Church of God of Prophecy Announces

On the first 21 days of January 2009, let the Church of God of Prophecy unite together in prayer. Jesus has told us, "If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:19, 20).

As God calls prayer warriors together across this body of ministry, we will be activating this great promise of Christ. In addition to our unity in hunger to seek God together, we can unite in agreement on specific needs as well. Here we offer you one simple prayer focus for each day of the 21-day fast. May we feel the sweeping surge of grace as on each day we unite on one simple need.

Saints, I know that God is going to hear us in our hunger and in our unity. Based on this knowledge, I claim 1 John 5:14, 15 as our victory even before we pray our first prayer in this 21 days. "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him."

My friends, we are seeking God, and we are united around His Gospel. Who can stand against us? First John also affirms our faith, saying, ". . .whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith" (5:4). Join me in believing God for great things as this New Year begins.

Bishop Randall E. Howard

General Overseer

21 Days of Prayer and Fasting Directives

The International Office would be greatly blessed by the prayers of this Church family. As we focus on our core values of Prayer, Harvest, and Leadership Development, we pray that God will make us more and more effective in facilitating strong ministry throughout this network.

Prayer is the hidden secret behind the work of God. Let's ask God to send a call to prayer down over our ministries worldwide. God does not intend that the Church do His work alone, but through prayer, God wants to enter the Church and accomplish His will.

Harvest is the call God has given this Church and many others for this very day of opportunity. Pray that God will pour into us a fresh passion for souls much like Rachel wept for children. May we weep for the birth of new children into the Kingdom.

World Missions is a call to every local church in the Kingdom. Pray for new zeal and inspiration to give.

The Young Harvest is a call that is gripping hearts in this era. With such potential in the lives of youth, and such evil attacking them, now is the time to rescue the next generation for God's glory. Pray for success in evangelization of the young harvest.

Local Churches are the heartbeat of God's growing Kingdom. There in the family of God gathered together, all the operations of Kingdom transformation are applied. Pray for local churches to be filled with God's presence and power in order to be the life centers God intends them to be.

Developing Leaders is the key to completing all that God has placed before this world ministry to accomplish. As we pour into leaders, we will tap the multiplying power of God to minister powerfully.

Pastors are the key. Pray for Pastors today. Pray for their ministries, their outreach, their strength, their vision, their families, their health, their protection, and their provision. The enemy is out to destroy these precious, God-called servants, but we can pray a hedge of divine protection around them and divine help for them.

South America: Six Nations in South America face specific challenges in ministry: Uruguay, Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Colombia. Let's pray that God will bring His divine help for each one of these to rise and flourish in the harvest.

In Central America, our General Presbyter has recovered with the healing help of God. Pray that these nations will flourish and Brother Santiago will receive continuing strength.

Pray for three nations in Central America: Nicaragua, Mexico, and Belize. The first two are strong as national ministries while Belize is a younger work. All of these need the guidance of the Lord as they step into new doors of opportunity to reach out.

North America is in a time of distress nationally. Let's pray together that God will use this for His glory, and many will turn their hearts and lives toward the Gospel.

Church-Planting in North America is the great passion of North American General Presbyter, Sam Clements. Let's unite to pray that God will give a mighty surge of new churches of all kinds to this land.

In the Caribbean, the strongest national industry is often tourism. This means that the struggles of North America are automatically transferred over to this region. Pray that this area will experience heavenly reviving also.

Leadership is vital in this area of ministry. As the Caribbean steps into a new era of ministry and outreach, pray that God will raise up leadership on all levels and in all of these nations.

Asia holds the majority of the world's population. Pray that God will raise up new, young, emerging leaders and send forth laborers into the great harvest of this continent. This is the day of Gospel opportunity in Asia.

Europe/CIS/Middle East continues to experience humanistic challenges in the west, much like North America. Pray that the lands of the Great Awakening would once more be filled with Gospel success.

