Voice of Hope

It is always a tremendous thrill to announce the establishment of a new church. This post shares a little about our latest. On January 30, 2011 I met with the people of the Capilla De La Victoria (Victory Chapel) in Cleveland, Tennessee for the purpose of organizing and establishing what had been a mission work for well over two years. Previously, this group had met under the direction of Cliff Anderson in a part of the Peerless Road Complex. Pastor Tim Coalter (now State Presiding Bishop of South Carolina) shared with the congregation a vision of that local church planting two churches in the United States. We then joined in a partnership with the Tennessee State Office to share in the cost of rent and other needs for a period of two years. Since the inception of the idea, there were several changes. Pastor Cliff Anderson felt the need of a change and Pastor Tim Coalter was appointed to serve in another ministry. At this time Omar Velazquez agreed to assume the leadership of th...

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Dear Dr. E.C., It is, indeed, a dark day in the history of Egypt. This week, we have witnessed much communication revolving around Egypt. The unrest and riots have escalated and there have been several deaths already. Our National Overseer [name withheld] is unable to communicate with us at this time due to the shutdown of the Internet and phone services. However, we have been keeping tabs through a satellite news agency out of London, and the situation in Cairo is of grave concern. Please stand with us in prayers for our precious brothers and sisters. Key Points of Prayer Divine, overshadowing protection of our people Pray that this regime of tens of thousands of Egyptians flooding the streets today and participating in the largest anti-government demonstrations since protests began this past Tuesday will come to an end. Today, these tens of thousands appeared to come into the streets bowing to Alla, but did not remain peaceful in their demonstration. Pray for the safety of all those ...

As you know we have been studying the properties currently under the jurisdiction of the International Offices of the Church of God of Prophecy. The results of an outside assessment of ARKS is available at the International Office Website There is now an online survey to gather feedback from our membership around the world. If you would like to participate in the survey and have your voice heard, CLICK HERE . May God bless you.

CLICK IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT Band OF Brothers 2011 Men's Retreat April 8-9 @ Camp Hickory Hills, Dickson, TN Special Speakers are: -David Bryan, Executive Director of Global Outreach -EC McKinley, Presiding Bishop of the TNCOGOP -Leon Graves, Senior Pastor - Lakeside Church Events include: Spirit Filled Worship, Golf, Skeet Shoot, Steak Dinner, Fellowship and more. $35.00 includes lodging, meals, t-shirt, a good time and more. Come and Join us as we are "Called To Duty"

Wednesday (February 23, 2011) 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM Opening Session & Pastoral Leadership Development Class (Mark Menke) 12:30 – 1:30 PM Lunch 1:30 – 5:30 PM Pastoral Leadership Development (Mark Menke) 5:30 – 7:00 PM Supper 7:00 – 9:00 PM Evening Session Thursday (February 24, 2011) 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM Ecclessial Identity (Adrian Varlack) 12:30 – 1:30 PM Lunch 1:30 – 5:30 PM Ecclessial Identity (Adrian Varlack) 5:30 – 7:00 PM Supper 7:00 – 9:00 PM Evening Session Friday (February 25, 2011) 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM Theology as a Movement (Hector Ortiz) 12:30 – 1:30 PM Lunch 1:30 – 5:30 PM Theology as a Movement (Hector Ortiz) 5:30 – 6:00 PM Closing Program

The Lord blessed on Sunday night at our district meeting at the Lakeside church. The church building was filled and a great worship service was experienced. We are all in His hands, and we need to remember that what may seem to be insignificant to others is a miracle waiting to happen. Special thanks to Bishop Leon Graves and the Lakeside Church in Westmorland for helping organize the event.

We will be gathering at 6:00 p.m. tonight (1/23/11) for our Middle Tennessee District Leadership session. This will be our second this year, following a phenomenal gathering at the Crossroads church last Sunday night. This meeting will be hosted by the Lakeside Church in Westmoreland, Tennessee where Pastor F. Leon Graves serves as the Senior Pastor. Pastor Graves is also our District Presbyter for this area of Middle Tennessee. We are expecting great worship, fellowship and sharing of the Word. Please be sure to be a little early, as we always have a full house for these meetings. Come expecting to receive from the Lord and you will not be disappointed.

Last night, i was privileged to participate in a prayer service to conclude the 21 Days of Seeking the Lord. This event held in Cleveland, Tennessee was broadcast on the internet, and there were 30 nations and 44 states in North America participating. The registered participants were 4,400 however, during the simulcast more people were logging on and joining in the service. Today, I shared with some of the members of the church in Cleveland that while this was a prayer event, I felt it had more to do with connectedness as anything else. To recognize that we are part of a much larger church than what we see on a daily basis is a real joy. Thanks to everyone who had a part in this telecast, but mostly I am thankful to my son Shaun (it's okay if dad brags here) who serves as the International Communications Director and Administrative Liaison to the General Overseer for his hard work and for pulling a team around him to make it happen. Thanks to all who participated, I am convince...

