Voice of Hope

I just received a phone call from Pastor Jessie Akers of the Winchester church.  His wife has been admitted to Southern Tennessee Medical Center in Winchester.  Please join me in prayer for her recovery.

Many of you know that I was mentored by several wonderful men of God, one of them, the former State Overseer of Tennessee, Bishop Eugene Weakley. Those of us who spent any time at all around the Bishop were very familiar with some of his favorite quotes. One of my favorites was, "preacher, if you don't come apart every once in a while, you'll fall apart." His meaning was simple, ministers need a little time off every once in a while, or the stress and load of the work will overwhelm you. This last week, I took the Bishop's advice and "came apart" to spend time with my family and to recharge the batteries of ministry. I'm not sure Disney World is the best place in the world to unwind and relax, but it is the favorite place in the world for my family. I tried my best to keep up with them, but often had to just say, "I'll catch up with you at the next place." In those times of waiting, or catching up, I had a lot of time to think and...

Hubert Vernon Alexander, Sr., 87, of Dyersburg, died Sunday, October 14, 2012 at Dyersburg Regional Medical Center. He was a retired maintenance mechanic for Goodyear, member of Dyersburg Church of God of Prophecy and an U.S. Navy Veteran of WWII. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday in the chapel of Dyersburg Funeral Home with Bro. Jim Spivey officiating. Burial will be in Dyer County Memorial Gardens. The family will receive visitors from 5:30-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Survivors include his wife, Hazel Alexander of Dyersburg; two daughters, Sheila Walker and husband, Danny, of South Fulton and Sharon Davidson and husband, Claudie of Polk Station; five sons, Vernon Alexander and wife, Virginia, of Union City, Milton Alexander and wife, Susan, of Mumford, William Alexander and wife, Amy, David Alexander and wife, Sherry, and Mark Alexander all of Dyersburg; three sisters, Ellen Patterson of Dyersburg, Ann Snow of Arkansas and Rosella Alexander of Memphis; four brothers, Clif...

I am saddened to report the passing of one of our great Tennessee Deacons.  Brother Hubert Alexander went home to be with The Lord at about 4:30 a.m. this morning. Brother Alexander's son, Pastor Vernon Alexander serves as Senior Pastor of our Union City Church in West Tennessee.  Please join me in prayer for this precious family during this difficult time.

It is now October 2012.  Of course you didn't need me to remind you of that little tidbit of information, but BECAUSE it IS October, it is time to consider setting/revising your Housing Allowance for all ministers. Often, there are changes in your cost for housing, whether you live in a parsonage or rent, or own your own home. I would suggest you check out the many resources available both online and at your local bookstore to be sure you are in compliance with IRS regulations. Always AVOID these type decisions based on facts and not fiction. SPECIAL NOTE: The minister's housing allowance is not retroactive, and MUST be set in advance.  That's why it is good to think about it NOW. Be sure to have the housing allowance set in writing and maintain a copy in your personal records.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of the new Senior Pastor at the Crown of Life Church (Memphis area).  Here is a brief introduction to Pastor Tidwell and his family: Pastor Perry Tidwell has a passion for God’s word coupled with a love for God’s people. Called to the ministry in 1988, Pastor Tidwell began his ministry as a youth evangelist in Arkansas, and  took his first pastorate in 1998.   Pastor Tidwell is a third generation minister in the Church of God of Prophecy, and has a great desire to see the Church move forward! Pastor Tidwell and his wife Angie have six children (5 daughters & 1 son) and thank God that their Children are very involved in the ministry.  In 2005, Pastor started a ministry working with individuals (and their families) with drug and alcoholic problems.   Pastor Tidwell and his wife, also enjoying traveling, and sharing evangelistic praise & worship seminars with other congregations....

Make plans now to attend.  I received this information from our Communications Director today. The following information has been released today concerning the dates and location for the 98th International Assembly. Certainly more information will be made available as the Assembly draws near. 98 th International Assembly July 30 – August 3, 2014 Rosen Shingle Creek Resort and Convention Center Orlando, Florida http://www.rosenshinglecreek.com/ More information will be released in the summer of 2013.  Registration and Reservations will open on September 1, 2013.