Voice of Hope

Please place on your blog: Middle Tennessee Children's Ministry Meetings: I would like to invite all Pastors and anyone in the local church that works with Ministry to Children to meet with me at either of the locations below: January 10th: Crossroads Church in White Bluff at 4pm January 24th: Lakeside Church in Westmoreland at 4pm. These meetings will be on the same days at the District Meetings in these areas. We will conclude by 5:30pm. It will not hinder your attendance to the District Meeting. Please join me for a time of food, fellowship, and sharing from my heart about Ministry to Children in Middle Tennessee. I hope to see you there. Kim Batson Meetings in West Tennessee and East Tennessee will be scheduled at a later date. - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

During morning devotions, this song was brought to my memory. It was such a blessing that I wanted to share it with you: Since I started for the Kingdom, Since my life He controls, Since I gave my heart to Jesus, The longer I serve Him, The sweeter He grows. Chorus The longer serve Him, the sweeter He grows, The more that I love Him, more love He bestows; Each day is like heaven, my heart overflows, The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows. Ev'ry need He is supplying, Plenteous grace He bestows; Ev'ry day my way gets brighter, The longer I serve Him, The sweeter He grows. Chorus The longer serve Him, the sweeter He grows, The more that I love Him, more love He bestows; Each day is like heaven, my heart overflows, The longer I serve Him, the sweeter He grows.

For the first 21 days of the New Year of 2010 we are inviting all that the Spirit will call to join us in the greatest Season of Seeking that the COGOP ministry family has ever participated in. We are not alone, in that many ministries around the world will be seeking God at the same time. Let the heavens open for millions of sincere and hungry believers seeking God for great things as we start a new decade of ministry for His Glory! The needs are great at every level. That is beyond doubt. But I stumbled across the data below and it gave me a new perspective on seeking Him at this moment in our journey as a movement. Look at this information about the COGOP journey. It took: 50 years to reach 100,000 members, (1903-1953) [2,000 per year] 25 years to reach the 200,000 member mark, (1978) [4,000 per year] 16 years to reach the 300,000 member mark, (1994) [6,250 per year] 4 years to reach the 400,000 member mark, (1998) [25,000 per year] Only 2 years to reach the 500,000 member mark, (20...

The state-wide District Leadership Meetings are about to begin in Tennessee. I am excited about the great things ahead, and the opportunity to share what God is speaking to my heart. The first meeting is scheduled for January 3, 2010 starting at 6:00 p.m. and will include our West Tennessee churches in the Districts of Bishop Robert Wier and Bishop Clayton Mahan. This year, we are changing locations to the DoubleTree Hotel in Jackson. The hotel is located at 1770 Highway 45 Bypass, Jackson, TN 38305. Everyone is invited to attend, and we expect the meetings to last two to three hours. In past years, these have been great meetings with wonderful fellowship, and we are looking forward to seeing you there. Additional Information: Jackson, TN (1/3/2010) White Bluff, TN (1/10/2010) Westmoreland, TN (1/24/2010) Crossville, TN (1/31/2010) Knoxville, TN (2/7/2010) Cleveland, TN 2/21/2010) All services begin at 6:00 p.m., with the District Presbyter in charge. Locations will be announced o...

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end..." (Isaiah 9:7) The prophetic words of the prophet were fulfilled two-thousand-years ago when Jesus was born. We pause during this Christmas season to remember the promise of God. We pause with thankful hearts to acknowledge the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and we pause to give thanks for you. Our hope and joy is that this will be the most wonderful Christmas for you and your family. Remember, "Jesus is the Reason for the Season." Sincerely, Bishop E.C. McKinley and the Staff Church of God of Prophecy - TN

As I write today, Debra and I are traveling North on I-75 on our way home. We were out of the state over the weekend to attend the memorial service for Bishop Elwood Matthews, who passed away this last week in Florida. It was nice to see such a large representation there from the International Offices and multiple other ministries. Everyone on the program did a wonderful job and we were all blessed, especially by the comments of his family. Sister Roberta was faring well, although it was obvious that she is heartbroken from this event. The service was streamed live from the local church where the memorial service was held, and I understand that DVD's of the service will be made available for a very small cost (mostly postage). I ask you to continue to pray with me for Bishop Matthews' family, and that we will live up to the strong legacy he has passed on to our generation.