Europe/CIS/Middle East continues to experience revival in the east. Let's pray that the revival influences there will spread further and overwhelm all other influences in this land. Pray that the eastern revival will flow to the west in Europe and into the Middle East.

Africa is a land where the harvest has erupted into great church-planting and growth. Pray for the Lord of the Harvest to supply the multitude of needs now being seen and felt in this great continent.

Africa has experienced such growth that we are now praying that God will send great help to support this growth. Pray for resources to flow into the national offices of the Church in Africa. God can bring help from within Africa and from without.

Publish Date: January 2, 2009 :: Author: ECM

Prayer Request for Pastor James Huff

Pastor James Huff (Liverworth, TN) was hospitalized this week for a surgical procedure. He subsequently suffered a stroke that has left him partially paralyzed.

I am requesting your prayers for Bro Huff and his family at this difficult time.

Publish Date: January 1, 2009 :: Author: Bishop E.C. McKinley

Join Heritage Ministries Today

You can now join the Heritage Ministries Association (formerly CPMA) online.

http://webapps.cogopmedia.com/forms/HM_Member_Form.html

Information for those who join online will be forwarded to the local church listed on the form.

Please help me spread the word.

Have a blessed and Happy New Year!

Paul Holt
Heritage Ministries Director
International Assembly Operations Coordinator

Church of God of Prophecy International Offices
PO Box 2910
3720 Keith Street NW
Cleveland TN 37320
Receptionist: (423) 559-5100
Direct Line: (423) 559-5135
Fax: (423) 559-5216
Email: pholt@cogop.org or spaulholt@charter.net

Publish Date: January 1, 2009 :: Author: ECM

District Leadership Meeting - Jackson

This coming Sunday night, ministers and laity in Western Tennessee will be gathering at the Holiday Inn Convention Center located at 541 Carriage House Drive in Jackson.

Bishop Robbie Wier and Bishop Clayton Mahan will be moderating the evening services and the State Staff will be on hand to book speaking engagements and share dates of importance with you at their tables.

Bishop E.C. McKinley, Tennessee State Presiding Bishop will be delivering the message. We do hope you will join us.

Date: January 4, 2009

Time: 6:00 P.M.

Publish Date: December 31, 2008 :: Author: Bishop E.C. McKinley

Happy New Year

It hardly seems possible that another year has come and gone so quickly. It's as if it were only yesterday that we were looking forward to a new year filled with hopes and anticipation.

During the year of 2008 we've seen much of the Lord's work done in Tennessee, as people have come to a life-changing experience with the Lord Jesus Christ, many have experienced the blessings of sanctification and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. A host of individuals have been baptized in water and many of our churches have seen their memberships increase as the membership covenant was administered.

We've seen new churches organized and our youth camps, and other ministries have expanded.

We look forward to 2009 as another great year for the Church of God of Prophecy around the world, but particularly in Tennessee.

All of our staff wish you the best of the New Year and we trust the Lord Jesus Christ will bless and keep you.

Publish Date: December 29, 2008 :: Author: ECM

Mildred Clements Funeral

Today, I attended the funeral services of Mildred Clements (see earlier posts for obituary) in Clarksville, Tennessee.

The funeral service was conducted by Bishop Ray C. Wynn, and Minister David W. Taylor of Cleveland, TN. The final prayer was offered by General Overseer, Bishop Randall Howard.

Bishop Sam Clements, North American General Presbyter and his wife Linda were in attendance, along with Presbyters Bishop A.J. Coalter and Bishop Gary Riley. Also, Bishop Tim Coalter (South Carolina Presiding Bishop elect) and a host of pastors, ministers and friends were also there.

Music was provided by Bishop Wayne & Jenna Allen and Retha Frankland. As always, I am so impressed by the ministry of our church and their loving and caring attitudes and heart-felt sympathy.

Please join me in prayer for the family.

