Voice of Hope

Those of you who follow our daily blog know that travel is the principle thing covered here, but today I thought I would share with you a number of events that have been taking place in the last few weeks in Tennessee. As you know, the International Offices for the Church of God of Prophecy are located geographically in the here, and at times Cleveland is buzzing with activities as the work of the International church continues. My past two plus years of involvement in the activities of the Administrative Committee have put me in Cleveland at least once each month as we review the ongoing work, and fulfill the role of the corporate board for the General church. Let me what with you some of these events and highlights for your information: 1. White Wing Christian Bookstore. Not long ago, the decision was made to revert the bookstore to the business model of a regular Christian Bookstore instead of a "Resource" Center. This has been a good move and sales continue to increa...

Earlier today, I posted a notice about Pastor Richard Neal’s mother passing away.  I have spoken with Brother Neal again today and he has released the following information:   Cole-Garrett Funeral Home 127 N. Main Street Goodlettsville, TN 27072 (615) 859-5231   Visitation: Monday, April 27, 2009 from  4:00 PM to 8:00 PM   Services: Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 2:00 P.M.   I am asking you to join me in prayer for the Neal family at this time,  and please help me pass the word on to our church friends and family.

I just learned a few-minutes ago of the passing of Pastor Richard Neal’s mother.  I spoke with him at about 8:00 a.m. and he had just arrived to be with her as she passed away. Please join me in payer for Brother Neal and his family at this difficult time.  More information will be posted as I gather it.

This morning during my personal devotional time, I decided to read my Bible in a different translation (normally King James Version) and realized new clarity for several situations I am currently facing. I would like to share just a few passages of Scripture from Eugene Peterson’s translation, called “The Message.” “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed. Not deficient in any way.” (James 1:1-4) After reading this, it became evident that perhaps I was feeling a bit sorry for myself. Yes, it happens from time-to-time. We get discouraged because of the difficulties that come our way. Please allow me to elaborate. My life and struggles are pretty much the same as everyone’s. We have hopes and aspirations, looking for a se...

From this past Monday until today (Friday) the Leadership Development Intensive was hosted at the Peerless Road Church in Cleveland. Dr. H.E. Cardin and his staff did an excellent job of planning, coordinating and directing the event. Tennessee had the largest representation of registered students, second most was the Nation of the Bahamas. Attendees came from across the United States, Canada, and several other nations of the world. There was a great spirit of worship in the general sessions and enthusiasm ran high. I had to leave early this morning (unexpectedly) but I know today was a great day of activities, concluded by a message from our North American General Presbyter. For more updates, you may go to the International website at: www.cogop.org

Today, I made the trip to Cleveland for the opening of the Leadership Development Institute tomorrow. There is still time if you desire to attend. Contact the Leadership Development Department at 423-559-5100 for more information, or go to www.cogop.org

Dear Friends, First of all, thank you to all who read our blog on a daily basis. My hope is to help you keep abreast of events taking place in the lives and ministries of the wonderful people of Tennessee. Perhaps, a wrap up of the week's events will help catch us up to Saturday night (April 18, 2009). Easter Seven-days-ago, Debra, Lindsey and I made the trip to Cleveland so our family could celebrate Easter services together. On Sunday morning, Pastor Steve Wilson delivered an excellent message, and as always, the choir helped lead the congregation into worship, directed by Jason Duncan. On Sunday afternoon, Debra and Lindsey returned to Hendersonville, and I stayed behind, dropping in on visitation services for Bishop W.A. Howard a retired pastor and overseer in the Church of God of Prophecy. Monday On Monday morning, I assisted in the Funeral Services for Bishop W.A. Howard at the Peerless Road Church, along with Pastor Steve Wilson, Bishop Randall Howard (General Overseer) a...

(Visitation) Thursday, April 16th, 2009 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Shackelford Funeral Directors of Selmer - Ph. (731) 645-3481 160 West Cypress Ave. Selmer, Tennessee (Service) Friday, April 17th, 2009 11:00 AM Shackelford Funeral Home (Burial) Lake Hill Memorial Gardens Bethel Springs, Tennessee (Obituary) Stephen Michael Keith Lawson was born April 26, 1990 in Oak Ridge, Tennessee the son of Michael and Angela Basler Lawson. Stephen was a delivery man for Domino's Pizza and worked in constuction. He was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy in Bethel Springs, Tennessee where his grandfather James is the pastor. He was also very active in the FFA. Stephen departed this life on April 13, 2009 in Selmer, Tennessee at the age of 18 Years, 11 Months, 18 Days. He is survived by his parents Michael and Angela Lawson of Dyersburg, TN; sister, Brittany Nicole Lawson of Dyersburg, TN; paternal grandparents, James and Brenda Lawson of Bethel Springs, TN; maternal grandmother, Elma Cladine (Dean...

I learned early this morning that Steven Lawson, grandson of Pastor James Lawson of the Bethel Springs church was tragically killed last night. Steven was 18-years-old at the time of his passing. I have spoken with brother Lawson, and as you can imagine, this is very difficult for the the whole family. Details are sketchy right now, but I will post more information as I receive it.