Middle Tennessee Children's Ministry Meetings: I would like to invite all Pastors and anyone in the local church that works with Ministry to Children to meet with me at either of the locations below: January 10th: Crossroads Church in White Bluff at 4pm January 24th: Lakeside Church in Westmoreland at 4pm. These meetings will be on the same days at the District Meetings in these areas. We will conclude by 5:30pm. It will not hinder your attendance to the District Meeting. Please join me for a time of food, fellowship, and sharing from my heart about Ministry to Children in Middle Tennessee. I hope to see you there. Kim Batson Meetings in West Tennessee and East Tennessee will be scheduled at a later date. - Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

As you may have already heard, Bishop Elwood Matthews, renowned evangelist and former General Appointee in the Church of God of Prophecy passed away this week in Florida. Debra and I are planning on attending the memorial service to be conducted Sunday, December 20, 2009 in Titusville, Florida. I learned today that the memorial service will be streamed live on the world-wide-web for those who would like to view the services. The webcast will begin at 5:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time)and may be accessed by visiting the website www.findnewlife.com . I will also post reports of the memorial services.

There is a great article on the front page of the Cleveland Daily Banner about the ministry of Bishop Elwood Matthews. To read it click the following link: http://www.clevelandbanner.com

We are saddened to inform you that former general appointee, Bishop Elwood Matthews passed away this morning. Below you will find the details of his memorial service which will be held on Sunday. Please feel free to inform the ministry in your area of Bishop Matthews’ passing and forward this information if you wish. Elwood Matthews Memorial Service Sunday, December 20, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. New Life Fellowship 6755 South Washington Avenue Titusville, Florida 32780 For those wishing to send a card, Sister Roberta Matthews may be contacted at the following: Roberta Matthews 7420 North U.S. Highway 1 Unit 206 Cocoa, FL 32927 Thank you for your prayers for the family during this time of loss. Shaun McKinley | Administrative Liaison to the General Overseer

I just learned a few-minutes-ago that Bishop D. Elwood Matthews passed away last night. All who have been around the Church of God of Prophecy for any length of time know this is one of the "legends" of our church. A minister with a great wit and dynamic preaching style, Bishop Matthews served as a State Overseer but most notably as the minister for the Voice of Salvation. I will post arrangements as I receive them. Please join my in prayer for Roberta and the rest of the family.

Regional Ladies Retreat March 5-7, 2010 Ventura, California Regional Ladies Retreat March 26-28, 2010 Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Regional Ladies Retreat April 9-11, 2010 Newark, New Jersey Regional Ladies Retreat April 30-May 2, 2010 Minneapolis, Minnesota Int'l Ladies Retreat February 26-28, 2010 Waikiki, Hawaii

Last night, I returned home after a long day. It was one of those days that could have been better, but could have been worse. It was a day when I realized the difficulties that our pastors and their families face, and how that the people of our churches are in real need of relief in so many ways. These are not random thoughts, but thoughts that I dwell on a lot lately. My heart goes out to those who are deceived by "false prophets" and who are led astray by men/women who care more about their own comforts and agendas than they do the truth. I pray that the Lord will help them through the difficult times they will surely face when the "false prophets" are revealed, and that He will minister to them in that hour. I realize the emotional damage that will be suffered because of the selfishness of these false prophets, but how that in the end, vindication comes to those who do the right thing. It is in moments like this (when the truth is revealed) that God is mos...

A THOUGHT FROM BISHOP HOWARD "For the first 21 days of the New Year of 2010 we are inviting all that the Spirit will call to join us in the greatest Season of Seeking that the COGOP ministry family has ever participated in. We are not alone, in that many ministries around the world will be seeking God at the same time. Let the heavens open for millions of sincere and hungry believers seeking God for great things as we start a new decade of ministry for His Glory! The needs are great at every level. That is beyond doubt. But I stumbled across the data below and it gave me a new perspective on seeking Him at this moment in our journey as a movement. Look at this information about the COGOP journey. It took 50 years to reach 100,000 members, (1903-1953) [2,000 per year] 25 years to reach the 200,000 member mark, (1978) [4,000 per year] 16 years to reach the 300,000 member mark, (1994) [6,250 per year] 4 years to reach the 400,000 member mark, (1998) [25,000 per year] Only 2 years t...