Yesterday, Debra and I visited with Bishop Allen and Mildred Davis at their home in Cleveland, Tennessee. Sister Mildred had just been released from the hospital after undergoing surgery. It was a real pleasure to visit with them, but also to be able to sit with people who have been such a positive influence in the Church of God of Prophecy around the world. While Bishop Davis has his moments of confusion, it is still obvious that he is in love with the Lord, and with people too. He constantly reminds us of the single-mindedness that should be our constant focus, and that we are in the PEOPLE business. Seemingly every thought expressed by Bishop Davis related to someone else's need, about prayer, about visiting, about ministering. I was humbled to be in the home of these servants of God. I must admit, I was somewhat convicted after I left his home, and realize that something has been lost among many of us who are in the ministry today. While I find myself constantly trying to...

On January 21, 2011 a live simulcast will connect churches in over 30 nations of the world and across the United States. The simulcast will begin at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, 7:00 p.m., Central Time. There will be a live congregation at the Peerless Road Church, consisting of the folks from around the region. There will be focused worship and prayer and we are hoping to touch God from all around the world in this event. To participate please go to: www.cogop.org Once there, register your church/home/other site.

I just learned tonight of the passing of Sister Lottie M. Mitchell, the mother of our pastor at the Oakwood Church in Chattanooga. I am asking for your prayers tonight for Brother Mitchell and his family. Visitation is Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with services on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Homes 3239 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742-4001

We trust you are having a wonderful day, blessed of the Lord. We are excited about events taking place this next month in Tennessee. Blogs have been set up to share information concerning: Tennessee Marriage Retreat Tennessee School of Practical and Advanced Studies Simply click the links above to go to the blog pages. These pages will not only serve to give you information, but photos and other downloadable resources will be there following the events.

It's not too late to join us for the "Pursuing His Spirit" Simulcast Prayer Event happening this Friday, January 21, 2011 at 8:00 PM EST. We will be webcasting our LIVE praise and prayer service, featuring worship by the Peerless Road Church (Cleveland, Tennessee), Covington Drive Church (Atlanta, Georgia) and Worship Leader Laramie Rodriguez, as well as a number of prayer segments led by children, youth, members, pastors, and leaders. Over 3,500 people in 30 nations have already registered for this event. You will not want to miss this global prayer gathering! To register online, visit http://cogop.org/ministries/prayer-ministries/downloadable-resources.html PRAYER FOR THE LOST During the evening we will have a special prayer segment, praying for the lost. If you would like to send us the names of your unsaved friends, family, or loved ones, please do so by emailing prayer@cogop.org .

Click Here to download a poster with 2011 Camp Ministries information.

Tomorrow night (January 16, 2011 we will be gathering at the Crossroads church in White Bluff, Tennessee for the first of our annual leadership gatherings. These meetings have proven to be a great blessing to everyone, and our state leaders will have tables set up with applications for all future events and other relevant information. As usual, I will be ministering at tomorrow night's meeting and I am expecting the Lord to do great things as we worship, fellowship and share together. The service begins at 6:00 p.m. and we look forward to seeing you there. CLICK HERE for map and the ability to download directions from your location.

Dear friends, Registration is now available at our main website. We hope to see you there! CLICK HERE or go to www.tncogop.org You will find the link on the right-hand side of the page in the NEWS section

Today, Mildred Davis suffered a fall resulting in a broken hip. Surgery will be necessary tomorrow. As many of you know, this is the mother of our chief financial officer for our church in Tennessee. Mildred and her husband, Bishop Allen Davis are not strangers to the people in the Church of God of Prophecy and I am asking all of you to join me in prayer for the whole family.

The Youth at the Crossroads church in White Bluff are sponsoring the following event. I hope you will be able to enjoy a meal with them. If not, I am sure they would accept donations to help with their goal of attending the Youth Conference in Orlando, Florida. PANCAKE BREAKFAST DATE: January 29, 2011 TIME: 7:00 a.m. COST: $6 VALENTINE DINNER DATE: February 12, 2011 TIME: 5:00 p.m. COST: $12 We were wondering if u would place on the church website and on ur facebook our church us having a pancake breakfast Jan 29th at 7am $6 anf Feb.12th a valentine dinner at 5pm cost $12. To help our youth go to the youth confrence.

The Arrowhead church in Knoxville, Tennessee has a set of drums for sale. You may inquire further at this link: http://knoxville.craigslist.org/msg/2146488730.html

I have learned of the passing of Bishop Winston Reid's father and Bishop Trevor Reid's grandfather in Florida. I do not have further details at this time, but will supply them as received. Please join me in prayer for this family.