09’ TN Men’s Retreat Schedule – “Band of Brothers” Friday April 17th: 5pm Registration & Cabin Assignment (Don’t forget bedding.) 6-7:45 Steak Dinner 8:00 Welcome, Worship & Message, By Bishop Sam Clements – “Men of Strength” Later Coffee, Drinks, Snacks & Fellowship Saturday April 18th: 6:30am Breakfast 8:00 Welcome, Worship & Message, By Pastor Enoch Lankford – “Men of Humility” Break & Fellowship 10:00 Worship & Message, By Bishop E.C. McKinley – “Men of Honor” Noon Lunch & Cabin Cleanup (Sack lunches available) Pastor Mike JennetteEmpowered Ministries Church1415 Hwy. 70 EastDickson, TN 37055615-375-1364 www.empoweredministries.net

Tomorrow, Pastor Ken Dyer of Harvest Fellowship in Knoxville will be undergoing bypass surgery at St. Mary's Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee. I am requesting that you join me in prayer for Pastor Dyer. God bless.

Many of you have heard by now that a tornadoes raced across middle Tennessee this afternoon, leaving death and destruction in their wake. As of this post, at least two have died, and near 35 have been wounded. I have spoken with our Pastor, Verlin Thornton, who has informed me that he was forced to take shelter in the midst of the storm, but he is safe, along with his wife Jean. I have tried to make contact with former overseer, Bishop Eugene Weakley but because of the loss of services, have failed to this point. Pastor Thornton informed me that he has check on them and they are okay, and other members of the church have suffered some damage, but no loss of life or injury. Please join me in prayer for the people of Murfreesboro and the surrounding areas during this difficult time. I will update the blog as I hear of more information from there, or our church folks in the surrounding communities.

Viewing: Sunday: April 12 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Jim Rush Funeral Home (North Chapel) 2603 North Ocoee Street Cleveland, TN 37312 423-476-6558 Service: Monday: April 13 - Peerless Rd. Church Viewing: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Service: 11:00 a.m.

Dearest Bishop McKinley, Kindest Christian greetings. First a note of appreciation to you and the many Brothers and Sisters in Tennessee for the prayers and concerns expressed during the recent time of illness for my wife, Joann, (48 years and counting).She entered the hospital February 16 for a total knee replacement surgery, which was completely successful. However, a blood clot soon formed (3 days later) in same leg and a filter was surgically implanted in the stomach area to keep blood clot from moving to the heart, lungs or brain. This was successful.The blood thinner (cumadin) then was given her. Unfortunately this caused another blood clot (because of a substance in it). Actually the substance is the same as in rat poison that can find a bruise of some type of abnormality and attach itself to it. This created over a week time the forming of an immense size blood clot in the other leg. I have never seen anyone at any time suffer as Joann did. The doctors could not determine ...

Today, I learned of the passing of Bishop W.A. Howard, former State Overseer.  I will post more information as I receive it.  Please join me in prayer for the family.

Over the weekend, Debra and I attended the N.E. Regional Ladies Retreat in Newark, N.J., where Debra taught one class and was the primary speaker in the morning session on Saturday. The Lord blessed the entire weekend, and we were blessed to be a part of a successful retreat. I am posting this small video clip of a portion of one of the worship services...as you can see, the Ladies enjoyed the retreat, as we did. We arrived home early Monday morning after a day filled with travel challenges...but our hearts are still warm from the weekend of fellowship.

Yesterday, I posted information concerning My visit to Sgt John and Amanda Moore in Washington, DC. I inadvertently put a partial address for those of you who would like to send a card or a litter to him. Here is the correct address:   Sgt. John P. Moore Abrams Hall Box 4316 6900 Georgia Ave. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20307   I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

On Thursday, Debra and I left Nashville enroute to Newark, N.J. where Debra was scheduled to teach one class, and deliver the main General Session on Saturday for the Regional Ladies Retreat in the N.E. United States. It was my intention to take the Amtrak train from Newark, N.J. to Washington, D.C. to visit with Sgt. John Moore, who has been there since January recovery from an improvized explosive device (I.E.D.) just outside of Bagdhad, Iraq. Many of you became acquainted with Sgt. Moore as we visited the districts and shared his story. I was able to find a train to Washington, D.C., but the return trip to Newark, N.J. was almost impossible (getting at train out of D.C. on a Friday is a mess), and I wasn't sure if I would be able to make the visit. On Thursday evening, while at dinner, Debra and I dined with Bishop J. Croyle and his wife Bess (Overseer of Pennsylvania) and I mentioned my attempts to get to D.C. on Friday. Bishop Croyle said, "I drove my car here, why don...

For the first time, the Minutes are available in book form and on CD. The CD is searchable by keyword and includes the following: Minutes Ministry Policy Manual (including Biblical Principles, Beliefs, and Practices of the Church of God of Prophecy; The Governance of the Presbytery; The Biblical Institution of Marriage, Divorce, And Remarriage) Report Forms North American Church Directory Bishop’s list Minister’s list Facing Forward International Assembly Photo Gallery The Minutes in book form includes: Minutes Report Forms Minutes $11.99 Minutes CD 11.99 Combo pack (includes both book and CD) $17.99 You may order by calling: White Wing Publishing House: 1-800-221-5027 English, 1-888-828-4433 Spanish. You may also order by email at orders@cogop.org .

This past weekend, Debra and I were the guest speakers for the Marriage Retreat sponsored by the Arrowhead Church located in Knoxville. Pastor Terry and Sharon Barnwell and their team did an excellent job of preparing and presenting materials, and overall organization of the retreat, and we were blessed to be a part of their special weekend. Special thanks to the Arrowhead Team for extending the invitation, we were blessed to be a part of the event.

In concert Wednesday April 8th, 2009 @ 7PM The Church of God of Prophecy 1001 West Spring Street, Lebanon, TN **Only a love offering will be taken. For more information call: 390-5550 or 426-0957