Voice of Hope

At the General Assembly conducted in Nashville in August of this year, I met the religion editor for WKRN news (Channel 2) in Nashville. Since that time, we have talked on more than one occasion, and not too long ago, the editor, Jamey Tucker interviewed me concerning a study released by Baylor University on "The State of Religion in America." You can see that interview at our state website, http://tncogop.org. Today, I sat with Jamey again for a story to be aired later this week on WKRN. I will be posting the interview segment on the state website after it airs. I told you the above, so that it might engender interest on your part to check, out Jamey's blog. I read it on a regular basis and find Jamey's reporting to be fair. If you would like to read his blog (and I encourage you to do so) you can find it at: http://faithandethics.com

Last night, Debra and I were honored to sit among the great pastors and companions of the Church of God of Prophecy in Southwestern Tennessee. The occasion was a special fellowship meeting, the third of its type in Tennessee. District Presbyter, Bishop Robbie and Kathy Wier extended a warm welcome to their church at Abundant Grace Ministries, and along with some from their local church, prepared a great meal of catfish, hush puppies and barbecue, along with all the trimmings. Every pastor in the Southwestern Tennessee area was present along with their spouses and the time of fellowship and discussion was great. We look forward to meeting with all of the pastors and their pastors on a regular basis. God bless.

Last night, Debra and I met with most of the pastors of Northwest Tennessee for a time of fellowship and a meal. We met at a local restaurant in Dyersburg, Tennessee, and were enriched to be in the presence of such wonderful men and women of God. Special thanks to Bishop Clayton Mahan, District Presbyter for putting the event together.

Last Saturday, I traveled to the Murphy House, located just outside of Fields of the Wood in Cherokee County, North Carolina. The occasion was the anniversary of the 2nd General Assembly of the Church of God. There were about 22 present in the J.C. Murphy house that was the site of the first General Assembly in 1906. The second assembly was held at the Union Grove, Tennessee church, and it was in this assembly that the name Church of God was officially adopted. Pastor Don Johnston of the Fields of the Wood church opened the service with prayer which was followed by a time of singing. Dr. David Roebuck, Historian for the Church of God (Cleveland) and our own General Overseer Emeritus, Bishop Fred S. Fisher, Sr., spoke and I closed the service with a word of prayer. I am thankful that while God allows us to have wings, that we can have roots too! God bless.

Last night, members, friends and ministers of the Church of God of Prophecy in Districts 9 and 10 gathered at the Lakeside church in Wesmoreland for the "Keep the Flame Burning" conference. After a boost from each of our capable staff in attendance, the worship team and special singers from the Lakeside church led us into the Presence of the Lord. At the conclusion, I delivered a message, I feel like the Lord has given me for the Church of God of Prophecy in Tennessee. It was well received and many had their needs met by the Lord during the altar service. Special thanks to District Presbyter, Bishop F. Leon Graves for the organization and moderation of the meeting.

Augusta Maine Jackson, 90, Clarksville, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2007, at General Care Convalescent Center. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home with Sister Buna Lampley officiating. Burial will be in Yarbrough Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. till hour of service Monday at the funeral home. McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Jackson was born Sept. 9, 1916, in Montgomery County, to Joe and Birdie Kelly Jackson. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Robert Jackson. Mrs. Jackson was a member of Cumberland Furnace Church of God of Prophecy and was a homemaker. Survivors include her daughter, Kathleen (James) Mackens of Clarksville; a son, Robert R. "Ronnie" Jackson of Clarksville; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements in...

I just learned of the passing of Augusta Jackson, mother of Kathleen Mackens. Kathleen's husband James is our pastor at the Cumberland Furnace church. I do not have any of the arrangements but will post them as soon as possible. Please join me in praying for the Mackens family.