Voice of Hope

Many of you are aware that Bishop Eugene Weakley former State Overseer underwent emergency surgery today at Middle Tennessee Medical Center in Murfreesboro. He has been suffering blood loss for some time and the doctors removed some clots and cauterized the area. He is resting well ad will be in the hospital for two to three days. Brother and Sister Weakley and their daughter Regina thank you for your prayers and support. To God be the Glory.

We are saddened to pass on this notice from Pastor Robert Hansen of the East Nashville Church of God of Prophecy Lois Craig has passed away Feb. 25th, a long time member and servant of the East Nashville Church of God of Prophecy. Please be in prayer for her entire family and especially her husband Kenneth. Times of services will be posted as soon as possible. Thank you, please be in prayer. Pastor Bob Hansen

On Tuesday I traveled to the campground in preparation for the Tennessee School of Practical and Advanced Studies. On my way there, I drove down to Columbia to visit with Sister Earlene King and her family. When i arrived there it was obvious that her passing would be soon. After about 45 minutes there, Earlene left a broken tabernacle behind for a new body in the Presence of the Lord. Earlene was the local church clerk and treasurer for over 50 years. Earlene was a true friend and I can honestly say that I don't know of anyone who ever had a bad word to say about anyone. I am privileged to be sharing at her funeral. I will post more about this later but for now want to give the arrangements: Funeral Home: Williams Funeral Home Mt. Pleasant Pike Colubmia, TN Visitation: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 24, 2011 Funeral Servcies: 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 25, 2011

Today I received a call from Pastor Bary Ray of the Rickman Church of God of Prophecy. He is facing surgery in the near future that will involve one of his kidneys. He asked that I share this request with you today. Bary is one of our great pastors in Tennessee who has served also as State Evangelist and Staff. Please join my in prayer, I will post updates as I receive them and I plan to be at the hospital during surgery and recovery.

Just a few-minutes ago Debra and I returned home from a visit to one of our local churches. Pastor Sammy and Wanda Allen gave us a warm welcome to the Erin Church of God of Prophecy this morning where we enjoyed the worship and fellowship. Elsewhere in the State of Tennessee, congregations of the Church of God of Prophecy gathered for similar worship services. Our musicians played while our song leaders/worship teams led people into the Presence of the Lord. Our people gave of their tithes and offerings, to special projects and special needs. Then...the pastors ministered from the pulpits, preaching the Word of God without compromise. The pastors sacrifice all-week-long, and many have already began preparation for next week's sermon. During the week they will rejoice at the birth of new babies, will watched activities that church children are involved in. They will counsel young couples contemplating marriage...and for those who are struggling, will offer counsel. They will...

Debra and I are looking forward to worship tomorrow at the Erin Church of God of Prophecy. I will be ministering in the morning service, and I am looking forward to a great time with the folks there. Also, we being our Tennessee School of Practical and Advanced Studies on Wednesday morning. Students will begin arriving on Tuesday along with the faculty and staff and the final preparations are now underway. We ask you to join us in prayer.

Yesterday Debra and I traveled to Columbia, Tennessee (where we serve 8 years as senior pastor) to visit the long-time clerk and treasurer, Sister Earlene King. While she has been quite ill for some time, she is now more critical than any time that I have been aware of. This coming Sunday will be her 70th birthday and she has served that local church for almost 40 years. She is a faithful, loving, kind woman who loves the Lord and has always been very supportive of her pastor. Her husband, Billy Ray King was ordained as a deacon while I was the pastor there and has served the church faithfully as well...in fact, he served long before the official appointment as a deacon. Some of you may remember that I singled them out at the 2009 Tennessee State Convention during the ordination sermon. The local pastor, Charles Thornburg was there yesterday and has been a constant presence during this difficult time in their life...I know they appreciate that, and I know that he is modeling what a...

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you will know that the International Offices is now going through a review of our physical properties, such as the Office building, the Tomlinson College campus, the Fields of the Wood, the First Assembly House, etc. Next week we will be gathering at the campground for the First Term of the Tennessee School of Practical and Advanced Studies. On Thursday night (February 24, 2011) we will be joined by Bishop Paul Holt, our International Finance Director who will give a report from an outside agency hired to review our properties. We hope you will attend the entire SOPAS (23-25), but if not, can you attend the presentation at 6:30 p.m. in the main chapel of the campground. I do hope you will join us to ask any questions on your mind. I look forward to seeing you there.

This past weekend people gathered from all over the state to participate in the 2011 Tennessee Marriage Retreat. The theme "Timeless" describes the love that God has for each of us as well as the love we have for one another. While generations change and society evolves the love shared between two people can overcome any trial, any tribulation and any temptation. Special thanks to Debra McKinley for organizing the event and everyone who helped make it a success. The registration for the event was above previous years. Pictures will follow as we receive them from those attending.

The first night of the Tennessee Marriage Retreat is now history. We appreciate all the hard work and the great worship. God is good. Will try to post some pictures tomorrow. Please check back.

