation. The Renaissance is located at 611 Commerce Street in Nashville, TN 37203.

My older sister Judy lives in Northern Indiana. Over the weekend she was having difficulties with chest pains/high blood pressure while at work. She was taken to the hospital in Kokomo, Indiana, and after triage there was taken to one of the "Heart" center hospitals in Indianapolis. This is my older sister, (just turned 60) and she has had some medical difficulties through the years. I spoke with my younger Sister Mary at about 7:00 a.m. today and learned that she is in the cardiac unit there and awaiting some type of procedure to be done. Please join me in prayer for my sister. Thank you so much, God bless.

Special thanks to Pastor Verlin and Jean Thornton and the congregation at Restoration Fellowship Church of God of Prophecy. It was a program packed with exciting testimonies and song, and the food afterwards was great! Along with a couple of local politicians, we were blessed with the fellowship of our General Overseer, Bishop RE Howard and his son Brett, and our General Presbyter, Bishop Sam Clements and Linda. My lovely wife, Debra and our daughter Lindsey attended with me. We were thrilled to see a full house, and even a tent set up outside the building to handle overflow, which happened. God is good!

Tomorrow, July 27th is a special day to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Church of God of Prophecy in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The church recently decided to clarify its local mission by adopting the name "Restoration Fellowship" Church of God of Prophecy. Special guests for tomorrows services will be: The Honorable Chris Bratcher, Vice-Mayor of Murfreesboro The Honorable Ernest G. Burgess, Rutherford County Mayor Bishop R.E. Howard, General Overseer Bishop Sam Clements, North American General Presbyter I will be blessed to bring the message on this special occasion. The services begin at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Verlin and Jean Thornton extend a cordial invitation to one an all! Lunch will be served following the morning service.

General Assembly 2008

Tennessee will be hosting the "Mission Clothes Closet" at the International Assembly. This is a great opportunity to minister hands-on to missionaries from around the world. The Clothes Closet is open from 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday. Many volunteers are needed to assist in this ministry. Three volunteer shifts are available each day (8:30 - 11:30 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; 2:30 - 5:00 p.m.) Many have already volunteered and we say "Thank You!" However, we are very short of volunteers for the following: Monday, August 11th (11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; 2:30 - 5:00 p.m.) Tuesday, August 12th (2:30 - 5:00 p.m.) Wednesday, August 13th (2:30 - 5:00 p.m.) Thursday, August 14th (11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.) If you would like to volunteer, please contact londajoy@aol.com or Kim.Batson@comcast.net . Plan to be blessed for sharing your time and energy. We look forward to hearing from you soon! Londa R...

I received this information from Assembly Task Force Coordinator Paul Holt: THIS IS GREAT INFORMATION: Some asked about information on “tipping” at the International Assembly. The Emily Post Institute offers the following guidelines on tipping: Restaurant wait service (sit down) 15-20% pre-tax Restaurant wait service (buffet) 10% Restroom Attendant $0.50 - $3.00, depending on service Valet $2.00 to $5.00 Skycap $2.00 first bag, $1.00 per additional bag Doorman $1.00 to $2.00 for carrying luggage $1.00 to $2.00 for hailing cab $1.00 to $4.00 for going beyond the call of duty Bellhop $2.00 for the first bag; $1.00 per additional bag Housekeeper $2.00 to $5.00 per day, left daily Concierge $5.00 for tickets or reservations, $10.00 if hard to...

95th International Assembly August 12-17, 2008 Sommet Center in Nashville, Tennessee 2008 Assembly Lodging Every hotel has its own policy relative to deposits required, cancellation, penalties, parking and etc. For a good understanding, be sure to inquire about the policy of the hotel which you choose. Be sure to identify yourself as being with the Church of God of Prophecy International Assembly. Hotel websites are given to allow you to look at the property. When making a reservation, please call the phone number listed to get the Assembly rate. HOTELS WITH WHICH CONTRACTS HAVE BEEN FINALIZED Hilton Suites – Nashville All rooms are suites 121 Fourth Avenue South Nashville, TN 37201 Call (615) 620-2150 to make a reservation $133.00 0.09 miles from and adjacent to the Sommet Center www.hilton.com SOLD OUT Renaissance Nashville Hotel * 611 Commerce Street Nashville, TN 37203 Call (615) 255-8400 to make a reservation $124.00 0.14 miles from the Sommet Center www.mariott.com Homewood Su...

Today, Debra and I traveled to Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga where Retired Pastor Johnny Adkins underwent bypass (four arteries) surgery. Sister Retha Adkins, and Brother Adkins sons and extended family was there along with several retired General appointees and Pastor Tim Coalter. The surgery seems to have been a success and Brother Adkins will remain in the hospital for a while. I am thankful for those of you who joined us in prayer, and ask that you continue to help us pray.