Publish Date: December 28, 2008 :: Author: Bishop E.C. McKinley

Mildred Clements Obituary

Sis. Mildred Clements, 85, wife of deceased pastor Bro. William Clements, passed away December 26, 2008 in Clarksville. The funeral arrangements are as follows:

Visitation: Sunday, Dec. 28th, 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 29th, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Funeral: Monday, Dec. 29th, 1pm
Sykes Funeral Home
424 Franklin St.
Clarksville, TN
Ph. 931-647-1562

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at Sykes Funeral Home with Bishop Ray C. Wynn and Minister David W. Taylor officiating.

Burial will be in Coleman-Tatum Cemetery.

Sis. Clements was born in Houston County, Tenn., on May 5, 1923, to the late Irvin and Mattie VonSchmitto Coleman. She was married to the late Pastor William Stokes Clements for 54 years, serving as a faithful pastor's wife, mother and friend to all who knew her.

She graduated from Central School in Montgomery County on April 29, 1938, and was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy for 69 years.
She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Willie, Boyd and Ryan Coleman; one son, William James Clements; and one grandson, Gary Clements.
She is survived by sons, Billy of Scurry, Texas, Donald of Pottsboro, Texas, Darrell of Clarksville, Ricky of Cleveland, Tenn.; daughter, Annette (David) Taylor of Cleveland, Tenn.; brother, J.D. (Vivian) Coleman of Clarksville; grandchildren, Robert, Kenny and Steven Clements, Lisa
Schwichtenberg, Tracey Christian, Alan Clements, Sloane, Blair and Bud (Darrell Jr.) Clements, Lee and Michael Taylor; stepgrandchildren, Pat, Sheila and Connie; as well as numerous great- and great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Publish Date: December 27, 2008 :: Author: Bishop E.C. McKinley

A Must Read Book

I must admit something. For the past 27 years of ministry, I've had a real appetite to read. I've read just about anything available, and have over those years gathered quite a diverse library. Most preachers are like that.

About fifteen-years-ago, a church member put a book in my hands that absolutely changed my life. The book is A GRACE AWAKENING by Dr. Charles Swindoll, and it is such a good book that I've read it through multiple times. In fact, before the next year is out, I will probably read it again.

I also have the habit of reading multiple books at the same time...no, I don't mean literally, but I will read a chapter or two a day of several bookss. I've found this to broaden my knowledge and help me to learn quickly. However, this past week, I bought a book that I started reading, and I literally kept reading it until I finished it this morning. For the first time in years, I've read it through without picking up the other three I was reading at the time.

The book? I'm glad you asked. BEING CHRISTIAN Exploring Where you, God and Life Connect by Stephen Arterburn and John Shore.

(ISBN978-0-7642-0426-5 for those of you who might want to look it up at your favorite Christian bookstore)

This book IS just what it says. I found it enjoyable to read, and a valuable source for new Christians and those of us who have been around a while too. Last night, Debra came into the room and asked, "is that a good book?" My reply came out before I realized what I was saying, but it was something like this: "This book would have saved me a lot of heartache had I read it when I was first saved." Of course, it wasn't in print then, but I think you get the idea.

I would challenge all of you to stop by the bookstore and take a peek at the book, and let me say, "I GET NO COMMISSION FOR THIS, ABSOLUTELY nothing, except for the ability to recommend something that could help you in your Christian walk.

If you are one of those who thinks the only good reading material is found in the ANTI-NICEAN FATHERS, then this book will probably seem like fluff to you, but I found it to lay again the principles and precepts all Christians need to learn at the beginning, but to also be reminded of once you've been a believer for a long time.

God bless you is my earnest desire.

Publish Date: December 27, 2008 :: Author: Bishop E.C. McKinley

Death Notice - Mildred Clements

I received this from District Presbyter, Bishop Gary Riley:

Dear Bro. McKinley,

I received word from one of our members that Sis. Mildred Clements, wife of deceased pastor Bro. William Clements, passed away this morning in Clarksville. It is my understanding that the funeral arrangements are as follows:

Visitation: Sunday, Dec. 28th, 3pm-6pm
Funeral: Monday, Dec. 29th, 1pm
Sykes Funeral Home
424 Franklin St.
Clarksville, TN
Ph. 931-647-1562

I thought I would pass this along just in case you have not received word as of yet.