Dear Friends, The District Leadership Conference for West Tennessee has been rescheduled to January 26, 2011 due to winter storm warnings for all of western Tennessee. This decision was made by the two District Presbyters, Bishop Clayton Mahan, Bishop Robbie Weir and myself. We do hope that everyone will be able to make the rescheduled meeting, and ask that you help us get the word around to the churches affected. More information on the storm warnings at: www.weather.com

I heartily endorse Kim Batson’s ministry, and am posting this letter for your review and careful consideration.  Debra and I will be contributing toward this project, and we hope many will join us to make this happen. “January 1, 2011 I look forward to what God has planned for us in 2011. I feel very blessed for the windows of opportunity He has opened for me the last few years. My prayer is to always stay in the center of His will. God continues to teach me about Faith in Him and continues to push me outside of my comfort zone. God has opened a window to train Children’s Ministers in Africa. This will be the first Children’s Ministry Training by the Church of God of Prophecy in Africa. I have been given the opportunity to teach in an Institute of Children’s Ministry in Botswana. The Institute of Children’s Ministry will focus on helping volunteers and ministry leaders become skilled in ministry 01to children. The Institute encourages personal spiritual growth, trai...

Just had to share some exciting news…here's where we stand with simulcast registrations today… Host Locations Registered = 94 Estimated Attendance = 1900 13 Nations and 17 States Represented. These include: Australia Bahamas Barbados Burundi Canada Costa Rica Dominican Republic England Finland Jamaica Tanzania Turks and Caicos United Kingdom SHAUN MCKINLEY Administrative Liaison to the General Overseer | Director of Communications

  As you may have heard, we will be hosting a "Pursuing His Spirit" Simulcast Prayer Event on the evening of the 21st.  With just one promotion, we have 80 host sites in 8 nations, with nearly 1500 estimated to attend.  Surely this number will grow as we draw closer to the event and continue to promote it. The live service will be simulcast from the Peerless Road Church and will feature directed prayer segments throughout the evening mixed with worship segments from a variety of churches.  We are asking our Cleveland and Chattanooga area churches to help promote this event and asking each pastor to encourage their congregation to attend.  This is the first time we have ever attempted this type of gathering, and would love to have a large attendance at the live venue.  This will of course be dependent on the participation of our local churches.  If you would like to become one of the host sites, go to: www.cogop.org to sign up. I wo...

The first twenty one days of January have been designated as a "Season of Seeking" throughout the Church of God of Prophecy. During this time, the members, ministers and friends of the church are asked to set aside a special time of prayer for the work of the Lord throughout the world. As well, it is a time of personal recommitment in our relationship with the Lord. I have personally been reflecting on my own ministry of the last thirty years and remember the past struggles and victories in my own walk. I have been asking the Lord to help me to be "real" with Him and with the people I come in contact with each and every day. I am asking the Lord to open my heart with a fresh sense of awareness of what He is doing around us. I am convinced we will see a renewed sense of revival among our churches and I am expecting to hear of great victories ahead. God bless you.

This morning Debra and I were privileged to worship with the local Bellshire church in Nashville. The worship was excellent, the prayer time faith-filled and Jeff Jones delivered a great message on the subject of "Experiencing True Revival." This was a great way to start off the new year. Thank you Jeff for obeying the Lord.

FEBRUARY 23-26, 2011 AT CAMP HICKORY HILLS We are excited as the first School of Practical and Advanced Studies is planned for the state of Tennessee.  Each of the classes featured will be taught by seasoned, well-prepared instructors.  General Principles of Pastoral Leadership Development I will be taught by Bishop Mark Menke , a principle instructor for the International Center for Biblical Leadership.  I can honestly say that Mark is one of the “best” teachers I’ve studied under, and I believe his knowledge of the subject, sense of humor and genuine love for the Lord will make this class a memorable one.   Ecclesial Identity Church of God of Prophecy History and Polity I will be taught by Bishop Adrian Varlack , a principle instructor for the International Center for Biblical Leadership.  Bishop Varlack is no stranger to anyone who has been associated with the Church of God of Prophecy Internationally.  As a former World Mission Secretary (n...

From the State office of the Church of God of Prophecy in Tennessee, we hope and pray that this new year will be the best you've ever known. As I began to think about this post, I thought about the things that I hope for you: 1. May your life be filled with Peace that only God can give. 2. May you make new friends who will become "life-long" friends. 3. May your family know peace and love. 4. May your friends and family who are not followers of the Lord Jesus accept Him. 5. May all of your physical needs be met according to His riches in heaven. 6. May your foot not stray from the path of righteousness 7. May joy be your constant companion 8. May the Lord bring peace to our nation 9. May your experience with Him deepen as never before. This are only the few things that entered my mind as I thought of each one of you. HAPPY NEW YEAR!