Dear Friends, I just learned a few moments ago that Sis. Ida Stinson, a long time and senior member of the Bellshire Church, passed away yesterday at the age of 95. Sis. Stinson has been struggling with poor health and the effects of aging for some time now. I had the privilege of meeting her at her son's home one afternoon with Dwayne and Sterlene. Her son has been her caregiver some years now and has endured, with the grace of God, seeing his mother in such a frail state. The viewing will be this evening from 6:00 – 8:00 at the Family Heritage Funeral Home, 100 Albert Gallatin Avenue , Gallatin , TN 37066 . The funeral will be held tomorrow at 3:00 at the funeral home. I want to thank Dwayne and Sterlene, especially Sterlene, for the love they have shown the Stinson family during this difficult time. Will you please join me in prayer for the Stinson family as they morn the loss of a great Saint of God. I am asking that Bro. McKinley post this announcement on the State web site...

I learned today that retired pastor, Johnny Adkins will undergo heart bypass surgery tomorrow. He suffered a heart attack on Friday and was hospitalized. Many of you have known Brother Adkins for many years, and he had served well. Will you please join me in prayer for Brother Adkins and for his wife Retha?

Yesterday, Debra and I we thrilled to attend, and speak a few words at the retirement party for Luther Massengale, Pastor of the Crab Orchard church. After announcing his retirement some months ago, Brother and Sister Massengale have begun the process of preparing for their move to Coalfield, Tennessee where their home is located. There was a large crowd in attendance, a lot of nice gifts and great food! This party was hosted by the Massengale children, and invitations had been sent out so that we could be a part of this day, we are so happy to have had the opportunity to be there. Effective August 1, 2008, Pastor Terry Swaw, his wife Heather and their son Andrew will assume the responsibilities there. Please join me in prayer for the Massengales and the Swaw family at this time of transition.

Yesterday, we set out to make multiple visits, and at each location, I've shared that I will post these special prayer requests, with hopes that you will join me in prayer for these special needs: 1. Sister Watson, mother of Pastor Joe Watson from Jackson, Tennessee is currently in the ICU at Baptist Hospital in Memphis. After multiple surgeries, she is in a real need of prayer, as well as the family. We visited and prayed with her and headed for Dyersburg. 2. Sheila Robbins, spouse of Pastor Jerry Robbins in Dyersburg suffers from Lou Gehrig's disease. We had a wonderful visit, and ended with a precious time of prayer. This couple really needs our prayers and support. 3. Today found us in Martin, TN for the funeral of former Pastor Aaron Ward. There was a large crowd present and the service was blessing. Bishop Eugene Weakley former Tennessee State Overseer, opened with prayer, followed by Bishop David Prince (whose wife Brenda is Brother Ward's sister) shared wit...

From an email I received today: Dear Friends, I just wanted to let you know that LaNada, Nathan Tag & the girls have vistas in hand and are scheduled to leave for their 4 year mission journey to Indonesia on July 24th. Most of you know that LaNada and Nathan each served a couple of years in China before they met and married and that LaNada’s parents (Freddie & Juanita Harding) were missionaries in Germany for a number of years when LaNada and her siblings were children. Missions are part of their heart and soul. We are very please to be able to support them with our prayers, friendship, and finances, as I am sure many of you are also. Even after two plus years of going all over the US sharing their hearts and vision, they still only have 82% of the support they need. They are part of “New Tribes Mission” whose office in the US is located in Sanford , FL. Would you please join us in praying for LaNada and their family, and, if the Lord thumps your heart, send them some finan...

Here are the funeral arrangements for Brother Aaron Ward, former pastor in Tennessee: Viewing is 11:00 a.m. and the funeral at 2:00 p.m., both on Friday, July 18, 2008. This will be at: Murphy Funeral Home 207 Central St Martin, TN 38237 (731) 587-3121 CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS Again, please join me in prayer for the Ward family.

I just learned a few-minutes-ago of the passing of Aaron Ward. Many of you know that Brother Ward served as a pastor in Tennessee for years. I will post more information as I receive it. Please join me in prayer for the family.

After visiting the Hartsville church on Sunday morning, I traveled to Dickson for the visitation services of Helen Burton, Pastor Mike Burton's mother. It was a pleasant surprise to see Gigi (Cummings) Kay come in for visitation along with local church folks. This afternoon, I attended the funeral services, where Pastor Mike Burton gave a moving testimony of his mother's devotion and love, and Pastor Terry Swaw delivered the message. I was so proud of both of them as they comported themselves with great dignity. At the end of the funeral, I found myself on the road again, traveling to Cleveland for meetings tomorrow. I would certainly appreciate your prayers for strength and travel mercies. God bless

Friends, On Sunday morning, Debra, Lindsey and our friend Secil visited the Hartsville church and were blessed to be a part of the homecoming celebration. There were about 80 in attendance, and the worship, special singing and message by Pastor Glenn Creasy were excellent. All of this was followed by dinner and sweet fellowship. A special treat was the ministry of Jacob Young from the Lebanon church, a fine-young-man with a great Southern Gospel style ministry. He would be a great blessing to any of our churches on special events and I can recommend him without reservation.