God bless!
Bro. Gary Riley

Publish Date: December 25, 2008 :: Author: ECM

Looking forward

We trust you have had a wonderful Christmas and that you are now looking forward to a New Year with anticipation!

We are thankful for all the Lord has done for our churches and ministries in the past year, and we are looking forward with joyful hearts for the new year ahead of us.

May God bless YOU!

Publish Date: December 21, 2008 :: Author: ECM

Prayer Request for Massengale Family

Rubert Massengale, father of Pastor Roy Massengale of the Oliver Springs church passed away shortly before midnight last night. At this time the arrangements are pending, but preliminary plans have been made for visitation on Tuesday (12/23/08) and services planned for Wednesday (12/24/08) at Sharp's Funeral Home in Oliver Springs, Tennessee. Once I have the obituary, I will post it on this website.

Publish Date: December 18, 2008 :: Author: ECM

Leadership Development Intensive

As many of you are aware, each January for the past several years, we have hosted a Ministerial Development Intensive at our campground at the end of January. I am posting today, and will be sending more information to the churches and ministers to inform everyone of a change of plan.

As you may know, the International Leadership Development Institute is scheduled for April 21-24, 2009 in Cleveland, Tennessee. This will be one of the best yet, and there is a broad spectrum of classes, ministry and intensives. This year, I will be teaching a class on the history of the Church of God of Prophecy from 1923 to present. This will be an enlightening class for anyone who may not know of the multitude of changes that have taken place. I will be putting them into a biblical perspective that will lead to our present and future as a movement of God. I am encouraging you to make plans to attend.

You may view the entire schedule of events, and learning opportunities by CLICKING HERE to be taken to the International Offices website. This is being updated regularly by Dr. H.E. Cardin, our director.

In that this is going to showcase a new direction for educational direction for the International body of the Church of God of Prophecy, we will NOT host the annual intensive at the end of January, but will be focusing on providing support for the major conference April 21-24, 2009.

More information will be released through other communication avenues. It would be wonderful for Tennessee to have the largest delegation to this new endeavor. We look forward to seeing you there!

Publish Date: December 14, 2008 :: Author: ECM

District 9 & 10 Christmas Banquet

The Lakeside church in Westmoreland was the setting for the annual Districts 9 & 10 Christmas banquet. The pastors of these two areas were hosted by Bishop Leon and Fay Graves, and their capable staff.

There was a great meal, followed by entertainment provided by the Lakeside Staff. This has become an annual event and one that we always look forward to.

Debra and I were pleased to share a meal with almost all of the District pastor and companion.

Publish Date: December 11, 2008 :: Author: ECM

Heartland Fellowship - Elizabethton

This past Sunday morning, Debra and I were at the Heartland Fellowship church in Elizabethton to celebrate the first year anniversary in their new building, and their 75th anniversary as a congregation.

Pastor Marvin Slagle and the congregation gave us a wonderful welcome, and it was a joy to preach to the vibrant congregation.

We are so thankful to have the opportunity to visit and share with the wonderful people of Tennessee!

Publish Date: December 7, 2008 :: Author: ECM

NE Tennessee Christmas Breakfast

Saturday morning, Debra and I met with ministry of the NE Tennessee area of the State. District presbyter, Bishop R.D. Ledford did a wonderful job of scheduling and arranging the breakfast, and there was plent to eat, and also great fellowship.

The breakfast was hosted by the Arrowhead church in Knoxville and we are thankful for the wonderful time.