Today I learned of the passing of Deacon Lavern Stephens, a member of the Keith Street Church in Cleveland, TN. The following details are shared with friends as we request your prayers for the family. Visitation Wednesday 5-8 p.m. @ Jim Rush Funeral Home (Cleveland) Services Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at the Keith Street Church in Cleveland.

Please join me in prayer for Earlene King. She has been the local church clerk in Columbia, TN for over 40 years. Tonight she is in ICU and in need of a special touch from the Lord. Please also prayer for her husband, Deacon Billy Ray King and for their boys, Mark and Michael. Earlene has been a dear friend to my family and has had a special play in our hearts. I was privileged to be her pastor for eight years, and she has been such a blessing to so many people.

Yesterday I posted the funeral arrangements for Anna Wadkins, mother of our pastor at Carthage, Donna Guire. I have learned that the visitation and service hours have changed. I apologize for any inconvenience this may create. Here is the correct information: Visitation is Saturday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Services are scheduled for Sunday at 1:00 p.m. Austin-Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier, TN

Some-time-ago, Steven Curtis Chapman suffered a terrible tragedy in his personal life. I remember when this happened. I encourage you to check out his testimony of how he is dealing with the death of his daughter at Christmas-time. For those who might be going through a tough time, I encourage you to check out his video testimony. CLICK HERE to be taken to the testimony. God bless you.

Band of Brothers – TN COGOP Men’s Retreat 2010 April 16th – 17th @ Camp Hickory Hills Worship Spirit Filled Speakers Horse Shoe Tournament Golf Tournament Steak Dinner And an opportunity to be inspired, refreshed and challenged! More information coming. Contact: Mike Jennette empoweredmj@comcast.net or 615-375-1364

This is from Nathan and LaNada Tag, daughter and family of Dr. Freddie Harding, Cumberland Plateau District Presbyter. Having traveled that area of the world for four years in all types of weather, I can identify with just how large this miracle is: Dear praying friends and family, “I love You, O Lord, my strength.” The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." Psalms 18:1,2 Yesterday God was our deliverer, strength and refuge. We were in a very bad car accident in the badlands of South Dakota and as our car tumbled out of control God delivered us from serious injury. Thank you Lord!!! You are to be praised!!! We lost control of our car on slick roads and rolled 3 times before coming to rest on a fence along the interstate. LaNada cut her head and we went to the hospital for several stitches and some x-rays to make sure there was no damage to her back. Alaiyah and An...

I learned this afternoon of the passing of Anna Wadkins, age 91 of Greenbrier, TN. Anna is the mother of our Carthage, TN pastor, Sister Donna Guire. Visitation is scheduled for 4-8 p.m., Friday and the funeral services at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, at Austin-Bell Funeral Home in Greenbrier, TN. Please join me in prayer for this precious family.

Special notice to Tennessee Pastors Since our State Convention (July 2009) I have bee receiving photographs from you for your new ID cards. These cards are submitted in "batches" for processing, so it is important that I send groups of these photos on a regular basis. To date, there are still some of our pastors who have NOT sent their photo to my office. If you are a Tennessee minister, I need your photo (passport type) as soon as possible sent to my office: Church of God of Prophecy State Administrative Office P.O. Box 2319 Hendersonville, TN 37077-2319 These photos may also be sent to me by email at: ecmckinley@mac.com In that we have a large block of ministers, as do some other states, it is important that I receive these soon. Thank you for your assistance. Bishop McKinley

Today I spoke with Pastor Eddie Kilgore (Crossville-Stanley Street) about his granddaughter, Katelyn. She underwent surgery last week and because of complications was taken back to surgery yesterday. Pastor Kilgore has asked that we remember her in prayer tonight. Please join me in this prayer for this special need.

Folks, Many of you read the blog on a regular basis to keep abreast of events taking place in and around Tennessee and the related ministries. Another way to stay in contact is through our email newsletter. If you would like to join our list, you may simply reply to this message, or send an email to me asking to be added. God bless.