I just learned this morning that the following details for Helen Burton: Visitation Beginning at 4:00 p.m., July 13, 2008 Funeral 1:00 p.m., July 14, 2008 at the Taylor Funeral Home in Dickson Will you please join me in prayer for the Burton family? Again, this is Pastor Mike Burton's (Ashland City) mother

Just a few-minutes-ago, Debra and I returned from Centennial Hospital in Nashville where we visited with Pastor Mike Burton and his family. Mike's mother, Helen Burton passed away at about 6:30 p.m. tonight. Will you please join me in prayer for this special family? Arrangements will be announced as soon I receive them.

Friends. Have you ever felt like things were mounting up so fast that you couldn't respond quickly enough? If you are in the ministry, I'm sure you have. That's the way I was finding myself at the first of the week. With the General Assembly closing in fast and several churches needing pastoral appointments, and the myriad of other events constantly swirling in my little part of the world, I felt it was time for a "great escape." On Sunday morning, my family and I attended the Gallatin church where I heard Pastor Windell Moore preach a great message on "Freedom." Now, I know with it being the weekend after July 4th, the topic was apropos, it spoke to me in a very specific way. I am thankful for the Lord leading Brother Moore the way He did. I heard the Lord speak to my hear to "unclutter." Now, I know that the purist might say that's not really a word, but it did describe a feeling to me and ministered to my heart. On Tuesday morning...

3-year-old Injured By A Hit And Run Driver In Cleveland Submitted by Amanda Odom on July 5, 2008 - 6:05pm. News | Crime | Bradley County News The Tennessee Highway Patrol continues look for a driver who hit a three-year-old boy Friday night. It happened on Old Harrison Pike Northwest in Cleveland. The boy is recovering at a hospital. WDEF News 12's Mandy Odom talked to his family in our top local story. The Ramos family is thankful little Kevin Lopez is not seriously hurt. They were celebrating the 4th of July at their home Friday night when a driver hit him and never even stopped. Lisa Ramos says, "I thought he was across the street, but the corner of the car hit him. He took him under the car, and he kinda like stops, so the kid could like get off, and he kept on going." His 15-year-old cousin Lisa says she was shocked and didn't know how to react. Kevin...

This morning, Debra, Lindsey and I worshiped with the folks at the Gallatin church. Pastor Windell Moore preached a great message on Freedom, and what it really means. We were inspired and appreciate the warm welcome we received.

I trust all of you had the opportunity to rest and replenish on your July 4th weekend. My family was together at our son, Shaun's house in Cleveland, with a cookout and time together as a family. A special thank you for all the cards, emails, calls and voice mail birthday wishes on July 5th. The fact that it is another birthday is quite an accomplishment and I am grateful to the Lord for His mercy on my life. I trust this will be a wonderful Sunday for you! God bless.

Daystar Network to Air Portions of International Assembly The General Overseer's Office and Assembly Planning and Management Team are pleased to announce that the Daystar Television Network has agreed to air portions of the upcoming 95th International Assembly of the Church of God of Prophecy. The network will air the Thursday and Friday evening sessions, beginning at 7:30 EST (subject to change). Thursday evening session will be the Global Outreach emphasis evening with a sermon from Bishop Sherman Allen, General Presbyter of Africa. Friday's evening session will be a celebration of Pentecostal Awakening, featuring a sermon by Special Guest Dr. Jerry Macklin. Current plans are that the programming will begin with portions of the opening concert of the Bahamas Brass Band and will include the services in their entirety through the altar responses that will be given by the speakers. The Dallas, TX-based Daystar Television Network has emerged as the fastest growing and second l...

Please note that I have began phasing out one of the contact emails for the State Office. Please help me by putting in your address book that I will soon CEASE TO USE overseer@tncogop.org While this email address will remain active for a while, beginning immediately, you can reach the me at this address: ecmckinley@mac.com Thanks again, and may the Lord bless each of you.

A day of Praise and Worship EXPERIENCE FREEDOM IN THE LORD McMinnville Civic Center July 12 Doors open at 8:00 a.m. Speakers: Morning Shirlene Campbell Gallatin, TN Afternoon Munice Harris McMinnville, TN REGISTRATION THE WORD OF GOD EARLY BIRD $20 PRAYER AT THE DOOR $25 FELLOWSHIP DRAMA Gourmet Lunch Included Women's Conference For more information, call 931-668-2622 Email: northhills2008@yahoo.com

On Sunday morning, Debra and I were blessed to attend the Clinton church on Sunday morning for worship, and I ministered to the congregation during the worship hour. What a joy to be with this local church! They are so loving and kind, and their level of respect for the pastor and his family are truly inspiring. As always, Debra and I are treated so well that its hard to leave, but we left after a nice lunch with the pastoral family and some of the church folks at a local restaurant. Special thanks to Pastor Russell and Carolyn Massengale for such a great welcome and for being such sweet hosts. This couple has now ministered to the congregation there for 36 years!