Publish Date: December 6, 2008 :: Author: Bishop E.C. McKinley

Prayer Request

As I write, it is Saturday evening, December 6, 2008. I just spoke with Pastor Jerry Robbins (Dyersburg) a few-minutes-ago and learned that Sister Shelia has has taken a turn for the worse. She is running a high fever and in much pain.

As you can imagine, this is a difficult time for the Robbins family, perhaps one of the most difficult since Shelia was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).

I am asking all of our churches, ministries and laity to please join us in prayer for the Robbins family at this time.

Publish Date: December 4, 2008 :: Author: Bishop Paul Holt

Pictures Needed

I am posting this email from Bishop Paul Holt, Director of Heritage Ministries

We are working on preparing new materials (brochures, etc) for Fields of the Wood. We have found that we have very few good photos in a digital format.

If you have any good photos of Fields of the Wood or any of the markers, please email them to pholt@cogop.org.

Thanks so much.

Paul Holt
Heritage Ministries Director
International Assembly Operations Coordinator
Assistant to the Director of Finance, Publishing & Administration


Church of God of Prophecy International Offices
PO Box 2910
3720 Keith Street NW
Cleveland TN 37320-2910
Receptionist: (423) 559-5100
Direct Line: (423) 559-5135 or (423) 559-5217
Fax: (423) 559-5219
Email: pholt@cogop.org

Publish Date: December 3, 2008 :: Author: Bishop E.C. McKinley

Prayer for Robbins Family

Today, Debra and I visited with Jerry and Shelia Robbins at the Dyersburg Medical Center in Dyersburg, where Shelia is a patient. At this point Shelia is in critical condition and needs the prayer support of all of the state.

We just returned home a few-minutes-ago (Wednesday PM) and I am passing on Pastor Jerry Robbins' thanks for the many prayers, visits and calls, however, the family is in need of all of us holding them up in prayer.

I will keep you posted on her progress, but her condition is grave.

Publish Date: December 2, 2008 :: Author: Bishop Randall Howard

Fast for Awakening 2009

December 01, 2008

RE: Fast for Awakening 2009

Dear State, Regional, National Overseer:

Once more this year the Leadership of the International Office invites the Church of God of Prophecy family all around the world to join us in a Fast for Awakening 2009 as we begin the New Year. It has been a great strength infusion over the past two years to begin the New Year with 21 days of fasting and seeking God for His blessings over our efforts to answer His call and carry His gospel forward in the world. This year I cannot imagine beginning the year without such a season of seeking and hunger for God.

The most pronounced lesson that we have learned over the last two years has been that Christ is the head of the church and we can do nothing without Him. Amazingly the simplest lessons seem to be the ones that keep returning as new revelations along the journey. Just as our flesh bodies are the frail temples for our soul and spirit to use, the church here on earth is the frail vessel for Christ to fill and then work through to accomplish His will in the world.

I know of no better way to welcome and to empower Christ’s filling and working in the church than through fasting and prayer. So this January we are looking forward to another wonderful season of setting aside our desire for food and lifting high our desire for His will to be done and His presence to lead our ministries fresh and new. Fasting has always been a means of pressing our flesh cravings down, a form of crucifixion, and seeking Christ’s presence and power. In a real way we are joining Christ in Gethsemane saying, “Not my will but thine be done.”

With this understanding that we are the vessels and Christ is the treasure that fills us and empowers us, we can all declare that we need God in our areas of outreach and ministry. In the broad scope let me point you to our three Core Values as we consider fasting and seeking God for the first 21 days of 2009. Prayer, Harvest, and Leadership Development are the three values God has laid on our hearts from the General Presbyters’ table.

Prayer, perhaps we could ask God to raise up a mighty prayer hunger for God and His personal touch throughout out ministry area. There are so many aspects of application for this great value, revival, renewal, awakening, empowering, leading…

Harvest, perhaps we could pray that God will work with us, in us, and through us to see where He is opening ministry opportunities and to carry us into those divinely prepared ministries. Again, many harvest goals could be mentioned for prayer.