Hebrews 11 has become known as the "Hall of Faith." The reason is quite simple. The writer spends a great deal of time giving a role call of the heroes of the faith. After all, this chapter is about faith, and what better way to teach faith than to illustrate with some real-life examples. Mos of the people in this chapter are well-known, at least by anyone who spent time squirming in a Sunday School class as a small child, or who watched the late-night movies on the local channels featuring their stories. Who were they? Abel, Enoch and Noah. Abel pleased God with his excellent offering, Enoch was so close to God that he actually walked with God to the point that one evening, while walking God said to Enoch, "we are closer to my house than we are yours, so why don't you just go home with me?" Of course, Noah built an ark (according to God's instructions) that saved mankind from total destruction. Then there was Abraham...the father of the faithful. He...

There will be a private family visitation from 6-7pm EST Wednesday Evening February 9th, at the Arrowhead Church of God of Prophecy. A general public visitation will follow from 7-9pm EST at the Arrowhead Church of God of Prophecy. Funeral Services will be held at 11am EST Thursday February 10th, at the Arrowhead Church of God of Prophecy. Burial will be at Highland Garden’s Memorial Park - 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee 37919 Due to Sister Clara’s deep love for and many years of, membership and fellowship with Arrowhead Church, her family has asked in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Arrowhead Church Vision and Budget Fund. Please mark: In Honor of Sister Clara McMahan. You may do so by mail at: Arrowhead Church of God of Prophecy 3113 West John Sevier Highway Knoxville, Tennessee 37920 Other Contact info: Phone 865-387-5888

I AM SHARING A NOTICE I JUST RECEIVED FROM PASTOR TERRY BARNWELL (KNOXVILLE- ARROWHEAD) Hi Brother; I pray your day is going along well. I wanted to let you know of the passing of Sister Clara McMahan this morning. Her husband Claude has served as deacon for over 52 years at the Arrowhead church. This wonderful lady has touched thousands of lives across Tennessee. She is the sister of Charlie Weaver. The day you and Sister McKinley were with us on the Home Coming Sunday if you remember the youth presented this couple with a light house they had built for them. Sister Clara will be greatly missed greatly. I will let you know the arrangements when I get them if you wished to attend the services. If your schedule will not permit I understand, but I just wanted you to know. Love you and have a blessed day; Bro. Terry

We are so excited about the Tennessee Marriage Retreat to be conducted next weekend at the MainStay Suites in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The theme "timeless" has been chosen to remind us that God's plan for love in a marriage is exactly that. If you have questions about the Marriage Retreat, please call the office 615-824-3563 and speak with Debra. This is going to be a great retreat...excitement is high and so is registration. We look forward to seeing many of you there!

Yesterday an incident happened that brought to a profound realization of what being a minister is all about. I must first begin by saying I found myself in a place I had not intention of being...that it was a split-second decision that took me to Barnes and Noble in the town where I live. Secondly, I need to tell you a story...hopefully not a long one, but at least to the point. Here are the basics; Yesterday morning I had a full day planned. This is not so unusual but the way it unfolded led me to what I like to call a "Divine appointment." I started out my morning at Vanderbilt University Hospital with a visit to one of our friends who had been taken there in the middle of the night by ambulance. He had been in the emergency room all night long and his family waited anxiously to hear a diagnosis from the doctors. You see, Bill had a recent surgery for a brain tumor and after some days at home suffered a blood clot in his lung. Of course the doctors were concerned wi...

The Rev. Henry Milton Biggers, 96, a resident of Cleveland, passed away Monday evening, Jan. 31. 2011, at the family residence. He was the son of the late Nancy Theodocia Trussell Biggers and John Henry Biggers. His six siblings also preceded him in death. He served the Church of God of Prophecy as a state overseer for 38 years. During his tenure as overseer he served in the states of Oregon, Mississippi, Texas twice, Indiana, Kentucky and Arkansas. While in this position he served on the General Finance Committee during the general assemblies. After his retirement he pastored in Burbank, Ill., for a short time. Following his tenure he served as the security guard for Tomlinson College. During many of his retirement years he helped others who were not able to help themselves. He spent many hours visiting the hospitals and those who were lonely. He is loved by many and will be missed by all. He was a member of the Keith Street Church of God of Prophecy. Survivors include his wife, Eunic...

Great article in the Cleveland Daily Banner about a new book published by former Tennessee Pastor CLICK HERE

Church of God of Prophecy (Official) shares the passing of Bishop Henry M. Biggers, former General Appointee. Funeral visitation will be Thursday, February 3, 5:00-7:00 PM at the Keith Street Church of God of Prophecy in Cleveland, Tennessee. Funeral services will be conducted following the visitation. Please continue to pray for the Biggers family.

Dear Friends, Many of you know by now that the Administrative committee hired an outside consulting firm to evaluate and make recommendations concerning our International Office Building complex, Tomlinson College Campus and Fields of the Wood. This evaluation is an effort to ensure that we are good stewards of God's properties managed by this church and to try to recognize how they fit into our core values and purposes. On February 23-25, 2011 we are hosting the First Term of the Tennessee School of Practical and Advanced Studies at Camp Hickory Hills, located at 955 Wilson Hollow Road, Dickson, TN 37055. With instructors from the International Center for Biblical Leadership teaching these classes, we will be offering a great opportunity for you to participate in this excellent material from anointed and qualified leaders, Bishops Mark Menke, Adrian Varlack and Dr. Hector Ortiz. On Thursday night of the school FEBRUARY 24, 2011 we will be honored to have Bishop S. Paul Holt, the...