Leadership Development, perhaps we could seek God to raise up an army of harvesters and ministers to reap in this glorious season of harvesting around us. The list will span from developing new emerging leaders, to fortifying our current consistent and strong leaders.

Also as we pray here in the United States we will be joining the Awakening America movement that is led by Bishop William Wilson. Material for information about the Awakening America season of fasting can be easily found at their web site or by contacting the International Center for Spiritual Renewal.

We are not alone in this season of seeking. Many other ministries have felt the tug of the Lord on their hearts to seek Him early for this year of ministry. Let’s remember the promise of God from Jeremiah as we join together for this Fast for Awakening 2009, “Call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things that you do not know.” As we seek God together I am expecting great and mighty things to come from God.

Praying For His Awakening,

R. E. Howard
General Overseer

REH/djs

Publish Date: December 1, 2008 :: Author: Bishop Paul Holt

FOTW Fund Raiser

The Fields of the Wood is doing a fund raiser to offset the cost for our Christmas Light Display.

We are making Christmas stockings made out of plywood. These stockings will be placed on stakes and used to line the roadways in the park. For $5.00, we will put your name or another name that you designate and the abbreviation of the State you are from.

You may send your order (please include name(s) desired and your state to me via email at pholt@cogop.org. You may mail your payment to the Heritage Ministries Director’s attention – PO Box 2910 – Cleveland TN 37320.

Again, the cost is $5.00 per stocking/name.

Paul Holt

Publish Date: November 30, 2008 :: Author: Bishop E.C. McKinley

Christmas is on the Way!

As I share this blog entry with you tonight I am reflecting on the past few days at our home in Hendersonville. This year, Shaun, Stephanie and Reagan visited with us and shared the whole Thanksgiving weekend experience. The weekend included not only the traditinal Thanksgiving dinner, but also a trip to see "ICE" at Opryland. This is the final year for the "Grinch" theme and we were thankful for the opportunity to share it with family.

I am trusting you have experienced a wonderful weekend as well, and that the Lord was with you in a special way.

God bless!

Publish Date: November 28, 2008 :: Author: Bishop Paul Holt

Christmas Lights at Fields of the Wood

The Christmas Season officially opens at Fields of the Wood on Saturday, November 29 with a special lighting ceremony.

The activities will start at 5:00 PM and will last an hour or so with a number of singers and a devotion by Bishop Wayne Allen.

There will be Hot Chocolate, Hot Apple Cider and snacks. The Gift Shop will be open after the service.

Wood Christmas Stockings are still available and will be throughout December. To date, 155 have been ordered.

Special thanks to. . . one husband and wife ordered individual stocking and each gave $50.00. The Tullahoma TN Church of God of Prophecy ordered 48 stockings. Thank you!

A BIG THANK you to Don & Sandra Johnston for working on these stockings and to our entire staff for all their work in preparing for the Christmas Season!

For more information click here

Publish Date: November 28, 2008 :: Author: Bishop E.C. McKinley

Special Prayer Requests - Shelia Robbins

Tonight I received word that Shelia Robbins has been hospitalized in Dyersburg with a serious medical condition. Shelia's husband Jerry serves as the pastor of our Dyersburg church.

I spoke with Brother Robbins and he said the doctors are treating her condition with medication, hoping to clear up an infection. Many of you know that Shelia has suffered for quite some time with a debilitating illness and that her husband Jerry has faithfully cared for her.

Will you please join me tonight praying for the Lord's touch? Thank you.

Publish Date: November 26, 2008 :: Author: Bishop E.C. McKinley

Pausing to give thanks

This morning I had a pleasant thought as I roused from sleep. It was a thought that went back almost 30 years. The thought was about a place called "Hillgrove."

Hillgrove was a small church located just outside of Radcliff, Kentucky, and it is a church that made a difference in my life. Let me explain.

30-years-ago, I was serving in the U.S. Army, assigned to Fort Knox, Kentucky. My wife and I had been married almost two years and I son was approaching his first birthday. Next month will be mine 30th anniversary as a Christian, and it was this conversion that brought me to Hillgrove.

For the previous 18 months I attended church with Debra in the Louisville, Kentucky area, mostly when I was not on duty. The church was a small church, but the pastor had a tendency to compromise and make excuses for my sins. In fact, he once asked me to serve in a local church position, knowing I was unconverted. This always bothered me as a "law and order" type. It was amazing that when I came to a crisis point in my life, it wasn't a compromising preacher I needed.

After my conversion in December 1978, my wife was happy I'd made the change, but probably a little suspicious that there wasn't going to be a real change. Yet, my mind was made up to serve Christ and I wanted to do whatever necessary to continue the commitment I'd made to God. I knew that I could not do that in a place where I had not respect for the minister.

One Saturday, we we're traveling down a back country road, and Debra pointed at a small, white cinder-block building and said, "that's one of our churches." There was no sign and I said" how can you know that?" Her reply was, "I just know, go look in the window."

I pulled into the front of the church and looked in the window. The entire wall behind the pulpit had a Pacific Island mural on it, but I could see a Church of God of Prophecy flag in the corner, and a tract-rack in the vestibule. Then and there, we decided to go the next Sunday morning.

As we arrived, there were less than 15 people in the Sunday morning service, and although we didn't know anyone there, I knew I was home. The pastor, Brother Arthur Thornhill and his wife gave us a warm welcome and began a relationship that has affected me to this day.

The Thornhills and the congregation took us under their wing, and as a young family, care for us as if we were there own. Their two daughters were married and had families of their own, and the sons-in-law were both deacons in the church.

During the next year and a half, I saw what New Testament love was about, and I learned the meaning of "fellowship" first hand. Although the Greek word "koinonia" (fellowship) is a 20th century creation, their love for us was how I read it in the New Testament.

Looking back, Brother Thornhill was probably not a "deep preacher" but he was a man who lived his convictions, and was by no means a man who compromised. I will never forget something he said to me..."People will say of preachers, that is a great man of faith....the truth is that in reality they are a man of a great faith." Now, you may need to think about that, but it is the absolute truth. God does not look for "great" men of faith...rather He is looking for men of a great faith."

Through all of these thirty years, I've never forgotten the wonderful people at the Hillgrove church. They showed me love, compassion, patience and ingratiated themselves to my heart forever.

In that Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and should be a time of remembering our blessings, I'm thankful the Lord gave me a one-day jump on it. I am thankful for all of the "Hillgrove" churches, though they may have a different name, the spirit is the same. God bless you!

Publish Date: November 24, 2008 :: Author: Joshua Lynn

PowerHouse a Great Success

POWERhouse: Tennessee Youth Retreat 2008 was a wonderful success. The success was not because we had over 350 with us, or the fact that we had wonderful worship, or the fact that our staff did a fantastic job it was the fact that God changed lives. I personally want to say thanks to the best staff I have ever worked with- God Bless you is my prayer (I know He did and will continue to do so).

A special thanks to Pastor Eric Washburn, State Evangelist Tim Farmer, Tanner Gann (a 14 year old preacher) and Youth Pastor Kevin Carver for bringing the Word of God to us over the weekend.

The state youth ministries wanted to show our youth pastors/leaders our thanks for what they do on a daily basis, most volunteering their time to do so. They were our 'VIP's" for the weekend.

On Saturday, at lunch, they were served a steak and chicken meal with all the fixings along with cheesecake. They also enjoyed front of the line pleasures Saturday evening. But more importantly during their separate growth group times and a special message by Pastor Eric Washburn, God ministered to them and touched their hears in a personal way.

Many have already shared how awesome God was during this wonderful weekend of POWER as God allows those to 'Retreat,' 'Restore,' and then return home to 'Reach.' God has linked us with a new move of His spirit and we are very exited of the reports we expect to follow as revival moves through our churches because of the hearts of young people.

I also want to say thanks to the Lakeside Youth Ministries and Youth Pastor Kevin Carver, as they allowed me to preach at "Firehouse' on our way home Sunday evening. God gave us a sweat spirit as He spoke to each of us. I appreciate the youth and Pastor Kevin for making the dedication to have service in the face of tired bodies and a long weekend- God will bless this commitment to worship Him and serve Him.

As always we are more than willing to come preach to your church or youth ministry or meet and share with your youth ministry teams as we work to see God continue to use this wonderful Generation as we expect the Greatest Revival to break out through our youth.

God Bless,
Joshua Lynn
Tennessee Youth Ministries

Publish Date: November 22, 2008

PowerHouse 2008

Last night, I attended the evening services for our annual PowerHouse event at Camp Hickory Hills. The worship was great and Pastor Eric Washburn, of the Springplace Church in Cleveland preached an outstanding message on the story of Jacob wrestling an angel.

At the conclusion of the message, the altar response was powerful as young people from across the state (and several other states) responded to the call. As always, there was a late-night time of snacks and fellowship in our cafeteria.

This morning, the event continued with growth groups and general services featuring Kevin Carver, youth pastor at the Lakeside church in Westmoreland. Again, there was a great altar response.

During the morning session, I met with our youth camp coordinators and directors of the camps for the 2009 season. As we sat together, we planned and shared for what we believe is going to be powerful time of camping.

During the morning session, our Internationa Youth Directors, Trevor and Ailene Reid visited the camp, spoke with the youth camping staff and took a tour of the campground. The Reids were in Nashville over the weekend attend a Youth Specialties event at the Nashville Convention Cener, and they took time out of the schedule to visit with us.

I do not have final attendance figures, but was told that about 330 were in attendance. Special thanks to Joshua Lynn and his staff on a successful event!

Publish Date: November 21, 2008 :: Author: ECM

Senior Saints Thanksgiving Feast

Yesterday, Debra and I joined a lively group of senior saints at the Roberts Tabernacle church for a Thanksgiving luncheon. Karen Coley and the ladies of the church organized and served a wonderful meal, along with some fun time and special singing.

We are so thankful for the loving ministry that takes place in our churches across Tennessee so often displayed in these type events.

Publish Date: November 19, 2008 :: Author: ECM

PowerHouse Almost Here

In just a few days, young people from all over will be converging on Camp Hickory Hills for the annual PowerHouse event. Joshua Lynn and his staff are preparing for what we believe will be a powerful spiritual moment in time.

As the applications continue to come in, we are happy to report a large crowd for this year, and if you are waiting to send your registration, please don't put it off any longer.

We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information go to the Youth Website by Clicking Here

Publish Date: November 19, 2008 :: Author: ECM

Special Prayer Request - Wonnie Weakley

Most of the folks in the Tennessee churches hold a very special place in their hearts for Sister Juanita Weakley. As many of you may know, she has been having some medical difficulties lately and is in need of our prayers.

Debra spoke with Brother Weakley just a few-minutes-ago (9:30 p.m.11/19/08) and he and Sister Weakley are asking that we keep her in our prayers, trusting the Lord for a physical touch in her body.

I know that you all love her, as we do and we know that she has a BIG heart, and has prayed countless prayers for so many of us, now we can return the prayers for her.

God bless.

Publish Date: November 17, 2008 :: Author: ECM

Prayer Request

This past weekend, Debra and I were at the Regional Ladies Retreat at Lake Barkley, Kentucky. While there, my older sister, Judy suffered a heart attack.

She was taken to the local hospital in Logansport, Indiana, but her condition grew worse. She was transferred to the Heart Center in Indianapolis.

Debra and I left early Sunday and drove to Indianapolis, where we visited with and prayed with my sister. She is in stable condition. I would appreciate your prayers for her tonight.

May the Lord bless you.

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